On-glass antenna loss

[ofd8001]

I have a Uniden 396 that I want to use in my vehicle. I have the option of using either an on-glass antenna having the SMA connector, or a magnetic mount with a BNC connection.

Glass mount antennas are poor and there is loss in adapters.

The question is, is there more signal loss with the on-glass antenna or BNC to SMA adapter?

Thanks!

 

[N_Jay]

I have a Uniden 396 that I want to use in my vehicle. I have the option of using either an on-glass antenna having the SMA connector, or a magnetic mount with a BNC connection.

Glass mount antennas are poor and there is loss in adapters.

The question is, is there more signal loss with the on-glass antenna or BNC to SMA adapter?

Thanks!

Much more with teh on glass

 

[hsdtech]

If you are looking for something low profile or hidden, you can buy an adapter that turns your regular car stereo antenna into a scanner antenna.
I did this for years and it worked pretty darn good.

 

[ofd8001]

Disguising is not needed. I'd just as soon be hearing, rather than not being seen.

 

[OpSec]

If you are in a high signal area, either should work fine.

If you are all over the map, use the mag mount or better.

 

[TooLate]

On Glass Signal Loss

If you are looking for something low profile or hidden, you can buy an adapter that turns your regular car stereo antenna into a scanner antenna.
I did this for years and it worked pretty darn good.

I've used this for years too but with the fender mounted am/fm stock antenna...as you say... works well. BUT, now my daily commuter has one of those "paint splatterin the window tint area" antennas (or else it's hidden in the rear window defroster?) and since it barely picks up all but strong and local am/fm stations, doesn't seem prudent to spend $ for another one...unless there is something that will boost both the am/fm and scanner frequencies first.
Any suggestions?

tl

 

[hsdtech]

The fender mount factory FM antenna is what I was referring to. Seems you will have to use some sort of external antenna.
At least with a mag mount you can always take it down and stick in your vehicle when your not using it.
Maybe one of those suction cup mounts for a duckie?

 

[Cuda61]

Years ago I tried a 2-Meter through the glass ham antenna and it was a piece of junk. I had it tuned correct but the recieve and transmit was only about 1/3 as good as a roof or trunk mount antenna. Wy wife did not like the idea of punching a 3/4" hole on the roof of her new car for an MNO antenna mount. So I ended up installing a trunk lip mount antenna for her.