So I am looking for a new antenna setup, I currently use a discone antenna which works great but I am moving to an apartment soon and I wont have the luxury of being able to takw that much space. I was wondering what would be best for a small form factor omni directional antenna to pickup VHF/UHF. Im thinking about monting it to my balcony because I will be about 6 stories up and want a slick no distinct look. Any one have any suggestions and sorry if these specs are super specific honestly would be great to hear about any small form factor omni direction antennas to get an idea
New antenna for apartment
- Thread starter dudegt
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- antenna antenna advice uhf vhf
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OmniX Scanner Base Antenna
Specs Gain: 3 VHF 4 UHF dBi Pattern: Omni-directional Wavelength: 1/2 Elements: 3 Tuned: 118-137, 148-175 & 225-900 MHz Band: UHF & VHF Connector: N Female Cable: RG8X Cable Length: 16 Inches Height: 45" Width: 30" Weight: 2 lb Features Multi Band-Wide Coverage: The uniquely...
dpdproductions.com
mmckenna
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This antenna:
theantennafarm.com
or this one:
theantennafarm.com
Both Larsen and EMWave are well respected companies that make professional antennas and don't screw around.
You could install an NMO mount on a cookie sheet and have an easy ground plane.
Or, you could purchase an NMO base adapter like one of these:
theantennafarm.com
or
theantennafarm.com
Those will supply the necessary ground plane for the antenna so it can work to it's full potential.
Both of those base adapter mounts have type N female connectors on the bottom. Buy a length of quality coaxial cable with a Male N connector on one end and a connector to match your scanner on the other. The exact type of coax will depend on how long the run will be. I'd suggest something like LMR-240, it's manageable and has low loss, even up at the 800MHz frequency range.
Unless it falls off the balcony, it'll probably outlast your radios and the building it's mounted on.
Tri-Band 150-165, 450-470 & 806-940 MHz Mobile Two Way Radio Antenna Scanner
150/450/800 Antenna, Gain (dB) Unity, 100 Watts, Whip Length 16.5"
theantennafarm.com
EM Wave EM-M43002 - Triple Band Mobile Antennas
EM-M43002 Tri-Band IP67 Rated Roof Mount Antenna, 150-162/450-490/763-870 MHz
theantennafarm.com
Both Larsen and EMWave are well respected companies that make professional antennas and don't screw around.
You could install an NMO mount on a cookie sheet and have an easy ground plane.
Or, you could purchase an NMO base adapter like one of these:
Mobile Antenna to BASE Convertor VHF UHF Antennas TE Connectivity MBCN
Mobile to Base Station Adapter Kit for NMO Mount Type Antennas. Includes bracket, clamps, radials and mounting bracket. Frequency Range up to 512MHz, N Female
theantennafarm.com
PCTEL Maxrad MBSUHF Convert Your Mobile UHF Antenna into a Base Station Antenna
Mobile to Base Station Adapter Kit. Use with NMO style HF, VHF and UHF antennas. Includes bracket, clamps, radials and mounting bracket. Frequency Range 406 -
theantennafarm.com
Both of those base adapter mounts have type N female connectors on the bottom. Buy a length of quality coaxial cable with a Male N connector on one end and a connector to match your scanner on the other. The exact type of coax will depend on how long the run will be. I'd suggest something like LMR-240, it's manageable and has low loss, even up at the 800MHz frequency range.
Unless it falls off the balcony, it'll probably outlast your radios and the building it's mounted on.
Try this. It’s a mini discone. I used this in the house in the winter until I could get an out door antenna put up in the spring.
At six stories up you might try mounting your discone inside your apartment (closet, bedroom, ETC) on a light stand.
Bought that antenna, mainly due to the fact that it had such a wide range of frequencies. Will keep this thread updated on how it goes and how it works.I’ve built almost every antenna I’ve used but bought the OmniX to give it a try! VHF/UHF receive is good and it would look cool on your balcony!OmniX Scanner Base Antenna
Specs Gain: 3 VHF 4 UHF dBi Pattern: Omni-directional Wavelength: 1/2 Elements: 3 Tuned: 118-137, 148-175 & 225-900 MHz Band: UHF & VHF Connector: N Female Cable: RG8X Cable Length: 16 Inches Height: 45" Width: 30" Weight: 2 lb Features Multi Band-Wide Coverage: The uniquely...
How's the antenna working so far? I have been eyeing it for my next scanner antenna due to the good reviews on it.
Literally just got it today, and installed it waiting on one last connector to get it installed but I will let you know.
Mine just showed up today. I put it together, and will install tomorrow. I have all the connections. Curious the difference from my Sirrio discone.Yeah, I'm new, but learning.
Zac
Got it up and working and its amazing get fantastic coverage with low gain and can get way clearer audio especially from a nearby airports ATIS
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