Testing the Austin Spectra Mobile Antenna


By Jonathan Higgins

Hello Everyone,

I would like to introduce myself. I’m Jonathan Higgins, lead on-site “scanner expert”… I’m happy to be a part of the Scanner Master team for over a year now, with almost 20 years of scanning experience under my belt. Over the years, communication systems have made a lot of advances with trunking and digital communications. My first scanner was a Radio Shack Realistic PRO-2014, a 50 channel scanner. Some of my favorite scanners are the Uniden BC246T, BCD396XT, BC780XLT, BCD996T and the GRE PSR-500.

Along with Rich, I will be posting information and advice on our Scanner Master Blog.


Testing the
Austin Spectra Mobile Antenna


The Spectra is 33 inches tall and its tuned for all 4 public safety bands:

  • VHF Low Band (30-50MHz)
  • VHF High band (150-174 MHz)
  • UHF (430-512 MHz)
  • 800MHz (806-896 MHz)

    The coax cable and mounting gear are sold separately. I used the 5” NMO Mag Mount for my test. The scanner used was the Uniden BCD996T …So off I went on a road trip!

    In Massachusetts, most of the public safety is using VHF High Band or UHF. I was amazed by the reception. I was able to pick up UHF systems for 10 to 15 miles away without a problem, and as for the VHF, about 15+ miles away. In Massachusetts, the State Police are on an analog 800MHz trunking system. I was able to pick up the local site with ease and neighboring sites at times. I found that the height of the Spectra really brings in the VHF Low Band without a problem. Overall, a great antenna! It’s a true performer on all bands!

    Check out the many mounting options we have available for this antenna:

  • 5″ NMO Mag Mount
  • NMO Hole Mount
  • NMO Mirror Mount
  • NMO Trunk Lip Mount

    Austin Antenna, a locally based company right here in New England, has been in business for the last 25 years. We carry the full Austin Antenna scanner product line; the Ferret, the Condor and the Spectra.

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    About Jonathan Higgins

    Jonathan joined Scanner Master in May 2008. Along with being a scanner expert Jonathan handles all of the digital content; websites, point of sale management, social media, blogs, e-newsletters, phone system, and photography. Before working at Scanner Master Jonathan was in Radio as an on air personality and producer, in both the Boston and Providence Markets. Jonathan has been interested in scanners and two-way radios for over 25 years When not at work Jonathan loves to spend time with his wife Jodie and daughter Kortnie and there dogs Abbie, Daisy and Watson. He loves to go bike riding and camping with his family. He has an interest in trains and railroad history, check out his personal blog "Train Aficionado" about everything that rides on rails!