I have a scanner with a stock wire antenna that gets crap for reception in my car. I was curious to know if anyone came across plans for a mag mount mobile scanner antenna that can be built for under $40?

Something that can be tuned to police/ems and air bands would be preferable.

Thanks

Brandon

[This message has been edited by Discordia (edited 03-27-2007).]

Whats the MHZ range for your Police, and EMS?

You'd be better off just saving money for a new one.

This is the closest I found that would resemble a "kit".:

http://tinyurl.com/2c62vf

and some books: http://tinyurl.com/2mf9e6

I need coverage on 100-400Mhz, but if I can take care of the base part (I have a stockpile of magnets, coax, etc.) its just the size and length of the anteanna that I'm having problems with.

Well I didnt find much but here are some kits(no magnetic base):

http://tinyurl.com/3dtzgl

http://tinyurl.com/2syn4a

For an antenna specifically in VHFlo and UHF I dont know what to say. But depending on the area you live,in your car, you can get good reception without drilling any holes or having a magnet mount.

Im assuming you have a handheld so im going to recommend the Austin Condor:

http://tinyurl.com/3yq62u

its great on VHF/also all the way up to 800mhz. You may find it a tad big though(should be okay if you're just using it in the car ie. not walking around). But its definetly better than RS's telescoping antenna.

[This message has been edited by Jsmooth744 (edited 03-27-2007).]

My fault for not pointing out I'm using a base/mobile scanner, Uniden BC900 is the fancy name I believe.

Thanks for the links, some of them look promising.

Ah, so you mean the antenna (wire) with suction cups? If so you can put that on the outside of your vehicle. Its survived 80+ so dont worry about it flying off.

If you plan on ordering I can vouch on ScannerMaster and ScannerWorld for antennas.

Maybe you should consider looking into a pre-amp to boost your signal. GRE makes some.

Try a Valor VAA-002 from hamradio.com, they are less than $25 and it should work just fine for a scanner antenna.