Fw: [Scanner] (no subject)

[Mike Urich]

 From: <AllanStern@aol.com>

 > A better choice
 > might be the Scantenna.  It is wide-band, omnidirectional, throws a lot
of
 > metal at the signal (almost 7 feet long), and sturdy.  Grove sells it,
and
 > Radio Shack sells a look-alike.

 Mike wrote

 I'm sorry but I must disagree, "throws a lot of metal at the signal"
doesn't
 mean a thing if its not properly designed & tuned.  The original post was
 specifically referring to investing in a good antenna, go "big time", is
how
 I believe it was  phrased.

 The Scantenna, IMHO, (in my humble opinion) is a very low quality, entry
 level antenna.  This does not mean that its a "BAD" antenna per se.  It is
 however, nothing more than a few vertical dipoles with a common feed point.
 And if they haven't improved on it, to me is seems like nothing more that a
 cheap TV antenna.  For a few bucks more you can, not just buy, but "INVEST"
 in a Comet, Diamond, Hy-Gain, Cushcraft or even MFJ for that matter that
 will not only be an excellent scanner antenna but can be used to transmit
on
 the V/UHF ham bands as well.  And if you ever desire to sell it, has a much
 better return on your investment.  Prior to becoming a ham I always used
and
 advised others to use ham V/UHF antennas for my/their scanners and I have
 learned over the past 25-30 years that was always a good decision.

 The reason I feel so strongly about using ham radio antennas is simply
this.
 Look at the band allocation for V/UHF ham radio.
 http://www.ka5cvh.com/scan/bandplan2.htm Look at where most of the public
 service agencies are on the same bands.  They are almost right next to one
 another and the less expensive ham antennas are broadband enough to be more
 than adequate on the public service bands.  Here's a few that I would
 consider for a good scanner antenna. Also read my article on line of sight
 http://www.ka5cvh.com/scan/linesite.htm

 http://www.cometantenna.com/ Look at the GP-3  ~ $100
 http://www.cushcraft.com/amateur/thumbs.asp Look at the AR270 ~ $100
 http://www.rfparts.com/diamond/ Look at the X50A ~ $110
 http://www.hy-gain.com/hy-gain/products.php?catid=7 Look at V42R a little
 more pricey ~ $150
 http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?catid=3 Look at the MFJ 1524 ~
 $90


 Mike Urich,   KA5CVH
 www.ka5cvh.com
 LaPorte TX   EL-29

 Amateur Radio *IS* a contact sport!

 * * * *

 My original post

 It is my opinion that probably one of the best antennas you can use for a
 scanner is just about any dual band V/UHF amateur radio antenna.  I use my
 Comet GP-9 on my scanner occasionally with more than excellent results.
Now
 if you are wanting to include the VHF-Lo frequencies 30-50 mHz I would use
 the Comet GP-15 which is for the 6/2/.7 meter ham bands.  For all around
 good coverage the discone antenna's are quite good too, they just don't
 offer any gain.  My personal opinion on any type of Yagi/Quad/LPDA for
 scanners is pretty much a waste of money unless there is something specific
 you need to monitor that is outside the reach of an omni or you need the
F/B
 ratio that a beam will provide.

 The internet is loaded with sites to spend your money however I'd use
either
 AES, HRO.

 Links on my web-site http://www.ka5cvh.com/dealers.htm