Good outdoor antenna

[sparky5556]

Can anyone recommend a decent outdoor antenna for a handheld unit? I get that i would be running a wire from the inside of my house to the outside. Just going for better range

 

[jwt873]

An outdoor antenna will generally provide a noticeable improvement.

But more info is needed. What frequencies will the antenna be expected to receive. Will you just be listening, or will you be transmitting too?

 

[K4EET]

Hi @sparky5556. You might also want to mention how far it will be from the handheld unit to the antenna and what structures you might have around for securing the antenna to (trees, buildings, towers, etc.) As @jwt873 stated, we need more information on what you want to do in order to give you some valid answers. Also, have you been looking at any particular antenna(s)?

 

[sparky5556]

The antenna won't be too far from the unit. I will be listening only. I actually have something I picked up from amazon I thought about hanging up outside. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K7DBVX9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll be listening to fire calls.

154.13000	KCC349	RM	203.5 PL	Stamford FD	Fire Simulcast	FMN	Fire Dispatch
769.03125	WQGH338	M	71.9 PL	Stamford FG1	Stamford Fireground 1	FMN	Fire-Tac
774.93125	WQGH338	M	107.2 PL	Stamford FG2	Stamford Fireground 2	FMN	Fire-Tac
769.04375	WQGH338	M	123.0 PL	Stamford FG3	Stamford Fireground 3	FMN	Fire-Tac
774.98125	WQGH338	M	146.2 PL	Stamford FG4	Stamford Fireground 4	FMN	Fire-Tac
854.16250	WPUE865	RM	67.0 PL	Stamford FDR	Stamford Fire Backup	FM	Fire-Tac
769.00625		BM	179.9 PL	Stamford FD Supr	Stamford Suppression	FMN	Fire-Tac
154.32500		RM	114.8 PL	Stamfrd FDBU	Volunteer Fire Department Backup	FMN	Fire Dispatch
775.99375	WQGH335	M		Stamford PS1	Public Safety Tactical 1	P25	Multi-Tac
794.05625	WQGH335	M		Stamford PS2	Public Safety Tactical 2	P25	Multi-Tac
794.06875	WQGH335	M		Stamford PS3	Public Safety Tactical 3	P25	Multi-Tac
805.99375	WQGH335	M		Stamford PS4	Public Safety Tactical 4	P25	Multi-Tac

 

[mmckenna]

The antenna won't be too far from the unit. I will be listening only. I actually have something I picked up from amazon I thought about hanging up outside. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K7DBVX9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Chinese Junk antenna. RG-174 junk coax. 6" long total, not going to work well on VHF.

I'll be listening to fire calls.

Really depends on what your budget is. There are a lot of inexpensive antennas out there that will do what you want. Question will be how long will they last outside?

Your antenna system is the most important part of your setup. Buying a $9.00 antenna to hook up to a $500 scanner is going to result in a system that works at about the $9.00 level.

There are antennas you can make yourself that will work pretty well. A good option if your budget is tight. I get it, we've all been there. Off Center Fed Dipoles are easy to make and will work well enough if you are close to the systems you want to listen to.

A simple 1/4 wave ground plane is also easy to make and will work well.

If you are looking for an off the shelf solution, and budget isn't too much of a concern, it's hard to beat this antenna:

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_192_466&products_id=8932

Mount that on a base station adapter, and you'll have a good setup:

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=481_483_484&products_id=7531

Feed it with some good coax, and you'll be all set.

 

[sparky5556]

As much as i would love to mount something to the house, I can't. I rent...lol Hence why I was looking for something I could put up and take down with minimal damage

 

[mmckenna]

As much as i would love to mount something to the house, I can't. I rent...lol Hence why I was looking for something I could put up and take down with minimal damage

Understood. Not an uncommon challenge for those in apartments, condos, etc.

Get a bucket and a 10" piece of 3/4 or 1" conduit. pile rocks in the bucket, or use concrete to make a base. Mount your antenna on that. Some also use microphone, speaker or light stands as a temporary antenna mount.

You can easily move it as needed.

 

[sparky5556]

Back in the day, I had a nice antron mounted to the house i used to use for CB and scanner. Got some serious range.

 

[sparky5556]

What type of coax and adapters do you recommend?

 

[mmckenna]

What type of coax and adapters do you recommend?

How long is the cable run going to be?

 

[krokus]

What type of coax and adapters do you recommend?

How long will the cable run be? (In feet)
Which cable?
Which radio, or type of connector does the radio have?

 

[sparky5556]

maybe 15-25 ft. I have the 325P2

 

[mmckenna]

maybe 15-25 ft. I have the 325P2

OK, won't take much. Even RG-58 would be fine, and plenty flexible.

