Best Mobile Antenna for SD100-Scanning from Vehicle

[emafireecu]

Hello. I recently purchased a Uniden SD100 to scan mostly public safety channels but also amateur radio and possibly DMR (once I purchase the Uniden upgrade). I used a Comet SS-460SBNMO Antenna before with my Pro197 on mounted on the hood of my truck. Will this antenna still work with the SD100 (I do have the SMA to BNC convertor)? I know I could use just the stock antenna and not need an external mobile antenna, but I like to have a mobile antenna for better range especially when scanning in more remote areas. Are there any better options out there for antennas with the SD100? I like the Comet but it is a little long and have to take off when going into low clearance spaces. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[mmckenna]

The Larsen NMO-150/450/800 is one of the better mobile scanning antennas on the market. It's designed for the LMR bands, but you'll find it works pretty well for listening to amateur radio frequencies also. Added benefit of being a good performer on 800MHz.
$36, real NMO mount, Larsen makes public safety grade antennas that have an excellent reputation. Search on that antenna on this site and you'll see a lot of happy users.

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

For a few bucks more, the EM Wave is an excellent performer. I've run that on my work truck for quite a while connected to a multiband radio. I've used it on the ham bands, as well as VHF, UHF and 800MHz systems at work:

EM Wave EM-M43002 - Triple Band Mobile Antennas

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

theantennafarm.com

These two Larsen's are a newer version of the one above. Been trying these out at work, also. Happy with them. The "SF" model has a more flexible whip. Both have a spring at the base, which might be a good option on a taller vehicle.

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

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

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

theantennafarm.com

 

[prcguy]

I find the Tram triband works about the same as the Larsen, or Laird or PCTEL and its about $30 with free shipping. I've been beating one up for the last year and I'm very impressed for the price.

Tram 8079 Tri Band NMO Antenna UHF 440-520, VHF 150-170, 800-960 mobile radio | eBay

Tram Tri-Band High Gain NMO Antenna. Mount Type: NMO Style Required.

www.ebay.com

 

[egear]

I would recommend 20-011 BNC Glass Mount Scanner 20-011 Scanner antenna

 

[emafireecu]

Thanks all for this info. Just to confirm, the Comet SS-460SBNMO Antenna will still work with the Uniden SD100?

 

[prcguy]

Thanks all for this info. Just to confirm, the Comet SS-460SBNMO Antenna will still work with the Uniden SD100?

It will work great in the 2m and 440 amateur bands but not so good on public service frequencies. Its a ham band only antenna.

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks all for this info. Just to confirm, the Comet SS-460SBNMO Antenna will still work with the Uniden SD100?

Yeah, you'll get better performance from one of the LMR specific antennas. They are actually tuned to work properly in those bands.

 

[Echo4Thirty]

I find the Tram triband works about the same as the Larsen, or Laird or PCTEL and its about $30 with free shipping. I've been beating one up for the last year and I'm very impressed for the price.

Tram 8079 Tri Band NMO Antenna UHF 440-520, VHF 150-170, 800-960 mobile radio | eBay

Tram Tri-Band High Gain NMO Antenna. Mount Type: NMO Style Required.

www.ebay.com

We have quite a few agencies that have switched from the big honkin' Motorola antenna to the Tram 8079. They work surpisingly well for their inexpensive price. As a bonus, they also have decent VHF Airband RX. I used to diplex one of them into an APX6500 7/8 and a Yaesu FT-8800. Worked very well and was "one antenna wife friendly" (C)