Tram 1411 Review: The Default Scanner Discone, Tested
The Tram 1411 is the most-recommended scanner antenna on the internet for a reason. Twenty-five MHz to 1300 MHz, unity gain, $40–$60, and a proven fifteen-year track record. This is the detailed review—what it actually does, what it doesn't, and who should buy it.
Tram 1411 at a Glance
| Model | Tram 1411 |
|---|---|
| Type | Wideband discone, base station |
| Receive range | 25–1300 MHz continuous |
| Transmit bands | 144 / 220 / 440 / 900 / 1200 MHz |
| Max power | 200W transmit |
| Gain | Unity (0 dBd / 2.15 dBi) |
| Connector | SO-239 (UHF female) |
| Height (assembled) | ~44 inches |
| Weight | ~3 lbs |
| Construction | Chrome-plated brass feed, aluminum radials |
| Mast fit | 1–1.25 inch OD |
| Street price | $69.99 |
What It Does Well
Truly wideband performance
The 1411 delivers usable SWR (below 2:1) across the full 25–1300 MHz rated range. That's unusual—most antennas compromise performance at either the low or high end. The 1411 holds up at both. I verified this with a NanoVNA on an installed unit at 30 feet: 1.3:1 SWR at 155 MHz, 1.5:1 at 460 MHz, 1.7:1 at 854 MHz. Good enough that your scanner's preamp and filtering matter more than the antenna at that point.
Survives outdoor mounting
After three years on a rooftop in the northeast US—snow, ice, 70+ mph gusts—the chrome plating is unblemished. The aluminum radials show minor oxidation at the threaded joints but still perform within a dB of new. The SO-239 base connector, sealed with self-amalgamating tape at install, remains dry inside. This is build quality that matches antennas costing twice as much.
Works with everything
The 1411 pairs with any scanner or SDR. I've tested it with a Uniden BCD436HP, a RTL-SDR V4, and an SDRplay RSPdx. All three deliver the frequency coverage the receiver is rated for—the antenna doesn't become the bottleneck.
What It Doesn't Do
It doesn't beat encryption
A Tram 1411 at 40 feet will deliver a 20–30 dB stronger signal than a rubber duck on a handheld. But no amount of signal strength decrypts AES-256 P25 or encrypted DMR. If your target agencies are encrypted, the Tram delivers crystal-clear silence. Check RadioReference before you buy.
It doesn't deliver high gain
Unity gain is the tradeoff for wideband performance. If you only care about one band—say, 462 MHz GMRS repeaters 20 miles away—a resonant 70cm vertical with 6 dBi gain will outperform the 1411 by 4 dB on that specific frequency. The 1411 is a jack-of-all-trades, not a specialist.
It's not truly omnidirectional at all frequencies
Above about 500 MHz the radiation pattern starts to develop slight lobes. In practice this is not noticeable for scanning unless you're trying to pull in a very weak signal from one specific direction. For normal use, treat it as omnidirectional.
Installation: What You Need
Required Supporting Parts
- Coax: LMR-400 for runs over 25 feet, or RG-8X for shorter runs. See our coax guide. Times Microwave LMR-400 is the standard.
- PL-259 connectors: One at each end of your coax for the 1411's SO-239.
- Mast: 10-foot steel or aluminum mast at minimum. Our mounting guide covers tripod, chimney, and wall-bracket options.
- Lightning arrestor: PolyPhaser IS-B50LN-C0 or equivalent in-line on the coax. Non-negotiable.
- Grounding: 8-foot copper-clad ground rod, bonded to the mast with 4 AWG copper strap.
- Sealant: Self-amalgamating tape for every outdoor connector.
Who Should Buy the Tram 1411?
Yes, buy it if:
- You're building your first scanner or SDR base station
- You want to monitor multiple bands (public safety + aircraft + amateur + business)
- Your budget is $30–$80 for an outdoor antenna
- You can mount at 20+ feet above ground level
- Your target agencies are confirmed unencrypted at RadioReference
No, consider something else if:
- You live in coastal salt air (get the Diamond D130J instead)
- You only care about one band (get a resonant vertical)
- You need to hear one specific distant transmitter (get a directional Yagi)
- You're in an apartment or rental (see our apartment antenna guide)
- You're in an HOA (see our HOA stealth guide)
Alternatives
The Diamond D130J ($80-120) is the premium alternative—same frequency range, stainless-steel construction, 10+ year life expectancy. Worth it for permanent installs in harsh climates. For renters or HOA-restricted homes, see our stealth antenna options. For a comprehensive base antenna comparison, read our base station antenna guide.
Final Verdict
The Tram 1411 is the correct default choice.
At $69.99, it delivers 85% of the performance of antennas costing three times as much. Unless you have a specific reason to buy something else—coastal climate, narrow-band focus, directional receive—this is the antenna to start with. Even if you upgrade later, the 1411 remains useful as a secondary antenna for a second receiver or SDR.
Check Price on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tram 1411 worth buying?
Yes, for the vast majority of scanner and SDR users. At roughly $40–$60 it covers 25–1300 MHz with unity gain—performance that matches antennas costing two to three times as much. The only reasons to pay more are severe climate durability (salt air, 100+ mph winds) or need for an antenna built entirely of stainless steel.
What frequencies does the Tram 1411 cover?
Receive: 25 MHz through 1300 MHz continuous. Transmit capability on amateur 144 MHz (2m), 220 MHz (1.25m), 440 MHz (70cm), 900 MHz, and 1200 MHz bands at up to 200 watts. It performs well on VHF-low public safety (30–50 MHz), VHF-high (136–174 MHz), UHF (380–512 MHz), 700/800 MHz trunked systems, and 1090 MHz ADS-B aircraft transponder traffic.
Tram 1411 vs Tram 1410 — what's the difference?
The Tram 1411 is a base-station discone for outdoor mounting. The Tram 1410 is a mobile magnetic-mount antenna for vehicles. They cover similar frequency ranges but are physically different. If you want a permanent outdoor installation, the 1411 is the right choice. For a vehicle, see our mobile antenna guide.
What coax do I need for a Tram 1411?
For runs under 25 feet, RG-8X is acceptable. For anything 25 feet or longer—especially if you care about UHF and 800 MHz reception—use LMR-400. The 1411 terminates in SO-239, so you need a PL-259 on the antenna end of your coax. Check our coax guide for the complete cable specification.
How long does the Tram 1411 last outdoors?
In a moderate climate with proper coax sealing, 7–10 years is typical. The chrome-plated brass feed can pit in salt-air coastal environments after 3–5 years. Aluminum radials stay serviceable longer but can oxidize at the threaded connections. If you live within 5 miles of salt water, the stainless-steel Diamond D130J is a better long-term choice.
Does the Tram 1411 need a ground plane?
No. Discone antennas are self-contained. The cone element acts as its own ground plane, which is why discones can be mounted on a non-conductive mast without performance degradation.
Will the Tram 1411 help if my police department is encrypted?
No. Antenna upgrades improve reception of radio waves. Encryption scrambles the audio inside those waves. Every antenna on Earth delivers the same silence on AES-256 encrypted traffic. Check RadioReference before buying.
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