Railfan Technology > BC125 AT antenna alternatives

I'm looking for a new scanner after many years. What is a good alternative narrow band antenna for use with the BC125 AT?  I see that the BNC VHF150-162 Professional Portable Antenna sold by Scanner Master and that they include if you want their package deal, is currently sold out, I'm not sure if that is a long term thing or not. What would be some other good options for compatible antennas?  Thanks!

I believe this one works.

https://smile.amazon.com/Laird-Connectivity-Inc-150-162-Portable/dp/B00794XVWE/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=vhf+150-162+antenna+bnc&qid=1613170186&sr=8-4

 

I've been impressed with the Smiley Slim Duck Antenna. 

https://www.smileyantenna.com/product-p/16030.htm

 

Appreciate the info, thank you.

I would recommend the MJF-1717 antenna.  I've measured a significant improvement in reception with this model compared to the
short antennas mentioned.

The "catch" is that the antenna is @15.5" long and if you have the scanner on your hip, the end of the antenna may smack you in the back as you
walk.

I've used this model for many years with good results.

Be Well,

Tim Colbert  K3HX

Do a search on the forum, this has been covered numerous times before.  My short answer:  The Smiley Slim Duck, tuned to the 160 mhz band is a good choice.  My personal favorite for any railfan portable radio is the Laird EXH-160, however it can be difficult, if not impossible, to find with a BNC connector that the BC-125AT requires.  

Amazon has a ton of adaptor offerings, take your pick:
here
There will likely be a very small signal loss, but not amounting to much.

 

I've had success with the Diamond RH77CA,  While it is longer than some, it's nice that it's a dual-band antenna.  It's what I have on my BC125AT currently.

If cameras are going to dual ISOs shouldn't antennas aim for dual-bands too?

/out

lsc Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've had success with the Diamond RH77CA,  While
> it is longer than some, it's nice that it's a
> dual-band antenna.  It's what I have on my
> BC125AT currently.
>
I use the same on my 125AT. Mine has a few "bends" in it, due to closing the car door on the longer (than what I was previously using) antenna

I've used the Diamond RH77CA.  If you use your radio for things besides railfanning, it's a good choice because it is a "compromise" antenna in its tuning.  However, if you plan to use your radio specifically for railfanning, one of the antennas that I mentioned that is specifically tuned for 160 mHz will give you better performance.

K3HX Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I would recommend the MJF-1717 antenna.  I've
> measured a significant improvement in reception
> with this model compared to the
> short antennas mentioned.
>
> The "catch" is that the antenna is @15.5" long and
> if you have the scanner on your hip, the end of
> the antenna may smack you in the back as you
> walk.
>
> I've used this model for many years with good
> results.
>
> Be Well,
>
> Tim Colbert  K3HX

I agree the MFJ 1717 is an
excellent antenna and have
used one on my Yaesu FT-530
for the past 10 years with
excellent results.

AL N3LOL

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