On my SDS100 at home so far, I have not really gotten VHF much on the stock rubber duck antenna.
Got Remtronix 920 antennas to see if that would help. Not much there either...
Next thing I ordered this from Amazon. No real improvement inside the house, but there was slight improvement outside on the roof of my Tahoe. the antenna wire and signal lead wire are both very small. I can see where it might not help all that much for carrying signal...
I am trying to pull 800, 400 and VHF at home. House is in a bit of a dingle, so terrain is putting me at a disadvantage for signal reception.
My work vehicle has a SDS200 with a tri-band mobile antenna. That pulls all frequencies in very well all over the area and still does very well at my house. It is able to pull in public safety VHF in the (150-160's mhz ranges) from 20 miles or more.
I know the 100 is not the same as 200, but based on what the car antenna can do for the 200... I am going to try a Larson NMO 150/450/800 tri-band antenna with BNC end connector, and a magnetic base.
I'll see how that works. Similar to the one on my work car, so I am hopeful results will be somewhat improved for my home location.
Lastly, I ordered a Comet telescoping antenna to see if VHF is helped with that. I heard good things about it, so worth a shot.
Issues in VHF reception seem to really be not the fault of the SDS100, but more my location, challenges in terrain and antennas tried up to this point.
While I am not looking for a permanent installation, I was looking to have a portable that I could take on the road that could still get fair VHF reception indoors at home or on the road.
Of course, large high gain fixed antenna for home is an option. But cost can be a factor and locations to install are limited (no outdoor or roof installations). Would have to be in the attic probably if I get to that point. But for now, I'll see what the telescoping and tri-band mobile antennas can do to help improve VHF reception for me.
I'll let you know what shakes out...
Got Remtronix 920 antennas to see if that would help. Not much there either...
Next thing I ordered this from Amazon. No real improvement inside the house, but there was slight improvement outside on the roof of my Tahoe. the antenna wire and signal lead wire are both very small. I can see where it might not help all that much for carrying signal...
I am trying to pull 800, 400 and VHF at home. House is in a bit of a dingle, so terrain is putting me at a disadvantage for signal reception.
My work vehicle has a SDS200 with a tri-band mobile antenna. That pulls all frequencies in very well all over the area and still does very well at my house. It is able to pull in public safety VHF in the (150-160's mhz ranges) from 20 miles or more.
I know the 100 is not the same as 200, but based on what the car antenna can do for the 200... I am going to try a Larson NMO 150/450/800 tri-band antenna with BNC end connector, and a magnetic base.
I'll see how that works. Similar to the one on my work car, so I am hopeful results will be somewhat improved for my home location.
Lastly, I ordered a Comet telescoping antenna to see if VHF is helped with that. I heard good things about it, so worth a shot.
Issues in VHF reception seem to really be not the fault of the SDS100, but more my location, challenges in terrain and antennas tried up to this point.
While I am not looking for a permanent installation, I was looking to have a portable that I could take on the road that could still get fair VHF reception indoors at home or on the road.
Of course, large high gain fixed antenna for home is an option. But cost can be a factor and locations to install are limited (no outdoor or roof installations). Would have to be in the attic probably if I get to that point. But for now, I'll see what the telescoping and tri-band mobile antennas can do to help improve VHF reception for me.
I'll let you know what shakes out...