But if I was me, I'd probably get some LMR-200 or LMR-240UF. The LMR-240UF is their UltraFlex cable and will be less stiff and easy to roll up when you are not using it.

The base adapter I linked to ( https://www.theantennafarm.com/cata...oduct_info&cPath=481_483_484&products_id=7531) has a female N connector on the bottom. So one end of your coaxial cable would need to have a Male N connector on it.

The other end would need to have whatever mated with your scanner.

These guys will make custom cables for you:

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=342_344

If you have the correct tools and experience, you can certainly make your own. If not, it's worth having someone fabricate the correct cable for you. Ideally you want to avoid using adapters, so getting a cable built with the correct connectors on the end will save you some headaches down the road.

Get a few more feet than you think you need. For the LMR-240UF, you are looking at $0.99/foot, so not a big deal.
Get the optional heat shrink tubing over the connector crimps. It acts as a strain relief and will extend the life of the cable. It's only $10.00 extra, but it's well worth it. I use it when I make my own cables.

Pick out the connectors you need. Make sure a Male N on the antenna end, and the correct end to match your scanner. The cable is fairly light and flexible, so connecting directly to the scanner shouldn't be an issue.

You'd be looking at around $50 all said and done for that cable. You could make it yourself, but you'll pay more than that for the crimping tools, plus all the connectors you'll waste practicing doing them.

Or, find someone local that will make the cable for you.

 

[jr3792]

The antenna won't be too far from the unit. I will be listening only. I actually have something I picked up from amazon I thought about hanging up outside. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K7DBVX9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll be listening to fire calls.

154.13000	KCC349	RM	203.5 PL	Stamford FD	Fire Simulcast	FMN	Fire Dispatch
769.03125	WQGH338	M	71.9 PL	Stamford FG1	Stamford Fireground 1	FMN	Fire-Tac
774.93125	WQGH338	M	107.2 PL	Stamford FG2	Stamford Fireground 2	FMN	Fire-Tac
769.04375	WQGH338	M	123.0 PL	Stamford FG3	Stamford Fireground 3	FMN	Fire-Tac
774.98125	WQGH338	M	146.2 PL	Stamford FG4	Stamford Fireground 4	FMN	Fire-Tac
854.16250	WPUE865	RM	67.0 PL	Stamford FDR	Stamford Fire Backup	FM	Fire-Tac
769.00625		BM	179.9 PL	Stamford FD Supr	Stamford Suppression	FMN	Fire-Tac
154.32500		RM	114.8 PL	Stamfrd FDBU	Volunteer Fire Department Backup	FMN	Fire Dispatch
775.99375	WQGH335	M		Stamford PS1	Public Safety Tactical 1	P25	Multi-Tac
794.05625	WQGH335	M		Stamford PS2	Public Safety Tactical 2	P25	Multi-Tac
794.06875	WQGH335	M		Stamford PS3	Public Safety Tactical 3	P25	Multi-Tac
805.99375	WQGH335	M		Stamford PS4	Public Safety Tactical 4	P25	Multi-Tac

How far outside of Stamford are you? Also do realize you will probably not hear the fire ground channels I think they are simplex.

 

[Cole0209]

I have a remote monitoring site setup with a feed on OpenMHZ that records the CLMRN site below along with Greenwich's P25 system. Fire Dispatch is definitely on the system and it sounds like the fire ground you listed might be repeated over the trunked system from a command vehicle on scene. Might be worth programming and monitoring this system and comparing traffic with the analog. Assuming your in the city the stock antenna on a 325P2 should receive this system with no issue even in a building.

1 (1)	002 (2)	Stamford Simulcast	Fairfield	851.1125	851.3875	851.6625	851.7625	852.0875	852.3375	852.7875
				852.8125a	853.0875a	853.3375c

Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN) Trunking System, Statewide, Connecticut - Scanner Frequencies

23507	5bd3	D	Stamford FD	Fire Dispatch	Fire Dispatch
23508	5bd4	D	Stamford FG1	Fireground 1	Fire-Talk
23509	5bd5	D	Stamford FG2	Fireground 2	Fire-Talk
23510	5bd6	D	Stamford FG3	Fireground 3	Fire-Talk
23511	5bd7	D	Stamford FG4	Fireground 4	Fire-Talk
23513	5bd9	D	Stamford FDT1	Fire TAC 1	Fire-Tac
23514	5bda	D	Stamford FDT2	Fire TAC 2	Fire-Tac
23515	5bdb	D	Stamford FDT3	Fire TAC 3	Fire-Tac
23516	5bdc	D	Stamford FDT4	Fire TAC 4	Fire-Tac
23522	5be2	D	Stamford EMS	EMS Operations	EMS Dispatch

 

[sparky5556]

How far outside of Stamford are you? Also do realize you will probably not hear the fire ground channels I think they are simplex.

