BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Factory Antenna

[gsapatka]

I was just wondering about the factory antenna.

Question 1: Does it have any gain to it? I've seen aftermarket antennas that speak on a 2.5 gain on their antenna.

Question 2: I'm looking for a antenna to use the would give me better reception over the 800mhz and digital P25 bands. Any suggestions?

 

[fmalloy]

You'll get lots of replies from knowledgeable people, but here's my experience so far:

I don't believe there's any gain to the stock duck. It's just a basic all-band antenna, and you'll most likely need a better one.

Get one tuned for 700/800MHz and 2.5dB gain. You'll need it for P25, which I am finding is extremely challenging to receive. I've got the famous RadioShack 800MHz coming today or tomorrow, and will post the results here. I'm using a Laird Antenex 800MHz and I can now get some reception on the 700MHz P25 system I'm trying to receive.

 

[dhmann1811]

You'll get lots of replies from knowledgeable people, but here's my experience so far:

I don't believe there's any gain to the stock duck. It's just a basic all-band antenna, and you'll most likely need a better one.

Get one tuned for 700/800MHz and 2.5dB gain. You'll need it for P25, which I am finding is extremely challenging to receive. I've got the famous RadioShack 800MHz coming today or tomorrow, and will post the results here. I'm using a Laird Antenex 800MHz and I can now get some reception on the 700MHz P25 system I'm trying to receive.

fmalloy, just curious as to what type of scanner you have?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[fmalloy]

fmalloy, just curious as to what type of scanner you have?

Same as you. I'm having a really hard time picking up P25. And I'm only 3 miles from the tower in flat terrain.