Table of Contents
How do I make my scanner antenna better?
How to Boost Scanner Antennas Install a small amplifier at the base of the antenna to boost the scanner antenna’s performance. Mounting an antenna up high allows it to receive more signals because it is above the interference. Install a longer antenna.
Can a TV antenna be used as a scanner antenna?
TV Antennas A TV antenna is NOT a very good scanner antenna because it is optimized only for the TV bands. If you look closely at a TV antenna you will notice that the taper of the elements is not uniform. There are no scanner type signals anywhere near this frequency and a Yagi is a tuned frequency antenna.
Does a scanner antenna need a ground plane?
The 800 MHz antenna should work well with your scanner if properly installed. You are correct it should have a metal ground plane. At 800 MHz the ground plane should be 7″ in diameter for best performance.
How far will a scanner pick up?
Generally speaking, with a handheld or desktop scanner you can hear in a 10 to 20 mile radius, but that’s not set in stone.
How can I improve the signal on my radio scanner?
How to increase the range of a radio scanner Use an external antenna. The stock antennas that come with your handheld and base scanners are considered compromise antennas. Consider a signal amplifier. Change out your feedline coax.
Can you use an HDTV antenna for a police scanner?
Member. Yes as long as the cable is 75 ohm it will work fine. You will need to inspect the antenna and connections for damage or bad wiring.
What is a good antenna for a police scanner?
Best Indoor Scanner Antenna Reviews 2021 Name Editor’s Rating Price Bingfu VHF UHF Ham Radio Police Scanner Antenna 5 out of 5 Check Price AEcreative Wide-Band Receiver- Scanner Antenna 5 out of 5 Check Price Tram 1410 Broad Band Discone/Scanner Base Antenna 4 out of 5 Check Price Bingfu Scanner Antenna 5 out of 5 Check Price.
What is the range of a radio scanner?
In general expect to receive 10 to 20 miles but note that there might be a few agencies which could be closer than 10 miles that operate at low power that you will have trouble hearing and that there could be state police agencies operating with mountain top transmitters that you’ll hear 50+ miles away.
How do you tell if an antenna needs a ground plane?
To function as a ground plane, the conducting surface must be at least a quarter of the wavelength (λ/4) of the radio waves in radius. In lower frequency antennas, such as the mast radiators used for broadcast antennas, the Earth itself (or a body of water such as a salt marsh or ocean) is used as a ground plane.
How do you ground an outdoor scanner antenna?
Grounding your outdoor antenna is important for protecting your home. Basically, you need to put 2 clamps on with a wrench and push one 3-foot stake into the ground. This kit comes with 3 stakes, but only one needs to be used. These materials work with any outdoor antenna, including all scanner antennas we sell.
Can you listen to cell phone conversations with a scanner?
If you wish to listen to cell-phone conversations for covert purposes, you can use a scanner radio and frequency counter to pick up these conversations. This method works for cell phones with analog signals. Hold the frequency counter towards the cell phone.
Can police tell if you are listening to scanner?
Can police tell if you are listening to scanner? The short answer is no. The long answer is no, with a long-winded explanation of how receivers can be detected but still with no practical police application. chaz0426 said: Sometimes right when I start scanning, it seems like a lot of the police and other utilities ect.
Do police scanners pick up cell phone conversations?
Member. The simple answer is no. That was when the FCC stepped in and required all cell phone frequencies be blocked in scanners. Local police do not have the ability to listen to cell phone traffic the would be the 3 letter Government agencies.
What wire is used for dipole antenna?
The dipole gives much better performance than you may expect from such a simple antenna. To construct a dipole, use 10- to 18-gauge copper wire. It can be stranded or solid, bare or insulated.
How can I make my FM antenna stronger?
How to Fix Poor FM Radio Reception Remove any obstacles you can. Check and replace antenna connections. Run a frequency scan. Switch from stereo to mono. Move your antenna: If you have an indoor antenna, place it near a window as high as possible to avoid interference from materials used in wall construction.
Does aluminum foil boost radio antenna signal?
Putting foil on the end of the antenna will in effect make the antenna longer. If this makes the antenna closer to a length that is resonant with the frequency you are trying to recieve, it may actually help.
How can I make an FM antenna booster?
How to Build a Simple FM Booster Wind the metal wire into a wreath. Connect one end of the alligator clip wire to an end of the wreathed wire. Place the wire wreath on or near your radio’s antenna. Attach the other end of the alligator clip wire to your radio’s antenna.
Can CB radio pick up police?
From the manufacturer. The BearTracker 885 does what no other CB Radio can do: It can keep you up-to-date with current public safety activity anywhere in the US and Canada* by scanning for police, fire, ambulance, and/or DOT radio traffic.
What is a Discone antenna used for?
The discone antenna or discone aerial is often used where an omnidirectional wide band or bandwidth RF antenna design is needed. The discone antenna is used for many radio communication applications from radio scanning and monitoring for the commercial or military services to the home scanner enthusiasts.
How long is a 80 meter dipole antenna?
Since an 80 meter dipole is approximately 130 feet long, and a 160 meter dipole is approximately 250 feet long, this space reduction can be critical in getting the antenna to fit into our typical backyards. Another often cited reason is that the inverted vee makes a better match to the typical 50 Ohm feed line.
