I just installed a new ground plane antenna on my roofline to receive VHF low band specifically. This is made up of a Tram 1465 Ground Plane base kit, a Larson NMO 40 whip (50” tall), a 2 foot gavanized steel mast and 30 feet of MPD digital 400 coax (similar to LMR400 but white and flexible). I have grounded the mast to 8’ rod (properly by an electrician).
My problem is the audio quality is very noisy on low band frequencies compared with the same antenna on my NMO mount on my SUV. My signal strength is mainly 5X5 on all the low band frequencies I want to listen to in a 50+ mile radius based on the signal meter on the Uniden BCD536HP. I have noticed that noise reduces at night a good deal but still not as clear as I was expecting based on my mobile use with the antenna. Oddly, it’s sounds great on 800 MHz.
I connected it to my SDS100 and see RSSI levels of -83 to -89 dBm on the stronger, closer signals and -99 to -104 dBm on some of the further, weaker signals. I know this radio is not the best for this VHF Low Band.
This is my first attempt at a mounted outdoor antenna. Might you all have any suggestions on how to improve the audio quality?
Thanks in advance.
My problem is the audio quality is very noisy on low band frequencies compared with the same antenna on my NMO mount on my SUV. My signal strength is mainly 5X5 on all the low band frequencies I want to listen to in a 50+ mile radius based on the signal meter on the Uniden BCD536HP. I have noticed that noise reduces at night a good deal but still not as clear as I was expecting based on my mobile use with the antenna. Oddly, it’s sounds great on 800 MHz.
I connected it to my SDS100 and see RSSI levels of -83 to -89 dBm on the stronger, closer signals and -99 to -104 dBm on some of the further, weaker signals. I know this radio is not the best for this VHF Low Band.
This is my first attempt at a mounted outdoor antenna. Might you all have any suggestions on how to improve the audio quality?
Thanks in advance.