question on antenna

[jmanct18]

for a digital scanner what antenna is better for it a BNC one or SMA cause i know if you have a sma oen you can change it to BNC wit ha sma to bnc connector. I was just woudnering is SMA better or BNC?

thanks

Joe

 

[pappy1]

BNC and SMA are the connector designators, the antenna remains the same spects.

 

[jmanct18]

So it has nothing to do with the connector? bnc and sma dont affect the antennas coverage?

Joe

 

[prcguy]

The BNC is good through about 2.5GHZ and some brands a bit higher. The SMA connector is rated to a much higher frequency, usually 12GHz minumum and many to 18GHz. When it comes to the connector on your scanner there would be no perceivable difference in performance. The mechanical attributes of these connectors are another topic.
prcguy

 

[hoser147]

Just use good connectors regardless there are some cheapies out there..........Hoser

 

[jmanct18]

So which is a better antenna? BNC Connector or SMA . Which makes the scanner freqs come in better?

Joe

 

[iMONITOR]

So which is a better antenna? BNC Connector or SMA . Which makes the scanner freqs come in better?

Joe

No difference on a scanner.

 

[W4KRR]

So which is a better antenna? BNC Connector or SMA . Which makes the scanner freqs come in better?

Joe

The connector on your antenna must match the connector on your scanner, or else you will need an adapter. Whether the antenna has an SMA or a BNC connector will not make any difference on how well the scanner receives anything.

 

[ACU1000]

The connector on your antenna must match the connector on your scanner, or else you will need an adapter. Whether the antenna has an SMA or a BNC connector will not make any difference on how well the scanner receives anything.

But remember... If you use an adpater - expect 3db of loss in signal for each adapter.

 

[prcguy]

3dB? Maybe if the adapter is full of water. A BNC to SMA or N to BNC, etc will usually have less than .1dB of loss in the range your scanner uses and you can't perceive that in reception. prcguy

But remember... If you use an adpater - expect 3db of loss in signal for each adapter.

 

[Northe]

3 dB loss is for a splitter -- in other words you divide the signal in half and each half is half the power of the original signal. I'd guess that for most adaptors, the loss would range somewhere between 0.2 dB to, perhaps, 0.5 dB max. depending on quality and the frequency.

Northe
N6KO
Green Valley AZ

 

[W4KRR]

I sometimes use adapters depending on the particular scanner and antenna I use. I have never noticed any degradation of a signal due to an adapter being used. YMMV. :wink:

 

[SCPD]

If you plan on swapping antennas on and off the radio frequently, go with a BNC. If you think you are just gonna keep the same antenna on the radio, go with an SMA. SMA's can't come on and off a lot before the center connector on the radio starts to spread open.

 

[n8emr]

The connector you want is the one that matches what is on the radio. a SMA connector is of no use if your radio has a BNC.

 

[SCPD]

Connectors

The connector you want is the one that matches what is on the radio. a SMA connector is of no use if your radio has a BNC.

I agree. I guess I thought the original question was, should he buy a radio with a BNC or with a SMA. Looks like the original poster was actually asking if he should use a BNC or SMA on the same radio.