New Setup
BScannerAww, Tue Aug 31 2010, 03:51pm
I'm looking to obtain a new base scanner setup. I'm interested in a reliable system with good reception, and I do have access to the roof. I can't spend tons on this setup, so I'm looking for the bast bang for my buck. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Edit: This is for both Suffolk Fire and PD, and hopefully Nassau too (how good can reception on a base scanner get, I am new to this). I'm concerned when most antennas list 46.46 to be out of their range. How is this remedied?
Re: New Setup
w2lie, Tue Aug 31 2010, 08:34pm
You said you are looking for both Suffolk and Nassau. Where are you located?? That will help answer the range you are looking for.
LNL in Syosset sells a ST-2 scanner antenna with coax for around $50. Mast usually runs about $1 per foot, so getting up at 10' won't cost much.
You will also need brackets for either the chimney or the side of your house. Those usually run under $10 for the set.
Radio Shack also sells the masts and brackets, but their discone antenna is about $70, and you will need to supply your own coax
Re: New Setup
BScannerAww, Tue Aug 31 2010, 08:47pm
Out of the two (ST-2 and Discone) which is better. And I live close to the border, so it shouldn't be much of an issue.
Re: New Setup
w2lie, Tue Aug 31 2010, 08:56pm
I've used both...
I'm currently using the ST-2 for the last few years and I'm happy. Like the Discone, it has no gain on it. I do see a night and day difference when I switch to my Diamond Dual Band antenna, but it isn't setup for lowband or 800Mhz.
I have heard from a few people that the discone has been known to lose some elements after time.
From the border, 46.10 shouldn't be a problem with either antenna.
Re: New Setup
BScannerAww, Tue Aug 31 2010, 09:10pm
Would it be wise to put an amplifier on the ST-2?
Re: New Setup
w2lie, Tue Aug 31 2010, 09:24pm
Some scanners don't like being close to an amplifier.
The optimal place for an amp is as close to the antenna as possible, which isn't always practical.
I would suggest putting the antenna together and then think about if you need the amplification.
If you wanted to add some gain, I would suggest looking at a dual band or tri-band ham antenna. You'll give up 800Mhz, and be tuned for 50Mhz instead of 46, but it might prove to be a better use of your $$$
Re: New Setup
fasnybob, Wed Sep 01 2010, 05:55pm
Maybe it's just me, but I can't find a diamond duel band antenna on any site.
Model #?
BScannerAww, Tue Aug 31 2010, 03:51pm
I'm looking to obtain a new base scanner setup. I'm interested in a reliable system with good reception, and I do have access to the roof. I can't spend tons on this setup, so I'm looking for the bast bang for my buck. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Edit: This is for both Suffolk Fire and PD, and hopefully Nassau too (how good can reception on a base scanner get, I am new to this). I'm concerned when most antennas list 46.46 to be out of their range. How is this remedied?
Re: New Setup
w2lie, Tue Aug 31 2010, 08:34pm
You said you are looking for both Suffolk and Nassau. Where are you located?? That will help answer the range you are looking for.
LNL in Syosset sells a ST-2 scanner antenna with coax for around $50. Mast usually runs about $1 per foot, so getting up at 10' won't cost much.
You will also need brackets for either the chimney or the side of your house. Those usually run under $10 for the set.
Radio Shack also sells the masts and brackets, but their discone antenna is about $70, and you will need to supply your own coax
Re: New Setup
BScannerAww, Tue Aug 31 2010, 08:47pm
Out of the two (ST-2 and Discone) which is better. And I live close to the border, so it shouldn't be much of an issue.
Re: New Setup
w2lie, Tue Aug 31 2010, 08:56pm
I've used both...
I'm currently using the ST-2 for the last few years and I'm happy. Like the Discone, it has no gain on it. I do see a night and day difference when I switch to my Diamond Dual Band antenna, but it isn't setup for lowband or 800Mhz.
I have heard from a few people that the discone has been known to lose some elements after time.
From the border, 46.10 shouldn't be a problem with either antenna.
Re: New Setup
BScannerAww, Tue Aug 31 2010, 09:10pm
Would it be wise to put an amplifier on the ST-2?
Re: New Setup
w2lie, Tue Aug 31 2010, 09:24pm
Some scanners don't like being close to an amplifier.
The optimal place for an amp is as close to the antenna as possible, which isn't always practical.
I would suggest putting the antenna together and then think about if you need the amplification.
If you wanted to add some gain, I would suggest looking at a dual band or tri-band ham antenna. You'll give up 800Mhz, and be tuned for 50Mhz instead of 46, but it might prove to be a better use of your $$$
Re: New Setup
fasnybob, Wed Sep 01 2010, 05:55pm
Maybe it's just me, but I can't find a diamond duel band antenna on any site.
Model #?