Trunking antenna

[Rawkee1]

I have purchased a SDS200 scanner. I've been listening with Uniden 996P2. With the back of the radio antenna, the range is somewhat limited with the 996Ps. I thought the SDS200 would be a better broadcast. I disconnected my other scanner and use an outdoor wideband antenna. It comes in better. I was thinking on purchasing a dedicated antenna just for 7-900 mhz. I've tried changing the filter settings on the SDS200 and feel that normal wide band sounds the best. Am I missing something or would a dedicated antenna correct my problem? Some transmissions sound a little like sideband isn't adjusted perfectly. I have a lot of simulcast in central Mass. I am trying to hear the Mass State Police. Does anyone have suggestions?

 

[bearcatrp]

A dedicated outdoor antenna will be a big difference. Make sure you use quality coax. Get the antenna above the roof line of your house.

 

[Rawkee1]

Thanks! It certainly isn't going to hurt.

 

[richardbritt]

By quality coax, buy the best cable you can afford, and check out the loss per foot rating at the highest frequency you want to receive. I assume 800 mhz. Unless you just want to receive railroad or marine etc. I suggest 9913 or better rated, especially if you are running 75 feet or more. Don't use rg-58 regardless. Using a wideband old school tv antenna amplifier works well for making up for the cable loss in long runs