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- Thread starter dale25
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byndhlptom
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Pro-137 ?
The long antenna is the 'standard' antenna for general scanning. The 'shorty' is used for scanning at the race track. It is definitely a lossy antenna, but at the track, with all the other radios in use, you do not need a full antenna. The reduced sensitivity helps keep overload to a minimum. and the short antenna is less of a stabbing you in the ribs hazard.
tom
The long antenna is the 'standard' antenna for general scanning. The 'shorty' is used for scanning at the race track. It is definitely a lossy antenna, but at the track, with all the other radios in use, you do not need a full antenna. The reduced sensitivity helps keep overload to a minimum. and the short antenna is less of a stabbing you in the ribs hazard.
tom
byndhlptom
Member
2 size antennas
You can always try other antennas. With an adapter to BNC style, a whole lot of antenna options are possible
At home, an outside / attic mounted antenna will usually be a Noticable range improvement. The only caution would be if you have some local (less than 5 or so miles) high power stuff that could cause some over load issues.
In the car, a mobile antenna is really a good idea. I prefer permanent mounts, but many like the convenience of mag mounts. Some mag mounts are even available with the correct SMA connector for your radio.
Antennas are easy to build yourself, The ARRL has several books on theory and construction. A google search for "homemade antennas, VHF / UHF" should give you hours of reading material. Also look at back issues of both CQ, CQ/VHF, & QST (all ham magazines). Feal free to try stuff.
As an aside, If you're not a ham, consider becoming one. Even if you have no real interest in being active, most scanner restriction laws have Ham exemptions.
happy scanning
tom
You can always try other antennas. With an adapter to BNC style, a whole lot of antenna options are possible
At home, an outside / attic mounted antenna will usually be a Noticable range improvement. The only caution would be if you have some local (less than 5 or so miles) high power stuff that could cause some over load issues.
In the car, a mobile antenna is really a good idea. I prefer permanent mounts, but many like the convenience of mag mounts. Some mag mounts are even available with the correct SMA connector for your radio.
Antennas are easy to build yourself, The ARRL has several books on theory and construction. A google search for "homemade antennas, VHF / UHF" should give you hours of reading material. Also look at back issues of both CQ, CQ/VHF, & QST (all ham magazines). Feal free to try stuff.
As an aside, If you're not a ham, consider becoming one. Even if you have no real interest in being active, most scanner restriction laws have Ham exemptions.
happy scanning
tom
K2QI
Member
The long antenna is most likely a wideband antenna; not really tuned for a specific frequency but not really excelling in one frequency band either.
As Tom mentioned, the short antenna is usually used for race track use. This is good for short-range reception. Depending on your location however, the short antenna can be used with equally good results as you'd get with the longer antenna.
I'm in NYC, and I like to use a stubby antenna so I can keep my scanner under my coat. The short antenna is certainly not as good as the OEM antenna or an RS800 or Diamond RH77CA , but works well in the 400mhz range, which is where most of the transmissions I listen too reside. The 1.7" RS Stubby also picks up 800Mhz pretty well in my area, so I really don't have many complaints. Use what works for you, and don't be afraid to try different antenna combinations.
As Tom mentioned, the short antenna is usually used for race track use. This is good for short-range reception. Depending on your location however, the short antenna can be used with equally good results as you'd get with the longer antenna.
I'm in NYC, and I like to use a stubby antenna so I can keep my scanner under my coat. The short antenna is certainly not as good as the OEM antenna or an RS800 or Diamond RH77CA , but works well in the 400mhz range, which is where most of the transmissions I listen too reside. The 1.7" RS Stubby also picks up 800Mhz pretty well in my area, so I really don't have many complaints. Use what works for you, and don't be afraid to try different antenna combinations.
K2QI
Member
As has been stated, the short antennas are meant for "race use" where you do not want to have a lot of signals coming into the receiver.
I have used the short BNC antenna on my pro97 while driving around in an area with strong signals as it cuts down on interference.
I have used the short BNC antenna on my pro97 while driving around in an area with strong signals as it cuts down on interference.
They are marketed as "racing" antennas, but you can use them in any way you can use a "regular" antenna.
There are pros and cons to any antenna. Some of the pros of the short ones are a size that is easy to carry as well as the ability to not have the radio overloaded by too many strong signals.
One of the cons would be the Inability to hear far away signals but that also be a good thing.
There are pros and cons to any antenna. Some of the pros of the short ones are a size that is easy to carry as well as the ability to not have the radio overloaded by too many strong signals.
One of the cons would be the Inability to hear far away signals but that also be a good thing.
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