Scanner Tip: Indoor Antennas

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Rich Carlson

Chances are, if you have a scanner in the house, you have wondered if you need an outside antenna. While an outside antenna will almost always work better than an indoor antenna, sometimes that just isn’t feasible. If you live in a rental property, apartment or condo, or in an HOA restricted area you may not be able or allowed to install an outside antenna. Sometimes you just don’t want to go thru the work to do it. Maybe the spouse or significant other just won’t allow it.

There are alternatives, but as they are also compromises, they may work as well. They may however be good enough to allow you to listen to your targets. Depending on your unique situation, some or all of these ideas may or not work for you. Remember: There is never a guarantee that any of these ideas will ensure that you will be able to monitor your targets.

Let’s start with the simple ideas first. Your new scanner comes with a back of the set (or side of the set for a Home Patrol) antenna. This is usually a metal telescoping rod or a rubber-duck style antenna. Sometimes better reception may be had by a simple relocation or tilting the existing antenna. Maybe move the radio with its antenna closer to a window or away from the large metal objects will help.

The next step would be a better BOS (Back Of Set) antenna. ScannerMaster sells a variety of antennas, from direct replacements (if you lost or broke the one that came with the radio) as well as more advanced antennas. If you mostly monitor 700/800 MHz. systems a specialized antenna for these bands will work better than a general use antenna.

If these don’t help, then you may need a remote inside antenna like the Nomad. The Nomad is a wire antenna and is amplified (active). This allows you to mount the antenna in a better location and leave the radio where you want it.

The next step might be using a base station antenna indoors. ScannerMaster has several of these types. Basically this means a base station antenna with some sort of base to support it along with appropriate coax and connectors. These can be set up on a balcony or behind the drapes for aesthetic purposes.

You can also try a mobile antenna adapted to home use. Try a magnet mount antenna on top of a large metal cabinet, window air conditioner or balcony railing. Window mount antennas can be mounted on an apartment window just like you would on a car. Suction cup mounts work in a home just as well as in a car.

If you have access to an attic then you might try putting a base station antenna there. Try to stay away from large metal objects. If you have metallic shingle liners or solar panels they would likely interfere with your reception.

If you install an antenna outside, either on the roof or a tower, make sure to properly ground the installation to protect from lightening and watch out for electrical wires! Consider having them professionally installed. Use a high quality coax. Usually thicker cables work better at higher frequencies and longer distances. 50 or 75-ohm cable is fine for scanners since you will not be transmitting thru them. We will have a blog post soon all about Coax!

Scanner Tip: Antenna Connectors

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Rich Carlson

Ever wonder why some scanners have different type of antenna connectors? Ever wonder what BNC, SMA or PL259 stand for? Read on and learn!

Most scanners these days have either a BNC or an SMA antenna connector. BNC’s are the ones with the round barrel (about the same diameter as a pencil) and 2 little nubs that you twist on and off to. SMA’s are smaller threaded connectors. Both SMA and BNC mounts have a small center conductor that is surrounded by a ground that is the barrel.

Why are these used for scanners? Well, it is because they work well at a reasonable cost. For years the BNC has been pretty much the standard scanner antenna connector, replacing the old “Motorola” antenna connect that had been around since dirt was invented. Some old scanners used the “UHF” connector. Almost all scanners over the last 10 years or so use either the BNC except for some handhelds that use the SMA.

Until scanners started to standardize on the BNC handhelds use a wide variety of connections, including several different threaded connectors, earphone style plugs and permanently mounted antennas. Most mobile or desktop scanners used Motorola connectors since these were also used on most car radios. Some old scanners used SO-239’s (the female part of the UHF connector), which were common for CB’s and other two-way radios. By the 1980’s many scanners started showing up with BNC’s, both handhelds and base/mobiles.

As handheld scanners shrunk in size some started having SMA connectors replacing the BNC’s. This save a bit of room but forced the manufacturers to produce new antennas and include adaptors. Some scanners that have SMA’s also come with a BNC adapter to allow you to use your existing BNC antennas and accessories, ScannerMaster also sells these adapters.

BNC’s is a bayonet type connection. These press in, with the nubs fitting into grooves. They get locked in with a slight twist and this provides a good physical and RF connection.

SMA’s are a fine threaded connection, the connector itself is smaller than the BNC, both inside the radio and out. With smaller radios, like the BCD396 series, this little bit of extra space helps. Since most scanner users already have BNC antennas, coax connectors and accessories, the manufacturers often include an SMA to BNC adapter to let you use all your existing goodies. Some high-end radio receovers come with “N” connectors. Look close at these and you might notice that a male “N” connector will fit onto a female BNC. They were developed by the same guy, the “N” in both connectors comes from his last name: Neill.

BNC connectors get their name from the bayonet layout (“B”), and the developers, whose last names started with “N” and “C”. SMA stands for “Sub-Miniature Type A”. There are also SMB and SMC but you will likely never see one.

