Best Tri Band antenna for SDS100/SDS200

[sparty1984]

I want to listen to brodcasts in the 120s, 150s, 440-450s and 700-800s

I have remtronix 920s, but it is very weak on the 120s and 150s and I am hoping there is a better option

 

[phoboss1]

Check out -> SMA VHF/UHF/800 MHz REM-842S REMTRONIX Triband antenna | Scanner Master

 

[hiegtx]

I want to listen to brodcasts in the 120s, 150s, 440-450s and 700-800s

I have remtronix 920s, but it is very weak on the 120s and 150s and I am hoping there is a better option

Take a look at the Remtronix triband REM-842S,

It does better on the Vhf-high in my area, and while it's not as "focused" on the 700 & 800Mhz used by most trunked systems in my area, it does not cause me to "lose" the ones that are of interest to me in my specific area.

If you are using the SMA-to-BNC adapter, so that you can switch "horses" more easily, there is a BNC version available.

 

[Enforcer52]

Diamond RH77CA for bnc or SRH77CA for sma

 

[sparty1984]

Take a look at the Remtronix triband REM-842S,

It does better on the Vhf-high in my area, and while it's not as "focused" on the 700 & 800Mhz used by most trunked systems in my area, it does not cause me to "lose" the ones that are of interest to me in my specific area.

If you are using the SMA-to-BNC adapter, so that you can switch "horses" more easily, there is a BNC version available.

that's the one I found, it doesn't specifically say 120s but I haven't found ANY that say that. this is looking like the Best Option.. Thanks for the Reply!

 

[hiegtx]

that's the one I found, it doesn't specifically say 120s but I haven't found ANY that say that. this is looking like the Best Option.. Thanks for the Reply!

120 is pretty close to the traditional "Vhf-High" public safety licensees. Should work well for the aircraft band in the +/- 120Mhz range

 

[dmfalk]

I use the Comet W100RX, myself. Telescopic, double-jointed, which makes it easy to fold behind my SDS100, and can work as low as 25MHz. (Yes, that's WWV, when it's on during skip.)

 

[sparty1984]

I use the Comet W100RX, myself. Telescopic, double-jointed, which makes it easy to fold behind my SDS100, and can work as low as 25MHz. (Yes, that's WWV, when it's on during skip.)

would that work outside? I forgot to mention this is for the window mount on my truck

 

[dmfalk]

Not meant for window mounts, no... It's meant for handhelds. And yes, you should've been more specific. This way, you'd get better suggestions for your use. (As I don't drive, this type of antenna is something I'm not familiar with, so I can't help you here.)

 

[n1chu]

It’s been stated the SDS100/200 play better with the 700-800MHz bands. That said, the lower frequency bands can suffer slightly. Suggest an antenna that’s cut for those bands like what Enforcer52 has suggested. They are longer whip antennas which make them somewhat unmanageable but work better across the low bands while still performing on the higher frequency bands.

 

[Trilliumaire]

For driving around, or sitting at home, I have been using on the SDS100:

PulseLarsen NMO150/450/800

With the NMO mag mount.

For walking around, the tri-bands I have are:

DIAMOND RHF10 (more for cutting out multi-path, acts as an attenuator to avoid front-end saturation, urban jungles only)

Remtronix 843S (the one with the 0-90 degree bend)

Remtronix 920S (fully sealed, replaces the stock antenna)

As others above mention, while not "tri-band" the Diamond RH77CA (might be considered tri-band on the SDS100?)

As you probably know, you will get better reception with an antenna built for the freq range of interest.

For example, the Remtronix 800B is awesome for 700/800 P25 in my area with my weak reception issues in the mountains. Beats the tri-bands subjectively, but still need to measure SNR (with a SDR) or look at the waterfall on the SDS100 for a valid comparison.

 

[EAFrizzle]

I use a Remtronix 843B on my SDS200 and have have the SMA version when I need it for the SDS100. Reception is as good as any other tri-band I've tried, VHF included. The swivel is nice to lay the 100 on its side if windy. If I need better reception on VHF, I use a ham dual-bander or a telescopic one.

The 920S stays on my SDS100 most of the time. My local system is 700 MHz and a lot of AirMed and ambulance is on UHF, so it works great for that.

 

[prcguy]

Since the need covers such a wide range I would recommend one of the public service tri-band 150/450/800 cop types and there are many to choose from. From recent testing done on many different makes and models it appears there is not a lot of difference between them that would make or break reception. With that I find the cheapest of the lot, the Tram 8079 works great and has lasted for a couple of years on my vehicles. Here is a link to an eBay seller with a good price.

TRAM® 150 to 170/440 to 520/800 to 960 MHz 4.12-dBi Gain 17-1/2-In. Tall... | eBay

The Tram® 8079 antenna boasts impressive performance with a gain of 2.14 dBi at 150 MHz in the VHF range, followed by 4.11 dBi at 450 MHz and 4.12 dBi at 915 MHz in the UHF spectrum. Standing at 17-1/2 in.

www.ebay.com

 

[EAFrizzle]

I'm using one of those as a temporary base antenna for some scanners. Metal roof makes a great ground plane, and it does a good job for me across all three bands.

 

[Trilliumaire]

I am building a rooftop antenna farm for the SDS100 ... emphasizing 700/800 systems.

Larsen SLPT698/960NMO (stubby, cuts out multi path, lower gain / urban situations, mobile version of the RHF10)
PCTEL Maxrad BMAX7603S (general open road 700/800 antenna)
PulseLarsen NMO150/450/800 (mentioned above, general tri-band, catchall antenna)

Switching these three antennas mechanically with the MFJ-2703N (3 way switch).

Expecting the first two antennas to arrive this week. Already using the tri-band.


Challenge: Large tent on the roof, limited real estate.

 

[prcguy]

I am building a rooftop antenna farm for the SDS100 ... emphasizing 700/800 systems.

Larsen SLPT698/960NMO (stubby, cuts out multi path, lower gain / urban situations, mobile version of the RHF10)
PCTEL Maxrad BMAX7603S (general open road 700/800 antenna)
PulseLarsen NMO150/450/800 (mentioned above, general tri-band, catchall antenna)

Switching these three antennas mechanically with the MFJ-2703N (3 way switch).

Expecting the first two antennas to arrive this week. Already using the tri-band.


Challenge: Large tent on the roof, limited real estate.

The Tram 8079 mentioned above will work the same as the Larsen NMO150/450/800 for less than half the $$.

 

[Trilliumaire]

The Tram 8079 mentioned above will work the same as the Larsen NMO150/450/800 for less than half the $$.

I noticed the antennas look very similar ... but I already have the Larsen, it only costs $36.95 online. So only $1 more than the Tram you mention.

 

[prcguy]

I noticed the antennas look very similar ... but I already have the Larsen, it only costs $36.95 online. So only $1 more than the Tram you mention.

That's cheap. Is it the one where the coil is way up high on the whip and no spring or the newer version with coil in the middle with spring?

 

[Trilliumaire]

It looks like this:

No "spring", just some set screws at the base.

 

[vagrant]

That one is the Larsen NMO150/450/800 = no spring

Larsen NMO150/450/756 = spring at base (this costs more)