Portable Antenna for BC250D for 450 - 512 MHz

[danabner]

Hi -

I'm a novice, please bear with me.

I use my scanner to listen almost exclusively to LAPD frequencies, which fall in between 470 and 512 MHz. I'm searching for a portable antenna to enhance the scanner’s reception.

I'm looking at the Antenex catalog and I found a portable that seems to fit my requirements. Here's how it's listed on the site:

Model: DEXC470BN
Frequency: 470 - 512 MHz
Center Freq: 491 MHz
Gain: Unity
Overall Length: 6"
Whip Style: 1/4 Wave
Connector Type: BN
MSRP: $20.66

The specifications for the BC250D antenna jack is: BNC Type

I'm not certain if I can use the portable listed above because I'm unclear on how to distinguish between BNC type spec. listed in my manual, and the Antenex model descriptors "BN" and "BNX". Here's how Antenex describes the model number descriptor:

BN:
BNC Male. For all equipment requiring BNC, including GE® MPI, PLS, PCS; Kenwood® TK-100, TK-210, TK-300; Motorola® HT440, HT90;
old Maxon®; E.F. Johnson ® 577, 578.

BNX:
Covered BNC Male. Same as above. (molded antennas only).
For Bearcat® Trunktracker™, and the Maxon® CP series.

If I'm incorrect, it appears that there's not a model that ends with "BNX" that covers both ranges 470 - 490 and 490 - 512.

Do you think the BN model will fit my BC250D scanner correctly (BNC Type)? I’m only concerned because Bearcat is not specifically mentioned in the description for the "BN" models, but is mentioned for BNX models.

If it doesn't fit my scanner, how poor will reception be for, lets say 470-490 MHz, if I bought the 490 - 512 MHz portable model?

Many thanks in advance,
Dan.

 

[JohnWayne]

The BN connector is simply a regular BNC connector like you have on the stock scanner antenna. The BNX connector is a BNC connector that is shrouded so that it sits flush with the top of the scanner. You can check out my Handheld Antenna Connector Reference to see a diagram and picture of both. Both of them will work on your scanner, but I sell about 50 BNX for every 1 BN, so the BNX is more popular.

The EXC-470-BNX/BN covers 470-512MHz with one antenna, so you are good there.

I am a dealer for Antenex and Centurion, who makes the handheld antennas for Antenex. My price on either the BN or BNX is $16.50. I don't stock it, so it takes about a week to get in.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[danabner]

Thanks Jeff -

That helps a lot. I didn't see the model number you mentioned, but I figure that's because it's not in stock. I filled out the form using the "let us know" link.

Thanks,
Dan.