BC898T antenna question

[WX9RLT]

I am running the default antenna on my BC898T scanner. I get pretty good reception, but my question is - \

What types of antennas can I put on this scanner?

I am trying to improve my reception even better

I listen to mostly police, fire, and also aircraft

150.000 - 160.000
&
118.00 - 136.000

 

[ka3jjz]

There are a number of questions here that aren't being answered - the most important being can you put something outside and in the clear (which is best) or have an attic (best if forced indoors), or are you in an apartment or other restricted area?

If you have an attic, how high is it? Examine it carefully - does it use aluminum backed foam insulation (which tends to make putting antennas here a rather poor idea)? Are there a lot of wires already there?

Since this is an antenna question, to the antenna forum it will go..

More information needed 73 Mike

 

[WX9RLT]

Hi,

Sorry for posting in the wrong section.

I can put it in the attic, probably not outdoors because of the living arrangements.
The attic is estimated 30 feet off the ground.
I dont see any aluminum insulation.
hardly any wires that i can see.

 

[ka3jjz]

How high is the attic? Can you walk in there without difficulty (6 or 7 foot high - or better)? If so, a discone or ScanTenna will do quite well for the ranges you specified. Our scanner antennas wiki has links to tons of manufacturers and distributors. 73 Mike

 

[DickH]

150.000 - 160.000
&
118.00 - 136.000

If you are handy with a soldering iron, why not make your own?
Here is how to make a simple ground plane. For the ranges you want, 120MHz should do OK.
If you use welding rod, it should be strong enough to just stand on the attic floor.
Use #10 or #12 copper wire or welding rod. Go to Home Depot and buy about 4 feet of 3-conductor house wiring. Strip off the insulation and cut it into 2 foot lengths.If you use house wiring you can hang it from a rafter. Welding rod should be stiff enough so it can stand on the attic floor. Note: The loops at the ends of the elements is simply so you don't poke your eye out.
The connector is an SO-239 (Radio Shack #278-201).

Length of elements (approx.):
120MHz=23", 154MHz=18", 460MHz=6", 850MHz=3-1/4"