1. Topics
  2. Directional VHF Antenna

Directional VHF Antenna

Randy Thomas <thomasrandylee@...>
 

Hello all,
     This is my first post but I enjoy reading them all. I have been scanning, and CBing since 1970. I would like to change the topic a minute to something I have wondered about for years. First, I have (3) Pro 197, (1) 2006, And (3) 996P2.  I live in rural Virginia. I mainly listen to the Virginia State Police on 151.000 to 160.000 VHF Stars System. I have (2)- 996P2 connected to a Discone, 50 feet in the air, using LMR 400 and a top of the line inline AMP. My question is and please understand I am not an engineer but a complete and total disabled veteran. Can I put two VHF directional antennas on this 50 foot pole and connect them with a high grade splitter still using the AMP and the LMR 400 and be able to pick up a lot better in two directions than just using a omni directional. I again live in rural Virginia where the nearest town of over 10,000 people is over 15 Miles away so the feedback from using two directional antennas should be minimal. If you think this might work can you tell me a good directional antenna for VHF? I looked to see if I could find where any of this had been a topic of a conversation before I sent and couldn't find anything on this topic. Might be a stupid question for some of you engineers so please go easy on me. Thanks for your answers in advance.

Randy Thomas CWO4 (Ret) USN
Skyhawk
Joe M.
 

You could do that, but you could also just use those two Yagi antennas and connect them to two different scanners - one programmed with data for each direction. The third could continue using your Discone.

This method would yield the lowest loss on the signals in each direction.

Joe M.

On 1/2/2020 2:39 PM, Randy Thomas wrote:
Hello all,
This is my first post but I enjoy reading them all. I have been
scanning, and CBing since 1970. I would like to change the topic a
minute to something I have wondered about for years. First, I have (3)
Pro 197, (1) 2006, And (3) 996P2. I live in rural Virginia. I mainly
listen to the Virginia State Police on 151.000 to 160.000 VHF Stars
System. I have (2)- 996P2 connected to a Discone, 50 feet in the air,
using LMR 400 and a top of the line inline AMP. My question is and
please understand I am not an engineer but a complete and total disabled
veteran. Can I put two VHF directional antennas on this 50 foot pole and
connect them with a high grade splitter still using the AMP and the LMR
400 and be able to pick up a lot better in two directions than just
using a omni directional. I again live in rural Virginia where the
nearest town of over 10,000 people is over 15 Miles away so the feedback
from using two directional antennas should be minimal. If you think this
might work can you tell me a good directional antenna for VHF? I looked
to see if I could find where any of this had been a topic of a
conversation before I sent and couldn't find anything on this topic.
Might be a stupid question for some of you engineers so please go easy
on me. Thanks for your answers in advance.

Randy Thomas CWO4 (Ret) USN
Skyhawk

<http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>
Virus-free. www.avg.com
<http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>


<#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
Bernard Skoch
 

Chief Thomas,

I agree with Joe.  

Also, do you have a budget in mind for how much you're willing to spend?

Bernie


-----Original Message-----
From: Joe M. <mch@...>
To: main <main@Uniden.groups.io>
Sent: Thu, Jan 2, 2020 2:56 pm
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna

You could do that, but you could also just use those two Yagi antennas
and connect them to two different scanners - one programmed with data
for each direction. The third could continue using your Discone.

This method would yield the lowest loss on the signals in each direction.

Joe M.

On 1/2/2020 2:39 PM, Randy Thomas wrote:
> Hello all,
>      This is my first post but I enjoy reading them all. I have been
> scanning, and CBing since 1970. I would like to change the topic a
> minute to something I have wondered about for years. First, I have (3)
> Pro 197, (1) 2006, And (3) 996P2.  I live in rural Virginia. I mainly
> listen to the Virginia State Police on 151.000 to 160.000 VHF Stars
> System. I have (2)- 996P2 connected to a Discone, 50 feet in the air,
> using LMR 400 and a top of the line inline AMP. My question is and
> please understand I am not an engineer but a complete and total disabled
> veteran. Can I put two VHF directional antennas on this 50 foot pole and
> connect them with a high grade splitter still using the AMP and the LMR
> 400 and be able to pick up a lot better in two directions than just
> using a omni directional. I again live in rural Virginia where the
> nearest town of over 10,000 people is over 15 Miles away so the feedback
> from using two directional antennas should be minimal. If you think this
> might work can you tell me a good directional antenna for VHF? I looked
> to see if I could find where any of this had been a topic of a
> conversation before I sent and couldn't find anything on this topic.
> Might be a stupid question for some of you engineers so please go easy
> on me. Thanks for your answers in advance.
>
> Randy Thomas CWO4 (Ret) USN
> Skyhawk
>
>
> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>
>     Virus-free. www.avg.com
> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>
>
>
> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
Randy Thomas <thomasrandylee@...>
 

