Does such an antenna exist?

[drunyon]

Hey gang...I am looking for a very low profile, multi-band mobile antenna for use with a scanner. I need to mount the antenna on the roof of a Chevy Tahoe with very little vertical clearance (home and parking garages).

I see these "phantom" antennas advertised and that is the exact style I am seeking, but I need something that will do approximately 150 MHz - 900 MHz.

Here's an example of the "style" I am seeking:

I don't really want to resort to a through-the-glass cellular-style antennas mounted on one of the side rear windows.

Am I searching for something that doesn't even exist????

Thanks in advance,
Doug

 

[fineshot1]

I see these "phantom" antennas advertised and that is the exact style I am seeking, but I need something that will do approximately 150 MHz - 900 MHz.

Am I searching for something that doesn't even exist????

Does not exist

 

[iMONITOR]

You would require three different antennas and a combiner to cover that bandwidth. That style/size does not perform well on VHF/Hi, even though they make them.

 

[prcguy]

You can get an adapter to use your am/fm car antenna with the scanner and these cost about $15 on Ebay. They will never be as good as a dedicated scanner antenna on the roof but its a cheap way to experiment.
prcguy

 

[iMONITOR]

Here is another possible solution that allows you to mount your favorite BNC antenna inside the vehicle. I've tried this and it works better than I expected.

Valor BNCSCRS
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamantht/3069.html

 

[drunyon]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I kind of thought I was chasing something that didn't exist, but needed some outside confirmation.

I have one of those suction cup antenna mounts that I have considered trying. Maybe I'll hook it up and see what I can get out of it. It's probably going to be better performance-wise than a through-the-glass antenna.

Thanks again for the input.

Doug

 

[tunnelmot]

If your target is UHF or 800, these will do great. Even better, I have a Larsen UHF discadoo "pancake" NMO antenna, and it outperforms EVERYTHING else I've tried on UHF AND 800. Hands down! NO contest! But, almost nil on VHF. That thing grabs DISTANT 800 CCs and my radio locks on and gets the P25 perfectly. This is the closest thing to a miracle mobile I've come across. My Maxrad Maxscan doesn't come close.(BTW this is all with thru-the-roof NMO)

Rich

 

[kenisned]

This is 20" high

I use this for a number of reasons:

Low clearance
Comes in Black (looks nice with my phantom elite)
Works well!

Might be a decent option for you.

http://www.wearecb.com/store/larsen-nmo150-450-800-tri-band-nmo-antenna-p-3296.html

 

[drunyon]

I use this for a number of reasons:
Low clearance
Comes in Black (looks nice with my phantom elite)
Works well!

Might be a decent option for you.

http://www.wearecb.com/store/larsen-nmo150-450-800-tri-band-nmo-antenna-p-3296.html

Thanks. Looks like a decent stick. Unfortunately I only have about 6 inches of height to work with (including mount).

It looks like I'm going to have to go with a rubber duckie suction cup mounted to the inside of a window...or a through-the glass model.

Thanks again,
Doug

 

[Dewey]

I use this for a number of reasons:

Low clearance
Comes in Black (looks nice with my phantom elite)
Works well!

Might be a decent option for you.

http://www.wearecb.com/store/larsen-nmo150-450-800-tri-band-nmo-antenna-p-3296.html

I've always wanted to go with that tri-band Larsen since I hear nothing but good about it, but I can't because it doesn't come with a spring . I wanted to go with the Maxrad BMAXSCAN, but it seems very hard to find... especially with the spring option. I am now very strongly considering the Antenex ABSCANC with the spring (http://www.ameradio.com/product/9228/description.html).

Dewey

 

[unitcharlie]

I've always wanted to go with that tri-band Larsen since I hear nothing but good about it, but I can't because it doesn't come with a spring .

Cheapham has black or chrome springs for Larsens....

 

[Dewey]

Cheapham has black or chrome springs for Larsens....

Thanks for the link...

Dewey

 

[unitcharlie]

My pleasure!

 

[3mary2]

I had the same problem with my 4x4 truck. I was able to mount the Larsen tri-band about 12" in front of the vehicle antenna using a small L-backet. The three small screws went into the fender inside the the hood. Then thanks to someone else in the forum, I put Silcone chaulking at the bottom of the mount to hold out the water. Antenna works great here in vegas across all bands. Most people don't even see the antenna.