Wideband VHF antenna

mjthomas59 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 06:25 PM

Does anyone have experience using these VHF antennas that listed as "wideband coverage" such as the following:

Antenex ADB150 [ADB150] - $24.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!
Larsen WBQC [WBQC] - $29.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!

These antennas are claiming approximately 20mhz of usable bandwidth. Other antennas i've seen are typically in the 4-5mhz range.

I'm looking for an option that would allow me to efficiently transmit between 150-160mhz. This particular antenna will be on an L-bracket mount on the front passenger side fender. I'll be using a Midland Olympian radio that puts out 50watts.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

kb5udf · #2 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 06:32 PM

I have used the Comtelco A1132B, which does 140-170 and 440-470. It has a nice thick element and appears to perform very well for years, delievering the badnwidth stated.

Comtelco Mobile Multi-Band Two-Way Radio Antennas Information Page

Disclaimer: I have no business relationship with rfwiz or comtelco, except being a satisfied customer.

N_Jay · #3 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 06:38 PM

What 1/4 wave whip claims only 4 to 5 MHz bandwidth at 150 MHz?

prcguy · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 12:43 AM

I occasionally use the Larsen WB VHF and it does 20MHz easily. I also have some old A/S wide band 1/4 wave whips with the fat tapered spring and thick whip which also covers about 20MHz.
prcguy

RolnCode3 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N_Jay

What 1/4 wave whip claims only 4 to 5 MHz bandwidth at 150 MHz?

None. Only the low profile VHF Phantoms have such narrow bandwidth.

mjthomas59 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 06:37 AM

I did some additional searching and found some whips from Antenex which advertise 8mhz bandwidth. So I guess my next question would be, whats the difference between a regular 1/4 wave and a "wideband" 1/4wave. In the few pictures i've seen both antennas appear the same.

Would I see a difference in performance from either antenna?

Thanks

mrweather · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 08:52 AM

Adding a spring and making the antenna element itself fatter will widen the bandwidth of an antenna.

But yeah, the 1/4 wave ones I've used had a 2:1 bandwidth of at least 10 MHz.