Thanks for the response. I had not thought of using one scanner for each direction. I can spend up to 500.00 and in another six months I can throw another five hundred. The biggest cost for me I think as I have gotten three estimates is going to be paying someone to come to the house with a bucket truck to install whatever antennas I decide on. The 50 feet pole was already here when we bought the home. It is a 40 almost new power pole with a ten foot extension of aluminum pipe with a Discone on top. State Police here have ,seven Divisions each with a dispatch center. I can receive Appomattox great since I live close to the dispatch center and I can receive Richmond Dispatch even though it's 85 miles away as the crow flies. Culpeper is ,,70 miles north of me and I can't receive them and Salem is ,70 miles to the southwest I can't receive them either. That two scanner setup you mentioned just might be the answer. I had not thought about that. Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do with my injuries from Afghanistan.

Thanks to all
Randy
CWO4 ,(Ret) USN
Skyhawk

Randy Thomas
CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)

From: main@Uniden.groups.io <main@Uniden.groups.io> on behalf of Bernard Skoch via Groups.Io <k5xs@...>
Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 3:10:52 PM
To: main@Uniden.groups.io <main@Uniden.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
 
Chief Thomas,

I agree with Joe.  

Also, do you have a budget in mind for how much you're willing to spend?

Bernie


-----Original Message-----
From: Joe M. <mch@...>
To: main <main@Uniden.groups.io>
Sent: Thu, Jan 2, 2020 2:56 pm
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna

You could do that, but you could also just use those two Yagi antennas
and connect them to two different scanners - one programmed with data
for each direction. The third could continue using your Discone.

This method would yield the lowest loss on the signals in each direction.

Joe M.

On 1/2/2020 2:39 PM, Randy Thomas wrote:
> Hello all,
>      This is my first post but I enjoy reading them all. I have been
> scanning, and CBing since 1970. I would like to change the topic a
> minute to something I have wondered about for years. First, I have (3)
> Pro 197, (1) 2006, And (3) 996P2.  I live in rural Virginia. I mainly
> listen to the Virginia State Police on 151.000 to 160.000 VHF Stars
> System. I have (2)- 996P2 connected to a Discone, 50 feet in the air,
> using LMR 400 and a top of the line inline AMP. My question is and
> please understand I am not an engineer but a complete and total disabled
> veteran. Can I put two VHF directional antennas on this 50 foot pole and
> connect them with a high grade splitter still using the AMP and the LMR
> 400 and be able to pick up a lot better in two directions than just
> using a omni directional. I again live in rural Virginia where the
> nearest town of over 10,000 people is over 15 Miles away so the feedback
> from using two directional antennas should be minimal. If you think this
> might work can you tell me a good directional antenna for VHF? I looked
> to see if I could find where any of this had been a topic of a
> conversation before I sent and couldn't find anything on this topic.
> Might be a stupid question for some of you engineers so please go easy
> on me. Thanks for your answers in advance.
>
> Randy Thomas CWO4 (Ret) USN
> Skyhawk
>
>
> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>
>     Virus-free. www.avg.com
> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>
>
>
> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association (TARRA)
 

Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do . . .
Study for your amateur radio license. Then you can reach out in the world and never have to leave home.

