The Firestick MSBRX antenna for Allen Park Mi.

[davers]

Hi everyone...I'm brand new to scanning and I have a Uniden BC796D and I'm thinking I'd like to mount an antenna outside. I've looked at Radio Shack etc and found their "Outdoor VHF-Hi/UHF Scanner Antenna" and I've found this one: "Firestick MSBRX" Does anyone have any input or opinions on which would be better for Allen Park Michigan Area? Here is the link for RS:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.a...me=CTLG_008_009_010_001&product_id=20-176

and the link for the Firestick:

http://www.alfenterprises.com/antennas/scanner.htm

What's your thoughts??

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Thunderbolt]

The Firestick and Radio Shack antennas are really designed for the 140-174 MHz. VHF-High band segment, and if this is your primary area of interest then it should serve your purposes very nicely. However, since you live in the Allen Park area, and given the fact that you have a 796D, you will probably want to listen to the Downriver Mutual Aid System, or the statewide MPSCS, which uses the 866 MHz. band. Therefore, you should obtain an antenna which is designed to operate on there Super-Ultra High-band frequencies that terminates in a Type "N" connector, not a SO-239/UHF (PL-259) connector.

Once you get above 300 MHz. the UHF Connector is really useless, especially if you use RG-58 coax-cable. However, the key to better reception on the higher frequencies is using low-loss coax, like Belden 9913, LMR-400, or higher quality hard-line. Coupled with a Type "N" connector, any high quality antenna that accepts this type of end termination, should give you superior performance when using one of the aforementioned types of coax.


I hope this helps you out?

73's

Ron

 

[davers]

Yes it does...thank you very much! Too bad..the antenna looked cool! :lol:

Do you have a couple of suggestions as to specific antenna's and where I could get them! Or is that something easily found for a beginner like me (totally clueless) in the Antenna Forum?

Thanks again for your help Ron!!!

Have a good day,

Dave

 

[russellv2]

Radio Shack I believe still has a nice discone scanner antenna. That's what I have at my place. It works very well. I know there are many manufacturers out there that make discone antennas, so look around. Mine... sadly does have the UHF connector on it so some signal loss... still it's a good antenna and has served me very well for about 5 years.

 

[Thunderbolt]

If your looking for a high-quality all band scanner antenna with but with no gain. I would recommend a Discone antenna made by Diamond or Icom, and they do come with a Type "N" connector, which is ideal for weak signal 800 MHz., activity. If I remember correctly, the ICOM Discone is made from stainless steel, which makes it very sturdy in high winds.


73's


Ron

 

[russellv2]

BTW... here's the link for the RS one that I have. I went exploring this afternoon.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.a...me=CTLG_008_009_001_002&product_id=20-043

Yeah... no gain. But it does do a pretty good job.

The other option (obviously exclusively for the MPSCS), which I am in the process of exploring right now is a 800MHz Yagi. I want to aim it right down toward that Holly tower and pull in signals. I don't have any leads on that yet, but... it's something I'm working on. If anyone out there has any good tips on where to buy one and good brands I'd be appreciative of advice and comments on that.

 

[russellv2]

Woo hoo! Sorry... couldn't resist. That last post was my 100th post!

 

[davers]

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate it!!! This is a great message board and I look forward to learning from you in the years to come!!!!!

Thanks again and have a great day!!!

Dave...currently at home waiting for the UPS truck to deliver my BC796D

 

[Thunderbolt]

The other option (obviously exclusively for the MPSCS), which I am in the process of exploring right now is a 800MHz Yagi. I want to aim it right down toward that Holly tower and pull in signals. I don't have any leads on that yet, but... it's something I'm working on. If anyone out there has any good tips on where to buy one and good brands I'd be appreciative of advice and comments on that.

I have the small four-element 800 MHz. Yagi made by Larsen and it does an absolutely fantastic job. The antenna is rated at 6 did, and has an excellent front to back ratio, and will pull in the signals like no tomorrow. Moreover, what I love about this antenna and its bigger sister, is that they are both completely welded and are anodized black in color; thus, making them very sturdy in high wind applications. Further, the Yagi comes with a type "N" connector only, which is welded on to the main element.

I was able to find this antenna for a darn good price at the Findlay Ham Swap several years ago. However, I was able to purchase one through a local Larsen dealer last year for a friend in Ohio, so they are still being manufactured. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a high quality 800 MHz. Yagi beam.


73's

Ron

 

[russellv2]

Thanks for the info. I was looking at the Larsen website a week or so ago and saw those. It does sound like a pretty sweet antenna. I think this might have to be my next antenna purchase. I couldn't find prices posted anywhere. Any idea on approx. cost for either the 4 or 7 element?

 

[JohnWayne]

Howdy. I usually stock the Antenex Yagis, although I can order the Larsens if you wish. You can check out the 800MHz base antennas that I normally carry to get an idea on pricing, etc. Let me know if you want pricing on the Larsen and I will get it to you. The Antenex are probably a better antenna though. Also, when you sign up for a new account http://shop.waltel.com , you will automatically receive a $10 coupon good for any purchase!

Let me know if you have any questions on anything.

Thanks!
Jeff