VHF Low Performance on a Tri-Band 150/450/800 Antenna?

[Dave_D]

Hi all,

Can I monitor VHF Low (25 MHz - 53 MHz) on an antenna built for 150, 450 and 800 MHz? I'm thinking of purchasing the Maxrad BMAX1000 or Larsen NMO150/450/800 antennas for their 150 and 800 MHz coverage, but would also like to monitor CB radio (26 Mhz) and perhaps California Highway Patrol (42 MHz).

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Dave

 

[trooperdude]

Yes, but it's like 1/8 wave antenna on those frequencies, so you won't have any gain.

 

[DaveH]

I'd expect the lowband performance to be poor, for an antenna whose
lowest operating frequency is 5-6x higher than CB, and 3x higher than
CHP's. A 5/8-wave highband whip would give you great performance
on the 150 band, and operate as a loaded 1/4-wave on 50MHz;
somewhat less good at 27MHz, and of course not great on UHF and
above.

Dave

 

[WA4MJF]

I use on on the center of roof of my car for NCSHP 42 MHz and it
receives ok, of course, not as well as a 6 feet whip.

 

[SAR923]

It will work for things like the CHP because they have really good transmitter sites. For CB, maybe a mile or two down the road. I assume you're in California so there's hardly any low band left but the CHP and it will do fine for them.

 

[Dave_D]

CHP & CB aren't critical, so I'll give 'er a whirl. For $27, can't go too far wrong.

Thanks, everyone!