Coax use with Scantenna (ST-2)

[hagas]

As this antenna has an F connector I am wondering what low loss coax options are available. I don't see many options for F connectors other than on RG-6. Are there other baluns available to use to convert from 300 ohms which would have another connector?

Thanks for any help!

 

[n5ims]

The ST2 is a 300 ohm balanced line antenna. It comes with a 300 ohm balanced to 75 ohm unbalanced balun so standard Cable-TV coax can be used. RG-6 should do fine for most installations since it was designed to be a low loss coax that coveres the standard TV frequency band, which also happens to cover quite well the frequency band used by scanners. If your length is too long (over 100 feet say) you can upgrade to some RG-11 which also have some F connectors designed to fit (although you'll need different hardware to attach them due to the larger coax size).

 

[LIScanner101]

I was concerned with the exact same thing and it looks like RG-11 is a better 75 ohm coax since it has lower loss. I believe there are actually even lower loss 75 ohm coax cables available, but now we're getting into expensive territory since your connector options are even more limited.

 

[Tlanglais]

Splitting coax

The ST2 is a 300 ohm balanced line antenna. It comes with a 300 ohm balanced to 75 ohm unbalanced balun so standard Cable-TV coax can be used. RG-6 should do fine for most installations since it was designed to be a low loss coax that coveres the standard TV frequency band, which also happens to cover quite well the frequency band used by scanners. If your length is too long (over 100 feet say) you can upgrade to some RG-11 which also have some F connectors designed to fit (although you'll need different hardware to attach them due to the larger coax size).

I recently purchased a discone antenna for my roof. My first question has been answered and I will be using RG-6, but my other question pertains to running a splitter off the cable. I like to listen to my scanner in my kitchen as well as the living room. Can a splitter be used in order to run coax to both rooms? If so, can a standard TV type splitter be used for this? I also assume that the cable not being used should have a terminator attached to it.

 

[n5ims]

I recently purchased a discone antenna for my roof. My first question has been answered and I will be using RG-6, but my other question pertains to running a splitter off the cable. I like to listen to my scanner in my kitchen as well as the living room.

Can a splitter be used in order to run coax to both rooms?

Yes a splitter is necessary to do this. Although a "T" adapter might seam to be a good idea, you should use a splitter to prevent some serious issues like multipath distortion from signals flowing from both the antenna and one or more of the split off ends. A splitter has circuitry to make sure that the signal from the split off ends do not interfere (assuming that all are properly terminated).

If so, can a standard TV type splitter be used for this?

Yes, a standard TV type splitter can be used. There are better options, but unless your needs are pretty specialized a standard TV type splitter should work fine and be lower cost.

I also assume that the cable not being used should have a terminator attached to it.

Correct, this will prevent some issues.

 

[mpddigital]

Just a quick suggestion. RG-6 will work OK, but if you want the lowest loss for higher frequencies you should look at RG-11. Good US Made RG-11 from Commscope or Times is available from many sellers as low as 35 cents a foot! Considering the small price difference between 6 and 11 its a good choice for longer runs. Most folks can make you a cable assembly in any length you need with F connectors installed. Don't pay more than $3.50 each per installed connector.

For your splitter, stay far away from the Radio Schlock and hardware store specials. Look for one that your cable company uses. Lots of folks have one laying around and the loss will be much lower.

 

[Tlanglais]

Yes a splitter is necessary to do this. Although a "T" adapter might seam to be a good idea, you should use a splitter to prevent some serious issues like multipath distortion from signals flowing from both the antenna and one or more of the split off ends. A splitter has circuitry to make sure that the signal from the split off ends do not interfere (assuming that all are properly terminated).



Yes, a standard TV type splitter can be used. There are better options, but unless your needs are pretty specialized a standard TV type splitter should work fine and be lower cost.



Correct, this will prevent some issues.

Thanks!

 

[Tlanglais]

Just a quick suggestion. RG-6 will work OK, but if you want the lowest loss for higher frequencies you should look at RG-11. Good US Made RG-11 from Commscope or Times is available from many sellers as low as 35 cents a foot! Considering the small price difference between 6 and 11 its a good choice for longer runs. Most folks can make you a cable assembly in any length you need with F connectors installed. Don't pay more than $3.50 each per installed connector.

For your splitter, stay far away from the Radio Schlock and hardware store specials. Look for one that your cable company uses. Lots of folks have one laying around and the loss will be much lower.

What about RG8? I happen to have some of that already...

 

[n4yek]

What about RG8? I happen to have some of that already...

That is 50 ohms impedance.