8 best tram radio scanners

Tram radio scanners, also known as tram antennas or tram scanner antennas, are specialized radio antennas used for scanning and receiving radio signals across a wide range of frequencies. These antennas are commonly used by radio enthusiasts, hobbyists, emergency services, and law enforcement agencies to monitor and communicate over various radio bands. Here are some key points about tram radio scanners:

  1. Wide Frequency Range: Tram radio scanners are designed to cover a broad frequency range, typically from very low frequencies (VLF) up to ultra-high frequencies (UHF) and sometimes even higher. This wide coverage allows users to listen to various radio services, including public safety, aviation, marine, amateur radio, and more.

  2. Omnidirectional Reception: Many tram antennas are omnidirectional, meaning they can receive signals from all directions. This feature makes them suitable for scanning and monitoring applications where the user may not know the direction of incoming signals.

  3. Whip or Collinear Design: Tram scanner antennas often feature whip or collinear designs. Whips are single, flexible rods, while collinear antennas consist of multiple stacked elements.Both designs are optimized for receiving signals at different frequencies efficiently.

  4. Magnetic Mounts: Tram antennas frequently come with magnetic mounts, which make them easy to attach to metal surfaces such as vehicle roofs or hoods. This mobility allows users to use the antenna on the go, enhancing their scanning capabilities.

  5. Base Station or Mobile Use: Tram antennas are suitable for both base station setups and mobile applications. Base stations may use larger, fixed tram antennas, while mobile setups often utilize smaller, more compact versions for use in vehicles.

  6. Connector Types: Tram antennas typically come with standard connectors like BNC, SMA, or PL-259, which can be easily connected to compatible radio receivers or scanner radios.

  7. Materials and Durability: These antennas are often constructed from durable materials to withstand outdoor conditions and temperature variations. This durability ensures they can be used in different environments.

  8. Enhanced Reception: Using a tram antenna can significantly improve the reception capabilities of a scanner radio, enabling users to pick up signals from greater distances and with better clarity compared to built-in or stock antennas.

  9. Legal Considerations: While using a tram scanner antenna to listen to public broadcasts is generally legal, it's essential to be aware of and comply with local regulations and laws regarding radio monitoring and privacy.

In summary, tram radio scanners are specialized antennas designed to enable the reception of radio signals across a wide frequency range. They are commonly used by radio enthusiasts, hobbyists, emergency services, and law enforcement agencies for monitoring and communication purposes. These antennas are versatile, durable, and easy to install, making them a popular choice for those interested in radio scanning and communication.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best tram radio scanners on the market
  

Tram 1411 Broad Band Discone/Scanner Base Antenna

Tram

Based on 267 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tram provides premium antenna components that provide functionality and durability of the antenna to deliver quality communication connections you depend on. Each antenna model is carefully planned and developed to ensure great transmission over many uses. The Scanner 25MHz1, 300MHz VHF/UHF Super Discone Base Antenna Plus CB Transmit Bands will offer premium service for years to come.

  • Wideband reception covering 25-1300 MHz
  • Transmit bands 26-27-46-49-72-144-220-440-900-1290 MHz
  • Rust free stainless steel structure
  • Max power 300 Watts CB / 200 Watts VHF-UHF
  • SWR <1. 5: 1
  • 1 3/8" maximum mast diameter
  • UHF female (SO-239) connector

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work https://www.amazon.com/channel-master-antenna-steel-cm-1805/dp/b000sonaj6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=utf8&qid=1547360230&sr=8-4&keywords=channel+ma
Answer: 1 3/8" (35mm) maximum mast diameter
Question: Would this work on a 2 meter ham radio
Answer: I don't have mine up yet, but it says it will. Antenna Frequency Range is 25-1300 MHz. 2 meter band operates 144-148 MHz.
Question: How does this differ from the Tram 1410? I know the 1411 has a whip but what does that get you? Better transmit or additional frequencies
Answer: Hi Gadget,They are both wide-band HF-VHF-UHF receive antennas. They are full broadband for receive only (like for a scanner) and are both optimized for Amateur Radio bands for transmitting. For transmitting, the 1410 is limited to VHF & UHF frequencies at 200W max. The 1411 will transmit on all three bands with 300W max on HF and 200W max on VHF & UHF; this one has tuned radials and an additional vertical whip for HF. Here's a link to look at: http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/antennas-191/base-antennas-193/discone-scanner-base-antennas-256/BTW: Tram is an aftermarket knockoff of Diamond Discone Antennas (as well as other manufacturers). They work, but the quality is much less than Diamond.
Question: Can you use 1-1/4" conduit as a mast or does the end need to be tapered
Answer: 1 1/4" emt conduit was a hair too big to fit into mine.

