HP-2: looking at the Home Patrol 2

[SCPD]

Oops ..

 

[SCPD]

In my opinion, a zero-gain antenna is not a quality one.

This is so so wrong.

Yep - for anything. Less gain applies to receiving as well as transmitting.

More gain is not always the best answer.

 

[KE0GXN]

Not everyone NEEDS a gain antenna. A unity gain (zero gain) antenna is what is supplied with just about every scanner and HT manufacturer. May not be ideal, but they work, especially if you're within a relatively short distance of the transmitter antenna site. Gain antennas provide an advantage in weak, fringe signal locations.

It's no different than if you are receiving OTA TV broadcasts. If you're in the city, an indoor ant (anyone remember rabbit ears?) works fine. But if you're out in the country, 50 miles away from the TV towers, you'll need a yagi, pointed toward the transmitter. The more elements; the more gain, and the more directional if becomes.

I agree with you, hence the reason I asked him that question....

All my scanner antennas are "unity" gain....they all work fine.

 

[Voyager]

This is so so wrong.

More gain is not always the best answer.

That comment was in reference to comparing inside antennas to quality outside antennas. Cheap outside antennas could be outperformed by an inside antenna. The same can be said for unity gain outside antennas. For example, I have inside antenna that run rings around my unity gain Discone that is outside and in free space (no obstructions).

While it is possible for a unity gain antenna to outperform a gain antenna, that is the exception, not the rule, and almost always applies to those who want to receive signals well below the horizon. That's why those who want to improve their performance look for higher gain. So, while not always true, it is most of the time.

If lower gain were better, you would have people endorsing dummy loads for the best reception.

 

[WA2E]

Received my HP2 this Christmas. Out of the box was receiving NYC which is about 25 miles with the supplied antenna, however didn't want to hear them on a daily basis. So, read up on favorite lists and programmed them into the scanner. I listen mostly to Somerset County in central NJ. Now to be clear I can see one of the antenna sites from my backyard so the supplied antenna works fine. What amazed me most is a local UHF channel that is used for Fire Dispatch county wide. I have used a Pro-106 before this. Every time I would end up locking them out because of garbled audio. The HP2 receives it fine. I tried NFM, FM, attenuation nothing worked. I am very happy with the HP2, I can see the display ok, I'm 63 and am thrilled with the unit. I stated on a different thread I've always had RS radios but this isn't exactly true because I still have a Bearcat 210 I forgot about. Checked it out recently and still working.

Mike WA2E

 

[KE0GXN]

Received my HP2 this Christmas. Out of the box was receiving NYC which is about 25 miles with the supplied antenna, however didn't want to hear them on a daily basis. So, read up on favorite lists and programmed them into the scanner. I listen mostly to Somerset County in central NJ. Now to be clear I can see one of the antenna sites from my backyard so the supplied antenna works fine. What amazed me most is a local UHF channel that is used for Fire Dispatch county wide. I have used a Pro-106 before this. Every time I would end up locking them out because of garbled audio. The HP2 receives it fine. I tried NFM, FM, attenuation nothing worked. I am very happy with the HP2, I can see the display ok, I'm 63 and am thrilled with the unit. I stated on a different thread I've always had RS radios but this isn't exactly true because I still have a Bearcat 210 I forgot about. Checked it out recently and still working.

Mike WA2E

Glad to hear your enjoying your HP-2, Mike. Uniden hit out of the park with the HP series and I for one am happy I went the HP route, its a great receiver.

Pretty cool you are able to pull in NYC from Somerset County on a the stock antenna!

Mine pulls in a Motorola type II trunked system over in Oklahoma in which the tower site about 30 miles away.

When the conditions are right, I even have been able, with my mobile base indoor antenna set-up, pull in P-25 tower site about 63 miles away in Arkansas!

Without a doubt, it has been the best scanner I have ever owned.

Happy scanning and 73!

 

[WA2E]

Tony,
I wondered how you knew about Somerset County and NYC until I checked your QRZ page.

I am really enjoying being able to see the display so clearly. This was paramount.

Thank you for your service and 73.

Mike WA2E

 

[KE0GXN]

Your welcome and thank you for yours.

Cool story you have on your page.