When you are in outdoor camping or traveling in your RV, it is very essential that you have a good communication network that will help you link up with the nearby weather stations, the emergency broadcasts as well as other important information. To me, the most useful approach towards improving the communication system is the hooking of the camper’s external antenna to a handheld scanner. This can greatly enhance the scanner’s reception, thus improving the range together with clarity in reception. This is a brief guide for first-time and experienced camper users who are looking forward to knowing how to connect a camper antenna to a handheld scanner, and the tools and techniques used therein.
Why connect a camper antenna to a handheld scanner?
Before describing the ‘how’, lets explain ‘why’ you setting up a camper antenna on your handheld scanner. A handheld scanner is a portable unit which covers different bands and is often used to listen to activities from police, fire department, weather, ait traffic and marine among others. If you are living in a camper shell, These devices are easy to use and yet they have short transmission range and this is because most of them are equipped with small antennas.
By connecting a larger, external camper antenna, you’ll enjoy: By connecting a larger, external camper antenna, you’ll enjoy:
Improved Signal Strength: Handheld scanner are small sized while larger antennas can follow weaker signals that a handheld scanner might not identify independently.
Extended Range: You can observe the transmissions from a far off distance which is required for the remote camping zones.
Better Clarity: One can note that minimising the impact of external environment, such as buildings or other structures, may lead to improved sound quality.
With these benefits in mind and considering that you’re already here, let’s begin.
Step 1: Select the Correct Camper Antenna
It is important to know that not all antennas that are available in the market are of the same quality. Identifying the most appropriate camper antenna for a specific handheld scanner is very vital to enhance the functionality and general performance of the equipment.
There are several types of antennas suitable for camping and outdoor use:There are several types of antennas suitable for camping and outdoor use:
Whip Antennas: These flexible antennas are mobile ones often located in automobile or RV or other similar preparations. It suits the job of receiving VHF and UHF bands, which are mostly used by authorities to broadcasting messages.
Magnet Mount Antennas: These antennas also come with a magnetic base on which it can be mounted conveniently on the metal roof of the camper. They are movable and are most suitable for uses where facilities are required for a short time only.
Directional Antennas: It is also referred to as Yagi antennas, are designed in such way that they orient themselves on receiving signals in a given direction. They can also be installed on a mast so as to achieve the best attitude.
Omnidirectional Antennas: These antennas receive signals from all directions and are therefore normally employed for general-scanning purposes.
Ensure that the antenna used is compatible with the frequencies being listened to for example VHF or UHF. Since most of the handheld scanners operate at a wide range of frequencies, it is important that the antenna also operate with in that range.
Step 2: Look at the compatibility of the connector type of the antenna
So once you have your camper antenna the next thing you will need to check on is the connector part on your camper antenna to the handheld scanner. Handheld scanners typically come with one of the following connectors: Handheld scanners typically come with one of the following connectors:
BNC Connector: A type of coaxial RF application connector which can be attached and detached from each other freely and commonly used in radio broadcasting and television broadcasting.
SMA Connector: A miniature type of a screw like connector that is often found in modern era compact radio devices and communications handheld scanner.
If your camper antenna does not have the connector terminal in the same type as that of your scanner, do not fret. There is nothing strange in the fact that sometimes it is possible to use an adapter to switch between connectors. For instance, you may require a BNC to SMA adapter if the camper antenna that you own has a BNC connection while the scanner has SMA port. Adapters are comparatively cheap and easily accessible in the markets.
Step 3: Gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment
To successfully connect the camper antenna to your handheld scanner, you’ll need the following tools and equipment:To successfully connect the camper antenna to your handheld scanner, you’ll need the following tools and equipment:
Coaxial Cable: The cable is used to link the antenna to the scanner that you own. As for the cables connecting the antennas to the receiver, RG58 or RG8 coaxial cables are used because of low signal attenuation and relatively high mechanical standpoints. Ensure that you get a cable that would connect the antenna to the scanner; make sure that the cable is long enough from where the antenna will be placed to where the scanner will be placed.
Adapter (if necessary): As stated before you may require an adapter in respect to the antenna and scanner connections.
Mounting Hardware: Depending of used type of antenna, it can require extra mount hardware, for example, magnetic base in directional ones or a mast for mounting directional types of antennas.
SWR Meter (Optional): A standing wave ratio or SWR meter may come handy when you are tuning your antennas to have the best reception of the signal. Specifically, it tells you the quality of your antenna and inform you whether there is loss of signal due to wrong setup.