I am right in Stamford. I hear the fire calls

 

[sparky5556]

OK, won't take much. Even RG-58 would be fine, and plenty flexible.

But if I was me, I'd probably get some LMR-200 or LMR-240UF. The LMR-240UF is their UltraFlex cable and will be less stiff and easy to roll up when you are not using it.

The base adapter I linked to ( https://www.theantennafarm.com/cata...oduct_info&cPath=481_483_484&products_id=7531) has a female N connector on the bottom. So one end of your coaxial cable would need to have a Male N connector on it.

The other end would need to have whatever mated with your scanner.

These guys will make custom cables for you:

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=342_344

If you have the correct tools and experience, you can certainly make your own. If not, it's worth having someone fabricate the correct cable for you. Ideally you want to avoid using adapters, so getting a cable built with the correct connectors on the end will save you some headaches down the road.

Get a few more feet than you think you need. For the LMR-240UF, you are looking at $0.99/foot, so not a big deal.
Get the optional heat shrink tubing over the connector crimps. It acts as a strain relief and will extend the life of the cable. It's only $10.00 extra, but it's well worth it. I use it when I make my own cables.

Pick out the connectors you need. Make sure a Male N on the antenna end, and the correct end to match your scanner. The cable is fairly light and flexible, so connecting directly to the scanner shouldn't be an issue.

You'd be looking at around $50 all said and done for that cable. You could make it yourself, but you'll pay more than that for the crimping tools, plus all the connectors you'll waste practicing doing them.

Or, find someone local that will make the cable for you.

Configured Cable
Length: ft
Cable

Item	Description	Price
Times Microwave LMR-100A-PVC	LMR-100A-PVC Manufacturer Times Microwave Model # LMR-100A-PVC Product Description 50 Ohm Coaxial Cable - Low Loss Flexible LMR-100 Cable The Times Microwave LMR-100A-PVC LMR100 flexible, low loss coaxial cable offers similar performance compared to corrugated copper...	$0.49	change

Connectors
First Connector

Item	Description	Price
TerraWave CON-07-100	Manufacturer TerraWave Model # CON-07-100 Product Description N Male Cable Type RG-174, 188, 188A, 316/U; Belden 7805A, 8216, 83269, 83284, 84316; Times LMR-100A Connection (Body) Crimp Connection (Pin) Crimp Construction (Body) Nickel Construction...	$6.95	Change

Second Connector

Item	Description	Price
ENP CPM-88-19	Manufacturer Emerson Network Power Model # CPM-88-19 Product Description BNC Male Cable Type RG-174, 188, 188A, 316/U; Belden 7805A, 8216, 83269, 83284, 84316; Times LMR-100A Connection (Body) Crimp Connection (Pin) Crimp Construction (Body) Nickel ...	$2.75	Change

Would this work?

 

[mmckenna]

If your scanner has a BNC connector on it, yes, that'll work.

Any specific reason you chose LMR-100? You will lose 70% of your received signal just in feed line losses. RG-58 would perform better and you may find that the cable and connectors are cheaper since it's more popular.

 

[sparky5556]

If your scanner has a BNC connector on it, yes, that'll work.

Any specific reason you chose LMR-100? You will lose 70% of your received signal just in feed line losses. RG-58 would perform better and you may find that the cable and connectors are cheaper since it's more popular.

Yeah good call. Didn't even see that i clicked the wrong cable. Now to really mess up the mix. I was thinking of getting this....

Amazon.com: Pyle Universal Speaker Stand Mount Holder Heavy Duty Tripod w/Adjustable Height from 40” to 71” and 35mm Compatible Insert & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable - 25 Feet, Black: Musical Instruments

Buy Pyle Universal Speaker Stand Mount Holder Heavy Duty Tripod w/Adjustable Height from 40” to 71” and 35mm Compatible Insert & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable - 25 Feet, Black: Musical Instruments - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

and using this....

Amazon.com: Tram 1410 Broad Band Discone/Scanner Base Antenna: Electronics

Amazon.com: Tram 1410 Broad Band Discone/Scanner Base Antenna: Electronics

www.amazon.com

then would just need a cable.

 

[sparky5556]

Or it's getting this combo...

Qty.		Item Name	Unit	Total
		Larsen NMO150/450/758	$49.95	$49.95
		Laird Technologies MBCN	$29.95	$29.95

and then figuring out a pole and bucket method. Any input is appreciated.