I'm getting ready to buy a antenna for my vehicle, some help please.

[AngWay]

Ok i have looked at tons of antennas and i am confused on a few different things for example a dual band and a tri band antenna if the tri band lets you cover more why would people even bother with a dual band is it because that if a antenna is programmed for a specific freqs it will pick up that freqs better than a dual band antenna?

Next everything i listen to is between 150-160 450-460 and 850-860mhz so i need something that will pick up those the best. i am looking at the Larsen NMO150-450-800 Tri-Band Nmo Antenna and NMO150/450/758 - Pulse Larsen Tri Band Antenna with Spring, NMO the only difference i see is one says 800 and one says 758 what is the big difference here to me they both cover the same thing except for that last number. so what is the difference and which one would you advice i get?

as far a a magnetic mount which one do you guys suggest? as far as connection type i would like to be able to connect different antennas to it and keep the price around 30 dollars.

What do you guys thing about those signal sticks? i'v heard alot of youtuber's talk good stuff about it

Many Thanks!

 

[mmckenna]

Ok i have looked at tons of antennas and i am confused on a few different things for example a dual band and a tri band antenna if the tri band lets you cover more why would people even bother with a dual band is it because that if a antenna is programmed for a specific freqs it will pick up that freqs better than a dual band antenna?

Depends on the individual needs. "Dual Band" on it's own doesn't really mean anything unless you specify which two bands they are.

There are plenty of VHF/UHF dual band antennas out there. Some are centered on the 2 meter and 70 centimeter amateur radio bands. That's great if you are a ham and going to use them to transmit. Not so much if scanner listening is your goal.
You can also find VHF/UHF dual band antennas that are centered on the public safety/LMR band sections, usually around 150-156 and 450-470 or so. Great if you are running a dual band LMR transceiver, or using a scanner where you just want to listen to VHF/UHF LMR traffic.

An antenna designed/tuned for the specific sections of the band you want to listen to will work better than one that isn't.

For some, a dual band antenna VHF/UHF antenna works well if public safety only uses VHF and UHF. No need for more.

Next everything i listen to is between 150-160 450-460 and 850-860mhz so i need something that will pick up those the best. i am looking at the Larsen NMO150-450-800 Tri-Band Nmo Antenna and NMO150/450/758 - Pulse Larsen Tri Band Antenna with Spring, NMO the only difference i see is one says 800 and one says 758 what is the big difference here to me they both cover the same thing except for that last number. so what is the difference and which one would you advice i get?

The 150/450/758 is primarily designed for 3 band transceivers where the radio will work on VHF, UHF and the 700/800MHz band. I'm running one of those on my personal and work trucks connected to a multiband Harris XL-200. Works well on VHF/UHF and 800MHz.

The older 150/450/800 is a less expensive option and was primarily centered around scanner use originally, and VHF/UHF/800MHz LMR bands.

If it was me, I'd go with the Larsen NMO-150/450/758SF. That antenna will do what you want, it has a spring at the base, and the whip is a bit more flexible, which can be good if they find a low parking garage/tree branch.

Other one you can look at is the EM Wave tri band: EM Wave EM-M43002 - Triple Band Mobile Antennas
I've run that one on my work truck for a while, and it works just as well as the Larsen. A bit thicker whip, so not quite as flexible, but a very well built antenna.

as far a a magnetic mount which one do you guys suggest? as far as connection type i would like to be able to connect different antennas to it and keep the price around 30 dollars.

Stick with a Larsen, Laird, or PCTel branded NMO mount.

The Tram brand versions have very poor connector installation. I've taken a few apart, and the connectors are not crimped on with the correct tool, and only look good because they goop them up with overmolded plastic.

NMO mount will give you the most flexibility and allow you to easily swap antennas as your needs change.

Just pay close attention to coax routing. Routing coax through doors/windows/pinch points can be an issue as it will damage the jacket over time. Damaged jacket lets water in, water and copper make a mess. Permanent mount is ideal, but not everyone is comfortable drilling a hole in their roof.

What do you guys thing about those signal sticks? i'v heard alot of youtuber's talk good stuff about it

"Youtuber's" should tell you what you need to know. Most of them don't have a lot of experience and don't have good antennas to compare them to. There's not really any good argument for using those when you can get a Larsen/EMWave antenna that will outlast your car, and probably the one after that. Cheap, hobby grade antennas recommended by youtuber's isn't a good recommendation. Stick with the known good public safety grade stuff. Might cost you slightly more up front, but it'll be something that will last you a lifetime.

 

[AngWay]

Depends on the individual needs. "Dual Band" on it's own doesn't really mean anything unless you specify which two bands they are.

There are plenty of VHF/UHF dual band antennas out there. Some are centered on the 2 meter and 70 centimeter amateur radio bands. That's great if you are a ham and going to use them to transmit. Not so much if scanner listening is your goal.
You can also find VHF/UHF dual band antennas that are centered on the public safety/LMR band sections, usually around 150-156 and 450-470 or so. Great if you are running a dual band LMR transceiver, or using a scanner where you just want to listen to VHF/UHF LMR traffic.

