Wideband comparisons

[yorkphotog]

After some research, I've basically narrowed it down to these three models:
Larsen 150/450/800
Maxrad BMAXSCAN1000
Comtelco on Scannermaster

Thoughts?

 

[SAR923]

The Maxrad and Comtelco are basically the same antenna. I've used the Maxrad version and have been very happy with it for everything form low band to 800. I haven't used the Larsen but I know there are many happy users of that brand as well. I'd guess you couldn't go far wrong with any of them.

 

[Skypilot007]

Seems you can't go wrong with the Maxrad/Comtelco or the Larson. I have the Larson and I'm quite happy with it. I use it on all 3 bands it was designed for and it works well. The 800MHz performance matches the 3db motorola 860MHz antenna I was using in my application.

 

[af5rn]

Seems you can't go wrong with the Maxrad/Comtelco or the Larson.

Agreed. Unless you have a need for LONG distance low band reception, both are about the best things going. If you have a serious low band need, then you'll have to step up to a longer and uglier antenna.

I have the Larson and I'm quite happy with it. I use it on all 3 bands it was designed for and it works well. The 800MHz performance matches the 3db motorola 860MHz antenna I was using in my application.

Matches? Wow. Have you done serious signal strength comparisons to quantify that, or are you simply saying they "sound" about the same?

Doing signal strength metter comparisons between a rooftop centre, mag mounted Maxrad and a glass mount 3db Antenna Specialists 800 antenna, the 800 glass mount consistently scored two to three bars higher than the Maxrad in 800mhz reception. I can't imagine a non-glass mount 800 antenna not doing even better.

 

[Skypilot007]

Agreed. Unless you have a need for LONG distance low band reception, both are about the best things going. If you have a serious low band need, then you'll have to step up to a longer and uglier antenna.


Matches? Wow. Have you done serious signal strength comparisons to quantify that, or are you simply saying they "sound" about the same?

Doing signal strength metter comparisons between a rooftop centre, mag mounted Maxrad and a glass mount 3db Antenna Specialists 800 antenna, the 800 glass mount consistently scored two to three bars higher than the Maxrad in 800mhz reception. I can't imagine a non-glass mount 800 antenna not doing even better.

Do you want a real answer or are you just being a smart ass? I assume you're using a scanner's RF meter to compare antennae as real test equipment doesn't have "bars" for a signal strength indicator. I work in electronic compliance and have ample professional equipment to do simple gain testing on antennae at any frequency from 30Hz to 5GHz. And yes...it does sound better too!

 

[af5rn]

I'm not being a smart ass. I am genuinely interested in what criteria you are using to judge by so I can put it into perspective. Too many people here tell us what rules and what sucks, but never tell us how they came to that conclusion, so I'm always interested in quantifiable evidence.

And I didn't ask what kind of equipment you have. I asked if you used it.