I need suggestions

[jdm911]

Problem: Poor reception with BCD996xt on RS Sputnik about 30 feet in air, Quadshield coax 80ft run. But, using this same set-up with ICOM 2000H I get wonderful reception (the difference is amazing in fact). If it wasn't for the results with the ICOM I would be sure that something was not right in the setup. Now, I had tried PAR FM Filter with no change in results (sent it back). I now have the PAR 162.55 specific filter, with a little improvement in place as I was hearing some wx mixed in with some signals at times (also heard with the wx was pager at 152.48). I have not tried pager Filter as my reception issue is constant (not just when pager freq. is transmitting). I understand that a single band ICOM will have better reception than scanner but it just seems like there is still something that I am missing. In fact, I can get better reception with a back of set antenna on most local freq than with the antenna ots. I do notice some better reception in the nighttime hours (to be suspected I suppose). I just want some ideas from those that may have had a similar situation. I am not hearing any specific interference when scanning, just some major desensitivity across most bands. I am located in the Duluth MN/Superior WI area, very small metro area. I am trying to get a VHF control channel with my set-up. I am considering a yagi or, possibly bringing the antenna inside attic to avoid some of the desensing but what gets me is that, with ICOM, I can hear the CC Data with no problem. . What am I missing?

 

[737mech]

Time for new antenna

Problem: Poor reception with BCD996xt on RS Sputnik about 30 feet in air, Quadshield coax 80ft run. But, using this same set-up with ICOM 2000H I get wonderful reception (the difference is amazing in fact). If it wasn't for the results with the ICOM I would be sure that something was not right in the setup. Now, I had tried PAR FM Filter with no change in results (sent it back). I now have the PAR 162.55 specific filter, with a little improvement in place as I was hearing some wx mixed in with some signals at times (also heard with the wx was pager at 152.48). I have not tried pager Filter as my reception issue is constant (not just when pager freq. is transmitting). I understand that a single band ICOM will have better reception than scanner but it just seems like there is still something that I am missing. In fact, I can get better reception with a back of set antenna on most local freq than with the antenna ots. I do notice some better reception in the nighttime hours (to be suspected I suppose). I just want some ideas from those that may have had a similar situation. I am not hearing any specific interference when scanning, just some major desensitivity across most bands. I am located in the Duluth MN/Superior WI area, very small metro area. I am trying to get a VHF control channel with my set-up. I am considering a yagi or, possibly bringing the antenna inside attic to avoid some of the desensing but what gets me is that, with ICOM, I can hear the CC Data with no problem. . What am I missing?

I'd consider a new antenna outside. I'm surprised you had no joy with the PAR filter? I have a DPD Log periodic antenna. It is pricey but over and above worth the cost for scanner users. www.DPDproductions.com I still find myself using fm traps from Radioshack to get good VHF air but I'm in a city crowded by rf so I need that filter. Dave at DPD is very helpful and his antennas are not junk. They are very well built and work!! The log periodic has omni capabilities what can be better? I also have no trouble feeding three scanners with the help of a simple splitter from Home depot. Hope this helps?

 

[davidgcet]

the ICOM has better selectivity than your ultrawideband scanner, and is probably not as sensitive to overload as the scanner. getting better reception with another antenna, i assume you mean an inside antenna works better, would confirm this as it is not picking up as much noise. there is such a thing as having TOO GOOD an antenna system, if you get too much unwanted signal it kills performance.

have you tried attenuating the scanner, it may help especially when combined with filters.

 

[ST-Bob]

You might try fixed or adjustable attentuators in the line feeding the scanner. I've got a 3 and 6 dB and use the 6 dB with my HomePatrol as it seems to overload moreso than my older scanners. Using RG-6 QS you should be able to get these pretty cheaply as they're used in CATV a lot. Same with splitters (but I'll bet you already knew that).

 

[jdm911]

Update: Finally found where the problem was coming from. I was getting interference from TV Channels 8 and 10. I have since ordered the PAR Ch 10 Filter and am very, very happy with the results. Ch 8 goes off the air at 1 am so I wanted to make sure that these where the problems so I started with Ch 10. I get great reception now, especially after 1 am. I will order Ch 8 filter soon. What a difference.