I'm reading that topic and i'm trying to figure out the best way to go cuz i'm in the process of buying an outdoor antenna and cable and trying to narrow down all the good suggestions on which way to go. I have a pro-95. I'm trying to find the best equip for not so much money. I see that the hardline cables heliax or superflex would be the good way to go. what would be a good outdoor antenna to go with the cable. I'm going to need about 30-40 ft. of cable, will this cause signal loss. if so, how much? Also, i'm trying to find this at a store preferrably. just name brands and types- good antenna+good cable+good connectors. You all know a lot more than i do so i'd would greatly appreciate the suggestions. Also i do want to be able to pick up the 800Mhz range. It's only about 30-40 (far or not far for an antenna, don't know?) miles away if that makes a difference. Thanks!!
Question in regards to "Improving Discone"
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Tweekerbob
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Hardline is great, but it is a bit of overkill for such a short run. Also, it REALLY doesn't fit the definition of low cost, especially if you buy it new. They also don't sell this stuff at True-Value.
You may want to look at LMR-400, or Jefa low loss 400 or Belden 9913. These are all pretty close to the same cable and still provide fairly low loss, especially at 30-40 feet.
Connectors should be silver and/or gold plated (usually just the pins for gold). RADIO SHACK DOES NOT MAKE (SELL) GOOD CONNECTORS!!
Get the match to whatever connector is on your antenna, and get a BNC connector for your scanner.
As far as antennas go, there are many schools of thought on this. First, exactly what frequency bands are you interested in listening to? If it is just 800, I would suggest buying a high gain vertical if you are listening to systems in different directions, or a high gain beam (yagi) if you are listening to just one system or multiple systems in the same general direction.
If you want to listen to all kinds of various freqs, in different bands, you will have to make a compromise. You will have to trade 800 MHz gain for decent reception of ALL (VHF and up) bands. Some of the ALL band antennas include the Diamond Discone or the Scantenna, ChannelMaster, etc. These antennas don't perform exceptionally well on any particular band, but give OK performance over all the bands it was designed to receive.
Ryan
You may want to look at LMR-400, or Jefa low loss 400 or Belden 9913. These are all pretty close to the same cable and still provide fairly low loss, especially at 30-40 feet.
Connectors should be silver and/or gold plated (usually just the pins for gold). RADIO SHACK DOES NOT MAKE (SELL) GOOD CONNECTORS!!
Get the match to whatever connector is on your antenna, and get a BNC connector for your scanner.
As far as antennas go, there are many schools of thought on this. First, exactly what frequency bands are you interested in listening to? If it is just 800, I would suggest buying a high gain vertical if you are listening to systems in different directions, or a high gain beam (yagi) if you are listening to just one system or multiple systems in the same general direction.
If you want to listen to all kinds of various freqs, in different bands, you will have to make a compromise. You will have to trade 800 MHz gain for decent reception of ALL (VHF and up) bands. Some of the ALL band antennas include the Diamond Discone or the Scantenna, ChannelMaster, etc. These antennas don't perform exceptionally well on any particular band, but give OK performance over all the bands it was designed to receive.
Ryan
click23
Member
I' had good luck with RG6 QS ,they dont sell it at true value, but they do at the shack.
thanks for the help! 
Where can i go to get the LMR 400 cable cuz i don't have the abilities right now to get anything off the internet so i gotta find a store. If i do get a diamond discone antenna or scantenna etc. will i still be able to get the 800Mhz. (scale of 1-10) I mainly listen to all bands but i'd like to get the 800mhz if possible but ok if not. One last thing in regards to connectors can i find those at a store? Where? I don't need the best in equip, i just want an outdoor antenna so i don't have to constantly find the sweet spot in the house all the time. Basically just something to improve signal no matter where the scanner's at. I very greatly appreciate the help Tweekerbob/click23.
Where can i go to get the LMR 400 cable cuz i don't have the abilities right now to get anything off the internet so i gotta find a store. If i do get a diamond discone antenna or scantenna etc. will i still be able to get the 800Mhz. (scale of 1-10) I mainly listen to all bands but i'd like to get the 800mhz if possible but ok if not. One last thing in regards to connectors can i find those at a store? Where? I don't need the best in equip, i just want an outdoor antenna so i don't have to constantly find the sweet spot in the house all the time. Basically just something to improve signal no matter where the scanner's at. I very greatly appreciate the help Tweekerbob/click23.
K2KOH
Silent Key
Call 800-666-0908...Lentini Communications in Connecticut. They sell LMR 400 by the foot. These guys are very helpful...tell them what you need, and more than likely, you can have them put the connectors on. I did, because I royally suck at soldering. They also sell the Diamond discone, one of the best discones made.
Give 'em a call!
Give 'em a call!
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