Mick - W7CAT

----- Original Message -----
From: Randy Thomas
To: "main@Uniden.groups.io"
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2020 02:50:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna

> Thanks for the response. I had not thought of using one scanner for each direction. I can spend up to 500.00 and in another six months I can throw another five hundred. The biggest cost for me I think as I have gotten three estimates is going to be paying someone to come to the house with a bucket truck to install whatever antennas I decide on. The 50 feet pole was already here when we bought the home. It is a 40 almost new power pole with a ten foot extension of aluminum pipe with a Discone on top. State Police here have ,seven Divisions each with a dispatch center. I can receive Appomattox great since I live close to the dispatch center and I can receive Richmond Dispatch even though it's 85 miles away as the crow flies. Culpeper is ,,70 miles north of me and I can't receive them and Salem is ,70 miles to the southwest I can't receive them either. That two scanner setup you mentioned just might be the answer. I had not thought about that. Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do with my injuries from Afghanistan.
>
> Thanks to all
> Randy
> CWO4 ,(Ret) USN
> Skyhawk
>
> Get Outlook for Android
>
> Randy Thomas
> CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)
>
> ________________________________
> From: main@Uniden.groups.io on behalf of Bernard Skoch via Groups.Io
> Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 3:10:52 PM
> To: main@Uniden.groups.io
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
> Chief Thomas,
>
> I agree with Joe.
>
> Also, do you have a budget in mind for how much you're willing to spend?
>
> Bernie
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joe M.
> To: main
> Sent: Thu, Jan 2, 2020 2:56 pm
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
> You could do that, but you could also just use those two Yagi antennas
> and connect them to two different scanners - one programmed with data
> for each direction. The third could continue using your Discone.
>
> This method would yield the lowest loss on the signals in each direction.
>
> Joe M.
>
> On 1/2/2020 2:39 PM, Randy Thomas wrote:
> > Hello all,
> > This is my first post but I enjoy reading them all. I have been
> > scanning, and CBing since 1970. I would like to change the topic a
> > minute to something I have wondered about for years. First, I have (3)
> > Pro 197, (1) 2006, And (3) 996P2. I live in rural Virginia. I mainly
> > listen to the Virginia State Police on 151.000 to 160.000 VHF Stars
> > System. I have (2)- 996P2 connected to a Discone, 50 feet in the air,
> > using LMR 400 and a top of the line inline AMP. My question is and
> > please understand I am not an engineer but a complete and total disabled
> > veteran. Can I put two VHF directional antennas on this 50 foot pole and
> > connect them with a high grade splitter still using the AMP and the LMR
> > 400 and be able to pick up a lot better in two directions than just
> > using a omni directional. I again live in rural Virginia where the
> > nearest town of over 10,000 people is over 15 Miles away so the feedback
> > from using two directional antennas should be minimal. If you think this
> > might work can you tell me a good directional antenna for VHF? I looked
> > to see if I could find where any of this had been a topic of a
> > conversation before I sent and couldn't find anything on this topic.
> > Might be a stupid question for some of you engineers so please go easy
> > on me. Thanks for your answers in advance.
> >
> > Randy Thomas CWO4 (Ret) USN
> > Skyhawk
> >
> >
> >
> > Virus-free. www.avg.com
> >
> >
> >
> > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
--

Donald Lambert <banjodhl@...>
 

Mick (7CAT);

Sage advice.

What a purrfect call you have

don/k0kus

ZUT

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Any and all communications herein are the sole property of the email sender and originator. Any electronic intercept of this communication constitutes a violation of 50 U.S.C. § 1861(b)(2) of The Patriot Act. The use of this information in informal or formal proceedings, charges, investigations or indictments is strictly prohibited and rendered null and void if obtained without a warrant."
---------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------


On Thursday, January 2, 2020, 5:19:05 PM PST, Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association (TARRA) <tarra@...> wrote:


Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do . . .
Study for your amateur radio license. Then you can reach out in the world and never have to leave home.

Mick - W7CAT

----- Original Message -----
From: Randy Thomas
To: "main@Uniden.groups.io"
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2020 02:50:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna

