So I've got a few things rolling around in the old noggin, and want to know what y'all think.
I have a VX-8R, that I've had for about 8 months or so. I really like the radio, but it's more and more apparant to me that the stock antenna just can't get it done.
But I use the radio in some tough conditions, and frequently transport the radio in my gear bag for work as a LEO. Under transport, the antenna is disconnected (usually) and the antenna, radio, mic w/GPS, and 12v charger are in small nylon zipper pouch, dropped into my gear bag. I work in a small mountain town in the middle of the rockies, and the more I test with it, the more reliable it is. After months and months of tinkering and testing, it's getting obvious to me that the radio is my best means of emergency communication, at or away from work. My job often puts my waayyyy back in the mountains, well out of cell reach, and often out of police radio reach. BTW, we run high-dollar, state of the art Motorlla 800 MHz radios with a great set up of repeaters.
Keep in mind, I have absolutely no desire/want/inkling to do LEO work over Ham bands. Nor would I. I'm just describing how well my radio compares to my other comms equipment. Away from work, I do a lot of camping, hunting, and 4x4ing in the back country.
So here's what I'd like y'all opinion on.
I need to upgrade the antenna. 2m and 440 are all I'm really looking for out of a new antenna, but I want them to work well. Another requirement is that I don't want the antenna to be grotesquelly large, as that will really hinder transportation and end up getting left at home. And lastly, I'm wondering if I should add an SMA to BNC adapter to the radio, jsut removing a BNC antenna for transport.
Do you think I would enhance the durability of the radio with the BNC adapter? All the antenna on and off has me a little concerned for durability. It may have the antenna removed/installed 5 times a week.
As for the antenna, I'm really interested in the Diamond SRH-519, as it's only 8.5" and does 2m and 440. The RH77CA is my next choice, but at 16" it might be on the long side for easy transportation in a gear bag, back pack, etc.
So what do y'all think. Any great 2m/440 antennas out there that aren't too much over a foot that I don't know about?
If there's another radio that will give good function on 2m/440, plus one of the other two bands the 8R will do, preferably 6m, I'm all ears. As long as length is moderately under control.
Thanks ahead of time.
I have a VX-8R, that I've had for about 8 months or so. I really like the radio, but it's more and more apparant to me that the stock antenna just can't get it done.
But I use the radio in some tough conditions, and frequently transport the radio in my gear bag for work as a LEO. Under transport, the antenna is disconnected (usually) and the antenna, radio, mic w/GPS, and 12v charger are in small nylon zipper pouch, dropped into my gear bag. I work in a small mountain town in the middle of the rockies, and the more I test with it, the more reliable it is. After months and months of tinkering and testing, it's getting obvious to me that the radio is my best means of emergency communication, at or away from work. My job often puts my waayyyy back in the mountains, well out of cell reach, and often out of police radio reach. BTW, we run high-dollar, state of the art Motorlla 800 MHz radios with a great set up of repeaters.
Keep in mind, I have absolutely no desire/want/inkling to do LEO work over Ham bands. Nor would I. I'm just describing how well my radio compares to my other comms equipment. Away from work, I do a lot of camping, hunting, and 4x4ing in the back country.
So here's what I'd like y'all opinion on.
I need to upgrade the antenna. 2m and 440 are all I'm really looking for out of a new antenna, but I want them to work well. Another requirement is that I don't want the antenna to be grotesquelly large, as that will really hinder transportation and end up getting left at home. And lastly, I'm wondering if I should add an SMA to BNC adapter to the radio, jsut removing a BNC antenna for transport.
Do you think I would enhance the durability of the radio with the BNC adapter? All the antenna on and off has me a little concerned for durability. It may have the antenna removed/installed 5 times a week.
As for the antenna, I'm really interested in the Diamond SRH-519, as it's only 8.5" and does 2m and 440. The RH77CA is my next choice, but at 16" it might be on the long side for easy transportation in a gear bag, back pack, etc.
So what do y'all think. Any great 2m/440 antennas out there that aren't too much over a foot that I don't know about?
If there's another radio that will give good function on 2m/440, plus one of the other two bands the 8R will do, preferably 6m, I'm all ears. As long as length is moderately under control.
Thanks ahead of time.