Tram 1410 Broad Band Discone/Scanner Base Antenna

Tram

Based on 351 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tram provides premium antenna components that provide functionality and durability of the antenna to deliver quality communication connections you depend on. Each antenna model is carefully planned and developed to ensure great transmission over many uses. The Scanner 25MHz1,300MHz VHF/UHF Super Discone Base Antenna will offer premium service for years to come.

  • Wideband reception covering 25/1300 MHz
  • Transmit bands 144-220-440-900-1290 MHz
  • Rust free stainless steel structure
  • Max power 200 Watts
  • SWR < 1/5: 1
  • 1 3/8" maximum mast diameter
  • UHF female (SO-239) connector

User questions & answers

Question: Does this come with any mounting hardware such as U-bolts
Answer: This antenna mounts on a 1 1/4 inch OD pipe with two Allen screws. It does not come with U-bolts
Question: Does this come with any mounting hardware such as U-bolts
Answer: No -- it doesn't even come with the pole shown in the picture.
Question: Why is the lower 8 antennas, the cone, connected to the cable shield? Thus only the top radial is the scanner antenna, right
Answer: No, the lower radials are also a part of the antenna.
Question: would this work well with an sdr dongle
Answer: Yes. I use it with an RTL-SDR and LNA4ALL.

Tram Browning 1199 All Band Glass Mount Scanner Antenna 28 inch 25-1300 MHz BNC Connector for all Scanners

Tram

Based on 47 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tram Browning 1199 All Band Glass Mount Scanner Antenna 28 inch 25-1300 MHz BNC Connector for all Scanners

  • All Band
  • Gloss Mount
  • 28"
  • 25-1300 MHz

User questions & answers

Question: Can I transmit on this antenna
Answer: I believe it is 12 to 15 ft long...
Question: Will this work for gps? Ever used on sputtered metal tinted glass
Answer: They have VHF and UHF CB in other countries besides the states... and this antenna would be WAY too short for 11 meters...
Question: Will this work on a Double pane home window
Answer: No it is cheap and does not transmit more than a few feet from the antenna, It however does pick up within about a half a mile clearly.
Question: Will this work with a midland 75-822 40 channel cb-way radio
Answer: Different countries have different "CB" frequencies, and this does not work with American CB.

Tram RG8X 95% Shielded Coax Cable for Cb / Ham / Scanner Radio 100' FEET

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

100 FOOT HIGH QUALITY TRAM BROWNING TRAMFLEX SOLID BARE COPPER CENTER 50 OHM RG8X 95% SHIELDED COAX JUMPER FOR CB, HAM RADIOS,SWR POWER METERS AND SCANNERS. 95% SHIELDED FOR SIGNAL RETENTION AND ELIMINATION OF EXTERNAL RF INTERFERENCE!

  • 100FT RG8X
  • CB,HAM SCANNER RADIOS
  • 95% SHIELDED, 50 Ohm
  • SOLID BARE COPPER CENTER
  • NO CONNECTORS

Tram RG8X 95% Shielded Coax Cable for Cb/Ham/Scanner Radio 50' FEET

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

50 FOOT HIGH QUALITY TRAM BROWNING TRAMFLEX STRANDED COPPER CENTER 50 OHM RG8X 95% SHIELDED COAX JUMPER FOR CB, HAM RADIOS,SWR POWER METERS AND SCANNERS. 95% SHIELDED FOR SIGNAL RETENTION AND ELIMINATION OF EXTERNAL RF INTERFERENCE!