> Thanks for the response. I had not thought of using one scanner for each direction. I can spend up to 500.00 and in another six months I can throw another five hundred. The biggest cost for me I think as I have gotten three estimates is going to be paying someone to come to the house with a bucket truck to install whatever antennas I decide on. The 50 feet pole was already here when we bought the home. It is a 40 almost new power pole with a ten foot extension of aluminum pipe with a Discone on top. State Police here have ,seven Divisions each with a dispatch center. I can receive Appomattox great since I live close to the dispatch center and I can receive Richmond Dispatch even though it's 85 miles away as the crow flies. Culpeper is ,,70 miles north of me and I can't receive them and Salem is ,70 miles to the southwest I can't receive them either. That two scanner setup you mentioned just might be the answer. I had not thought about that. Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do with my injuries from Afghanistan.
>
> Thanks to all
> Randy
> CWO4 ,(Ret) USN
> Skyhawk
>
> Get Outlook for Android
>
> Randy Thomas
> CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)
>
> ________________________________
> From: main@Uniden.groups.io on behalf of Bernard Skoch via Groups.Io
> Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 3:10:52 PM
> To: main@Uniden.groups.io
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
> Chief Thomas,
>
> I agree with Joe.
>
> Also, do you have a budget in mind for how much you're willing to spend?
>
> Bernie
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joe M.
> To: main
> Sent: Thu, Jan 2, 2020 2:56 pm
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
> You could do that, but you could also just use those two Yagi antennas
> and connect them to two different scanners - one programmed with data
> for each direction. The third could continue using your Discone.
>
> This method would yield the lowest loss on the signals in each direction.
>
> Joe M.
>
> On 1/2/2020 2:39 PM, Randy Thomas wrote:
> > Hello all,
> > This is my first post but I enjoy reading them all. I have been
> > scanning, and CBing since 1970. I would like to change the topic a
> > minute to something I have wondered about for years. First, I have (3)
> > Pro 197, (1) 2006, And (3) 996P2. I live in rural Virginia. I mainly
> > listen to the Virginia State Police on 151.000 to 160.000 VHF Stars
> > System. I have (2)- 996P2 connected to a Discone, 50 feet in the air,
> > using LMR 400 and a top of the line inline AMP. My question is and
> > please understand I am not an engineer but a complete and total disabled
> > veteran. Can I put two VHF directional antennas on this 50 foot pole and
> > connect them with a high grade splitter still using the AMP and the LMR
> > 400 and be able to pick up a lot better in two directions than just
> > using a omni directional. I again live in rural Virginia where the
> > nearest town of over 10,000 people is over 15 Miles away so the feedback
> > from using two directional antennas should be minimal. If you think this
> > might work can you tell me a good directional antenna for VHF? I looked
> > to see if I could find where any of this had been a topic of a
> > conversation before I sent and couldn't find anything on this topic.
> > Might be a stupid question for some of you engineers so please go easy
> > on me. Thanks for your answers in advance.
> >
> > Randy Thomas CWO4 (Ret) USN
> > Skyhawk
> >
> >
> >
> > Virus-free. www.avg.com
> >
> >
> >
> > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
--

Randy Thomas <thomasrandylee@...>
 

Thanks Mick I am seriously considering doing just that.

Randy

Randy Thomas
CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)

From: main@Uniden.groups.io <main@Uniden.groups.io> on behalf of Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association (TARRA) <tarra@...>
Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 7:11:35 PM
To: main@Uniden.groups.io <main@Uniden.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
 

Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do . . .
Study for your amateur radio license. Then you can reach out in the world and never have to leave home.

Mick - W7CAT

----- Original Message -----
From: Randy Thomas
To: "main@Uniden.groups.io"
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2020 02:50:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna

