Deciding between 3 antennas

[manross]

I'm just getting into the MilAir aspect of scanning. I already have the Pro96 and 2096 for the local trunking system with an outside antenna that works good.

I just bought a BCT15 scanner to dedicate to the MilAir freqs. I'm having a hard time deciding which antenna to use with it. I think all 3 of these would work pretty good. I'm asking for any experience you may have with either of these and if you recommend one over the other 2...why. Thanks a bunch in advance for your time.

1) DPD Productions MilTenna Omni UHF/VHF Air Model Antenna @ http://www.dpdproductions.com/page_miltenna.html#anchor2773031

2) Antenna Warehouse Scantenna @ http://www.antennawarehouse.com/Scanner/Scantenna.htm

3) MFJ 1886 25-1300 MHz Discone Antenna @ http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-1868

Marty

 

[buttons]

I have used a Scantenna for years with good service generally on all bands. I switched to a discone because most of my county has gone to uhf trunking. The Scantenna still sits against my chimney useable after almost 20 years.

 

[trap5858]

I have both the scantenna and the antenna warehouse discone- for my money- the scantenna outperforms the discone any day of the week! My scantenna is at least 20 years old as well.

 

[manross]

WOW guys that sure is a testamony for the Scantenna. I appreciate your time to answer my request.

Marty

 

[iMONITOR]

Considering the DPD MilTenna is the only one out of the three that is specifically designed, and tuned for the MilAir bands, it seems the obvious choice. Although personally I'd go for the DPD MilTenna LP model.

 

[madnachos]

I have a BCT15 hooked to a Scantenna and I have had quite good reception on MilAir freqs with it. I also replaced a discone with the Scantenna...huge improvement for me. Got it off ebay not long ago for $39 (free shipping) PM me and I can supply the sellers name.

 

[manross]

Thanks again guys. As GreatLakes said, the DPD Miltenna is the only one that is specifically tune for both the civilian and milair bands. One would believe it should do pretty good. I think the LP model is a little bit of overkill for my situation.

Ok guys.... if anyone out there has experience with the DPD dual band miltenna, your comments are desired and appreciated......

Marty

 

[Firetxmi]

How would the Scantenna go for 800 mhz P-25 trunked. I mean we have the tower in town, and I guess I could always put the duckie on if needed.

I mostly listen to Civ. and Mil. Air, 150-156 mhz, and the trunked system. I guess I am asking whether the Scantenna would be better than a discone for my purposes.

 

[KAZ7ED]

Scantenna

I purchased a Scantenna back in November from antennawarehouse, and received the antenna but am missing several, if not all, of the parts. Here it is March and I still have not received the parts, after contacting them several times. May be a good antenna, I wouldn't know, I am still waiting on the parts to install. I guess I need to take a trip to Home Depot and Radio Shack to buy what I need.

 

[iMONITOR]

I purchased a Scantenna back in November from antennawarehouse, and received the antenna but am missing several, if not all, of the parts. Here it is March and I still have not received the parts, after contacting them several times. May be a good antenna, I wouldn't know, I am still waiting on the parts to install. I guess I need to take a trip to Home Depot and Radio Shack to buy what I need.

That's really bad service! If you used your charge card to make the purchase you should call the number on the back of the card and have them back-charge the full amount until this is resolved! They'll do that, and it works great for resolving conflicts like this. It sounds like Antenna Warehouse sent you someone else's return!

Thanks for the heads up on them!