Step 4: Locate Your Camper Antenna For Reception of Signals
As with any radio equipment, how you position your antennas will play a determining role in your scanner’s functionality. Follow these tips for positioning your camper antenna:Follow these tips for positioning your camper antenna:
Mount the Antenna High: In layman’s terms – the higher your antenna, the better your reception. It is preferable to fix it on the roof of your camper or RV; if possible, you can raise it even higher with a telescopic mast.
Clear of Obstructions: Do not locate the antenna close to large metallic structures, trees and building that may hinder the signals. Places without too much tall structures where one is likely to be surrounded by tall buildings without view to the sky or the horizon should be avoided.
Use a Ground Plane (if required): There are some Antennas which need a ground plane to operate effectively especially the mobile whip type of antennas. Usually, this can be done with the help of the metal roof of your camper, though consult the handbook of your antenna for details.
Step 5: Connect the Antenna to the Handheld Scanner
Finally, after having mounted your antenna, you require to interface this onto your handheld scanner. Here’s how:
Attach the Coaxial Cable to the Antenna: If your camper’s has an antenna which is of the coaxial cable type, take the end of the cable and connect it to the antenna. Check the status of the connection part to ensure that it’s is not corroded or damaged in any way.
Run the Cable to Your Handheld Scanner: Connect the cable that comes with the antenna and connect it to your scanner. Try to also avoid placing the cable in areas where it is prone to get cut, stepped on or get exposed to heat which may reduce its efficiency.
Connect the Coaxial Cable to the Scanner: Screw the other end of the coaxial cable to your scanner. In the case you are utilizing an adapter, connect the adapter on the scanner then connect the cable.
Step 6: Turn on the setup
After you’ve made all the connections, it is time for testing your setup. Switch on your handheld scanner and get a chance to listen to several frequencies for instance, weather, emergency services or local ham stations. Here are a few things to check Here are a few things to check:
Signal Strength: Are you getting signals which was not possible to get earlier? Is there a considerable improvement of the signal strength?
Audio Clarity: Is the sound coming through: Is there some amount of noise or is there an interference in the transmission?
Frequency Range: Tune the various frequencies to be certain the antenna is okay in all the frequency bands.
If you are still not getting satisfactory results, perhaps you have to reposition the antenna or use an SWR meter in order to tweak results further.
Step 7: Troubleshooting of Common Problems
If you’re having trouble connecting the camper antenna to your handheld scanner, here are some common issues and solutions: If you’re having trouble connecting the camper antenna to your handheld scanner, here are some common issues and solutions:
Weak Signal: If the reception is bad or if the output is intermittent then it is advised that the antenna should be placed on a loftier area or a location that is not blocked from reception. You might also need a low-loss coaxial cable if the cable run is long this will make it possible to have the best signal strength.
Interference: If you’re experiencing interference then make sure the antenna is placed away from electronic devices, power lines and other source of RF noise. You may also need to purchase a filter which reduces frequencies you don’t wish to listen to.
Improper Connector Fit: If it doesn’t fit in, you must ensure that you are using the correct adapter to fit and that it is well locked onto the connector.
Step 8: Maintenance Tips
To ensure that your camper antenna and scanner continue to function at peak performance, follow these maintenance tips: To ensure that your camper antenna and scanner continue to function at peak performance, follow these maintenance tips:
Inspect the Antenna Regularly: Inspect the antenna and the coaxial cable for signs of wear, corrosion or damages specially if the unit has been used for a long time or if it has been exposed to certain and harsh climate conditions.
Clean the Connectors: Humidity and dust inevitably influence the contacts competence. It is also important to have the connectors cleaned in a regular basis using a cloth or even air duster.
Store Equipment Safely: If you have not used your scanner or antenna for quite sometime, then it’s advisable that you take the coaxial cable out and store all the other components in a place that doesn’t get wet or is exposed to dust.
Conclusion
We have found that if you connect your camper antenna to a handheld scanner you are able to have much better reception allowing you to stay current and connected to the outside world when you are in outdoor camping. With a good equipment, good positioning and little knowledge then you will be able to improve your scanner and have some form of access to the important information when you are on the move.
So by following this guide, you are already on the right track of getting yourself familiar with how to setup your camper antenna scanning at its best. Have fun camping and of course may your signals be strong whenever you are out there.