> Thanks for the response. I had not thought of using one scanner for each direction. I can spend up to 500.00 and in another six months I can throw another five hundred. The biggest cost for me I think as I have gotten three estimates is going to be paying someone to come to the house with a bucket truck to install whatever antennas I decide on. The 50 feet pole was already here when we bought the home. It is a 40 almost new power pole with a ten foot extension of aluminum pipe with a Discone on top. State Police here have ,seven Divisions each with a dispatch center. I can receive Appomattox great since I live close to the dispatch center and I can receive Richmond Dispatch even though it's 85 miles away as the crow flies. Culpeper is ,,70 miles north of me and I can't receive them and Salem is ,70 miles to the southwest I can't receive them either. That two scanner setup you mentioned just might be the answer. I had not thought about that. Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do with my injuries from Afghanistan.
>
> Thanks to all
> Randy
> CWO4 ,(Ret) USN
> Skyhawk
>
> Get Outlook for Android
>
> Randy Thomas
> CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)
>
> ________________________________
> From: main@Uniden.groups.io on behalf of Bernard Skoch via Groups.Io
> Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 3:10:52 PM
> To: main@Uniden.groups.io
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
> Chief Thomas,
>
> I agree with Joe.
>
> Also, do you have a budget in mind for how much you're willing to spend?
>
> Bernie
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joe M.
> To: main
> Sent: Thu, Jan 2, 2020 2:56 pm
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
> You could do that, but you could also just use those two Yagi antennas
> and connect them to two different scanners - one programmed with data
> for each direction. The third could continue using your Discone.
>
> This method would yield the lowest loss on the signals in each direction.
>
> Joe M.
>
> On 1/2/2020 2:39 PM, Randy Thomas wrote:
> > Hello all,
> > This is my first post but I enjoy reading them all. I have been
> > scanning, and CBing since 1970. I would like to change the topic a
> > minute to something I have wondered about for years. First, I have (3)
> > Pro 197, (1) 2006, And (3) 996P2. I live in rural Virginia. I mainly
> > listen to the Virginia State Police on 151.000 to 160.000 VHF Stars
> > System. I have (2)- 996P2 connected to a Discone, 50 feet in the air,
> > using LMR 400 and a top of the line inline AMP. My question is and
> > please understand I am not an engineer but a complete and total disabled
> > veteran. Can I put two VHF directional antennas on this 50 foot pole and
> > connect them with a high grade splitter still using the AMP and the LMR
> > 400 and be able to pick up a lot better in two directions than just
> > using a omni directional. I again live in rural Virginia where the
> > nearest town of over 10,000 people is over 15 Miles away so the feedback
> > from using two directional antennas should be minimal. If you think this
> > might work can you tell me a good directional antenna for VHF? I looked
> > to see if I could find where any of this had been a topic of a
> > conversation before I sent and couldn't find anything on this topic.
> > Might be a stupid question for some of you engineers so please go easy
> > on me. Thanks for your answers in advance.
> >
> > Randy Thomas CWO4 (Ret) USN
> > Skyhawk
> >
> >
> >
> > Virus-free. www.avg.com
> >
> >
> >
> > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
--

nomadvrod
 

You can use two directional vhf antennas,mount the 1 wavelenth apart,use a cophasing harness similar to what the trucks use,two 75 ohm coaxs,,when they come together it comes to 50 ohms,nad you will need a rotor,seems like a pain,but it will be worth it,make sure and use two identical antennas,mount you discone in the middle above the vhf antennas

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: Randy Thomas
Sent: Friday, January 3, 2020 7:19 AM
To: main@Uniden.groups.io
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna

 

Thanks Mick I am seriously considering doing just that.

Randy

Randy Thomas

CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)

 

From: main@Uniden.groups.io <main@Uniden.groups.io> on behalf of Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association (TARRA) <tarra@...>
Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 7:11:35 PM
To: main@Uniden.groups.io <main@Uniden.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna

 

Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do . . .

Study for your amateur radio license. Then you can reach out in the world and never have to leave home.

Mick - W7CAT

----- Original Message -----
From: Randy Thomas
To: "main@Uniden.groups.io"
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2020 02:50:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna

