redhatnick
Member
I live in North Carolina which has an 800mhz statewide trunked radio system (VIPER), but frequently tip-toe across into Virginia which uses a 150mhz statewide trunked radio system (STARS). While the Larsen tri-band seems to pickup the 800mhz networks well, I'm considering making an investment in a dedicated 150/450 antenna. If I'm understanding antenna theory correctly, lower bands require taller antennas and higher bands can use shorter antennas.
The Larsen Tri-band (150/450/800) height (16.5') seems to indicate a sweet spot in the 800mhz range, but reduced performance further down in the 150mhz band which makes it a poor performer in some of the more remote areas in VA where the sites are further apart.
I'm considering ordering a Laird Tech CB150/450CS - $69.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source! Laird CB150/450CS (height 36') to remedy the Larsen's performance in the low band but I have a few questions.
1) Even though the Laird CB150/450CS is twice as tall than the Larsen Tri-band, how well would the CB150/450 would perform back in the 800mhz band? It would be quite oversize for a 800mhz antenna, but does this reduce performance? Would this be better, worst, or equal to an ordinary antenna in the 800mhz-only band?
2) Is my perception of performance on the Larsen on 150mhz just in my head? If not, how have others remedied the low-band performance or have they just accepted it?
3) When waiting for friends and family at the airport, I also would like to tune into air traffic control (118-136mhz). While not in either's recommended band, would the CB150/450CS improve reception compared to the Larsen Tri-band, or would it be no improvement here?
The Larsen Tri-band (150/450/800) height (16.5') seems to indicate a sweet spot in the 800mhz range, but reduced performance further down in the 150mhz band which makes it a poor performer in some of the more remote areas in VA where the sites are further apart.
I'm considering ordering a Laird Tech CB150/450CS - $69.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source! Laird CB150/450CS (height 36') to remedy the Larsen's performance in the low band but I have a few questions.
1) Even though the Laird CB150/450CS is twice as tall than the Larsen Tri-band, how well would the CB150/450 would perform back in the 800mhz band? It would be quite oversize for a 800mhz antenna, but does this reduce performance? Would this be better, worst, or equal to an ordinary antenna in the 800mhz-only band?
2) Is my perception of performance on the Larsen on 150mhz just in my head? If not, how have others remedied the low-band performance or have they just accepted it?
3) When waiting for friends and family at the airport, I also would like to tune into air traffic control (118-136mhz). While not in either's recommended band, would the CB150/450CS improve reception compared to the Larsen Tri-band, or would it be no improvement here?
