Multiple Scanners using one antenna?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Greg43545

Greg43545

Member
Joined
May 3, 2009
Messages
235
Location
NW Ohio
If one would use a splitter, and ran separate coax's to each scanner - could one run 2, maybe 3 scanners off of 1 outside antenna?

I assumed since they were receiving, and NOT transmitting, a signal that should not be a problem - correct?

And if one could, and did, do that - would it reduce the signal strength received by each of the multiple scanners?
 
doctordialtone

doctordialtone

Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2009
Messages
6,233
Location
CT
Greg43545 said:
And if one could, and did, do that - would it reduce the signal strength received by each of the multiple scanners?
Click to expand...
You'd need a Multicoupler to boost the signal so you don't lose any signal.

"The basic use of the receiver multicoupler is to enable several radios , or scanners, to share a common antenna system. The advantage of using a multicoupler in signal monitoring applications were several receivers are used (such as in SIGINT/COMINT), is in the port-to-port isolation of the coupler. Isolation will reduce the possibility of RF interaction between receivers caused by local oscillators, synthesizers, etc. If an external pre-amplifier, receive filter or lightning protection device is used, only one is needed to service several receivers. "
 
Greg43545

Greg43545

Member
Joined
May 3, 2009
Messages
235
Location
NW Ohio
doctordialtone said:
You'd need a Multicoupler to boost the signal so you don't lose any signal.

"The basic use of the receiver multicoupler is to enable several radios , or scanners, to share a common antenna system. The advantage of using a multicoupler in signal monitoring applications were several receivers are used (such as in SIGINT/COMINT), is in the port-to-port isolation of the coupler. Isolation will reduce the possibility of RF interaction between receivers caused by local oscillators, synthesizers, etc. If an external pre-amplifier, receive filter or lightning protection device is used, only one is needed to service several receivers. "
Click to expand...

Wow, $199.95 - anything less expensive on the market I could use.
www.scannermaster.com

4 Port MCA204M VHF/UHF Receiver Multicoupler - 25 MHz to 1 GHz | Scanner Master

4 Port MCA204M VHF/UHF Receiver Multicoupler - 25 MHz to 1 GHz
www.scannermaster.com
 
KevinC

KevinC

Other
Super Moderator
Joined
Jan 7, 2001
Messages
12,156
Location
Home
Greg43545 said:
That's reasonable any idea how, if any, less efficient it is from a receiver multicoupler?
Click to expand...

You'll get differing opinions from users, but in my real world experience I see no difference between a quality drop-amp and my 4 port Stridsburg. I can hear the same weak signals when using either one. You will have to procure the appropriate adapters when using a drop-amp so that will add to the cost.

But please don't base your decision on just my opinion, hopefully others will chime in (and probably disagree with me, but I'm used to that :p ).
 
Greg43545

Greg43545

Member
Joined
May 3, 2009
Messages
235
Location
NW Ohio
KevinC said:
You'll get differing opinions from users, but in my real world experience I see no difference between a quality drop-amp and my 4 port Stridsburg. I can hear the same weak signals when using either one. You will have to procure the appropriate adapters when using a drop-amp so that will add to the cost.

But please don't base your decision on just my opinion, hopefully others will chime in (and probably disagree with me, but I'm used to that :p ).
Click to expand...

I understand. That's why I like to check here, because we have a ' meeting of the minds ' and I get a lot of good ideas ! (y) ;) (y)
 
U

Ubbe

Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2006
Messages
9,459
Location
Stockholm, Sweden
Most tv/CATV amplifiers will work, but see to that it has a level adjustment or that the gain out of one port isn't too much, or you'll have to use an additional attenuator to stop the scanner from overloading. The gain from input to the end at the scanners antenna port shouldn't be more than 6db. If you have too much signal from the antenna you might have to reduce gain so it gives the same level at the scanner what are input to the amplifier/splitter.

You can get really good low-noise $30 amplifiers on a circuit board that usually have sma coannectors and then use a standard CATV splitter with F connectors and have patch cables with the correct connectors at each end, or use adaptors. The standard TV/CATV amplifier usually have the same specification as a scanner but the low-noise amp on a circuit board actually improves the signal after it has been amplified and split.

/Ubbe
 
jonwienke

jonwienke

More Info Coming Soon!
Joined
Jul 18, 2014
Messages
13,409
Location
VA
The Stridsberg units are designed to keep signal output at each port within a dB or two of the input throughout their rated frequency range. Using other options, you have to manage gain yourself.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

M
Using One Antenna for Two Transceivers and Two Scanners
2
Replies
20
Views
1K
mmckenna
mmckenna
G
P25 towers and talk groups
Replies
15
Views
653
galligan122
G
Saint
Long-Wire Antenna ??
Replies
5
Views
437
WA8ZTZ
W
K
EFHW Resonant Antenna Analysis: Should phase at the antenna feedpoint be similar to the phase presented to the TXRX?
Replies
0
Views
235
k2mm
K
H
Question Regarding PSCS Manitoba and P25 System
Replies
1
Views
181
ryan433pk
ryan433pk
Top