Commercial 800 antenna vs. Remtronix on SDS-100

safetypro79

Scanning since 1967
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Anchorage-Alaska, Boise-Idaho, Salem-Oregon
I’m curious about any advantage of using a commercial 800 sma antenna over my currently used Remtronix 820S antenna on my SDS-100.

my local P-25 system has perfect reception all other adjacent county systems are VHF which also are received well on the 820S.

I’m thinking it might do well on the P-25 if any reception advantage but certainly could degrade the VHF band reception

any ides
 

Ensnared

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I bought a 4-inch professional grade SMA antenna for my SDS 100/436HP. Consequently, both were deaf for the Bell County P25 radio system.

I would imagine the biggest issue with the 4-inch was the length. Furthermore, it was made for 700/800 Mhz.

I have tried quite a few portable antennas, but the Remtronix REM-842S is outstanding.

I am able to receive VHF digital quite well. However, analog does not work well with any antenna I've tried on either of my portable digital scanners. Many people use Diamond portable antennas, but I kept having problems with the bottom of the antenna.

Austin makes some fine pricey antennas.

Depending on the terrain, type of system, etc. I would be quite surprised if a portable antenna would pick up VHF analog. VHF digital seems to be amazing.

SMA Condor All-Band Portable Antenna by Austin(SDS100) | Scanner Master

Good luck.
 
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Ensnared

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I did notice a difference between the two antennas specific to P25 conventional frequencies. I believe the REM-842S does a better job.

In some cases, depending on the variables, a mobile antenna might surprise you with reception. I use this antenna: NMO150/450/800 Pulse-Larsen Tri Band Whip 150-940 MHz (2m, 70cm and 806-940) MHz Omni antenna NMO Base

I use this NMO base. The rubber boot has protected the paint on all of the cars I have used it on. There are skeptics, but I have photographs to show folks if they doubt. Since I cannot solder to save my life, I always make sure it has 58U, not 58AU coax. 58U coax has a center conductor that is not braided. Hence, I can buy a solderless BNC if needed.

https://www.amazon.com/Tram-Magnet-Mounting-Rubber-Boot/dp/B00KFUTA4W

One more thing, if you do decide to go with the mobile antenna, there is a much better SMA to BNC adapter than the one included with this radio. I bought mine at Air Spy.
 
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