> Thanks for the response. I had not thought of using one scanner for each direction. I can spend up to 500.00 and in another six months I can throw another five hundred. The biggest cost for me I think as I have gotten three estimates is going to be paying someone to come to the house with a bucket truck to install whatever antennas I decide on. The 50 feet pole was already here when we bought the home. It is a 40 almost new power pole with a ten foot extension of aluminum pipe with a Discone on top. State Police here have ,seven Divisions each with a dispatch center. I can receive Appomattox great since I live close to the dispatch center and I can receive Richmond Dispatch even though it's 85 miles away as the crow flies. Culpeper is ,,70 miles north of me and I can't receive them and Salem is ,70 miles to the southwest I can't receive them either. That two scanner setup you mentioned just might be the answer. I had not thought about that. Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do with my injuries from Afghanistan.
>
> Thanks to all
> Randy
> CWO4 ,(Ret) USN
> Skyhawk
>
> Get Outlook for Android
>
> Randy Thomas
> CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)
>
> ________________________________
> From: main@Uniden.groups.io on behalf of Bernard Skoch via Groups.Io
> Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 3:10:52 PM
> To: main@Uniden.groups.io
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
> Chief Thomas,
>
> I agree with Joe.
>
> Also, do you have a budget in mind for how much you're willing to spend?
>
> Bernie
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joe M.
> To: main
> Sent: Thu, Jan 2, 2020 2:56 pm
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
> You could do that, but you could also just use those two Yagi antennas
> and connect them to two different scanners - one programmed with data
> for each direction. The third could continue using your Discone.
>
> This method would yield the lowest loss on the signals in each direction.
>
> Joe M.
>
> On 1/2/2020 2:39 PM, Randy Thomas wrote:
> > Hello all,
> > This is my first post but I enjoy reading them all. I have been
> > scanning, and CBing since 1970. I would like to change the topic a
> > minute to something I have wondered about for years. First, I have (3)
> > Pro 197, (1) 2006, And (3) 996P2. I live in rural Virginia. I mainly
> > listen to the Virginia State Police on 151.000 to 160.000 VHF Stars
> > System. I have (2)- 996P2 connected to a Discone, 50 feet in the air,
> > using LMR 400 and a top of the line inline AMP. My question is and
> > please understand I am not an engineer but a complete and total disabled
> > veteran. Can I put two VHF directional antennas on this 50 foot pole and
> > connect them with a high grade splitter still using the AMP and the LMR
> > 400 and be able to pick up a lot better in two directions than just
> > using a omni directional. I again live in rural Virginia where the
> > nearest town of over 10,000 people is over 15 Miles away so the feedback
> > from using two directional antennas should be minimal. If you think this
> > might work can you tell me a good directional antenna for VHF? I looked
> > to see if I could find where any of this had been a topic of a
> > conversation before I sent and couldn't find anything on this topic.
> > Might be a stupid question for some of you engineers so please go easy
> > on me. Thanks for your answers in advance.
> >
> > Randy Thomas CWO4 (Ret) USN
> > Skyhawk
> >
> >
> >
> > Virus-free. www.avg.com
> >
> >
> >
> > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

--

 
Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association (TARRA)
 

Hello Randy,

A couple things here. If you are serious about getting your license, then you may really want to consider putting up a dual-band antenna for your amateur radio.

In addition, studying for your license, you will learn a lot more about antennas and radio signals, which will help you a lot in deciding what you need and want for antennas and how you may want to place them. You will also meet some of the local hams who may be a great resource for you to learn from. I would also check around to see if you are able to find a local club to help you along your way. Finding a local club may be a challenge some times. You may inquire with your county emergency management, and otherwise, when you are driving around look for antennas on houses and also cars with amateur radio call signs on them. If you see a house of interest, don't be afraid to knock on the door and tell them who you are and that you are interested in amateur radio. You will probably at least get a cup of coffee and learn a lot right then and there.

Mick - W7CAT

----- Original Message -----
From: Randy Thomas
To: "main@Uniden.groups.io"
Sent: Friday, January 03, 2020 08:19:36 AM
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna

