OmniX Scanner Base Antenna or MP Antenna 08-ANT-0861 for Uniden SDS200
- Thread starter KG4JKL
- Start date
Thanks lol. Just got the last thing fixed last Thursday. This was the 3rd big one we've been through in the last 30 years in this house, they're a riot.Sounds like you did too!
Omni X looks like a solid antenna. My scantenna suffered a broken leg (element) during Superstorm Sandy (cat 3).
Just not much wind resistance Dave. Now, had flying debris hit it, who knows.
Brad
MrTommy
Member
That does it! I've gone through this entire thread and will order an Omni X. I enjoyed the back and forth about a couple of antennas but am convinced this will be the right one for me in northern NV. This pic is the antenna currently on my shop. I don't even remember where I got it! I've got my SD200 hooked up currently and it works ok. But, I want better than "ok".
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iMONITOR
Silent Key
When you get one try and mount it over that roof line, away from the metal trim edge on the shingles and the metal(?) window frame. Also use better coax.
That antenna looks like the Radio Shack 20-176 scanner antenna, also known as the AntennaCraft ST-3. I have had many over the years and for VHF high-band, UHF and 800 they work pretty darn well!
Like iMonitor advised, get the antenna (whichever one you get) aas high and clear of obstructions as possible.
MrTommy
Member
Oh yeah. I plan to use some pipe left over from a failed wind generator project. I also want to use some heavy duty PVC pipe to extend the height even more. We get some winds here around 50 mph but not very often. Nothing like those poor souls down south in hurricane territory.
What kind of coax do you recommend?
MrTommy
Member
That could be. I've had it 'forever' and may have gotten it for an ancient scanner of some kind (I've had scads dating back to the days of ordering crystals.).
iMONITOR
Silent Key
PVC pipe is not a good choice. It usually deteriorates over time from the sun's UV rays.
MrTommy
Member
Hmmm. How about if I paint it with some anti-UV quality paint? If there is such a thing?
If you notice in my pic, there's an anemometer atop a PVC pipe that's been holding its own for almost five years. That's why I figured I try it atop my metal pipe.
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MrTommy
Member
Btw, do you think I can use this antenna for my 2-meter ham radio as well?
iMONITOR
Silent Key
Probably not, as they vendor makes no mention of that.
If you want an antenna to use for a scanner and for 2m then a Discone is probably the best bet. Of course do NOT connect it to both radios at the same time!!!
The antenna you have actually works well as a ham dual bander for 2m/440, I used one for that for years and it seemed to work as well if not better than some Comet, Diamond and Icom purpose-made dual band antennas.
The antenna you have actually works well as a ham dual bander for 2m/440, I used one for that for years and it seemed to work as well if not better than some Comet, Diamond and Icom purpose-made dual band antennas.
Actually you need a quality antenna such as an Antenna Specialists MON 731, MON R 31, or any MON 52 type antenna based on the Mosiac line of commercial antennas. You can also buy an NMO base mount adapter and a high quality Larson, Laird, PC TEL, or EM WAVE multi band antenna.
Try E-bay for the Antenna Specialist line or The Antenna Farm for base mounts and antennas. Browning is junk - don't buy. Don't buy coathangers and resist buying an antenna based on appearances.
Triple Band Mobile Antennas | The Antenna Farm
Find Triple Band Mobile Antennas Band Coverage at The Antenna Farm!
theantennafarm.com
Receiver Scanner Mobile Antennas | The Antenna Farm
Find receiver scanner mobile antennas for your vehicle featuring full band coverage at The Antenna Farm!
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Base Adaptors for NMO mounts Mobile Antenna To Base Convertor Kits | Antenna Farm
--- Don't skimp on your antenna, you need commercial grade stuff.
I have 50' of LMR 400 from the antenna to the lightning protection and 15' of LMR 200 coming into the house to my scanners.
MrTommy
Member
Hmmm, so maybe I'll keep the old one and set it up by itself for my 2 meter rig. I've actually not used my ham radios in years and am just now going to try getting back into it. I've always kept my license renewed.
MrTommy
Member
Well, I ditched the pipe idea for the antenna mount and instead, bought the 20' Harbor Freight extendable flagpole for my mount. I read all the complaints about how the pole collapses all the time so I bought some clamps I'll add to keep that from happening. Should be up by next week after my cable arrives. No radio stores near me so Amazon to the rescue again.
MrTommy
Member
Ok, my antenna project is done - finally. Triple-digit heat slowed the project. At 77 I no longer tempt fate and head out into this heat - for any reason.
I have to say, this has been a big improvement over my old antenna. Better airport reception, better and clearer highway patrol and sheriff reception. Farther-out transmissions from mobiles are not as scratchy as they sometimes were, depending on how far out the mobiles were. As I become more able to work my SD200 (A daunting task to say the least), I can't wait to see what else I can draw in. Yep, I'm a happy man with this new setup.
I have to say, this has been a big improvement over my old antenna. Better airport reception, better and clearer highway patrol and sheriff reception. Farther-out transmissions from mobiles are not as scratchy as they sometimes were, depending on how far out the mobiles were. As I become more able to work my SD200 (A daunting task to say the least), I can't wait to see what else I can draw in. Yep, I'm a happy man with this new setup.
You have 11 years on me. I tempted fate 7 times getting on the roof.
First scanner antenna was a Tram 1480 and was replaced by a Tram 1410. Then the coax was changed from RG8x to RG6 then to RG58 and finally to LMR400 and a Diamond D130NJ discone. (I learned a lot in these forums and corrected my antenna and coax choice mistakes)
The discone is attached to a 10’ piece of conduit, with the coax running through the conduit. That much height I had to install a brace because the bracket on the gable was not sturdy enough.
First scanner antenna was a Tram 1480 and was replaced by a Tram 1410. Then the coax was changed from RG8x to RG6 then to RG58 and finally to LMR400 and a Diamond D130NJ discone. (I learned a lot in these forums and corrected my antenna and coax choice mistakes)
The discone is attached to a 10’ piece of conduit, with the coax running through the conduit. That much height I had to install a brace because the bracket on the gable was not sturdy enough.
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