SDS100/SDS200: SDS100 Stubby Antenna

[radiochuck]

I've been doing a lot of searching trying to find a stubby (or quite a bit shorter) antenna for the SDS100 that the one that comes from the factory. I have had no success and am wondering if anyone else has. I mainly listen to 700/800 MHz, so lower frequency UHF and VHF are really not a concern.

I'd rather not have to use adapters to accomplish this, as I feel like they can be a dangerous point of potential breakage. Looking for any recommendations. Thanks.

 

[trentbob]

I've been doing a lot of searching trying to find a stubby (or quite a bit shorter) antenna for the SDS100 that the one that comes from the factory. I have had no success and am wondering if anyone else has. I mainly listen to 700/800 MHz, so lower frequency UHF and VHF are really not a concern.

I'd rather not have to use adapters to accomplish this, as I feel like they can be a dangerous point of potential breakage. Looking for any recommendations. Thanks.

Well whatever aftermarket antenna you get it will be an another brand than Uniden. There are stubby racing UHF antennas with short range.

Comet makes the ch-32 miracle baby. It's supposed to be a tri-band antenna but it's not really. Works okay on 7-800 MHz. As far as UHF and VHF it's not a good performer at all but it's as small as you're going to get.

 

[radiochuck]

Well whatever aftermarket antenna you get it will be an another brand than Uniden. There are stubby racing UHF antennas with short range.

Comet makes the ch-32 miracle baby. It's supposed to be a tri-band antenna but it's not really. Works okay on 7-800 MHz. As far as UHF and VHF it's not a good performer at all but it's as small as you're going to get.

I'll take a look at those. Of course, I realize whatever I get will be aftermarket. I'm fine with that. I'm just mainly interested in finding something that's made for the SDS 100, as it has that weird antenna connector. Remtronix did a good job with adapting to that, hopefully there are others.

 

[trentbob]

Actually I use a BNC connector with the adapter because of the proprietary type of water resistant antenna receptacle. Makes it a little bit longer but it is a small antenna.

You're going to have to be close to a tower and your system has to be strong or you will miss signals.

Works okay on my Phase ll tdma system but does drop out. Good luck to you, you'll probably get some other input also.

By the way the reason for the water resistant antenna connection is, Uniden, rather than design a new carcass for this radio ended up using a pre-existing marine radio carcass. The water resistant antenna connection came with it LOL.

 

[hexagon_keyhole]

using a pre-existing marine radio carcass

I don't know why I am laughing so hard at this.

I predominately listen to an 800mhz system, and the Remtronix 820S is a good performer for me. I also like that the antenna is very flexible. When I travel, I got a mini assortment of antennas that travel with me, such as the stock antenna, the Remtronix 842S, and the Remtronix 820S.

 

[trentbob]

I don't know why I am laughing so hard at this.

I predominately listen to an 800mhz system, and the Remtronix 820S is a good performer for me. I also like that the antenna is very flexible. When I travel, I got a mini assortment of antennas that travel with me, such as the stock antenna, the Remtronix 842S, and the Remtronix 820S.

Yep me too. One thing with the miracle baby, there is no flexibility at all in this antenna, it is short but it doesn't give, so there is always the potential of breaking something if there's an accident but that pretty much happens. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen and being flexible doesn't always make all the difference.

I like the REM 820 s 100. Made specifically for the SDS 100 and is water resistant. Can't tell you how many times I have dropped that and the antenna was sideways. I just bend it back. No damage to SMA 100 connection. Similar case with the Motorola 800 MHz stubby. It's been totally sideways a few times after being dropped on its head LOL.

 

[radiochuck]

The 820S is a great antenna. I bought one when I bought my first SDS100. I can't complain about it. It's nice that it was designed specifically for the 100, but it's actually a little longer than my stock rubber duck antenna that came with the radio. I don't hate either of those two antennas. Was just hoping to find something a little shorter for when I'm carrying the radio around. Thanks for the replies.

 

[W6VVM]

Just a thought, could you cut the antenna shorter and find a way to apply a new cap to the top? Either the REM or the stock antenna…could be an interesting experiment.

 

[Hit_Factor]

Just a thought, could you cut the antenna shorter and find a way to apply a new cap to the top? Either the REM or the stock antenna…could be an interesting experiment.

