We use FRS/GMRS handhelds in our family rural setting. We have some neighbors who are elderly and he became interested when he saw me easily qso with a son 800yds away. He purchased some handhelds too and would like to call us occasionally or call if they need help. I want to agree on a calling channel and add that to my old reliable RS 2067 scanner. I have a flat 30x40' carport metal roof attached to the house. I have a second carport metal roof on another side, 20x20' where I could install another antenna if the first one works well. Both carports have metal roof sections screwed together in numerous places. Both roofs are nearly flat, sloped just to collect rainwater for our cattle.
I recall that ground planes are generally Very Good. The metal roofs are ribbed but have large enough flat sections to easily install an NMO and vehicle antenna. I might just try an old 10m antenna from my CB days. There will be no trx, just receive. To answer if the elderly neighbors call, we'll step outside or go to a 2nd story window. In a related thread here I learned about proper grounding and surge arrestor. We get lighting in Central TX.
Finally come my questions:
I recall that ground planes are generally Very Good. The metal roofs are ribbed but have large enough flat sections to easily install an NMO and vehicle antenna. I might just try an old 10m antenna from my CB days. There will be no trx, just receive. To answer if the elderly neighbors call, we'll step outside or go to a 2nd story window. In a related thread here I learned about proper grounding and surge arrestor. We get lighting in Central TX.
Finally come my questions:
- Has anyone set up a similar scanner antenna with a metal roof as ground plane?
- Is it worth getting a dedicated 2m scanner antenna? My hunch is that even an old CB stick would work.
- If you suggest a 2m antenna, which has worked well for you?
- Is RG8U still the best coax to use?