Might be a symptom of front-end overloading. What does the "static" sound
like -- AM-style random static, or distortion of a tonal (pager
transmitter?) signal?
-- jm
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----- Original Message -----
From: "james89es" <james89es@...>
To: <TekScopes@...>
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2002 8:20 PM
Subject: [TekScopes] Way off topic: Radio antennas
I know this has nothing to do with Tek-scopes (I do own a RM547, so I
do belong "in the club") but I know many of you are also into HAM
radio.
Here's the story:
I bought my mother a new police scanner (from Rasio Shack) for x-
mas. She has had scanners for 25+ years. Her old Uniden was 15
years old. The outside antenna is about 20 years old.
Problem:
When we plug the outside antenna into the new scanner, it CAUSES
static and reduces signal strength!! I ruled out the plug on the
radio itself by connecting a short piece of cable, and touching the
bare wire with my finger. In this scenario the signal is stronger
and there's less static when I touch the wire, as I would expect.
Once I plug in the outside antenna, however, more static and less
strength ... even if I leave the little inside antenna on.
They replaced the coax just in case, they used the recommended 50ohm
cable - a run of about 30 feet.
What would explain this?? Keep in mind that the old Uniden still
works fine with the outside antenna.
