More Questions on the D130J(N)

[Nutes]

I'm a little confused by what you wrote ("I guess if there was a group I had to leave out in terms of where I currently listen the most now, and where I want to listen in the future, it would be the 400MHZ range.")
The OmniX covers 118-137, 148-175 & 225-900 MHz. Unless I'm completely confused, "225-900 mHz" does INCLUDE the 400 mHz range you're looking for. What makes it necessary to "leave out" the 400 mHz range?
Regarding where to put the antenna: Do you have a handheld scanner? Take it up on the roof to both locations and check your favorite frequencies. Pick the spot where the majority of them have the best strength.... and then mount your antenna there.

Yes your confusion is legitimate. I went back and read what I wrote before I went to bed last night and realized I had misinterpreted. Did not feel like correcting the post at that time. TRUE, the OMNI X should work in the 400 MHZ range.

In reference to others replies above, it looks like there is some legitimate debate here between the Discone and the OMNI X. I am still thinking this through. Points are well made on both sides.

In terms of one reply above, the idea of taking a portable and getting on the roof to test is a great idea. However, my scanner (BC355N) is not portable.

I am leaning towards getting a higher mast and going with the present J Pole location but getting the antenna (whichever one is chosen) higher, but then in turn, being able to use only 40 to 50 ft. of feed line, vs. 75ft. which will be required on the other side of the roof. If I don't like it there, I can simply put the J Pole back up at that location (now fed with better RG8 vs. the present RG6 line) and move the new antenna to the other side and then go buy a 75 ft. run of RG8 or better to run to the scanner. It does run the cost up 35.00 more dollars possibly, but I can budget that down the road if needed.

Now. Omni X or Discone.....................Omni X or Discone.

 

[mmckenna]

(now fed with better RG8 vs. the present RG6 line)

Make sure you fully research that before you do it. There are many grades of RG8 and many of them will not perform any better than the RG6 you already have. Check the spec's closely. You can use this calculator to run the numbers:
Coax Calculator

 

[NDRADIONUT]

Too bad someone cant do an swr analyzer plot for the omni x....

 

[Nutes]

Make sure you fully research that before you do it. There are many grades of RG8 and many of them will not perform any better than the RG6 you already have. Check the spec's closely. You can use this calculator to run the numbers:
Coax Calculator

Yes good advice. Should I just fork over the dough and go with LMR400 vs. RG8, or is their a major difference in receiving over a 50 to 75 ft. run?

As for a test on both antennas, at the same location, over multiple band widths, that would be awesome. Don't suppose both mfg's would loan me both antennas for a month?

 

[Nutes]

Yes good advice. Should I just fork over the dough and go with LMR400 vs. RG8, or is their a major difference in receiving over a 50 to 75 ft. run?

As for a test on both antennas, at the same location, over multiple band widths, that would be awesome. Don't suppose both mfg's would loan me both antennas for a month?

Never mind, I see the calculator you sent....DUUUUU. Thanks!

 

[popnokick]

Regarding not having a handheld scanner to test with on the roof: You realize that you could buy a CCR (Cheap Chinese Radio - Baofeng, Wouxun, TYT, etc.) HT for about $30 and at least get relative signal readings for the VHF Hi band and UHF signals of interest? That would of course leave out any 700 or 800 mHz stuff.... which are likely to be much more dependent on locations on your rooftop. Can't tell where you are, but I could bring over one of my handheld scanners if you're reasonably close.

 

[Nutes]

Regarding not having a handheld scanner to test with on the roof: You realize that you could buy a CCR (Cheap Chinese Radio - Baofeng, Wouxun, TYT, etc.) HT for about $30 and at least get relative signal readings for the VHF Hi band and UHF signals of interest? That would of course leave out any 700 or 800 mHz stuff.... which are likely to be much more dependent on locations on your rooftop. Can't tell where you are, but I could bring over one of my handheld scanners if you're reasonably close.

Well popnokick I really appreciate the advice and the offer. Unfortunately looking at your location we are about 300 miles apart. I actually have a brother in law with a hand held. He would let me borrow it for a day I am sure.

 

[Nutes]

What is anyone's opinion on this RG8 cable as an option at a 75 foot run for receive with either the D130NJ or the Omni X Scanner Base Antennas. I cannot seem to locate the actual mfg. This cable at 75 feet would be about 35.00 with appropriate connections. It is not too far from me.

RG-8X Coaxial Cable

I am not thrilled with the attenuation chart. Looks like about a 4db loss over 75 feet at the 150 MHZ range. LMR 400 is just so danged expensive!

 

[NDRADIONUT]

Rg-6 would work fine...

 

[Nutes]

Rg-6 would work fine...

Even at 75 ohm?

 

[NDRADIONUT]

Yep... The loss is almost the same as rg 8 and better than rg 8x... I use it all the time... Its free from the cable company dumpster lol

 

[Nutes]

Yep... The loss is almost the same as rg 8 and better than rg 8x... I use it all the time... Its free from the cable company dumpster lol

Well that is what I am using now, stripped and braced to a crappy j pole with two water line clamps. Of course my reception is not awesome, but okay. With a properly tuned antenna I assume I can't get worse.

 

[NDRADIONUT]

What type j pole are using presently ? I make my own arrow clones and they work really well...

 

[Nutes]

What type j pole are using presently ? I make my own arrow clones and they work really well...

I made my self out of copper. The main beam is about 70 inches long. It is about 15 inches of 3/4 then reduces to 1/2 inch copper for the remaining 55 inches. The smaller J section is all 1/2 inch and is offset from the main beam exactly 5 inches. It is a total length of 48 inches. I have about a 40 ft. run of RG6 running to it. I stripped about a 5 inch section off the end and braced it to both poles about 8 inches or so up from the base of the antenna with stainless hose clamps.

 

[NDRADIONUT]

Have you ever checked the swr ?

 

[Nutes]

Have you ever checked the swr ?

Please clarify. I am a rookie.

 

[NDRADIONUT]

Oh i suppose you arent a ham and have no transmitters to do answr test... Has its performance declined over time ? Maybe something got broken or disconnected ??

 

[Nutes]

Oh i suppose you arent a ham and have no transmitters to do answr test... Has its performance declined over time ? Maybe something got broken or disconnected ??

No not a ham........yet.

No its performance has not declined. I first put it up in a real low corner of my roof. I then moved it to the peak on the same side. Reception did improve some. I am picking up Waverly police (1 mile away) my county sherrif dispatch, and the county to my south sherrif dispatch. (Be advised my current scanner is analog). These are all in the 150 to 159 range. My air traffic is somewhat clear to choppy going with towers anywhere from a few miles to 250 miles away. I can pick up Fairfield County Sherrif in the 453 MHZ area at about 50 miles away. Otherwise, 400 MHZ is confined to local fast food drive throughs, Walmart and Rural King which are real close.

I am mainly looking to improve my current reception and have the ability to receive in the 700 and 800 MHZ areas once I move to a digital scanner.

 

[NDRADIONUT]

Is there 800 mhz traffic going on there now ?

 

[Nutes]

Yes, but is all the loud beeping, horn style encryption sounds.