Many two-way radios these days use “Mini-UHF” connectors, these are smaller versions of the venerable UHF connectors. “UHF” connectors actually do not work well on UHF frequencies. The original UHF connector was so named before WWII, when anything about 30 MHz. was a radio wasteland suitable only for hobbyists and experimenters.

All these connectors come in a Male or Female version. This is based on the center pin/socket. The connectors with a pin are male. The UHF connector is a little odd, in that it has common names for the distinct parts. The SO-239 is the female, used on the radio while the PL-259 is the male used on the coax. “SO” stands for Socket, “PL” stands for Plug. Most other connectors use the same name but with female/male parts, such as SMA, BNC and N.

Scanner Tip: Antenna Matters or Antennas Matter!

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Rich Carlson

If you have a scanner then you have an antenna, they don’t work well without them! Scanners will usually work better with better antennas. Makes sense, right?

So the next question is: What is the best antenna for me? The answer that age-old question is: “it depends”…

For many people using handheld scanners the antenna that came with it will often work just fine. If you are listening to local stuff then it probably is just fine. There are aftermarket antennas that will often work better for you, increasing the distance you can hear signals from or the strength of the signals you do hear. (Handheld Scanner Antennas)

All antennas are compromises. You have to balance size, construction and cost with the need for frequency range and portability. As a rule larger antennas usually work better than smaller ones, but that is not a golden rule.

Handheld scanners usually come with a “rubber ducky” style antenna. If you were to x-ray one or take it apart you will see that it is a coil of wire that looks like a spring, wrapped in rubber. This makes it flexible (so it doesn’t break) and allows more apparent length in a smaller package. These usually work pretty well for the most popular scanner bands (VHF-Hi and UHF) but not so good for VHF-Lo and 700-900 MHz.

You can buy a band-specific antenna, such as one made just for 800 MHz. While these will still work on other bands they will work best on the band they were designed for. If you use your scanner only for a specific band then consider an antenna for that frequency range for best performance.

If you use a scanner in the car or truck then some sort of outside or window antenna is almost always required. Remember that you are driving what is essentially a Faraday Cage, a metal cased vehicle that may also have metallic linings in the windshield. Unless you are listening to VERY local communications then you will likely need some sort of mobile antenna. These range from simple and inexpensive to complicated and expensive. (Mobile Scanner Antennas)

ScannerMaster makes several inexpensive and easy to install antennas for the car that will really work well for most casual scanner listeners. We have an antenna that looks like the cellular window mount antennas and another that mounts inside the windshield or back window. Another choice might be an outside magnetic mount antenna.

If you have a more professional need for a mobile antenna then we have several trunk-lip or hole mount antennas to choose from. These require installation by either a professional installer or someone who knows how to drill holes in a vehicle and route wires.

For reception in a home, office or other building the biggest advantage is elevation. The higher you go the better your reception in most cases. The best place for an antenna is the roof, preferably at the highest point. The next best is in an attic. Remember that any exterior antenna requires proper grounding and lightening protection! (Home/Office Scanner Antennas)

If you cannot install an antenna on the roof or in the attic then consider one of our inside antennas. These can be placed in a corner near an outside wall or window or even on a balcony. If you have a window air conditioner then maybe a magnet mount mobile antenna will work for you. Live in a high-rise? Try one of the inside mobile window mount antennas.

When buying a base station antenna to mount outside remember that some do not include coax and other necessities.(Antenna Coax) Remember that you need a place to mount it, like a TV antenna mast or vent pipe. Make sure you also account for the connectors, if your scanner has a BNC make sure you have the proper connector or adaptor. (Antenna Connectors)

In future Scanner Tips we will discuss antenna connectors, keep watching for that!

New Product – New 700/800MHz Base Antenna

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Jonathan Higgins

Having a hard time receiving trunked and digital 700 and 800 MHz systems?

The new “762-894 MHz 5dB Panorama Elevated Omni Antenna” is a great tuned omnidirectional antenna. This antenna can be used for temporary field use or permanent installations. Flexible helical elements are used to provide an effective but compact ground plane. The center fitting has a metal body to carry the radials and a moulded insulator for the radiator. The whip element is plastic coated for weather proofing and durability. The antenna is only 15″ tall and 4 1/2″ in diameter but with its 5 db of gain it does an outstanding job receiving 700/800 MHz systems and interestingly it does an excellent job of also receiving 400-500 MHz channels as well. A great find. – Order Now

Scanner 101 – Tips on picking and installing a Roof Top Antenna

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Jonathan Higgins

Have you been putting off installing a roof top antenna for your scanner? A roof top antenna is the best way to increase your scanner’s range.

What antenna should you pick?
When selecting you should keep the following in mind:
What type of communication systems are you monitor? VHF, UHF and 700/800/900MHz so on… If the area is using the same type of communication system you may want to consider a single band antenna. If there is a mix I would recommend “wide band” antenna.

Mounting your antenna
When selecting antenna you want to keep in mind; how and where you’re going to mount it. So many options available from non-penetrating, tripod, and wall mount. Keep way from power lines and telephone/cable wires. The higher the better, be sure you clearing anything that would block signals such as chimes.

