So I currently have a bcd436hp. I want to listen to the Hillsborough County, FL P25 Phase II public safety channels. With the antenna the scanner came with, it was very choppy. I found this antenna ( https://www.amazon.com/Bingfu-20-13...5625&sprefix=bcd436hp+antenna,aps,126&sr=8-14) just to try it and see if it was the antenna or the something internally with the scanner. The signal was improved drastically but still choppy here and there. So I purchased this other antenna ( https://www.amazon.com/AEcreative-W...75625&sprefix=bcd436hp+antenna,aps,126&sr=8-3 ). In my opinion this antenna was a little upgrade from the antenna the scanner came with. Now with the information provided above, what is the best antenna to use to listen to what I want to listen to?
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radiopro52
Member
I'm assuming you're referring to this system?
That system uses the 700 MHz band. Generally speaking, the higher the frequency, the more difficult it is to receive. Both the antennas you tried are wide-band antennas. Any antenna that's tuned to the specific frequency range you're interested in will perform better than an antenna that claims to receive multiple bands. So in this case, you'll want to look for an antenna that's tuned to the 700 or 800 Mhz band like this one for example.
As for the "best" antenna, there really isn't one. But if you listen at home, an antenna placed outside high up on a mast will always give you the best reception. A mag-mount antenna will also usually perform better than a portable antenna if installed properly on your vehicle.
That system uses the 700 MHz band. Generally speaking, the higher the frequency, the more difficult it is to receive. Both the antennas you tried are wide-band antennas. Any antenna that's tuned to the specific frequency range you're interested in will perform better than an antenna that claims to receive multiple bands. So in this case, you'll want to look for an antenna that's tuned to the 700 or 800 Mhz band like this one for example.
As for the "best" antenna, there really isn't one. But if you listen at home, an antenna placed outside high up on a mast will always give you the best reception. A mag-mount antenna will also usually perform better than a portable antenna if installed properly on your vehicle.
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Thank you very much for responding. I'm going to return the wide band I just bought and purchase this one and see how it goes.
The linked system has two simulcast sites. It's possible that no matter which antenna you buy (except for a directional antenna, pointed at one specific transmit tower), it might not cure your reception issues.
strk3seeya
Member
i currently use https://www.amazon.com/Scanner-Radio-Magnet-Mobile-Antenna/dp/B004C1T7PC on a 700 system and I am very happy with it. I use it as my go to multi band antenna. Have very good reception on multiple bands
strk3seeya
Member
I am using a ProComm mini mobile antenna, one on the car and one used as a base antenna. I have no issues at all receving on a 700 system, and would easily put reception up against the laird 150-450, 700-800 antenna that I have as well
Price is great, and when I had one small issue their customer service was outstanding and resolved the issue promptly
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