How can I improve VHF-High on a handheld scanner?

[safetyobc]

what is a good antenna for improving VHF-high reception 137-174. Mainly between 150 and 160 mhz. Is the rs 800 mhz rubber duck antenna any good? I would rather it be a flexible type antenna like a rubber duck. I bought the telescoping antenna from rs and it was junk, worse reception than the stock. Any thoughts?

 

[tglendye]

I thought the RS telescoping antenna made my vhf reception a little better, but I don't really use it that much. I have noted some good improvements on vhf-low, though. I've read where some people say the 800 RS antenna improves reception on all bands, but I didn't really note any improvements on any band with mine.

You may want to check into a rubber duck rated in the 150's. I don't know if it will help you, though.

All that to say, I really don't know

 

[Starion]

I heard that RadioShack's 9 inch flexible 20-034 antenna provides decent reception of VHF-hi. It's a bit pricy at $19.95, but it might be worth the price.

Someone else mentioned that the 800 MHz antenna, 20-283 works ok on VHF high too.

MFJ, Comet and Diamond sell some flexible 21 inch 144 and 440 MHz amateur radio antennas you could use for your scanner. They are a bit pricy at 20 - 40.

I bought a flexible 5/8 wave antenna 144 MHz antenna for $12. Smiley Antenna makes one. This short and base loaded antenna works ok, but not as good as a telescopic whip.

The 26 inch telescopic whip works ok for me. I find it better than the stock antenna that came with the Pro-64.

I buy my antennas from aesham.com and hamradio.com

73,
Sim B.

 

[W4KRR]

what is a good antenna for improving VHF-high reception 137-174. Mainly between 150 and 160 mhz. Is the rs 800 mhz rubber duck antenna any good? I would rather it be a flexible type antenna like a rubber duck. I bought the telescoping antenna from rs and it was junk, worse reception than the stock. Any thoughts?

Lots of people like the Diamond RH-77CA. It's long and skinny, but still flexible. It works better on VHF than the stock antenna, for me anyway. YMMV.

 

[Grog]

I use the Larsen on my 2mtr HT. They make several sizes.

http://www.radialllarsen.com/docfiles/PortableTerminalKulduckie.pdf

http://www.radialllarsen.com/docfiles/PortableTerminalSpots.pdf

I think I have the KD4146HQ They also have them tuned for 155mhz.

Taken from http://www.ecwest.com/shopping/PriceList.asp?sType=10


Larsen KD4146 VHF helical portable antenna with BNC connector. Tuned to 146 MHz. $19.20

Larsen KD4146HQ High performance VHF semi helical portable antenna with BNC connector. Tuned to 146 MHz. $24.20

Larsen KD4146ST Stout VHF helical portable antenna with BNC connector. Tuned to 146 MHz. $19.20


Larsen KD4155HQ High performance VHF semi helical portable antenna with BNC connector. Tuned to 155 MHz. $24.20

Larsen KD4155ST Stout VHF helical portable antenna with BNC connector. Tuned to 155 MHz. $24.00

 

[safetyobc]

Any ideas on how this antenna works.

http://shop.waltel.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/4_9/products_id/246




How about using this for VHF-High on a mag mount:

http://shop.waltel.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/10_18/products_id/340


I have a "all band" that works fairly well but was wondering if getting one made just for High band would be better. I have: http://shop.waltel.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/10_48/products_id/479

 

[LarrySC]

There is a VHF Telescopic that does work at this site: Stock #94T www.bncantenna.com

 

[kb2vxa]

Hi again,

Forget the feldercarb, everyone has opinions based on sales hype. Electrically a 1/4 wave antenna is best, solid rod, not telescopic. Yeah, the slide joints make lousy contact at radio frequencies but in any case 19" is the correct length. BTW, I had one of those telescopic ones on my scanner and I soldered the joints to eliminate those contacts and hold the proper length without accidentally sliding around. If you don't want to poke yourself in a sensitive spot or break the connector or something, use a VHF rubber duck. It's nowhere near as good electrically but it's a bit safer to carry on your person.

Having said that, once again, leave the scanner home and avoid hassles with the cops.