Looking to improve the reception of your mobile scanner in your car? Many users start with handheld scanners and their stock rubber duck antennas, finding them adequate. However, upgrading to a dedicated mobile scanner unit often raises the question of antenna choice. If you’re aiming for similar or better performance than a handheld with a rubber duck, exploring external antennas is key.
Moving the antenna away from the scanner body and car chassis is a significant step up. Even a simple BNC extension cable can allow you to place a rubber duck antenna near a window, offering improved signal capture compared to being low down near the firewall. For a more permanent and often better performing solution, consider dedicated car scanner antennas that utilize a BNC connector.
One practical, readily available solution is using an antenna like the RadioShack RS800 with a few feet of coax cable and a BNC adapter. This setup can be easily suction-cupped to a car window, like a rear passenger window, creating a quick and effective mobile scanner antenna. This allows for easy removal while providing a noticeable improvement over internal antennas. Another mentioned option, the R8000, can also offer satisfactory results.
For those seeking better car scanner reception, exploring Used Bnc Scanner Car Antennas presents a cost-effective way to enhance your setup and extend your scanning range.
