Scanner Antenna Question

[Firescueguy]

Need some input here...thinking of ordering a glass mount scanner antenna but have heard that they do not pick up low band very well..of course, our primary frequencies here locally are low band (46.00 range) so I wanted to see if anyone has experienced this problem with glass mount antennas before.

Before anyone starts in, let me say that I am not a "wacker" and am not looking to add a 9 ft. antenna to my truck, just want something that will pick up the frequencies I listen to (ranging from 46.00 through 154.000 up to about 400.000) so please don't start ragging on me about being a wacker. I posted here in this forum so I wouldn't have to hear that if I placed it in the FF's forum (although I think it would have gotten more of a response there).

Look forward to hearing eveyone's input...thanks for the help...Stay Safe...

[CaptOldTimer]

Go by a Radio Shack and look at what they have. You might find something that will work by doing a google search.

Do you have to have a glass mount?

I find that a mag mount does very well.

Also check http://www.radioreference.com/

and www.scannerworld.com

[HFRH28]

Get a glass mount 2 Meter HAM antenna from radio shack. I use this on the scanner to pick up SHP and forestry, both low band. Picks up well, I think I paid $14.00 for it.

[hwoods]

I figured that there would be a large variation of opinions here, and we're off to a good start. Personal opinion, Not backed by scientific research, Glassmounts Suck. I've tried them a few times, and I don't like them. Radio Shack does have a selection, but you might have to order one, they can't stock everything. Good Luck.

[HFRH28]

I know this doesnt mean anything to you, Firescueguy, but the cheapo glass mount from radio shack that is the 2 meter has a nearly perfect SWR!

[nmfire]

Glass mount antennas suck, especially on low band. Consequently, they are also really ugly. Don't picture a little 800mzh cell phone antenna. The glass mount scanner antenna is big, tall, ugly, and it falls over all the time. Usless piece of crap not worth the paint on it.

Look up the antenna specialists MONR-33. Excellent antenna and widley used around here.

[HFRH28]

I failed to mention what nmfire did, the ugliness. They're not the greatest looking things in the world, but i've yet to have mine fall over yet.

Here is a picture so you can see just how ugly they really are, this is the 2 meter HAM antenna I use as a scanner antenna.

[Firescueguy]

Thanks for the replies...I forgot how ugly they were...
will consider using a magnetic mount instead, my biggest concern was how well it would pick up low band.

[pvfire424]

When I am taking a road trip in MO ( MHP runs on 42.xx) I use a K-40 mag mount antenna, and it triples the range.

[XCAPT1]

Funny you should bring this up Firescueguy. I was just asking the same question tonight. I am from one town east of you. My brother was saying his window mount is OK, but it's not as good as the magnet mount. I have always used a magnet mount on my truck. With it I was able to pick up the five western townships(Hi and Lo Bands), parts of Nassau ,and some of FDNY.

Stay Safe

[Firescueguy]

XCapt1, thanks for the info...I hadn't really considered a magnetic mount (thought about body mount but was concerned with getting a good seal so water wouldn't leak)...as magnetic mount has been mentioned several times and now that you have said it works well for the specific frequencies I listen to, I'm leaning that way.

Anyone with a magnetic mount have any issues with easy removal (theft) of these? Guess if they really want it, they're gonna get it regardless even if you welded it down...it's amazing, criminals can demonstrate such determination in getting what they want when they want it, imagine if they put that determination into getting a job...


Hey XCapt1, if you are at FH Expo next week, stop by my booth (#347 -Fire Rescue Outfitters) & say hello...pretty sure I know who you are...see ya in Balto....

Thanks again for all the input guys..it's been a big help...Stay Safe...

P.S. - Anybody know the frequencies (dispatch/fireground) for
Ocean City, Maryland??? Heading down there for vacation
soon (is it August yet???) & wanted to keep an ear out...
they are fairly busy from what I know.

[sbfdco1]

Hey guys, eastern suffolk here, north of 25a , I bought the glass mount antenna from Crap Shack about 4 years ago. I haven't had any problems, but then again I have nothing to compare it to. From where I work I can pick up most 1-way communication from FireComm. We just went to high band, the reception is noticeably better. I'm not to interested in picking up Nassau or FDNY so I can't comment as far as reception west RT110.

Heading to Baltimore on Monday, I'll stop by your booth later in teh week.

[CaptOldTimer]

(QUOTE) --- Anyone with a magnetic mount have any issues with easy removal (theft) of these? Guess if they really want it, they're gonna get it regardless even if you welded it down...it's amazing, criminals can demonstrate such determination in getting what they want when they want it, imagine if they put that determination into getting a job...


!!!

You can always remove it and put in your trunk or inside the truck cab, whichever you are driving. I usually just pick it up and drop it in the trunk.

I did however, have it on the inside on the rear deck under the rear window and it work very well.

[downtowntruckie]

I have had good luck with my glass mount picking up everything, low and high band. Did have a problem with the thing loosening up, but nothing a little loctite couldn't fix. From work (at the other end of the PJ ferry route from you)to about halfway home I can pick up all 5 boroughs and a lot of the island. I'll try to figure out what brand it is, also it's not much larger than a cell antenna.