Newbie Antenna Question

[CorranH96]

I have a BC246T and I'm trying to listen to the scanner in a room that has a computer, monitor, radio, and television going at different times and the quality isn’t the best. I have seen a lot of people recommend the Scantenna but it's going to take over 50 feet of cable to get it to the room where I want it. Is it still worth getting a Scantenna if I’m going to need 75 feet to 100 feet of cable to get it to where I want it and do you have any recommendations for different types of cables due to the length?

 

[Al42]

RG6 is what you want (unless you don't care about expense), but scanners aren't very well shielded, so the scanner will probably pick up interference even with an external antenna. It'll be better, but not perfect.

 

[LarrySC]

The Scantenna comes with RG-6. Buy another 50'. Buy coupler for RG-6. It's got threads on both ends. I use outside antennas on 2 scanners next to my computer and 2 800MHz only with rubber ducks. I dont have any problem and can send you photos.

 

[kb2vxa]

Hi Larry and friends,

You simply got lucky you're not receiving electrical hash from that equipment. It tends to extend from it's fundimental frequencies (the computer monitor refresh rate and H scan are the lowest) well into VHF. Two USCG frequencies among others on VHF are useless here using an indoor antenna, no problem using my ham radio VHF/UHF vertical.

BTW, if you were monitoring HF you'd be bald having pulled your hair out. (;->)

 

[Al42]

BTW, if you were monitoring HF you'd be bald having pulled your hair out. (;->)

Gee, that's funny. I've been losing my hair for years, but not because my HF transceiver is sitting about 8 inches from my computer/monitor. Right now - 1:45 AM -, on 40, the noise level is running between S1 and S2. On 20 (yes, 20 is open after dark if you're on PSK31) it's just under S1.

And my Pro-95 doesn't have any problem on any frequency I use it on - VHF-Hi, UHF or 800.