> > I am getting an 800mhz scanner and am particularly interested in
> > listening to 800mhz frequencies. I was wondering what a good antenna
> > would be. I am particularly looking for a local store in South Saint
> > Louis (such as Radio Shack). If anyone has suggestions or can tell me
> > how to get a catalog of scanner antennas, please email me at:
> A co-linear antenna might be a good choice for these frequencies. These
> can be made inexpensively by stacking 1/4 wavelength sections of coax in
> a manner
> that the phases add together. You can get pretty high gains with these,
> depending
> on the number of sections.
> I am fairly sure that the ARRL antenna book has this design.
I'm having trouble envisioning this, Bob.
It doesn't say if he wanted a base antenna or wanted to go mobile. In
the case of mobile I would recommend the Radio Shack Elevated-feed 5/8
over 1/4 wave Cellular antenna. I've used mine for about five years and
it still works like a champ.
As far as base goes, the trick is more to keep the coaxial cable as
short as possible and to use low-loss coax like Belden 9913 - or
better. A discone is a good all round antenna but even the RS antenna
above stuck on a tower will outperform it on 800MHz.
--
Andy Moss
"I often fantasize about my inability to daydream....."
by