TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATERUS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 12.09 DATE: February 26, 2012
SUBJECT: H/T AND AUXILIARY ANTENNA
Have you ever had a time when you had problems trying to communicate with your Hand Held radio because of its low power? Most Hand Held radios have a Rubber Duckie antenna on them, which isn't much of an antenna. Have you ever wished that you had a better antenna to get a better signal on both transmit and receive?
On most Hand Held radios the Rubber Duckie antenna is made so that it can be detached for replacement, or to connect an auxiliary antenna to it. Do you have an auxiliary antenna that can be connected to the transceiver? The most common auxiliary antenna is a Magnetic mount antenna. A Magnetic mount antenna can be placed on the top of a vehicle so your Hand Held radio gets a better signal.
Some operators who use Magnetic antennas already have the proper connector on the end of the coax, or transmission line, to match their Hand Held radio. But, what if you want an even better auxiliary antenna, can you connect it to your Hand Held? Do you have the proper adaptor to connect the antenna to the Hand Held radio? Do you know what type connector it is? Most Amateur Hand Held radios use either the "BNC" or "SMA" connectors. Most Public Safety Hand Held radios don't use standard connectors; they use their own type connectors.
If you ever plan on using an auxiliary antenna with connecting adaptor. The best connecting adaptor would be one that will allow an antenna transmission line which uses a standard coax connector, such as a PL-259. If you have the proper adaptor for your Hand Held radio, you will be able to use it with a number of antennas, whether it is a mobile, portable, or base antenna.
One word of caution, be sure the transmission line close to the Hand Held is flexible so you don't take a chance of breaking the connector which is mounted on the radio.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV