Can I use a Signal Stick on my scanner?

Yes, Signal Sticks can be used with many scanners, but there are a few things to keep in mind regarding performance and connector compatibility.

Frequency Performance

Any antenna will pick up signals on any frequency—the question is how well it will perform. Signal Sticks are tuned for the 2-meter and 70cm amateur radio bands, meaning they perform best within those ranges. As you move further from these frequencies, performance will diminish, but the Signal Stick can still work reasonably well for receiving signals on many other bands, particularly those close to the Amateur Radio bands it is tuned for.

For general scanner use, the dual-band Signal Stick is often the best choice since its longer length helps with broader frequency coverage. However, if you’re focusing on 220 MHz the 220 monoband antenna may be a better fit.

Connector Compatibility

Most scanners use BNC connectors, but this isn’t always the case. Be sure to verify the connector type on your scanner to ensure it matches the Signal Stick you order. If the connectors don’t match, you’ll need an adapter. Some scanners also have proprietary connectors which make it difficult or impossible to use an aftermarket antenna that isn’t specifically designed for that scanner.

Helpful Resources

Check out the product animations on our Signal Stick pages to see how the different connectors work. These visuals can help you determine the right antenna and adapter setup for your scanner.

In short, the Signal Stick will pick up signals across a wide range of frequencies, but performance will be best when the signal is close to the antenna’s tuned range.