Minimizing Antenna's?

[sragen]

My first time visit to this forum. Currently, I have 2 Motorola Mobiles (VHF/UHF) installed in a vehicle along w/a scanner and the potential for an 800 trunked (non-Moto) system. As a personal preference, I do not like the "porcupine" look of multiple antenna's. Doing some research, I see things called diplexers/triplexers and Antenna's such as "Spectra" multiband. However, I cannot satisfy myself that I would indeed be able to tie these radio's together without A) causing damage; B) Missing some critical piece of equipment or technical know-how; or C) seriously degrading the performance where it would be all for nought. Perhaps you really can't have the cake and eat it, but what am I missing or misinterpreting? While I can get the techs to purchase the equipment, this is a unique application and somewhat out of their lane. If there are other forums anyone can suggest as well regarding apllications, I would appreciate that as well.

 

[N4DES]

I've used diplexers, both dual band (U/V) and tri-band that includes 800 in surviellance applications.They are not cheap, but they do allow for minimizing antennas on a vehicle.

The trick is to find a single antenna that is resonant at the frequencies you need to transmit on.

 

[sragen]

I've used diplexers, both dual band (U/V) and tri-band that includes 800 in surviellance applications.They are not cheap, but they do allow for minimizing antennas on a vehicle.

The trick is to find a single antenna that is resonant at the frequencies you need to transmit on.

Can you recommend a any manufacturer or is it not critical?

 

[jackj]

The brand won't matter as long as it can cover the frequencies you need. They are almost impossible to tune without special equipment so order them pre-tuned. You will be looking at several thousand dollars if you want coverage of more than 2 frequencies. Antennas are another matter. Good luck.

 

[prcguy]

A triplexer is not that expensive, usually under $100 for one that will isolate a VHF, UHF and 800 radios and you can transmit on any and all of them without damage to anything. A triplexer and a Larsen 150/450/800 antenna will give you one small antenna for three radios. Its not a high performance gain antenna but should work fine for most urban repeater systems.
prcguy

The brand won't matter as long as it can cover the frequencies you need. They are almost impossible to tune without special equipment so order them pre-tuned. You will be looking at several thousand dollars if you want coverage of more than 2 frequencies. Antennas are another matter. Good luck.