Coax Cable
Your antenna performance depends on great coax cable! We carry LMR-400 Coax cable which is a high-end low signal loss coax. When planning out your coax routes, be sure you have a little extra, but not too much. Shorter runs are always best. Keep this in mind: the old carpenter rule of thumb, measure twice, cut once!

Will you have multiple listening locations?
Depending on how many listening locations you have in mind, you will need a 4 Port or 8 Port Multicoupler. This should be placed somewhere in a central location in your home or office. I would recommend running LMR-400 Coax cable (no more than 100 feet) from the antenna to the Multicoupler. From the Multicoupler to the scanners I would recommend LMR-400 or RG-6 Coax (no more than 50 feet). Both of the multicouplers have a built in pre-amp to cut down on signal loss going to the monitoring locations.

Installing the antenna
If your pretty handy this can be something you can do on your own, with help from a friend. Just following instructions provided with the antenna. If heights are not you thing I would recommend hiring help.

Scanner Master is your one stop shop for your entire base scanner antenna needs – from antennas to coax to mounting gear! Spring is here; don’t keep putting it off! Make 2012 the year to upgrade your scanner’s reception.

Quick Links:

Not sure?
Give us a call at Scanner Master 1-800-SCANNER we can help you!

Product Test Ferret 8 Band Base Antenna

Posted on March 19, 2010 by Jonathan Higgins

By Jonathan Higgins

Spring is just around the corner, what better time to get a new antenna for your home or office.

The Product: Ferret 8 Band Base Antenna

Last September, my dad and I installed the Austin Ferret 8 Band Antenna at my home in Attleboro, Massachusetts. After about 2 hours, my new antenna was up and running. For this project we used 50’ LMR-400 Coax cable, 2’ wall mount bracket, 4 port multi coupler, two 3 foot jumper cables, and, two 50 RG-58 coax with BNC.

Installation

When mounting an antenna outside make sure your clear of any power lines, and never install antenna by yourself. Try to find the best route for the coax cable, make sure you measure the route and only allow a little extra. Rule of thumb, higher the antenna the shorter the coax is always the best.

We had to get a 2’ wall mount bracket two clear the roof overhang. Once the bracket was secured to the side of the house we then installed the antenna to the post using U-bolt brackets. After drilling 1 inch hole into the side of the house we ran the LMR-400 Coax into the 4 port multi coupler in my hobby room. In my hobby room I have Uniden BCD996T and the classic Uniden BC780XLT, hook up both scanner to the multi coupler via the 3’ foot jumpers. The remaining two ports were used for scanners in the living room and master bedroom connected via the two 50’ RG-58 Coax cable.

Reception Test

In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, most of the public safety is using VHF High Band or UHF. I was amazed by the reception. I was able to pick up UHF systems for 15 to 30 miles away without a problem, and as for the VHF, about 30+ miles away. In Massachusetts, the State Police are on an analog 800MHz trunking system. I was able to pick up the local site with ease and neighboring sites up to 20 miles away. I found that the height of the Ferret really brings in the VHF Low Band without a problem.

If you’re a Railroad buff like me, this is the antenna for you. Being in Attleboro along the Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor there is a lot of active on AAR Channel 54 160.9200 Mhz. With this antenna I’m able hear more of the communications between the dispatch and train, since most railroad systems are line of sight without a repeater a great antenna is key.

Overall

With almost 20 years of experience, I have to say this is one of the best roof top antennas I have ever used. If you decide on the Austin Ferret, make sure you get high quality coax cable like the LMR-400. The coax cable is just as important as the antenna to get the ultimate performance.

Details about the Ferret…

All band omnidirectional antenna covering the following bands – 30-50/88-108/121/146/150-174/225-400/806-896/1.2 Ghz. The Ferret is in-case in 8 foot fiberglass tube protecting all of the elements for the eight bands

Recommend Coax for the Austin Ferret:
The LMR-400 is the best coax on the market for roof top antenna installations
LMR-400 Coax Cable, 25′, N Male to BNC Male
LMR-400 Coax Cable, 50′, N Male to BNC Male
LMR-400 Coax Cable, 75′, N Male to BNC Male
LMR-400 Coax Cable, 100′, N Male to BNC Male

Austin Antenna, a locally based company right here in New England, has been in business for the last 25 years. We carry the full Austin Antenna scanner product line; the Ferret, the Condor and the Spectra.

Product Test WAN-97A Active Nomad Base Antenna

Posted on January 25, 2010 by Jonathan Higgins

By Jonathan Higgins

The Product: WAN-97A Active Nomad Base Antenna – Indoor Antenna

Are you living an apartment? We feel your pain, trying to find the right antenna, with the restrictions of apartment or condo living. Recently I was able to test the “WAN-97A Active Nomad Base Antenna”; I was amazed at the performance of this indoor antenna! Just hang this vertical antenna near a window or in attic and you will be amazed how much more you can hear. The WAN-97A has a built-in pre-amplifier that powered with four AA batteries or with optional external 12 Volt powers supply (Uniden AD-1009 AC Adapter).

Product Specs: