n00b coax to scanner and antenna question

[MadSpleen85]

I recently purchased a Radio Shack 20-176 Antenna. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103641

My plan is to install it in my attic, since my current living arrangement does not allow for any additional outdoor antenna to be erected. I plan on putting it in the highest point of the attic. I need to get up there and take measurements for exact cable lengths but they should be around 25-30 feet. My current scanner setup (that I would be using with the antenna) is a PRO-2051 and a PRO-2040. I am looking to improve as much of my range as possible with an emphasis on between about 154-462MHz. I am trying to make as much of my purchases through Radio Shack, as I have a friend that can usually get me somewhat of a discount on anything in-store and I recieved a couple gift cards for christmas.

What I am after is what kind of coax do I need to be looking at for my application?

All questions, comments, and suggestions are welcomed as I am new to the antenna side of scanning. Thanks in advance.

 

[Taloniilm]

I picked up some Phillips RG6 quadshield at Walmart. Works great with my 20-176's

 

[MadSpleen85]

Ok, so I have been looking online for the pieces I will need to put this together.

I am looking at some Phillips 50' Quad Shield RG-6 Cable from walmart, http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7811225&findingMethod=rr#Item+Description. If I use that cable then is the connector pictured below what I need to connect from that cable to my scanner?

Also what, if any, connector comes with the antenna? I have not picked up my antenna since the radio shack my friend works at did not have it in stock, it is being transfered, I am not aware of what if any connectors come with it. What connectors will I need to connect the antenna to the RG-6 cable mentioned above?

 

[elocutionist]

Your antenna has a SO-239 (also called UHF) connector, so you'll need to a coax with a PL-259 connector on it. If you want to stick with Radio Shack, this cable would work, plus this adapter and you'll be good to go.

Are you planning to run both scanners at the same time with this antenna? If so you'll need to get a splitter of some sort. I've heard of others here using TV splitters for this, but then you'll need cables with F connectors.

Good luck and have fun!

Christopher

 

[n8emr]

I recently purchased a Radio Shack 20-176 Antenna. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103641

With the pretty much bottom of the barrel antenna, not sure any coax is going to help you much.
You best bet is to skip RS for most radio or shack related items. If you must shop there then get 50ft of RG6 coax. SKIP at all cost rg59. Why no outside antenna? If restrictions are an issue might check out http://www.ventenna.com/

 

[smokeyjones666]

With the pretty much bottom of the barrel antenna, not sure any coax is going to help you much.
You best bet is to skip RS for most radio or shack related items. If you must shop there then get 50ft of RG6 coax. SKIP at all cost rg59. Why no outside antenna? If restrictions are an issue might check out http://www.ventenna.com/

I agree with you about skipping the shack whenever possible, unfortunately sometimes you need something quick and try as they might to get rid of them they still have adapters and parts. Sometimes I enjoy it in a sadistic way - they want to 'help' me buy a new cell phone, they want to so badly, but all I want is $5 in small parts.

That antenna really isn't as bad as you make it sound. I used it for a long time and I was pretty happy with it when it was up (I've moved on since.) Sure, you won't be performing any hardcore dx'ing with it, but for 800MHz and some local VHF-Hi and UHF it wasn't disappointing. Besides, everybody's got to start somewhere, right? For not knowing anything about this stuff, that antenna with some RG6 and a couple of adapters isn't a bad place to start. If he keeps at it he'll eventually outgrow it and start coming up with creative ways to get around his limitations.

 

[Taloniilm]

Here's the adapters you'll need to get your "Sputnik" up and running :

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103322&cp

http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...&cp=&pg=2&origkw=BNC&kw=bnc&parentPage=search

Since mine are outside I put a dab of dielectric grease in the connectors and sealed them with "F-4" tape, (rubbery tape that forms a seal when wrapped).

My scanning buddy has three Sputniks in his attic. He hung them from the rafters with string and "tuned" them by aiming and tilting them to get the best signal for what his target areas.

BTW, I get excellent results with my two antennas

Hope this helps !!! good scanning
Ray