SDS 100 Upgrade Antenna

[tommul05]

SDS is on the way. I’ve seen several folks mentioning to get a different antenna. I got recommendations for the 436, but I sent that scanner back and ordered the 100. I will be listening to mostly a simulcast 800 system. Can someone please recommend the correct (or best) aftermarket antenna to buy and where to get it. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-800mhz-scanner-antenna
I've owned many. Solid performers across all bands

 

[KA2THJ]

1090MHz ADS-B Antenna - 26in

I just got the SDS100 which I used with the Radio Shack 800MHZ antenna. Results were mediocre so I tried the subject antenna, made for aircraft tracking. I started picking up stations I could never hear before & louder on everything else. I do have the antenna mounted high near the ceiling. Only $40 at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WZL6WPO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Ubbe]

I built a coax colliniar 1090MHz 6-stack antenna, the RG6 coax from a roll I have and a 3 meter PVC tube cost me $1 from the lumber store that I cut down to 1 meter and made a 10cm distance support with tie wraps connected to another antenna and it seems to at least double the coverage at 1090MHz compared to a 1/4 wave with proper ground radials and it works fine on aircraft bands and 460MHz UHF and a lot of other frequencies, at least as good as a tuned dipole. Great stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkUYdCPFXXs

/Ubbe

 

[tommul05]

I’m specifically wondering about a rubber duck style antenna to use it while I’m portable. Does the 100 ha e a BNC connection or what style?

 

[radio3353]

I’m specifically wondering about a rubber duck style antenna to use it while I’m portable. Does the 100 ha e a BNC connection or what style?

SMA Female. Comes with an SMA to BNC adapter.

 

[AtlasFBG2]

I’m specifically wondering about a rubber duck style antenna to use it while I’m portable. Does the 100 ha e a BNC connection or what style?

SMA but comes with a BNC adapter.

Remtronix makes sma and bnc antennas for 800mhz

https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/scanants/6119.html

 

[mancow]

The Remtronix SMA won't fit without modification. Just be aware.

 

[tommul05]

The Remtronix SMA won't fit without modification. Just be aware.

What about this one??

800 MHz 2.5db Gain Professional Portable SMA Antenna | Scanner Master

 

[mancow]

Doubt it. I will try to find mine and see.

 

[racin06]

What about this one??

800 MHz 2.5db Gain Professional Portable SMA Antenna | Scanner Master

I own that antenna and is does not fit my SDS100.

 

[AvidHiker]

There are likely very few SMA antennas that will fit without modification. As I posted in the other antenna thread, I've only found one, the Comet SMA-24.

The scanner would be easy to modify if you don't mind losing the water resistance in that connection, but I'd sooner just switch over to BNC antennas and use the adapter.

 

[N8TXX]

I wonder what the reason was to use an SMA connection instead of BNC? Room? Waterproofing? Seems like we are all using the BNC adapter and using BNC antennas.

 

[dimaxxxl]

do you guys take the o ring from the stock antenna and move it over to whatever antenna you are using?

 

[AvidHiker]

Nope, it's a custom SMA with an o-ring groove. Never seen anything like it.

 

[dimaxxxl]

That’s what I thought. Never seen one like it before either.

 

[cmdrwill]

It is a custom SMA with an o-ring groove. Like those used on many of the commercial hand held radios.

 

[Downlinerz2]

Antenna upgrade

I bought an antenna several yrs ago (6-7) for another scanner. It is called the MAX800 System. It was made by Cellular Security Group Gloucester Mass. It works great. I don't know if they are still around or not. It's not the prettiest antenna but it works great. Not sure I will use it if I am outside with the radio but I do not do that much.

 

[iMONITOR]

SDS is on the way. I’ve seen several folks mentioning to get a different antenna. I got recommendations for the 436, but I sent that scanner back and ordered the 100. I will be listening to mostly a simulcast 800 system. Can someone please recommend the correct (or best) aftermarket antenna to buy and where to get it. Thanks in advance!!

You might want to wait and see if you even need one. There no antenna specifically designed for simulcast systems. Many report the SDS100 works fine right out of the box with the stock antenna.

 

[Downlinerz2]

I agree with iMONITOR. The SDS 100 eliminated the simulcast problem totally, out of the box, with the included antenna. . I think you will be happy as it is. Good luck!