Family just found a quarter wave VHF antenna (NMO) I bought several years ago for a fire department radio. I couldn't get that radio programmed so the antenna and coax sat up for a WHILE. I already have an antenna for my two meter radio and have thought about using the old quarter wave VHF for a mobile GMRS radio or a 70cm radio.
My question is, is it practical? Will it need a coil of some sorts to work on UHF? The best I could find on the net was using an old quarter wave VHF as a 3/4 wave UHF antenna but no mention of actually cutting / tuning the antenna. Do to my terrain and intended (simplex only) setup I feel the 5/8 wave would serve me best. Based on the antenna calculators it appears I would have to shorten it a little. The antenna is a Maxrad and the base of the stinger / whip is coiled up to form the contact with the mount. Not sure if I could get it coiled up enough to insure a good contact with the base? Don't have any other need for it at the moment.
Still gotta get the radios programmed and the license.
My question is, is it practical? Will it need a coil of some sorts to work on UHF? The best I could find on the net was using an old quarter wave VHF as a 3/4 wave UHF antenna but no mention of actually cutting / tuning the antenna. Do to my terrain and intended (simplex only) setup I feel the 5/8 wave would serve me best. Based on the antenna calculators it appears I would have to shorten it a little. The antenna is a Maxrad and the base of the stinger / whip is coiled up to form the contact with the mount. Not sure if I could get it coiled up enough to insure a good contact with the base? Don't have any other need for it at the moment.
Still gotta get the radios programmed and the license.