Little help for a new guy

[rockenranger]

I am new at the ham stuff. i got my ticket last december. i have a icom 2 meter mobile set up as a base. i have a tram dual band antenna about 20 foot in the air. i can hit alot of repeaters where i live real good but some are weak. my question is should i put up a beam to help me get the week repeaters better or would going higher with the antenna i got now help
thanks

 

[555]

line of site will help alot
so yes higher is better and you probably have some noise and static in with you so the beam will be a little more directional and help quiten down the repeater

 

[555]

This will help you decide just what you need
Cushcraft Amateur Beam Antennas

 

[rockenranger]

I bought a hy-gain VB-214fm for any$80.00. Do you know anything about this antenna?

 

[rockenranger]

I may sell it and see if I can get a cushcraft

 

[W5LZ]

I know it's a 14 element 2 meter beam. It certainly should 'hear' better than your omnidirectional antenna! Now the only 'trick' is pointing it in the right directions. Hope you've got a good rotor.
- 'Doc

 

[rockenranger]

I have a ham 4

 

[binrat]

Something that I had to learn personally after others told me (I just won't listen). Its the feedline for VHF needs to be of the best size and quality that you can afford.