On 5 Apr 2006 21:35:47 -0700, "will buck"
wrote:

Question#2: What kind of digital signals can I receive? This Pro-2006
has a discriminator output. Will I need a converter? I would love to
decode some satellite transmissions.

Many satellite transmissions aren't digital, they're plain old analog
voice. Most of the rest are encrypted, so you can't do anything with
them. The remaining ones can be almost any mode. Amateur radio stuff
is easily decoded, as is WeFax.

Question #3: What's the best overall antenna?

For what frequency and use? Satellite? 800 MHz? VHF-lo?

So far I'm leaning toward a Diamond Discone.

The only "best" about a discone is that it matches the cable for a
pretty wide frequency range - up to 4:1 if designed properly (although
they usually don't make it for more than a 3:1 range). 30 MHz to 3
GHz? That's advertising hype, not reality.

No one can tell you what antenna will do what *you* need done best
until you tell us what you need done. Frequency and elevation
(terrestrial or satellite), mainly. Also what kind of range are you
looking for? Something realistic, or an 850 MHz base station 120
miles away? (Which can be done if you have enough money, but there
are many new cars that cost less.)