Scanner Antenna ? (Something Better Than A Scantenna Or A Diamond RH77CA ?) (SDS200)

[BOBRR]

Hi,

Would be appreciative for any suggestions on this.
Antenna theory is probably about my weakest subject.

Have a Uniden SDS 200 which I enjoy a lot
now at my age (mid 80's).

Use it with a Scantenna up in the attic. Can't crawl around up there anymore, so not sure of model number ? ST- something perhaps ?

Can receive a lot of "stuff," but The RSSI is pretty poor at typically -110 dbm or so.

I am not particular in what I monitor; enjoy most anything that I can pick up.
Particularly interested, though, in Aero., Maritime, and Law Enforcement.

I tried an old Diamond RH 77 CA that I had from long, long, ago, but apparently
not too good on the Aero bands, which is a prime requirement for me.

Might anyone have any suggestions for an "all band" receive only ant. for my SDS 200 that
has a wider range than my old Diamond RHC77CA, and is pretty much the same length ?

Would be used in y Study, so really want the length to be not too much longer.

Any suggestions for a "better one" ?

Much thanks, appreciate ay thoughts on,
Bob

 

[Wauk620]

Any multi-band receive antenna is going to give you "average" reception over the range of frequencies it is designed for, so stronger reception will be determined by the location and strength of the transmitting source. You could check out 2 multi-band antennas at ScannerMaster.com that might meet your needs. SpectrumForce Wideband Antenna with Mag Mount and BNC | Scanner Master
Also check their site for the Watson 801. KD9PQM

 

[WB9YBM]

In general, the more surface area to an antenna (like a 5/8-wavelength compared to a 1/4-wave), the more area there is to capture a signal with and since a receiver's not as fussy as a transmitter when it comes to precise tuning, the rule of thumb I use is to get as much metal as possible up to capture as much signal as I can. You've got a good start by having your antenna in the attic instead of lower--you're further away from electrical noise (washing machines, car ignition, etc.).

 

[JoshuaHufford]

Is there any way you can mount an antenna out in the open and not in your attic? Even if you have to pay to have it done it will probably be worthwhile, especially if you can gain some height.

Can you tell us the frequencies of the things you are interested in?

 

[iMONITOR]

While the Diamond RH77CA is an excellent favorite VHF/UHF antenna for many of us, it can't receive signals that aren't there to begin with. As others suggested you might need an antenna at a higher altitude. You might try different internal filters available on the SDS200. Many have indicated they greatly improve VHF (aircraft) band!

Manual/settings/Global Auto Filter

You might have to try different ones to see what works best for you. If you're in the vicinity of a strong FM broadcast radio station you might need to buy an FM-Notch filter to install inline with your coax.

For maximum filtering you might want this one, but it may block other frequencies outside of VHF aircraft as well:

PAR VHFFBP

PAR VHFBP Aero Band Pass Filter

To just block FM broadcast stations chose this one:

VHF-FM

PAR FM Broadcast Filter

www.universal-radio.com

 

[BOBRR]

Hi all,

Thanks for thoughts and info.
Very appreciated.

Most of my time, it seems, is monitoring the Aero freq's around 118 MHz.
Enjoy these comms the most.

Regards,
Bob

 

[JoshuaHufford]

DPD productions has some dedicated aviation antennas. Everything he makes I've heard is very good quality although not cheap,

Aviation - Base & Mobile Antennas

DPD Productions has numerous antennas designed specifically for Air/Aviation communications use, shown below. There are models available for the 118-136 MHz voice air band, in both base and mobile versions. These can be utilized by an FBO, or in any type of base ops setup. They can also work as...

dpdproductions.com

I'm not sure how well the scantenna does at 118MHz, maybe others can chime in on that. Still though I think getting it out of your attic and up higher would be my first priority. Also you didn't mention what kind of coax you are using and how long the run is, that could possibly be a problem as well.

 

[iMONITOR]

DPD productions has some dedicated aviation antennas. Everything he makes I've heard is very good quality although not cheap,

Aviation - Base & Mobile Antennas

DPD Productions has numerous antennas designed specifically for Air/Aviation communications use, shown below. There are models available for the 118-136 MHz voice air band, in both base and mobile versions. These can be utilized by an FBO, or in any type of base ops setup. They can also work as...

dpdproductions.com

I'm not sure how well the scantenna does at 118MHz, maybe others can chime in on that. Still though I think getting it out of your attic and up higher would be my first priority. Also you didn't mention what kind of coax you are using and how long the run is, that could possibly be a problem as well.

Dave (great guy) at DPD Productions sells the MilTenna Omni VHF/UHF base antenna for civilian/commercial & military aircraft bands and it's very high quality and would stand up for years in most any kind of storm. It performs very well. It's only 45" tall so it would fit in most attics if necessary.