An antenna designed/tuned for the specific sections of the band you want to listen to will work better than one that isn't.

For some, a dual band antenna VHF/UHF antenna works well if public safety only uses VHF and UHF. No need for more.




The 150/450/758 is primarily designed for 3 band transceivers where the radio will work on VHF, UHF and the 700/800MHz band. I'm running one of those on my personal and work trucks connected to a multiband Harris XL-200. Works well on VHF/UHF and 800MHz.

The older 150/450/800 is a less expensive option and was primarily centered around scanner use originally, and VHF/UHF/800MHz LMR bands.

If it was me, I'd go with the Larsen NMO-150/450/758SF. That antenna will do what you want, it has a spring at the base, and the whip is a bit more flexible, which can be good if they find a low parking garage/tree branch.

Other one you can look at is the EM Wave tri band: EM Wave EM-M43002 - Triple Band Mobile Antennas
I've run that one on my work truck for a while, and it works just as well as the Larsen. A bit thicker whip, so not quite as flexible, but a very well built antenna.



Stick with a Larsen, Laird, or PCTel branded NMO mount.

The Tram brand versions have very poor connector installation. I've taken a few apart, and the connectors are not crimped on with the correct tool, and only look good because they goop them up with overmolded plastic.

NMO mount will give you the most flexibility and allow you to easily swap antennas as your needs change.

Just pay close attention to coax routing. Routing coax through doors/windows/pinch points can be an issue as it will damage the jacket over time. Damaged jacket lets water in, water and copper make a mess. Permanent mount is ideal, but not everyone is comfortable drilling a hole in their roof.



"Youtuber's" should tell you what you need to know. Most of them don't have a lot of experience and don't have good antennas to compare them to. There's not really any good argument for using those when you can get a Larsen/EMWave antenna that will outlast your car, and probably the one after that. Cheap, hobby grade antennas recommended by youtuber's isn't a good recommendation. Stick with the known good public safety grade stuff. Might cost you slightly more up front, but it'll be something that will last you a lifetime.

Well what i will be using it for right now is for my sds100 scanner and so those two antennas seems the same but with that small difference. i will look into the EM Wave one right now so thanks

 

[AngWay]

Also if i get a magnetic mount with a NMO connection can i buy adapters and connect different antennas to that such as bnc and others?

 

[ladn]

Also if i get a magnetic mount with a NMO connection can i buy adapters and connect different antennas to that such as bnc and others?

The NMO is the base style for the antenna. This is as close as one can get to a "universal" antenna mount--NMO mount antennas are available in all LMR frequency ranges from a multitude of manufacturers.

The antenna mount cable will come with a connector, usually PL-259. You can get adapters to connect to BNC, N, F, SMA or pretty much any other flavor of connector. Depending on your installation, you may prefer an adapter cable (say SO-239 {which is a female PL-259} on one end and BNC on the other end).

 

[rf_patriot200]

Ok i have looked at tons of antennas and i am confused on a few different things for example a dual band and a tri band antenna if the tri band lets you cover more why would people even bother with a dual band is it because that if a antenna is programmed for a specific freqs it will pick up that freqs better than a dual band antenna?

Next everything i listen to is between 150-160 450-460 and 850-860mhz so i need something that will pick up those the best. i am looking at the Larsen NMO150-450-800 Tri-Band Nmo Antenna and NMO150/450/758 - Pulse Larsen Tri Band Antenna with Spring, NMO the only difference i see is one says 800 and one says 758 what is the big difference here to me they both cover the same thing except for that last number. so what is the difference and which one would you advice i get?

as far a a magnetic mount which one do you guys suggest? as far as connection type i would like to be able to connect different antennas to it and keep the price around 30 dollars.

What do you guys thing about those signal sticks? i'v heard alot of youtuber's talk good stuff about it

Many Thanks!

Both are Excellent antennas. Arcadian Antennas had the best price, the last time I checked.

 

[AngWay]

Both are Excellent antennas. Arcadian Antennas had the best price, the last time I checked.

Ok between those two antennas and this Antenna which would be the best for listening to 150-160 450-460 850-860? police and ems

And would This be a good mount for it compared to the triangle magnetic mounts.

 

[mmckenna]

Ok between those two antennas and this Antenna which would be the best for listening to 150-160 450-460 850-860? police and ems

Any of them will work fine.

I'd pay more attention to where it will be mounted. If it's on top of a tall vehicle, like a truck or SUV, then this would be a better option as it has the spring and the whip is more flexible.

Mobile Antenna Tri-Band 150-165,450-470,700/800MHz Larsen NMO150/450/758

Tri-band antenna covers 150-174, 430-520 & 750-870, 100 Watts, Whip Length 16.5", NMO (Pogo Contact)

theantennafarm.com

This is the one I run on my work truck. It's a 4x4 F350 with larger than stock tires, and it goes up and down access roads with low tree branches fairly frequently. Hitting low branches is normal, and the antenna has lasted years.