> Thanks Mick I am seriously considering doing just that.
>
> Randy
>
> Get Outlook for Android
>
> Randy Thomas
> CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)
>
> ________________________________
> From: main@Uniden.groups.io on behalf of Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association (TARRA)
> Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 7:11:35 PM
> To: main@Uniden.groups.io
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
>
> Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do . . .
> Study for your amateur radio license. Then you can reach out in the world and never have to leave home.
>
> Mick - W7CAT
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Randy Thomas
> To: "main@Uniden.groups.io"
> Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2020 02:50:08 PM
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
> > Thanks for the response. I had not thought of using one scanner for each direction. I can spend up to 500.00 and in another six months I can throw another five hundred. The biggest cost for me I think as I have gotten three estimates is going to be paying someone to come to the house with a bucket truck to install whatever antennas I decide on. The 50 feet pole was already here when we bought the home. It is a 40 almost new power pole with a ten foot extension of aluminum pipe with a Discone on top. State Police here have ,seven Divisions each with a dispatch center. I can receive Appomattox great since I live close to the dispatch center and I can receive Richmond Dispatch even though it's 85 miles away as the crow flies. Culpeper is ,,70 miles north of me and I can't receive them and Salem is ,70 miles to the southwest I can't receive them either. That two scanner setup you mentioned just might be the answer. I had not thought about that. Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do with my injuries from Afghanistan.
> >
> > Thanks to all
> > Randy
> > CWO4 ,(Ret) USN
> > Skyhawk
> >
> > Get Outlook for Android
> >
> > Randy Thomas
> > CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: main@Uniden.groups.io on behalf of Bernard Skoch via Groups.Io
> > Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 3:10:52 PM
> > To: main@Uniden.groups.io
> > Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
> >
> > Chief Thomas,
> >
> > I agree with Joe.
> >
> > Also, do you have a budget in mind for how much you're willing to spend?
> >
> > Bernie
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Joe M.
> > To: main
> > Sent: Thu, Jan 2, 2020 2:56 pm
> > Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
> >
> > You could do that, but you could also just use those two Yagi antennas
> > and connect them to two different scanners - one programmed with data
> > for each direction. The third could continue using your Discone.
> >
> > This method would yield the lowest loss on the signals in each direction.
> >
> > Joe M.
> >
> > On 1/2/2020 2:39 PM, Randy Thomas wrote:
> > > Hello all,
> > > This is my first post but I enjoy reading them all. I have been
> > > scanning, and CBing since 1970. I would like to change the topic a
> > > minute to something I have wondered about for years. First, I have (3)
> > > Pro 197, (1) 2006, And (3) 996P2. I live in rural Virginia. I mainly
> > > listen to the Virginia State Police on 151.000 to 160.000 VHF Stars
> > > System. I have (2)- 996P2 connected to a Discone, 50 feet in the air,
> > > using LMR 400 and a top of the line inline AMP. My question is and
> > > please understand I am not an engineer but a complete and total disabled
> > > veteran. Can I put two VHF directional antennas on this 50 foot pole and
> > > connect them with a high grade splitter still using the AMP and the LMR
> > > 400 and be able to pick up a lot better in two directions than just
> > > using a omni directional. I again live in rural Virginia where the
> > > nearest town of over 10,000 people is over 15 Miles away so the feedback
> > > from using two directional antennas should be minimal. If you think this
> > > might work can you tell me a good directional antenna for VHF? I looked
> > > to see if I could find where any of this had been a topic of a
> > > conversation before I sent and couldn't find anything on this topic.
> > > Might be a stupid question for some of you engineers so please go easy
> > > on me. Thanks for your answers in advance.
> > >
> > > Randy Thomas CWO4 (Ret) USN
> > > Skyhawk
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Virus-free. www.avg.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> --
>
>
>
>
>
>
--

Donald Lambert <banjodhl@...>
 

Mick;

Sage advice.

don/k0kuz

ZUT

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Any and all communications herein are the sole property of the email sender and originator. Any electronic intercept of this communication constitutes a violation of 50 U.S.C. § 1861(b)(2) of The Patriot Act. The use of this information in informal or formal proceedings, charges, investigations or indictments is strictly prohibited and rendered null and void if obtained without a warrant."
---------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------


On Friday, January 3, 2020, 10:04:41 AM PST, Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association (TARRA) <tarra@...> wrote:


Hello Randy,

A couple things here. If you are serious about getting your license, then you may really want to consider putting up a dual-band antenna for your amateur radio.

In addition, studying for your license, you will learn a lot more about antennas and radio signals, which will help you a lot in deciding what you need and want for antennas and how you may want to place them. You will also meet some of the local hams who may be a great resource for you to learn from. I would also check around to see if you are able to find a local club to help you along your way. Finding a local club may be a challenge some times. You may inquire with your county emergency management, and otherwise, when you are driving around look for antennas on houses and also cars with amateur radio call signs on them. If you see a house of interest, don't be afraid to knock on the door and tell them who you are and that you are interested in amateur radio. You will probably at least get a cup of coffee and learn a lot right then and there.

Mick - W7CAT

----- Original Message -----
From: Randy Thomas
To: "main@Uniden.groups.io"
Sent: Friday, January 03, 2020 08:19:36 AM
Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna

