Vehicle Antenna

[NCInvestigator]

I recently purchased a BC796D for installation in my vehicle. I am looking for input on which vehicle trunk mount antennas have the best reception. I talked with an Antenna Specialists rep today, who stated the Model MONR33 was the best for the money. However, he indicated it would require an alternative mounting plate to attach to the side lip of the trunk. If possible, I do not want to use an antenna that requires drilling a hole in the roof or trunk lid. I would prefer a mount that allows clamping to the trunk lip for easy removal if the vehicle was to be sold. Any suggestions for the best high gain antenna to cover overall range of the 796D?

 

[LarrySC]

The set screws on a trunk mount can come loose. The L-bracket installation is most popular. Holes only in fender lip. Not on top. See MAXRAD tri-band mobile and L-bracket installation at this site. www.bncantenna.com The stock num is 1-2067 plus NMO mount and coax.

 

[doctordave]

Larry's described rig looks sharp and will work nicely for about 100 MHZ on up....if you need good range on VHF-Low (30-50 MHZ), then it's not the antenna for you. The Ant Specialist antenna is amazing on VHF-Low, good on VHF-Hi & UHF and only so-so on 800+ - it is also quite enormous (about 4 feet tall).

Dave

 

[NCInvestigator]

Thanks for the replies. What are your thoughts on utilizing more than one antenna to cover all bands between say VHF-Low through Trunked 800 Frequencies? Is there an efficient way of multiplexing multiple antennas into a single input for the scanner?

I don't mind using more than one antenna. I suppose the most important factor for me would be the best reception on the bands used most widely by LE, EMS, and Fire Services.

Jim
Greensboro, NC

 

[W4KRR]

Here's an extensive comparison of mobile antennas:

http://www.northwestradio.com/interceptnw/antennas.htm