Newbie Question: Suggested Antenna to work for 1st Ham AND 396XT Scanner

[SuperCraig]

Title pretty much says it all... I am just now looking at getting into the Ham scene (am reading some on this site and looking into a local club here in Denver) and am excited about the possibilities.

One of the first articles I read suggested first getting a scanner to listen in on some of the Ham frequencies to get an idea of what kind of conversations/transmissions were happening- to get a better feel of the hobby, which I thought was a great idea. So after some research I bought the new Uniden BCD396XT when it came out at the beginning of the month.

I'd like to get an antenna for my home, and from what I've begun to read I guess you can get an antenna that I can use for both my scanner and (eventually) my first Ham radio.

I know some people like to start with the more "basic" (read: "entry level") equipment, and then upgrade later on... I kinda prefer to get the middle-of-the-road to high-end equipment first and then not worry about upgrading later (cost considered, of course).

Please offer suggestions to this newbie on what my options are regarding an antenna for both my scanner and (eventually) Ham radio.

Please remember I am JUST getting started, so if you use too much lingo/jargon you'll lose me pretty quickly.

Thanks for any/all input and suggestions you may have!!

 

[eorange]

Whip Antenna
I have the SMA version of the Diamond RH-77CA antenna. I've used this antenna for almost 11 years and it is a solid performer across almost* all the bands.

I have a Yaesu FT-60 handheld ham radio, and the Uniden BR330T. I switch this antenna back and forth between the two radios.

*almost - antenna does "ok" with receive on 800MHz, but it's not as good as, say, the 800MHz antenna from Radio Shack.

Outdoor Antenna
I have the Diamond DJ-130 discone antenna. It does great for scanning and all-around 2m / 440 ham usage.


Hope this is helpful.

 

[fineshot1]

I would recommend either a comet gp3, gp15 or gp95 depending on what
your listening needs are and how much $ you are willing to part with.

I prefer single peice antennas due to less problems with corrosion
and are generally more reliable.

NCG Company::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

NCG Company::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

or perhaps a diamond x50a single piece dual bander

Diamond® Antenna ~ Base Station Antennas

Remember - you will need to devise a way to switch between the ham
radio and scanner. You can not have both hooked up to the antenna
at the same time.

You could go with a discone antenna but they are a lower gain antenna
over a wider bandwidth. I do not believe you will be satisfied with the
performance when using it for your ham radio needs.

 

[ranger821]

I have used a copper J-pole at 25 feet for my scanner and my dual bander for years. It works well on 2 meters and it's not bad on 440. If your scanning interest is in 800 MZ area, i.e. trunked frequencies, radio shack has a nice discone antenna that will work on 2 meters and 440 as well as the 800 - 1300 range.