SDS 100 Mobile DPS reception

[eg153wftx]

I travel with my SDS100 while commuting around the Valley. I have no problems with RWC and TRWC while navigating these freeways using the Remtronix ducky, but DPS UHF sucks.

I need a recommendation for a mag mount antenna that will improve DPS UHF and not compromise my RWC,TRWC reception.

I prefer a "dixie cup" or low profile style antenna.

 

[KB7MIB]

HRO has a model called the "COMPACtenna Scan-III Government", but at 9" tall, it isn't very low-profile. $114.95 plus tax

Otherwise, the Larsen Tri-band NMO 150/450/800 is the typical wire rod antenna with a loading coil in the middle.

John
Peoria

 

[GlobalNorth]

"Dixie cup" antennas are great for 800 MHz to 1.2 GHz and above frequencies, but won't perform well at 460.225 MHz. The physics simply doesn't allow it.

 

[GlobalNorth]

HRO has a model called the "COMPACtenna Scan-III Government", but at 9" tall, it isn't very low-profile. $114.95 plus tax

On a Toyota Yaris or a similar vehicle, it sticks out like an inflamed boil. On a full sized truck or Suburban, it tends to blend in much better. On a Jeep Wrangler with an aftermarket bumper and tire carrier, it can virtually disappear.

 

[cfsimmont]

I travel with my SDS100 while commuting around the Valley. I have no problems with RWC and TRWC while navigating these freeways using the Remtronix ducky, but DPS UHF sucks.

I need a recommendation for a mag mount antenna that will improve DPS UHF and not compromise my RWC,TRWC reception.

I prefer a "dixie cup" or low profile style antenna.

What times of the day are you roaming the valley? If during normal daytime hours why not scan DPS on AZWINS, that will give you the ADOT channels as well. I keep the UHF frequencies in the scanner as a backup, but mostly scan AZWINS because I can also hear the districts out of the valley as well as the Metro channels. Also have you tried a dual band antenna? I was trying to improve VHF reception so trying out a dual band antenna and was quite surprised at how well it worked on the 700/800 mhz systems as well, even better than my 700/800mhz antennas.

 

[KB7MIB]

What times of the day are you roaming the valley? If during normal daytime hours why not scan DPS on AZWINS, that will give you the ADOT channels as well.

I have personally noticed that the UHF to AZWIN patches are not 24/7, particularly for Metro West. If you're listening exclusively to AZWINS, it's almost a guarantee that you're missing transmissions.

John
Peoria

 

[cfsimmont]

I have personally noticed that the UHF to AZWIN patches are not 24/7, particularly for Metro West. If you're listening exclusively to AZWINS, it's almost a guarantee that you're missing transmissions.

John
Peoria

Correct... That is why I asked what time of the day the OP was monitoring DPS. I know the patches are enabled early in the morning as I am driving to work around 430am, but I know they get turned off sometime at night, but I don't know what the cut off is.

 

[eg153wftx]

What times of the day are you roaming the valley? If during normal daytime hours why not scan DPS on AZWINS, that will give you the ADOT channels as well. I keep the UHF frequencies in the scanner as a backup, but mostly scan AZWINS because I can also hear the districts out of the valley as well as the Metro channels. Also have you tried a dual band antenna? I was trying to improve VHF reception so trying out a dual band antenna and was quite surprised at how well it worked on the 700/800 mhz systems as well, even better than my 700/800mhz antennas.

Between 3 and 5 AM and 1 to 3 PM I will give the AZWINS a shot.

 

[Ravenfalls]

D12 is usually off White Tanks, Occasionally Thompson Pk.

Troopers in D12 are using AZ Wins more than UHF, especially in Southern end of D12 into Metro West. Their radios can work off cellular or wifi when on 700Mhz. Radio coverage for them doesn't matter as much to them as it does to scanner listeners.

Outside antenna will help you the most. The scanner does not have sensitivity of a commercial radio. You will hear alot more than you do now.

 

[GlobalNorth]

Your afternoon drive time should have AZWINS as a listening option.

 

[rpgaun]

Just My 4 Cents (inflation) The SDS is built for truning systems 700/800. They suck on analog no matter what antenna you use. If you want to listen to DPS UHF pick up an inexpensive analog.

 

[Ravenfalls]

If you adjust the filters the SDS is decent on Air to UHF when outdoors. Different filter for each band. Each trunk system will use a different filter.

Comparing the SDS to older scanners the RX much better. Of course it's not as sensitive as a Motorola.

Uniden added these feature so we can get the most out of our scanners & believe me, it works! Need find the sweet spots that works for you.

Try the Comet SMA 24 antenna which is best on Air to UHF.