Portable airband antenna

[dave]

I know many readers here use portable scanners to listen to airband (both VHF and UHF).  I just noticed this antenna, which is designed for portable scanners, that might interest you:

Maldol AL-500H
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/scanants/1687.html

I have not tried it myself.

-Dave

[Jason]

Thanks for the link, Dave.  I might end up buying that after I sell my BC 92XLT for a better handheld.

I've been looking for something like this for quite a while...

Jason

[Ronski]

Sounds interesting!

 Found this while Goggling:

  http://radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27071

[ngreed]

Looks like it would be a good invenstment for the handheld

[pocho]

I have it, and it is without a doubt a great improvement from the stock antenna. It also performs really well on UHF. The only negative thing I have to say about it is its length, which tops out at about 20 inches, which isn't too bad... but it is a great performer. I would highly recommend it to anyone in search of an airband antenna.

[bcrosby]

After reading all the good reviews.. I've decided to order the antenna!

The good news is that I'm moving in June closer to Toronto City Centre...

http://tinyurl.com/oydn9

If this antenna works well, and there isn't too much interference with buildings and such i'd be willing to provide a feed of CYTZ.

[Jason]

After reading all the good reviews.. I've decided to order the antenna!

The good news is that I'm moving in June closer to Toronto City Centre...

http://tinyurl.com/oydn9

If this antenna works well, and there isn't too much interference with buildings and such i'd be willing to provide a feed of CYTZ.

Hi bcrosby,

Please let me know how you like the antenna after you get it.  Please include as much detail as you can and wish to include.  I am very interested!

Thanks in advance,
Jason

[bcrosby]

Please let me know how you like the antenna after you get it.  Please include as much detail as you can and wish to include.  I am very interested!

Will do!

I will be attaching it to a Bearcat BC2500XLT that I got off EBay a while ago. The scanner is an oldie but goodie and works ok on the field but not so good even 1-2 miles away (with the 6" 'default' antenna). Any comparisons I make will be between that antenna and the new one

Blake

[Jason]

Please let me know how you like the antenna after you get it.  Please include as much detail as you can and wish to include.  I am very interested!

Will do!

I will be attaching it to a Bearcat BC2500XLT that I got off EBay a while ago. The scanner is an oldie but goodie and works ok on the field but not so good even 1-2 miles away (with the 6" 'default' antenna). Any comparisons I make will be between that antenna and the new one

Blake

Even better!

Thanks Blake,

[bcrosby]

No dice

Got an email back from them saying my order was canceled because they dont export antennas to Canada:

"Sorry, We do not export antennas. Your order has been canceled. Nothing was charged to your credit card. "

[bcrosby]

I've been emailing some local stores around the Toronto Area.

www.radioworld.ca got back to me already:

"This a new product, we are considering bringing this in, check back with
us for update."


If I find a Canadian store with this antenna in stock, i'll let you guys know.

[bcrosby]

I found a retail store that is willing to "special order" it for me.

durhamradio.com. for $59.00

If you're in Canada and would like to order one, email almac at durhamradio.com

Blake

[bcrosby]

My antenna arrived on friday and I was able to do some testing this weekend.

My initial reaction: wow!

I was able to pick up the YKZ ATIS (although with a lot of static and the squelch turned way up) from inside my house at ground level from about 10 statute miles away from the airport.

I headed down to the city to my condo and found that I could receive the YTZ ATIS with perfect clarity (being 1 mile away from the airport).

All of this was not possible with the antenna that came with my Bearcat BC2500XLT.

It was worth the price. If you are in Canada, give Durham Radio a call (www.durhamradio.com) and let them know you'd like to special order this antenna. They will even ship it out to you.

[kkjlai]

bcrosby,

What was your original antenna?  How would you rate the new antenna against your old one?  I am interested in getting it but I want more information about this antenna first..  I am also intersetsed in getting a discone and I am debating..

kkjlai

[Tomato]

Are there two versions of this antenna?  The description for the BNC AL-500H mentions a rubber duck-style antenna, and telescopic whip antenna... which one is it (or both?!).

Also, how long is it?  How short is it (when it's not extended...??).

Great to see Durham Radio is still around... I remember dealing with them yeeeaaaars ago!