Probably work OK. Most P25 systems are very well built. A paperclip could work as an antenna.

Those rubber caps for closet wire shelving could be a good cap.

 

[trentbob]

Just a thought, could you cut the antenna shorter and find a way to apply a new cap to the top? Either the REM or the stock antenna…could be an interesting experiment.

Sure you could but it's not going to work very well. This is the old Radio Shack RS 800, so many, many years ago, made by GRE originally for Radio Shack. Of course branched off to remtronixs... it was only offered in BNC, really does give great reception 7 - 800 MHz as is, nothing better in a "on radio" antenna, very adequate on UHF 2 also, Not so much on VHF Hi.

Original poster, if you can get the miracle baby and a different BNC adapter other than the risky Uniden one that would be even better. It would have to be an adapter that connected with the mount.

We had a member here who sold one that he made and it was much sturdier and lower. Not to get into that quagmire as I don't believe it's available anymore but maybe something similar. It would have to fit the 100 mount.

For the inexpensive price of the miracle baby I think it's worth a shot.

 

[ILjim]

I have a CH-32 and I like it considering what it is. Since your target band is 700/800 MHz, then it'll work fine. I actually use mine for monitoring things that are nearby and for attenuating interference from pagers. I know you prefer not to use an adapter, but I recommend having one just in case, and since certain antennas like the CH-32 requires it if wanting to use with the SDS100. I personally recommend this one since it will not damage your radio and dramatically reduces the risk of damage.

 

[rcool101]

My 2¢..... I listen to MARCS Project 25 Phase I in Ohio 99% of the time. The CH-32 Miracle Baby works excellent for me but not quite as good as the 820S

 

[listenout]

I've been doing a lot of searching trying to find a stubby (or quite a bit shorter) antenna for the SDS100 that the one that comes from the factory. I have had no success and am wondering if anyone else has. I mainly listen to 700/800 MHz, so lower frequency UHF and VHF are really not a concern.

I'd rather not have to use adapters to accomplish this, as I feel like they can be a dangerous point of potential breakage. Looking for any recommendations. Thanks.

I’ve a couple of stub

I've been doing a lot of searching trying to find a stubby (or quite a bit shorter) antenna for the SDS100 that the one that comes from the factory. I have had no success and am wondering if anyone else has. I mainly listen to 700/800 MHz, so lower frequency UHF and VHF are really not a concern.

I'd rather not have to use adapters to accomplish this, as I feel like they can be a dangerous point of potential breakage. Looking for any recommendations. Thanks.

diamond do good stubbys ,I’ve two, I’ll dig em out and message you the details

 

[radiochuck]

I have a CH-32 and I like it considering what it is. Since your target band is 700/800 MHz, then it'll work fine. I actually use mine for monitoring things that are nearby and for attenuating interference from pagers. I know you prefer not to use an adapter, but I recommend having one just in case, and since certain antennas like the CH-32 requires it if wanting to use with the SDS100. I personally recommend this one since it will not damage your radio and dramatically reduces the risk of damage.

Yes, I do like the combination of that antenna and the adapter that you linked. That adapter looks a lot safer than the piece of junk that Uniden includes with the radio.

Thank you all for the great info!

 

[rcool101]

35.00 for the CH-32 and 15.00 for that adapter? Not worth it unless your name is Elon

 

[KevinC]

35.00 for the CH-32 and 15.00 for that adapter? Not worth it unless your name is Elon

The judge from the Bible?

 

[radiochuck]

35.00 for the CH-32 and 15.00 for that adapter? Not worth it unless your name is Elon

Don't worry. I'm doing okay. I can afford it.

 

[trentbob]

Don't worry. I'm doing okay. I can afford it.

Actually with that nice adapter it's worth it, I knew there was some aftermarket ones out there less dangerous than the Uniden one.

 

[trentbob]

The judge from the Bible?

And a Mighty Oak. It's not even a name used in the United States and is even more unusual for an African-American like Musk.

 

[HT-220]

i use this: 6" (800 MHz) 800-866MHz SMA Male Rubber Ducky Antenna Laird EXC-806-SM. only monitor 800 mhz trunk systems. 6" (800 MHz) 800-866MHz SMA Male Rubber Ducky Antenna Laird EXC-806-SM | eBay