Using Mobile Mount Antenna for Base Scanner

[senduhelp]

I am considering using a mobile magnetic mount antenna for my base scanner. I hope to just stick it outside of my 2nd story window and see how it works. Just curious if anyone else has done that or has pictures of one outside to see how to do it. I could probably just open the window and stick something out there to sit the antenna on and listen away, but just curious as to if anyone has any ideas of a good temporary installation as I do not plan on leaving it out there all of the time. Thanks for the help.

 

[TeRayCodA]

Make sure you have something metal to set it on(ground-plane)Air conditioner chassis,gutter,ect.

 

[senduhelp]

Yeah I will, thanks TeRay...I plan to get a piece of metal to stick out there and put the antenna on, seems like a simple enough idea, just a bit worried about the reception because of a tree that sits directly in front of the window, don't want it to block the reception or interfere with it.

 

[kb2vxa]

Hi Sendu and all,

Another form of counterpoise ground is a dangling wire connected to the base. If you're listening to VHF Lo Band make it about 53" long, VHF Hi and above needs only about 19".

Don't worry about the tree, being much larger the house is a problem, structural materials absorb RF energy which is why outdoor antennas work better than the equivelent indoors. You'll experience signal degridation from directions opposite but that can't be helped.

Oh boy, I just heard a good one. The USCG will begin a live fire excersise from a helicopter along a stretch 12mi south of Long Island in a few minutes. "All mariners are to use caution when transiting the area." Uh huh, I would THINK so. (;->)