Best antenna for Uniden sds200

[steve9570]

I dont think you need 20 feet that would give you some loss. 10 feet or less would work.
If you have that long of a run from antennae to radio you will notice a drop in signal

 

[mmckenna]

I was referring to the cable length of the mobile antennae

Mobile antenna doesn't come with the mount. You'll need to order one.

There are a couple of options:
You can do the base station mount and add your own coax, like I linked to.

You can buy NMO mounts with no cable and add your own.

Shop All NMO Antenna Mounts

Are you looking for all the hardware for the NMO antenna mounts? Shop them here today at the Antenna Farm

theantennafarm.com

You can buy NMO mounts with custom cable lengths.

Extra Length Cable - Permanent Hole Mounts | The Antenna Farm

theantennafarm.com

You can buy Magnetic NMO mounts with longer cables: Extra Length Cable for Mobile Antenna Magnetic Mounts

You can buy a standard NMO magnetic mount and just add an extension.

For a 20 foot run, something like LMR-195 or LMR-200 would be a good low loss option, but it's still flexible. The flexibility means it'll be easier to route and you can connect it directly to your scanner without a jumper.

 

[mmckenna]

I wouldn't get too hung up on cable loss if you are not mounting this antenna up above the roof line. The low elevation close to the house is probably going to be a bigger issue than the coax loss. A few extra feet of RG-58 isn't going to be a problem if you are listening to systems that are designed to cover your area.

You can order this one with up to 30 feet of cable and the connector of your choice:

PCTEL Maxrad RBGC30 - Extra Length Cable

Magnetic Mount Black with Rubber Boot Base, 30ft RG58/U Coax Cable, For use with NMO style antennas

theantennafarm.com

This one up to 25 feet of cable, again, with the connector of your choice.

Larsen NMOMMRUD25NC - NMO Magnet Mounts Custom Fitting

0-6000 MHz Magnetic Mount For use with NMO style antennas, 25' RG-58/U

theantennafarm.com

 

[kbaldyga]

OK thanks for all your advice. Much appreciated!

 

[justthemoneyburner]

Is there an antenna that can be used inside of an apartment building that would improve the reception on a

Uniden SDS200?​

 

[mmckenna]

Is there an antenna that can be used inside of an apartment building that would improve the reception on a

Uniden SDS200?​

Maybe. The challenge is that the building materials in the walls of your apartment are going to block some of the RF, so "improvement" will vary.

Just get a mobile antenna on a magnetic mount. Try moving it around the apartment, maybe close to windows, until you find a place that works. Stick the magnet down on a metal baking sheet to provide a ground plane.

 

[justthemoneyburner]

Maybe. The challenge is that the building materials in the walls of your apartment are going to block some of the RF, so "improvement" will vary.

Just get a mobile antenna on a magnetic mount. Try moving it around the apartment, maybe close to windows, until you find a place that works. Stick the magnet down on a metal baking sheet to provide a ground plane.

Thank you for your suggestion

 

[Bob_24]

I have had good luck with the following antennas:

For base operations:

Amazon.com

Diamond D130J Super Scanner Discone Antenna 25-1300 MHz RX & 50-1300 MHz TX

Diamond D130J Wideband Receive Base Antennas - D130NJ Super Discone AntennaThe D130J Super Discone Antenna is an ultra-wideband antenna covering amateur radio,

theantennafarm.com

Comet DS-150S 25-1300 MHz Scanner Discone Antenna w/ Coax Cable & PL-259

25-1300 MHz Base Scanner Discone Antenna, Includes 65 feet of RG-58A/U coax with PL-259 connector installed

theantennafarm.com

I would recommend using LMR400 coax from the antenna to the scanner: Times Microwave LMR-400 - RG8/LMR-400/9913/RG213 Cable | The Antenna Farm

For mobile operations:

Larsen NMO150/450/758 Mobile Antenna Tri-Band 150-165,450-470,700/800MHz

Tri-band antenna covers 150-174, 430-520 & 750-870, 100 Watts, Whip Length 16.5"

theantennafarm.com

Tri-Band 150-165, 450-470 & 806-940 MHz Mobile Two Way Radio Antenna Scanner

Tri-band antenna covers 150-165, 450-470 & 806-940, 100 Watts, Whip Length 16.5"

theantennafarm.com

EM Wave EM-M43002 - Triple Band Mobile Antennas

Tri-Band 150-162/450-490/763-870 MHz IP67 Rated Roof Mount Antenna

theantennafarm.com

A mount will be needed for the mobile antenna: Mobile Antenna Mounts | The Antenna Farm

Hi,

PL-259 connector is fine ?
i would have expect the N connector above 500 Mhz no ?

 

[vannossc]

Omni-X antenna. N-Connector. Expensive, yep. But works very well.

OmniX Scanner Base Antenna

 

[N1XDS]

Omni-X antenna. N-Connector. Expensive, yep. But works very well.

OmniX Scanner Base Antenna

Agreed. One of the best antennas on the market.

 

[mmckenna]

Hi,

PL-259 connector is fine ?
i would have expect the N connector above 500 Mhz no ?

PL-259 is fine for UHF use, especially for hobby listening.
N connectors have an edge, a bit less loss, less of an impedance bump, but not an issue for most users. If you have a choice, go with the N, but don't get hung up on it.

A lot of LMR radios use UHF connectors for the UHF band.

 

[mjbjr]

would any of these work in an apartment setting for my sds200? Im attaching pics of my corner and from my porch view. Im in Macon Ga if it helps 31216

 

[a727469]

Not sure if you are on the 1st or 2nd floor? If second attach something to the railing. If first, you can try the same but no height. If you could get up to the roof above the porches and if allowed you could mount a small antenna ..I do not have an omni-x but I hear good things about it although pricey, but size is not bad. Depending on frequencies almost any simple ground plane might work in either location although as stated above a mobile might also be a consideration. Many answers, no real best way without analyzing your specific location (I am not familiar with Macon) and monitoring preferences.

 

[mjbjr]

I am on the bottom floor. I could probably get something on the railing upstairs as long as it's not to intrusive