Extending range on ICom ID51a?

[thercman]

What replacemeny antennas will fit on this HT? The reason I ask is that the gps antenna is really close the the rubber duck. Also when using this in the house, what would you guys recommend for a permanent antenna? Maybe a dipole, wire?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

 

[Beetle]

What replacemeny antennas will fit on this HT? The reason I ask is that the gps antenna is really close the the rubber duck. Also when using this in the house, what would you guys recommend for a permanent antenna? Maybe a dipole, wire?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

The reason they're so close together is simply that's the way that radio was designed. It's not hurting anything for them to be that close together. I don't know exactly what connector they use for the transmitting antenna (online manual didn't show it very well). For fixed operation, you'll want some sort of vertically-polarized antenna for repeater access. Not a standard dipole. And a short length of good quality feedline.

 

[thercman]

Hey! Yeah I know they designed it that way. I just don't want to order an antenna that has a base to large to fit on it. I was hoping someone might know which ones do and don't fit.

I'll do some more reading to find a suitable "base" antenna.

Thanks!

 

[thercman]

Sorry I am new to this and all the terminology. How about a Slim Jim style antenna?

 

[Mudfoot]

Looks like any aftermarket SMA antenna will fit. Most aftermarket SMA antennas will have a smaller base diameter and shouldn't touch or bind against the GPS antenna. I'd try a Comet SMA-24 dual band antenna.

 

[thercman]

Thanks! What do you think would be good to mount to the house?

 

[Mudfoot]

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamants/0986.html

 

[thercman]

I ordered the Comet SMA 24 from The Antenna Farm. I'm a little concerned about it because I payed extra for expedited shipping and my account shows the order is processing and I have not received a confirmation number. I also sent them an e-mail yesterday and have not gotten a response. Maybe it was shipped already.

 

[Mudfoot]

I don't think that dude stocks many items. He's a big time drop shipper.

 

[thercman]

I hope not!!!!! I specifically want it by tomorrow so I can take out on a wetlands study Thursday. That's why I selected 2 day shipping. I guess tomorrow will tell the story...

 

[thercman]

Shipping today. :-( It's only a 7hr drive from here maybe I'll have it tomorrow.

 

[FatHam]

I just got a couple of ID-51 accessories from Antenna Farm. It took a couple of days for them to go out, but they weren't drop-shipped. Came directly from their stock. Price was at least 10% lower than anything else I'd found.

On to the antenna, I actually saw a listing for a hi-gain aftermarket antenna on ebay to fit several radios including the ID-51A. The listing included instructions and a photo of a "mod" needed for the antenna to fit the 51. The "mod" was whittling away the base of the antenna with a knife to reduce it's diameter. They actually posted a pic of the antenna base carved up to fit. lol Nice! I'm thinking that's not going to do much to maintain the radio's "submersible" waterproof rating...

I'm sure it's just a matter of time before Comet or Diamond come out with something made specifically to fit the 51.

 

[thercman]

Well they did take a few days to get it out which was frustrating considered I payed for two day shipping. I needed on Thursday. I ordered it Sunday night but didn't get it until Saturday. :-( With that said the Comet SMA-24 does fit with no problem...

You are correct that they do have better prices.