Transceiver + scanner with one antenna?

[firebus29]

My employer is installing an Icom F-5061 (VHF-hi transceiver) in my newly assigned vehicle. I wish to also install my personal Regency 780 XL. This scanner will be used to monitor VHF-hi and UHF. I can have no add-on antennas on the vehicle other than the one for the transceiver. I have read the sticky about multiple receivers using one antenna, but it does not address my situation.

Is it possible for me to split the music radio antenna with the scanner, and if so, what quality of reception would that produce? Would my attempt to split the transceiver antenna with the scanner cause a power surge to the scanner, or some other expensive disaster? I am open to any solution which will solve my problem.

Thanks for your help.

 

[kb0nly]

You can get a splitter that lets you use the FM Stereo antenna for a scanner antenna and share it, for VHF/UHF monitoring its usually ok, not stellar but if the systems your monitoring are close by then you shouldnt have any trouble hearing them.

As for sharing with the transceiver... NO NO NO... You will just blow up the scanners front end the first time you transmit.

 

[n5ims]

Basically your answer is no for your first question. Since they would be directly connected, whenever you transmit you will swamp your scanner with RF that could easily blow the front end on the scanner. It could also cause issues with your transmission since it would reduce the output power on the transmitter as well.

You may be able to use the antenna on your car radio (AM/FM) for the scanner, but this may not be optimal (but could be the only option in your situation). Do a search on the RR forums on this for some specifics if you decide to go this route, there have been a few that discuss specific products.

 

[TucsonDirect]

just set an antenna somewhere inside, (set on seat or something) your safest bet for sure could always slip one into a book bag or backpack if they watch closely

 

[vdubb16]

depending on where and how its mounted. the original extendable antenna may do the trick. and easily folds up or can be disconnected if its not mounted into the dash or what not. Again that all depends on how close the TX stations are.

 

[ampulman]

I've known about 'splitting' the car radio feed to the scanner. I wonder if anyone can comment on this configuration with a rear window (imbedded) antenna, as opposed to a vertical.

As an aside, I have one FM (radio) station that gets fuzzy if I turn on the RW defogger.

Amp

 

[LtDoc]

Have you ever seen the thingy that slips over the top edge of a window with a 'tab' on the outside that acts as a small antenna mount? The feed line then runs back through that window to where ever it needs to go. I don't think it would be the best mounting idea, but it certainly should be an option.
- 'Doc

 

[gewecke]

Have you ever seen the thingy that slips over the top edge of a window with a 'tab' on the outside that acts as a small antenna mount? The feed line then runs back through that window to where ever it needs to go. I don't think it would be the best mounting idea, but it certainly should be an option.
- 'Doc

These actually work quite well with the right aftermarket antenna attached! This would be a good idea,as long as you place the mount on a window furthest from the transmitting antenna! Once you roll the window up,it's secured. When you park be sure to remove the antenna (bnc). Check www.mfj.com for the mount.
n9zas

 

[oldradioguy2010]

a little antenna

I use a small wire dipole cut to @150.mhz.
Then hold it to the window with 2 small suctin cups on both ends.
I went to radio shack and bought a bnc connector for the radio end.
Works great for all bands i scan, with some small loss, but over all
it is ok.
old radio guy 2010

 

[BonziBuddy]

What kind of vehicle are you assigned to?

Yes you could use the FM radio antenna for your scanner. It does technically work. Not so great for low powered UHF though. It won't hurt you FM radio signal, or at least it didn't for me when I had it set up that way.

If you don't plan on using the FM radio during work, maybe you could buy a 2nd FM antenna, and cut it a little shorter for VHF. Keep the original in your garage to return it to normal when you turn in the car in a couple of years.

Or just do a 2nd NMO mount yourself! Maybe they won't even notice it.

 

[radioman2001]

There are ways to do it, it then depends on how far your boss will let you tinker with his radio. There used to be a antenna relay box in all CHP cars that allowed the scanner to RX on the mobile radio antenna.Basically it would allow both radios to be hooked up to the antenna until the radio transmitted, then a relay would disconnect the scanner. It will require you to somehow get a PTT indicate when the mobile transmits. Antenna relays are not cheap, so anything else you can come up with, whether it is a clip on or magnetic is probably a better option.

 

[jhooten]

Yes it can be done. No, it is not cheap.
Search for ferrite circulator.

 

[rescue161]

There are ways to do it, it then depends on how far your boss will let you tinker with his radio. There used to be a antenna relay box in all CHP cars that allowed the scanner to RX on the mobile radio antenna.Basically it would allow both radios to be hooked up to the antenna until the radio transmitted, then a relay would disconnect the scanner. It will require you to somehow get a PTT indicate when the mobile transmits. Antenna relays are not cheap, so anything else you can come up with, whether it is a clip on or magnetic is probably a better option.

Depending on the radio and programming, you could use the mic hang-up circuit, so when the mic is off the hanger, the relay disables the scanner. Hang the mic up and the scanner is attached again.