Scanner Mobile Antenna Suggestions?

[nydxa]

I just purchased a new vehicle and I’m now contemplating on what type of scanner antenna to use with the Uniden 996. Placing some priority on the method of mounting, I’ve narrowed it down to two types of antenna. Now, I’m looking for feedback from those of you who have used either type, most important how well they perform.

My listening scans all frequencies from low band through 900 mhz.

1. Through the glass scanner antenna: In general the concept of capacitive coupling an antenna introduces an inherent signal loss. I’m forming this opinion from VHF and UHF amateur antennas I’ve used. The received signal always seemed to be 2-3 s-units lower than even a ¼ wave whip.

2. AM-FM car antenna coupler: I found a few such devices that are inserted in line with the car radios antenna. These are passive devices that allow the existing car antenna to be simultaneously used for your scanner. My concern is that the device may introduce loss to the FM radio reception.

3. Your Suggestions?

 

[fineshot1]

I just purchased a new vehicle and I’m now contemplating on what type of scanner antenna to use with the Uniden 996. Placing some priority on the method of mounting, I’ve narrowed it down to two types of antenna. Now, I’m looking for feedback from those of you who have used either type, most important how well they perform.

My listening scans all frequencies from low band through 900 mhz.

1. Through the glass scanner antenna: In general the concept of capacitive coupling an antenna introduces an inherent signal loss. I’m forming this opinion from VHF and UHF amateur antennas I’ve used. The received signal always seemed to be 2-3 s-units lower than even a ¼ wave whip.

2. AM-FM car antenna coupler: I found a few such devices that are inserted in line with the car radios antenna. These are passive devices that allow the existing car antenna to be simultaneously used for your scanner. My concern is that the device may introduce loss to the FM radio reception.

3. Your Suggestions?

You would probably be better off posting this in the antenna forum.

However - see below:
1. I have never had much luck with the glass mount antennas but that is mostly for xmit but since you are refering to a scanner antenna I am still a bit negative on them.

2. I have used thes also and they are terrible in my opinion and yes they do hinder the FM broadcast reception and do not work very well for the scanner freqs as well.

3. My suggestion would be to go with a maxrad or larsen dual band nmo mount or maybe even a triband(i think larsen or maxrad makes a pretty good one). I made my own nmo mount with LMR-240 cable and its awesome - very low loss.

good luck