Antenna for VHF-Lo

[ES13Raven]

Are there any good handheld antennas for receiving VHF-Lo, specifically 42 MHz? Or do I really need an outdoor antenna for the house?

I can sometimes receive CHP dispatch but never the mobiles...

 

[jonny290]

Full quarter waves are close to 6, 7 feet at this point - can you plug into an antenna or does it have to be handheld?

Radio Shack used to just sell an extendable whip on a BNC plug that would go out to a good 48 inches, I'd try that if they still stock 'em.

 

[Don_Burke]

It looks like they are on their way to being discontinued.

200-0006 is the catalog number.

I have one and it is not spectacular. If I needed more range on VHF low , I would go for a dipole.

 

[mjthomas59]

I use the Diamond RH77ca and while it may not be rated for VHF-Low it does a pretty darn good job. No comparison to a mobile mount but for it being a handheld i have no complaints.

 

[kb2vxa]

Hi Raven and all,

Some will even tell you they get good reception on a piece of wet string but that's because they're getting strong signals to begin with. Since you're not hearing the mobiles it looks like you need a good rooftop antenna huh?

 

[ES13Raven]

Since you're not hearing the mobiles it looks like you need a good rooftop antenna huh?

That's what I was thinking as well...

What about this antenna for the rooftop? Would this be a good choice?

http://www.antennawarehouse.com/Scanner/Scantenna.htm