Losing connectivity.

[Keith Badler]

Seems can’t keep the control channel locked. I put an antenna up on the roof.  Anyone have suggestions for a good antenna for 700/800mhz system ? I’m in a bad area topographically so it has bad reception.  

Thanks. 

[Steve Ries]

I absolutely LOVE these.
I now own several for my scanning system. They even make custom ones if you want (Which I have also done)

https://dpdproductions.com/collections/scanner-radio-base-mobile-antennas

~Steve~ 

[ChrisMontana]

I have had great success with adding a Wideband Low Noise Amplifier Bias Tee Powered https://a.co/d/aFFPEI2

They are 20 bucks and work extremely well.

Results may vary but as far as antennas I would grab a yagi and point it at the towers direction.

I have two of these yagis and they work awesome...

https://www.l-com.com/824-mhz-960-mhz-14-dbi-aluminum-yagi-antenna-black-n-type-female-connector-hg914ye-nf-blk?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Shopping%20-%20PMax%20-%20All%20Products&keyword=&gad_campaignid=19589940662

Even a cheap yagi like this might help you with the amp. https://a.co/d/6yQSPw2

I find it's best to use the shortest cable runs and best "most expensive" antenna cables possible. 

For example. A $30-100 yagi, a $15 Low Loss S-MR240  15' foot cable , and a $20 rtl-sdr amp might help you.

Test the yagi before you mount it. Plug it in and spin it around until you find the best signal strength. 

Good luck.

[C Culberson]

Another easy, no-cost solution to try: under the "Tuners" tab, set your RTL-SDR dongle's gain to "Auto".

[ChrisMontana]

You can also jack the gain to 495, as auto might not lock in.

[dave38...@gmail.com]

You can also jack the gain to 495, as auto might not lock in.

The author of SDRT says has stated that (495) is not recommended and linked to directions for setting gain.  Pretty sure he has also stated stated in the past not to use auto either.

  

https://groups.google.com/g/sdrtrunk/c/2J4WjpwjpOw/m/sZacgYsDAQAJ

[ChrisMontana]

True.. but there is no harm in testing full gain. Setting to 495 is actually needed in some situations. Max it to 495 and drop down slowly if it's too much gain.  

I have 4 sdr's that have been running full gain 495 for the past 3 years 24/7. 

I could likely drop them to about 350 gain and still hold but I just leave them 495 since auto seems to drop and reconnect to the control channel every few mins.