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How to Tune a Scanner Antenna

The best scanner antennas are discone. They use a disc-based design with matched radiators and a whip on the top. You can use them to receive many signals from 25MHz to 1300MHz, including amateur (ham), aircraft, public safety, weather and more. You need to tune the antenna to ensure that it works with a minimum standing wave ratio (SWR) in the six-meter amateur band.

Things You'll Need

SWR meter
Hacksaw
Allen keys

Instructions

- 1
  Connect the SWR meter between the scanner and the antenna cable. The SWR meter will have instructions, but essentially it needs to be in line so you can measure the wave between the antenna and scanner.
- 2
  Measure the SWR on the highest and lowest channels. Check the numbers against the numbers in the SWR manual. If the SWR reading on the lowest channel is higher than recommended in the instructions, lengthen the whip. If the reading on the highest channel is higher than specified, shorten the whip.
- 3
  Lengthen the whip by unscrewing the coil screw and pulling the whip out 1/8 of an inch. Reduce the length by cutting 1/8-inch off the bottom of the whip.
- 4
  Retest and make further adjustments if necessary.

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