LMR 400

[mmckenna]

OK Thanks to all who responded .....

One more question "Connectors" what is the best to use for scanning all Frequencys.

For a scanner, the standard UHF are just fine. There are those that will claim that they are not very good above 300MHz, but they'll work just fine for receiving.
If you are purchasing new, the "N" connectors are a better choice. A bit harder to install than the UHF.
BNC's work fine, too.
Best choice is to use the proper connectors you need. If your antenna has an N connector on it, use that, not an adapter. Same for your radio, use what matches that end.

 

[k9rzz]

You can often get 200+ foot 1/2 inch aluminum CATV hardline pieces for free. Check with the local cable company. Stuff a UHF connector in the ends and call it a day. I've run it from the basement to the roof, others have done long runs buried in PVC conduits out to remote towers. FWIW.

 

[chazcarly]

OK just to throw this out there. The Freq. that i cant get is 453.3500 police dispatch.... ? the same town fire dispatch is Freq. 46.4200, that comes in fine ? What gives ????

Anyone have any ideas on this ?? ^^^^^^^

 

[mmckenna]

Propagation differences, or type of antenna you are using. 46MHz will usually travel farther than UHF. UHF will be attenuated more by foliage, buildings, etc.
The specific antenna you are using will perform differently on these two widely spaced frequencies.
Coaxial cable losses also are different depending on the frequencies. The higher frequencies will suffer more loss in a given length of cable compared to lower frequencies.

 

[chazcarly]

Propagation differences, or type of antenna you are using. 46MHz will usually travel farther than UHF. UHF will be attenuated more by foliage, buildings, etc.
The specific antenna you are using will perform differently on these two widely spaced frequencies.
Coaxial cable losses also are different depending on the frequencies. The higher frequencies will suffer more loss in a given length of cable compared to lower frequencies.

Is there a Antenna that would pick up both good? I am using a Diamond Discone that says it covers a wide band ?

Thanks

 

[mmckenna]

Discone antennas may be wide band, but they are not necessarily good performers. They don't have any gain, especially on the lower frequencies.

A dedicated low band antenna might be a good choice. Something simple like a cut down CB antenna would work fine, if you get it mounted outside with a proper ground plane. A 5/8th's wave VHF antenna is roughly 1/4 wave on VHF low band, and will work.