antenna for scanning ?
Re: antenna for scanning ?
Hell yes.
Re: antenna for scanning ?
Are side mounted dipoles (from RFI) suitable for scanning?
Re: antenna for scanning ?
Discones aren't all that expensive on ebay - much the same price as a VHF ant in a retail shop.astro_boy wrote:Would it be worth spending the cash on a Discone if it would work any better?
Re: antenna for scanning ?
Quality discones are quite expensive & the ones on ebay are pretty cheap. I bought one from Polar not long ago & the quality is superb (rated for tx & rx 25-1000MHz). However if you are monitoring a wide range of frequencies (like a few hundred MHz) they are the only practical option. If all you are listening to is one band, say 400-500MHz, then eith er SMDs or even a yagi combined with a rotator should yield the best results.
RFI SMD4s are fine. The new ones are rated at 400-520MHz. Use two with a phasing harness if you want a bit of gain.
Cheers,
Richard
RFI SMD4s are fine. The new ones are rated at 400-520MHz. Use two with a phasing harness if you want a bit of gain.
Cheers,
Richard
Re: antenna for scanning ?
I've got an antenna i want to get up and have had a look around for bits and pieces i need.
Although i can find any RG213 and am unsure in terminating them with the N-Type connectors.
Is it something i can do myself or best left to a professional installer?
Although i can find any RG213 and am unsure in terminating them with the N-Type connectors.
Is it something i can do myself or best left to a professional installer?
Re: antenna for scanning ?
Alex,
N type connectors come in crimp & solder versions for RG213. Instructions should be available on line, give google a try. The crimps have the least bits but you need the crimping tool. I prefer solder types (the RFI N-07 is my preferred) and is easy to do once you practice a few. All you need is a stanley knife, wirecutters, soldering iron, and two spanners. Just make sure to follow the instructions & they are easy enough for anyone to do.
Cheers,
Richard
N type connectors come in crimp & solder versions for RG213. Instructions should be available on line, give google a try. The crimps have the least bits but you need the crimping tool. I prefer solder types (the RFI N-07 is my preferred) and is easy to do once you practice a few. All you need is a stanley knife, wirecutters, soldering iron, and two spanners. Just make sure to follow the instructions & they are easy enough for anyone to do.
Cheers,
Richard