Scanner Antenna

[sigord]

I use a COM207 Commtel scanner attached to a 6 m, 2 m, 70 cm Triband Antenna using a two way switch to allow the Antenna to be changed to a Yaesu FT-60R. I use the scanner to scan all the 2 m and 70 cm Simplex channels along with the local accessible Repeaters. Unlike of course a TX ,the RX is unlikely be harmed by using any sort of Antenna providing a very strong signal does not overload it.

However in case I wish to replace the scanner with another Transceiver, can anyone recommend a large Antenna or whip for the Scanner that I might find on eBay please.

[5B4AJB]

Discones are traditionally very popular wideband scanner antennas - I've used pretty much every type of antenna with scanners.
It really boils down to what you want to receive, if, just 2m & 70cm repeaters, then go for a 2/70 vertical.

A wideband masthead preamp is useful for scanning (and/or a beam), even if you only use it once you are tuned in.
I would think there are tunable (or switchable) preamps available now, with variable gain etc...

Might be worth building a nice one with switchable filters, there are some very good low noise RF amplifier IC's nowdays...

David, G0MRF had some preamp kits a while back:-
http://g0mrf.com/432LNA.htm
Maybe get in touch with him to see if he has anything new?

[sigord]

Thanks I will investigate