If yours is a smaller vehicle and low parking garages/tree branches are not a concern, then either of the Larsen or EM Wave will work fine.

And would This be a good mount for it compared to the triangle magnetic mounts.

Those Cheap Chinese mounts are not always the best quality. The Tram stuff I've had my hands on had very poorly installed connectors. While I understand budget is a concern, don't cheap out on the mount.

I'd recommend one that has an SMA connector to match your radio. Adapters put additional strain on the connector and that can lead to damage. Having the right connector also reduces additional loss added by cheap adapters:

PCTEL Maxrad BGMSMA - NMO Magnet Mounts with SMA

Black magnet mount with 12' RG-58/U and SMA male connector uninstalled.

theantennafarm.com

Larsen NMOMMRDSSMA NMO Magnetic Antenna Mount with SMA Male Connector Installed

Magnetic Mount For use with NMO style antennas, 12' RG-58/U, SMA Male Connector Installed

theantennafarm.com

A few bucks more, but worth it in the long run.

 

[AngWay]

Any of them will work fine.

I'd pay more attention to where it will be mounted. If it's on top of a tall vehicle, like a truck or SUV, then this would be a better option as it has the spring and the whip is more flexible.

Mobile Antenna Tri-Band 150-165,450-470,700/800MHz Larsen NMO150/450/758

Tri-band antenna covers 150-174, 430-520 & 750-870, 100 Watts, Whip Length 16.5", NMO (Pogo Contact)

theantennafarm.com

This is the one I run on my work truck. It's a 4x4 F350 with larger than stock tires, and it goes up and down access roads with low tree branches fairly frequently. Hitting low branches is normal, and the antenna has lasted years.

If yours is a smaller vehicle and low parking garages/tree branches are not a concern, then either of the Larsen or EM Wave will work fine.




Those Cheap Chinese mounts are not always the best quality. The Tram stuff I've had my hands on had very poorly installed connectors. While I understand budget is a concern, don't cheap out on the mount.

I'd recommend one that has an SMA connector to match your radio. Adapters put additional strain on the connector and that can lead to damage. Having the right connector also reduces additional loss added by cheap adapters:

PCTEL Maxrad BGMSMA - NMO Magnet Mounts with SMA

Black magnet mount with 12' RG-58/U and SMA male connector uninstalled.

theantennafarm.com

Larsen NMOMMRDSSMA NMO Magnetic Antenna Mount with SMA Male Connector Installed

Magnetic Mount For use with NMO style antennas, 12' RG-58/U, SMA Male Connector Installed

theantennafarm.com

A few bucks more, but worth it in the long run.

I ended up getting the

EM-M43002​

 

[mmckenna]

I ended up getting the

EM-M43002​

Good choice. I'm pretty impressed with the EM Wave products. I've been a Larsen fan for a long time, and I'm slowly changing. I've been ordering EM Wave antennas for work, and they haven't let me down.

 

[prcguy]

Here is the best deal going on a well known commercial tri-band antenna. They usually retail for close to $200 and this one is about $18 plus shipping. New Motorola All-Band Antenna AN000131A01 | eBay I bought three already.

This mag mount should work but I would shop for and hold out for a PCTEL brand 5" mag mount that is sometimes sold with this antenna. You want a mag mount at least 5" dia and with an NMO mount flush with the top of the magnet, not one with an elevated NMO where the coax exits on top of the magnet. Magnet Antenna Mount 5 1/2" Black NMO Rubber Boot Mini-UHF Motorola Mobile Radio | eBay

 

[cbehr91]

Here is the best deal going on a well known commercial tri-band antenna. They usually retail for close to $200 and this one is about $18 plus shipping. New Motorola All-Band Antenna AN000131A01 | eBay I bought three already.

This mag mount should work but I would shop for and hold out for a PCTEL brand 5" mag mount that is sometimes sold with this antenna. You want a mag mount at least 5" dia and with an NMO mount flush with the top of the magnet, not one with an elevated NMO where the coax exits on top of the magnet. Magnet Antenna Mount 5 1/2" Black NMO Rubber Boot Mini-UHF Motorola Mobile Radio | eBay

I was today years old when I learned PCTEL makes a 5" magnet mount. I thought everyone other than Tram/Browning topped out at 3.5".

Also, what's the difference between the mount being flush vs. elevated?

 

[prcguy]

I was today years old when I learned PCTEL makes a 5" magnet mount. I thought everyone other than Tram/Browning topped out at 3.5".

Also, what's the difference between the mount being flush vs. elevated?

The base of the PCTEL antenna I recommended is very fat and will overhang on the raised NMO mounts, which looks stupid. Flush is better.

 

[UTE-GE]

AN000131A01 Motorola All Band Mobile Antenna Vehicle Roof Top New-n-Box Complete | eBay