> Thanks Mick I am seriously considering doing just that.
>
> Randy
>
> Get Outlook for Android
>
> Randy Thomas
> CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)
>
> ________________________________
> From: main@Uniden.groups.io on behalf of Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association (TARRA)
> Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 7:11:35 PM
> To: main@Uniden.groups.io
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
>
> Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do . . .
> Study for your amateur radio license. Then you can reach out in the world and never have to leave home.
>
> Mick - W7CAT
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Randy Thomas
> To: "main@Uniden.groups.io"
> Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2020 02:50:08 PM
> Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
>
> > Thanks for the response. I had not thought of using one scanner for each direction. I can spend up to 500.00 and in another six months I can throw another five hundred. The biggest cost for me I think as I have gotten three estimates is going to be paying someone to come to the house with a bucket truck to install whatever antennas I decide on. The 50 feet pole was already here when we bought the home. It is a 40 almost new power pole with a ten foot extension of aluminum pipe with a Discone on top. State Police here have ,seven Divisions each with a dispatch center. I can receive Appomattox great since I live close to the dispatch center and I can receive Richmond Dispatch even though it's 85 miles away as the crow flies. Culpeper is ,,70 miles north of me and I can't receive them and Salem is ,70 miles to the southwest I can't receive them either. That two scanner setup you mentioned just might be the answer. I had not thought about that. Scanning and CB radio is about all I can do with my injuries from Afghanistan.
> >
> > Thanks to all
> > Randy
> > CWO4 ,(Ret) USN
> > Skyhawk
> >
> > Get Outlook for Android
> >
> > Randy Thomas
> > CWO4 U.S. Navy (Ret.)
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: main@Uniden.groups.io on behalf of Bernard Skoch via Groups.Io
> > Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2020 3:10:52 PM
> > To: main@Uniden.groups.io
> > Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
> >
> > Chief Thomas,
> >
> > I agree with Joe.
> >
> > Also, do you have a budget in mind for how much you're willing to spend?
> >
> > Bernie
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Joe M.
> > To: main
> > Sent: Thu, Jan 2, 2020 2:56 pm
> > Subject: Re: [Uniden] Directional VHF Antenna
> >
> > You could do that, but you could also just use those two Yagi antennas
> > and connect them to two different scanners - one programmed with data
> > for each direction. The third could continue using your Discone.
> >
> > This method would yield the lowest loss on the signals in each direction.
> >
> > Joe M.
> >
> > On 1/2/2020 2:39 PM, Randy Thomas wrote:
> > > Hello all,
> > > This is my first post but I enjoy reading them all. I have been
> > > scanning, and CBing since 1970. I would like to change the topic a
> > > minute to something I have wondered about for years. First, I have (3)
> > > Pro 197, (1) 2006, And (3) 996P2. I live in rural Virginia. I mainly
> > > listen to the Virginia State Police on 151.000 to 160.000 VHF Stars
> > > System. I have (2)- 996P2 connected to a Discone, 50 feet in the air,
> > > using LMR 400 and a top of the line inline AMP. My question is and
> > > please understand I am not an engineer but a complete and total disabled
> > > veteran. Can I put two VHF directional antennas on this 50 foot pole and
> > > connect them with a high grade splitter still using the AMP and the LMR
> > > 400 and be able to pick up a lot better in two directions than just
> > > using a omni directional. I again live in rural Virginia where the
> > > nearest town of over 10,000 people is over 15 Miles away so the feedback
> > > from using two directional antennas should be minimal. If you think this
> > > might work can you tell me a good directional antenna for VHF? I looked
> > > to see if I could find where any of this had been a topic of a
> > > conversation before I sent and couldn't find anything on this topic.
> > > Might be a stupid question for some of you engineers so please go easy
> > > on me. Thanks for your answers in advance.
> > >
> > > Randy Thomas CWO4 (Ret) USN
> > > Skyhawk
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Virus-free. www.avg.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> --
>
>
>
>
>
>
--

Bill Edwards
 

I don't think the Original Poster (OP) will get the results he is seeking by erecting directional antennas on his tall tower.

To my knowledge, the Virginia STARS system is a multi-site trunked system with almost 100 tower sites spread around the state divided into 7 zones plus the state capitol area.  He currently hears the Richmond and Appomattox districts because he must live near the seam between those districts and is within about 20 miles of towers for those two zones.  In other words, his tall tower isn't pulling in signals from 70 miles away; but, rather, about 20 miles.  Look at a map of tower sites to verify this.

It is highly unlikely he will receive signals from any towers in the Culpeper or Salem zones - I'll bet they are too far away.  His best bet for those zones is a computer or smartphone with access to broadcastify.com.

Bill E.
Steve Wilson
 

Here is a link for finding ARRL (American Radio Relay League, the national association for amateur radio) Affiliated Clubs that might help: http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club

Steve  K6WW
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