Which scanner antenna?

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DDM10
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Location: Truro, Cornwall.

Which scanner antenna?

Post by DDM10 »

Hi guys, I just recently picked up a Uniden UBC125xlt scanner, for civil airband and listening to the Red Arrows/airshows. I'm looking at upgrading the stock antenna and am stuck on what to pick. I like the look of the Watson W881, but I have heard that the Nagoya NA771 is very good too and it is much cheaper.

The thing that I am confused with though is that the Watson states a frequency range of 25 - 1900MHz, whereas the Nagoya states only 144/430MHz. Some of the frequencies I receive are below 144. Will the Nagoya still work well with these?

Any comments welcome, thanks.
"Well Ted, as I said last time, it won't happen again."

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Koen L
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Re: Which scanner antenna?

Post by Koen L »

I have the same antenna (though a Diamond branded version) and it receives all aviation VHF and UHF frequencies I've tried it on fine which includes frequencies as low as 118Mhz at least.

Traveller
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Re: Which scanner antenna?

Post by Traveller »

That Nagoya one is no good, its an amateur radio one for 144 and 430 MHz only. If you are only interested in civil airband then go for an aerial that does just that. Wide band ones aren't as good. Let's face it what is not digital these days that can be received on a scanner, only civil and military airbands to be honest.

Of equal importance is good coax cable like RG213 to use.

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DDM10
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Location: Truro, Cornwall.

Re: Which scanner antenna?

Post by DDM10 »

Thank you for the replies. I have to say the Watson W-881 has got some cracking reviews, despite it being a wideband antenna. I'm very tempted to go for it, as I don't want to limit my reception just yet, as I do listen to some other channels outside of airband.
"Well Ted, as I said last time, it won't happen again."

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DDM10
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Joined: Sat 30 Jun 2012, 4:21 pm
Location: Truro, Cornwall.

Re: Which scanner antenna?

Post by DDM10 »

Went for the Watson W-889 Tele-Gainer in the end, very similar to the 881, but telescopic, making it a bit more portable. Had to choose something, my head was spinning with all the options.

I'll let you know how I get on with it.

Cheers
"Well Ted, as I said last time, it won't happen again."

Traveller
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Re: Which scanner antenna?

Post by Traveller »

You bought an indoor antenna?

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DDM10
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Joined: Sat 30 Jun 2012, 4:21 pm
Location: Truro, Cornwall.

Re: Which scanner antenna?

Post by DDM10 »

Traveller wrote:You bought an indoor antenna?


Not as far as I'm aware, I did my research and believe it's a portable antenna.
http://www.radioworld.co.uk/w-889_watson_25-1900mhz_tele-gainer_bnc?query=watson%20889

I'm planning on sticking it on and taking it out with me.
It's got good reviews and I thought it was worth a shot at only £15.
"Well Ted, as I said last time, it won't happen again."

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