Hearing what’s happening around town can be fascinating, and a good police scanner antenna makes all the difference. You might live in an area with spotty reception, or maybe you just want to pick up signals from further away. I remember when I first got my scanner; the stock antenna barely picked up anything. Upgrading it was a game-changer. Let’s look at some of the best options to boost your scanner’s range and clarity.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Tram 1411 Discone/Scanner Base Antenna: Wideband coverage, great for picking up a variety of frequencies.
- Diamond Antenna D130J Super Discone Antenna: Excellent build quality, wide frequency range, ideal for serious scanner enthusiasts.
- Bingfu Vehicle Car Radio Scanner Antenna: Convenient magnetic mount, good for mobile use, decent performance for the price.
- Uniden BC23A TrunkTracker Scanner Antenna: Specifically designed for trunking scanners, improves reception in areas with trunked radio systems.
- SmilePowo Telescopic BNC Antenna: Portable and adjustable, great for on-the-go scanning, affordable option.
Top 5 Best Antenna For Police Scanner
Tram 1411 Discone/Scanner Base Antenna
The Tram 1411 is a popular discone antenna known for its wideband receiving capabilities. It’s designed for base station use and offers excellent coverage across various frequencies, making it a versatile choice for scanner enthusiasts. It is a great choice for those looking to monitor a broad range of signals.
Pros:
- ✅ Wideband coverage (25-1300 MHz)
- ✅ Durable construction
- ✅ Good for picking up various frequencies
Cons:
- ❌ Requires assembly
- ❌ Larger size might not be suitable for all locations
- ❌ Performance can be affected by nearby obstructions
Verdict: A solid choice for those needing wideband coverage, especially if you have the space for a larger base station antenna.
Diamond Antenna D130J Super Discone Antenna
The Diamond D130J is a high-quality discone antenna that offers exceptional performance and build. It’s designed for serious scanner users who demand the best possible reception across a wide frequency range. It’s a premium option, but the performance justifies the cost for many enthusiasts.
Pros:
- ✅ Wide frequency range (25-1300 MHz)
- ✅ Excellent build quality
- ✅ Superior reception compared to cheaper antennas
Cons:
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ Requires proper mounting hardware (sold separately)
- ❌ Larger size may be a challenge for some installations
Verdict: If you’re serious about scanning and want the best possible performance, the Diamond D130J is worth the investment.
Bingfu Vehicle Car Radio Scanner Antenna
The Bingfu Vehicle Car Radio Scanner Antenna is a convenient option for mobile scanning. It features a magnetic mount, making it easy to attach to your vehicle. It offers decent performance for its size and price, making it a good entry-level mobile antenna.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to install with magnetic mount
- ✅ Compact and portable
- ✅ Affordable price
Cons:
- ❌ Performance may not be as good as larger base antennas
- ❌ Magnetic mount may not be suitable for all vehicles or conditions
- ❌ Cable length might be limiting for some setups
Verdict: A great option for those who want a simple and affordable mobile scanning solution.
Uniden BC23A TrunkTracker Scanner Antenna
The Uniden BC23A is specifically designed for trunking scanners, which are used to monitor modern radio systems that dynamically allocate channels. This antenna is optimized to improve reception in areas that use trunked radio systems, making it a valuable addition for those monitoring public safety and other trunked communications. I’ve found that using an antenna designed for trunking really helps cut down on missed transmissions.
Pros:
- ✅ Optimized for trunking scanners
- ✅ Improves reception of trunked radio systems
- ✅ Easy to install
Cons:
- ❌ May not be as effective for non-trunked systems
- ❌ Performance can vary depending on location
- ❌ Simple design may not be as robust as other antennas
Verdict: If you primarily monitor trunked radio systems, the Uniden BC23A is a worthwhile upgrade.
SmilePowo Telescopic BNC Antenna
The SmilePowo Telescopic BNC Antenna is a portable and adjustable antenna that’s great for on-the-go scanning. Its telescopic design allows you to adjust the length for optimal reception, and the BNC connector makes it compatible with many handheld scanners. It’s an affordable and convenient option for improving your scanner’s performance while you’re out and about.
Pros:
- ✅ Portable and adjustable
- ✅ Compatible with many handheld scanners
- ✅ Affordable price
Cons:
- ❌ Build quality may not be as durable as other antennas
- ❌ Performance may not be as good as larger antennas
- ❌ Can be a bit fiddly to adjust
Verdict: A handy and affordable option for improving the range of your handheld scanner when you’re on the move.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right antenna for your police scanner depends on several factors. Here’s what to consider:
- Frequency Range: Make sure the antenna covers the frequencies you want to monitor. Different antennas are designed for different frequency ranges.
- Antenna Type: Discone antennas are great for wideband coverage, while specific antennas like the Uniden BC23A are optimized for trunking systems. Telescopic antennas are good for portability.
- Location: If you’re using the scanner at home, a base station antenna is a good choice. For mobile use, consider a magnetic mount vehicle antenna.
- Connector Type: Ensure the antenna connector is compatible with your scanner. BNC connectors are common, but some scanners may use other types.
- Budget: Antennas range in price from affordable telescopic models to more expensive, high-performance discone antennas.
- Gain: Antenna gain is a measure of how well the antenna focuses radio energy in a particular direction. Higher gain can mean better reception, but it can also make the antenna more directional, requiring careful aiming.
- SWR (Standing Wave Ratio): SWR is a measure of how well the antenna is matched to the scanner’s impedance. A lower SWR is better, as it indicates that more of the signal is being transmitted or received and less is being reflected back.
FAQs
Q: What is a discone antenna?
A: A discone antenna is a type of wideband antenna that can receive signals across a broad range of frequencies. It’s a popular choice for scanner enthusiasts who want to monitor various signals without switching antennas.
Q: How do I install a base station antenna?
A: Base station antennas typically require mounting to a mast or pole. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper assembly and grounding. Ensure the antenna is securely mounted and away from obstructions.
Q: Can I use a car antenna for my handheld scanner?
A: Yes, you can use a car antenna with a handheld scanner, but you’ll need an adapter to connect the antenna cable to the scanner’s antenna connector. This can improve your scanner’s range when you’re on the go.
Q: What is a trunking radio system?
A: A trunking radio system is a type of two-way radio system that dynamically allocates channels to users. This allows for more efficient use of radio spectrum, but it also requires a scanner that can track these systems.
Q: How high should I mount my antenna?
A: The higher you mount your antenna, the better its range will generally be. However, consider factors like local regulations and safety when determining the height of your antenna.
Conclusion
Choosing the right antenna can significantly improve your police scanner’s performance. Whether you need wideband coverage, trunking system optimization, or a portable solution, there’s an antenna out there for you. Consider your specific needs and budget to find the best fit.
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