What is a Triband Antenna?
A triband antenna is a multiband antenna optimized to cover three different frequency ranges. The Remtronix REM-842S is the most popular triband model for the Uniden SDS100 and SDS150, covering VHF-High, UHF, and 700/800 MHz bands in a single 9-inch flexible whip.
Technical Specifications (Remtronix REM-842S)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency Ranges | 150-174 MHz (VHF-High), 450-512 MHz (UHF), 700-900 MHz (P25) |
| Length | 9 inches (flexible whip) |
| Gain | Optimized across all three bands |
| Connector | SMA Male (fits SDS100/SDS150 directly) |
| Design | Flexible rubber ducky multiband |
| Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Water Resistance | Includes O-ring for moisture control |
| Compatibility | SDS100, SDS150, BCD436HP, any SMA Female scanner |
When This Antenna Works Best
- Mixed-Band Monitoring: Perfect when you need to monitor VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz systems without swapping antennas.
- Areas with Diverse Systems: Dallas/Fort Worth area is a classic example—VHF counties, UHF city police, and 700/800 MHz regional systems.
- Travel/Field Use: One antenna for everything simplifies your portable setup.
- General Scanning: If you're not focused on maximizing performance on one specific band, the 842S is a solid all-rounder.
- Convenience over Peak Performance: Trades single-band excellence for multi-band versatility.
Performance on Different Systems
VHF-High (150-174 MHz)
Good Performance. Better than stock wideband, though not as good as a dedicated VHF telescoping whip.
UHF (450-512 MHz)
Good Performance. Solid on UHF business and public safety channels. Adequate for most UHF monitoring.
700/800 MHz P25
Good Performance. Improved over stock for 700/800 MHz, but the dedicated Remtronix 820S will outperform it on P25 trunked systems.
Airband (108-137 MHz)
Poor Performance. Not designed for airband. Use a telescoping whip for aviation monitoring.
✔️ Advantages
- Covers three critical bands in one antenna
- No antenna swapping during field operations
- Better than stock on all three bands
- Compact 9-inch length
- Includes O-ring for water resistance
- Ideal for diverse monitoring needs
- Made in Japan - quality construction
⚠️ Limitations
- Compromises peak performance for versatility
- 820S outperforms it on 700/800 MHz alone
- Telescoping whip better for VHF/airband
- More expensive than single-band options
- Jack of all trades, master of none
Triband vs Single-Band: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the 842S Triband if you:
- Monitor mixed VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz systems regularly
- Value convenience and want one antenna for everything
- Travel frequently and need portable versatility
- Don't want to swap antennas based on what you're monitoring
Choose dedicated antennas if you:
- Primarily monitor one band (get 820S for 700/800, telescoping for VHF)
- Want maximum performance on your main monitoring band
- Don't mind carrying/swapping multiple antennas
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 842S better than the stock antenna?
Yes, across all three bands. Users report noticeable improvements in reception on VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz compared to the stock wideband antenna.
Should I get the 842S or the 820S?
If you monitor mainly 700/800 MHz P25, get the 820S—it outperforms the 842S on that band. If you need VHF, UHF, and 700/800, the 842S is the better choice.
Will it work for airband?
No. The 842S is not designed for airband (108-137 MHz). Use a telescoping whip antenna for aviation monitoring.
How much does it cost?
The Remtronix 842S typically costs $35-45, positioning it between dedicated single-band antennas and the stock option.
Where to Buy
The Remtronix 842S is available from scanner specialty retailers:
Buy on AmazonLink coming soon
Explore More Antenna Guides
Learn about other antenna options for your Uniden SDS100 and SDS150: