Hello and Happy New Year to everyone!
I know spring is a long ways away here in Erie PA but I want to my homework now, with the help of some of you who have done this already. I live along the CSX/NS main lines here in Erie and I love listening to the railroad chatter. I currently have a Radio Shack discone antenna attached to a Pro 2006. Normal range seems to be 10 miles to the east and west with 20 miles in "good" radio weather. My goal is to reach 15 miles west, being able to reach not only NH-Albany but also NI-Indy on a regular basis. I have read with interest reviews of the train tenna, diamond f23h and cushcraft crx150b antennas. My main limitation is the antenna must mount on a tripod on the roof. A-which is the best antenna given that I can receive signals both east and west from my home and B- which antenna is best equipped to stand up on a tripod give the breezy and snowy winters we endure here along Lake Erie.
Also, how difficult is erecting the 2meter antennas and how about cutting them to the 160-161 mhz frequency? Is the difference between train tenna and the 2 meters really that large?
I appreciate any comments and thank you for what ever help you can offer. Lee
I know spring is a long ways away here in Erie PA but I want to my homework now, with the help of some of you who have done this already. I live along the CSX/NS main lines here in Erie and I love listening to the railroad chatter. I currently have a Radio Shack discone antenna attached to a Pro 2006. Normal range seems to be 10 miles to the east and west with 20 miles in "good" radio weather. My goal is to reach 15 miles west, being able to reach not only NH-Albany but also NI-Indy on a regular basis. I have read with interest reviews of the train tenna, diamond f23h and cushcraft crx150b antennas. My main limitation is the antenna must mount on a tripod on the roof. A-which is the best antenna given that I can receive signals both east and west from my home and B- which antenna is best equipped to stand up on a tripod give the breezy and snowy winters we endure here along Lake Erie.
Also, how difficult is erecting the 2meter antennas and how about cutting them to the 160-161 mhz frequency? Is the difference between train tenna and the 2 meters really that large?
I appreciate any comments and thank you for what ever help you can offer. Lee