Recently, I carried out a little backyard experiment to test how different types of antennas perform when receiving various radio frequencies. It wasn't a lab-controlled environment, nor was it strictly scientific—but it was practical, fun, and surprisingly informative.
The Setup
Location: Home, radio desk.
Tested Equipment:
UBC-73XLT (Standard Antenna): A general-purpose handheld scanner
TV Rabbit Ears: The classic indoor adjustable antenna—nothing fancy. Added a BNC connector.
VHF Marine Antenna: Typically used on boats; designed for marine VHF but tested here for broader reception. Roof-mounted at ~3 meters off the ground
Each antenna was tested for signal reception quality across various frequencies from the Tasmanian Government Radio Network (TASGRN), TasRail, and some data services. Ratings were on a basic 0–5 scale, representing relative signal strength and clarity:
0: No signal
5: Excellent reception
| Frequency | Description | UBC-73XLT | TV Rabbit Ears | VHF Marine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 165.1375 | TasRail Abels Hill | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 165.725 | TASGRN Browns Hill | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 166.55 | TASGRN Mt Barrow | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| 166.9625 | TASGRN Kellys Lookout | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 167.5125 | TASGRN Mt Dismal | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| 421.4875 | TASGRN Abels Hill | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| 421.950 | TASGRN West Launceston | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 464.150 | Data Invermay | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 24 | 30 | 36 | |
| AVG | 3 | 3.75 | 4.5 | |
Black = UHF Sites
Green = My Location
Takeaways
This test reinforced a common truth in radio: antenna choice matters more than your receiver. Even a high-quality scanner can be let down by a poor antenna. If you're relying on a stock antenna for critical reception—especially in rural or fringe areas—you’re likely missing out on a lot.
The VHF Marine antenna proved to be the best all-rounder in this setup. Mounted just 3 meters above ground, it provided clear and strong reception across the board. If you're into scanning and have the space to mount something outdoors, it’s worth considering a purpose-built antenna—even one designed for marine use.
Final Thoughts
While this wasn't a lab test, and environmental variables weren’t controlled, the results are still quite telling. If you're using a handheld or base scanner and wondering why your reception is lacking, start by looking up—your antenna might be the real bottleneck.
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