MilTenna Omni UHF/VHF Base Antenna

Specs Gain: 3 VHF 4 UHF dBi Pattern: Omni-directional Wavelength: 1/2 Elements: 3 Tuned: 225-400, 118-137 & 138-140 MHz Band: UHF & VHF Air Connector: N Female Cable: RG8X Cable Length: 24 Inches Height: 45" Width: 30" Weight: 2 lb Features Tuned to UHF & VHF Air Bands: The uniquely...

dpdproductions.com

 

[kb5udf]

You might wish to consider a discone. One's that cover aviation band aren't too tall and in addition to my tower mounted antennas, I also have an attic discone.

 

[bb911]

My experience has been that there is an antenna better then the Diamond RH 77 CA. It's the Larsen Kulduckie 1/4 wave, 2m antenna. (Green cap). Mine is very old, but in excellent condition. Very pricey these days - $35 - 40.

 

[Chris0516]

Any multi-band receive antenna is going to give you "average" reception over the range of frequencies it is designed for, so stronger reception will be determined by the location and strength of the transmitting source. You could check out 2 multi-band antennas at ScannerMaster.com that might meet your needs. SpectrumForce Wideband Antenna with Mag Mount and BNC | Scanner Master
Also check their site for the Watson 801. KD9PQM

I just checked their website. The Watson 801 is not listed on ScannerMasters' website. I know which antenna you are talking about. Before I got my RH77CA. I had to decide between that, and the Watson 801. I got the RH77CA.

 

[iMONITOR]

I just checked their website. The Watson 801 is not listed on ScannerMasters' website.

W-801 Regular Gainer BNC Portable Antenna | Scanner Master

W-801 Regular Gainer BNC Portable Antenna

www.scannermaster.com

 

[Chris0516]

W-801 Regular Gainer BNC Portable Antenna | Scanner Master

W-801 Regular Gainer BNC Portable Antenna

www.scannermaster.com

Weird, I looked all over n' couldn't find it on their website. I am glad you found it.

 

[iMONITOR]

Weird, I looked all over n' couldn't find it on their website. I am glad you found it.

They don't mention the name "Wilson" but that's what it is. That may be why it didn't show up in your search.

 

[Chris0516]

They don't mention the name "Wilson" but that's what it is. That may be why it didn't show up in your search.

I thought it was Watson, okiedokie

 

[iMONITOR]

I thought it was Watson, okiedokie

Watson it is, sorry. Now back to sleep...

 

[Chris0516]

Watson it is, sorry. Now back to sleep...

Your response made me my laugh. Not by getting the name wrong. By the way you said it. Can I order a Watson to go, lol

 

[Chris0516]

My experience has been that there is an antenna better then the Diamond RH 77 CA. It's the Larsen Kulduckie 1/4 wave, 2m antenna. (Green cap). Mine is very old, but in excellent condition. Very pricey these days - $35 - 40.

:::::Hmmm...

 

[cpfinlay]

Have a Uniden SDS 200

Particularly interested, though, in Aero., Maritime, and Law Enforcement.

I tried an old Diamond RH 77 CA that I had from long, long, ago, b

Might anyone have any suggestions for an "all band" receive only ant. for my SDS 200 that
has a wider range than my old Diamond RHC77CA, and is pretty much the same length ?

It sounds like you want a back-of-set antenna, so that limits your options quite a bit and significantly impacts reception by being low and inside and probably near objects that can further degrade the reception. Wide-band antennas are not useful for improving reception over the stock telescopic antenna. If you haven't already done so, try using the stock telescopic antenna extended to about 2 feet, which is 1/4 wavelength at 118mhz.

I got a double-elbow antenna for my SDS200 so that the antenna can sit vertical the way I have it mounted. The antenna has a length chart for extending to the optimal length for the various bands. Still... try the stock antenna first at 2' before you spend any money.

https://www.amazon.com/GRA-AHW100RX-70MHz-900MHz-Dual-Band-Multiband-Telescopic/dp/B07W53VHSC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=scanner+telescopic+marked&qid=1594163981&sr=8-1

 

[Chris0516]

It sounds like you want a back-of-set antenna, so that limits your options quite a bit and significantly impacts reception by being low and inside and probably near objects that can further degrade the reception. Wide-band antennas are not useful for improving reception over the stock telescopic antenna. If you haven't already done so, try using the stock telescopic antenna extended to about 2 feet, which is 1/4 wavelength at 118mhz. I got a double-elbow antenna for my SDS200 so that the antenna can sit vertical the way I have it mounted. The antenna has a length chart for extending to the optimal length for the various bands. Still... try the stock antenna first at 2' before you spend any money.

https://www.amazon.com/GRA-AHW100RX-70MHz-900MHz-Dual-Band-Multiband-Telescopic/dp/B07W53VHSC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=scanner+telescopic+marked&qid=1594163981&sr=8-1

View attachment 87813

Will a handheld(UBCD325p2) be good with this antenna?