Using a handheld police scanner in a car with a stock rubber duck antenna often provides satisfactory results. However, when transitioning to a mobile unit, finding an antenna with comparable performance becomes crucial. Mounting the antenna away from the firewall, potentially higher up in the vehicle, is generally recommended for optimal reception.
One simple solution is using a BNC extension cable to position a rubber duck antenna near the windows. This elevates the antenna and improves its ability to receive signals. Antennas like the Bingfu models offer another potential solution for mobile scanner setups.
A practical, easily removable setup involves a Radio Shack 800 antenna (RS800) with a three-foot coaxial cable and a BNC adapter. This can be suction-cupped to the rear passenger side window, allowing for quick connection to the handheld scanner when entering the vehicle. This setup has proven effective, even receiving distant transmissions like UH60 helicopters communicating on 40.7FM. Another user-suggested option, the R8000 antenna, also delivers decent performance. Ultimately, finding the right antenna often involves experimentation to determine what works best for your specific vehicle and location.
