Better Rubber Duck ??

[DocDaddy]

I have a BC246T Scanner that came with a rubber duck antenna. I am not really satisfied with the reception. What would you recommend for a replacement antenna for my handheld. Thanks in advance.

 

[edmondcops]

There are any number of better antennas out there than the stock duck. Kinda depends on what you're wanting to listen to primarily. Are you mainly scanning 800-mhz systems? If so, an antenna tuned for that band will give you the best gain for that band, but at compromised performance on say, the VHF and UHF bands. Alternately, an antenna tuned for VHF band will work better than the stock duck there, but might not be so good at 800.

So...tell us what you're wanting to listen to, and maybe we can make better suggestions.

 

[DocDaddy]

Police, D.o.t., Patrol, Public Service

 

[xpawel15x]

Police, D.o.t., Patrol, Public Service

\

I think he meant what frequency bands you're listening to.

 

[BaLa]

for 800mhz; RS sells an 800mhz Antenna, that works pretty good

for VHF/UHF I have had good luck with the Diamond RH77CA

 

[kb2vxa]

What's up Doc?

Practically speaking, a duck is a monoband antenna so impractically speaking one size fits all. In other words use one made for the primary band of interest and the rest will be a compromise, that's the best you can get. One thing to remember, safety at the expense of efficiency so don't expect more than local reception, it doesn't get any better.

 

[DocDaddy]

\

I think he meant what frequency bands you're listening to.

108.-174. mostly.

What brand would be the best for this range.

 

[daman1]

for 800mhz; RS sells an 800mhz Antenna, that works pretty good

Would you post the link to the one your talking about please?

thanks!

 

[KevinTheMule]

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102525&cp=2032052.2032075.2032078.2032098&allCount=24&fbn=Type%2FScanner%26%23047%3BHAM&f=PAD%2FProduct+Type%2FScanner%26%23047%3BHAM&fbc=1&parentPage=family

 

[BaLa]

lol, nm; only read about 1/2 the post

 

[W4KRR]

108.-174. mostly.

What brand would be the best for this range.

If you want a rubber flex type antenna for the VHF high band, then the Diamond RH77CA would be a good choice. It's available from ham radio dealers, like Amateur Electronic Supply, Universal Radio, HRO, etc.

A telescoping antenna would also work well, but you loose the flexability, (literaly!) of course.

 

[N4JNW]

I agree, the Diamond RH77CA really rocks for 108 to 174! It also works really well on 400 mhz UHF stuff!

Simply put, the RH77CA will blow your stock duckie out of the water, I know it does on my scanners.

 

[DocDaddy]

I agree, the Diamond RH77CA really rocks for 108 to 174! It also works really well on 400 mhz UHF stuff!

Simply put, the RH77CA will blow your stock duckie out of the water, I know it does on my scanners.

Ordered the Diamond RH77CA today.

Thanks All !!

 

[kb2vxa]

Hi again Doc and all,

WOAH, hold yer hossies fellas! I said at the outset ducks are monoband antennas if you expect any kind of performance!

"108.-174. mostly."

For that you need two ducks, one for the aero band and another for VHF Hi. One or the other will do but with reduced performance on the other band.

"What brand would be the best for this range."

When it comes to ducks one leg is each the same. In other words ignore the hype and false claims.

Edit;

"Ordered the Diamond RH77CA today."

Whatever works for you is the best antenna.

"Thanks All !!"

Glad to be of service.

 

[daman1]

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102525&cp=2032052.2032075.2032078.2032098&allCount=24&fbn=Type%2FScanner%26%23047%3BHAM&f=PAD%2FProduct+Type%2FScanner%26%23047%3BHAM&fbc=1&parentPage=family

Thanks!!!!