  • 50FT RG8X
  • CB,HAM SCANNER RADIOS
  • 95% SHIELDED, 50 Ohm
  • STRANDED COPPER CENTER
  • NO CONNECTORS

Tram 1091-BNC Scanner Trunk/Hole Mount Antenna Kit with BNC-Male Connector, 19.00in. x 5.25in. x 1.60in.

Based on 77 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tram-browning Inc. Offers quality workmanship and materials. Their products provide exceptional performance and function thanks to expert engineering. They are proud to offer the scanner trunk/hole mount antenna kit with BNC-Male connector.

  • Freq ranges: 150MHz–174MHz VHF, 440MHz–490MHz UHF, 800MHz–1,000MHz
  • 18" tall black-finish stainless steel NMO mounting antenna with gold plunger-type contact pin
  • Solid brass NMO mount with gold-plated antenna contact pin & high-frequency fully enclosed, fully shielded, fully weatherized zinc die-cast housing
  • 17ft low-loss RG58/U coaxial cable with BNC-male connector installed
  • Stainless steel “L” bracket with black finish for trunk groove or side mounting

User questions & answers

Question: How many miles can this pick up
Answer: No, not really. My 6 year old can close his.
Question: How do you get it on the trunk bracket the hole is too small
Answer: The chair does not go completely flat. It does go back far enough to catch a nap comfortably.
Question: Can you use this to transmit or is it receive only
Answer: It doesn't lay 100% flat, but it reclines way back.
Question: Is this sufficient to use for in indoors scanner, mounted on a window frame outside off my house? Aesthetics arent an issue, just reception. thx
Answer: I got it for my husband, he's 250lb, it work well. We are happy

Tram 1089-SMA Scanner Mini-Magnet Antenna VHF/UHF/800MHz-1, 300MHz with SMA-Male Connector, 16.25in. x 3.25in. x 1.25in.

Based on 70 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tram-browning Inc. Offers quality workmanship and materials. Their products provide exceptional performance and function thanks to expert engineering. They are proud to offer the scanner mini-magnet antenna VHF/UHF/800MHz to 1, 300MHz with SMA-Male connector.

  • 136MHz–150MHz VHF 2.14dBi gain
  • 400MHz–470MHz UHF 3dBi gain
  • 800MHZ–960MHz 3dBi gain
  • 100MHz–1,300MHz 3dBi gain
  • 16-1/2" tall

User questions & answers

Question: will the tram 1089 lose any signal useing 3feet more cable
Answer: It rocks.
Question: It is compatible with uniden 510xl radio transmitter
Answer: At center of the front of the seat it measures 23-24 inches keep in mind there is probably a little compression having been sat in for 3 months.
Question: Can you transmit on this antenna
Answer: I’m 6’3” at 255 pounds. Plenty of room. A hand width on each side of my hips while sitting to the armrests
Question: How long is the cord
Answer: No, this item will need to be assembled when it arrives; the backrest will need to be attached to the seat.

Tram 1094-BNC Scanner 3 1/2" Magnet Antenna with BNC-Male Connector, 20.25in. x 5.25in. x 2.00in.

Tram

Based on 185 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tram-browning Inc. Offers quality workmanship and materials. Their products provide exceptional performance and function thanks to expert engineering. They are proud to offer the scanner 3-1/2 in. Magnet antenna with BNC-Male connector.

  • 17ft Low-loss RG58/U coaxial cable with Bnc-male connector installed
  • Product Type :ANTENNA
  • country of origin :Taiwan
  • package weight :1.0lbs

User questions & answers

Question: Does this work with uniden bc355n
Answer: Hello,This Chaise Lounge Chair weighs about 13 pounds and does not include a strap, but it does not take up space when folded and is easy to carry.Thank you for your question, hope our answer will be helpful to you!
Question: Does this work on btc15x
Answer: Hello,This Chaise Lounge Chair weighs about 13 pounds. Thank you for your question, hope our answer will be helpful to you!
Question: Will 1094 tram bbc scanner antenna work on a unidentifiable bc365crs scanner
Answer: Hello, If you are talking about assembly, you don't need to assemble this recliner, it is a convenient one-piece and can be used when opened.Thank you for your attention and comments on our products!
Question: will this work well for a police scanner, using it indoors
Answer: Yes, this is a 100% genuine leather on the seat, back and arms.

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