Signal Meter question

[KTCS]

Hi, ok go easy on me

Recently moved and got into public safety monitoring I have LMR600 + some half in hardline into multicoupler feeding 3 scanners on 150-170 to a jpole antenna @ 60ft

besides looking at the S meter on the scanner during a transmission, how else can I gauge the strength of th e signal, can I use an SWR/Power meter or some kind of RF analyser, by MFJ

As I am putting up another antenna and would like to be able to compare results between the two,

Sorry for sounding so stupid on this one....any help would be much appreciated

 

[LtDoc]

Those 'signal meters' or 'S' meters are supposed to be calibrated. Very few, if any, are close to being accurately calibrated. So, figure they are relative reading meters. Want to compare two antennas? Listen to the same station with the same receiver on both antennas. Which antenna seems to average a better signal? Until you get into some really sophisticated and expensive gear, that's about the best you can do.
To make an honest comparison you have to minimize all the variables you can. That means swapping out antennas so that they are mounted in the same place using the same feed line for the comparison. It won't be very 'scientific' or exacting, but it's about as close as the average person can get.
Good luck and have fun.
- 'Doc

 

[ermin]

Hi, ok go easy on me

"besides looking at the S meter on the scanner during a transmission, how else can I gauge the strength of th e signal, can I use an SWR/Power meter or some kind of RF analyser, by MFJ"

Hello Jeremy1981

Welcome to RR and the wonderful world of scanning.

The swr and MFJ meters will not work for you. They are for transmitting. The MFJ meter will tell you if an antenna will work on a specific frequency.

Just use the S meter if your radio has one. Use your ear if it does not. Mine doesn't and I just try the best I can to guess which antenna works best for me.

73

Ermin