Anntenna Help Please -

[grcross]

I was hoping to get some help on an antenna solution (if it exists)

I am a first responder and use a Kenwood TK-2312. Because I live outside of the area the radio transmissions don't always come through clear until I am closer.

For financial reasons mostly I cannot put a mobile in my SUV yet nor can the department cover the cost.

Is there a way to boost my TX/RX while I am in my SUV? What I was thinking was installing an antenna on the roof and then just removing my portable antenna and screw the car mounted one in. Not the most efficient but I can leave the portable attached most of the time anyway.

Does it work like that or am I way off base? If so what else can I do (besides a full mobile) to boost the reception on my Kenwood?

Thanks for your time and thoughts.
GC

 

[ab5r]

I would think that an external (roof mount) antenna WOULD help. This depends upon your distance from the transmitter antenna that you want to receive and the terrain that you live in. I am not familiar with any "boost" that you may be thinking about.

Regards,
Jerry

 

[grcross]

Its not that far - about 10km but a bit hilly. Our system is on the older side. I don't think I need much of a "boost" to get more clear transmissions. Usually I can start to hear them at about the 5km mark. Main problem is if we are called off or the situation changes I am late getting the message. At 2am in the morning its nice not to keep responding when I am not required lol.

I would assume that I would just have to match the antenna whip frequency with my portable to make it work?

Thanks for the quick reply - I was wondering if my idea was too simple to be realistic lol.

G

 

[ab5r]

Also, the height of the base stations antenna matters for distance. I'd suppose that a good dual-band antenna should help your reception.

 

[W8RMH]

Get a high gain antenna tuned to the frequency/band you are operating on. ( Do not use a dual band ).

A good mobile antenna will make a world of difference. Your TX may not make it but the RX should be better.

 

[mmckenna]

Permanent NMO mount on your SUV roof $18.95:

http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/larsen-nmokhfudsmami-1127.html

1/4 wave VHF antenna, $9.95 or 5/8th's wave VHF antenna $39.95::

http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-tech-qw152-720.html
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-tech-b1443s-737.html

Adapter for antenna coaxial cable to radio, $4.95

http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/rfi-rsa-3404-1231.html

Since you are in Ontario, the higher gain antenna would work a bit better, however a 1/4 wave would work well and be lower profile, if that is an issue for you.

The issue you'll likely run into here is the stress put on the antenna connector on top of the radio. It's traditionally been the weak point on most portable radios. The stress put on the connector by having the coaxial cable hanging on there, not to mention constantly being install/removed, will very likely shorten the life of the radio. I'd also suggest using a speaker-mic with this set up if at all possible.

Ideally, you'd really want a mobile radio, but sounds like that is really out of the question. However, a decent VHF mobile can be had for $100 or so if you are willing to purchase used and get it programmed. A few years ago I bought a few Motorola CDM-750 50 watt VHF mobile radios, 4 channel, for $100 off e-Bay. You'd still need the rooftop antenna, so you are on the right track if you ever decide to do that.

 

[grcross]

Okay great - I will take a look above - I appreciate all the help!

I would love the mobile however if I buy one more Fire related product (especially before Christmas) my wife will kick me out LOL. Maybe Santa will give me an EBAY gift certificate! I actually have two of the portables (one given too me from an ex member) so I can leave it in the SUV most of the time.

I will contact the Antenna Farm too.

Again - thank you

 

[tcm4368]

When my parents first started using business band radios in the late 80's we ran Motorola HT90 portables. All our vehicles had external antennas. On the HT90's the stock antenna was on a BNC, so when in the vehicles, we simply switched to the external antenna. Running 5 watts we could hit our repeater up to 30-45 miles away. These radios served us very well. I personally have CM300 mobiles in all my equipment, and a CP200 (?) portable that I use when in the field. The new portables do not have a BNC antenna connector , and from what I'm told the adapter to convert to a BNC is fragile and easy to damage, so I never purchased one. As others have mentioned, you might consider a used mobile. I've got 20 mobiles half purchased new and the other half used.

Trent

 

[Mattkuhar]

ok, please excuse my childishness but i have to make this.



Permanent NMO mount on your SUV roof $18.95:

1/4 wave VHF antenna, $9.95 or 5/8th's wave VHF antenna $39.95::

Adapter for antenna coaxial cable to radio, $4.95

Being able to stop responding to a call when called off at 2AM, PRICELESS



special thanks to mmckenna for listing the info

 

[grcross]

Too funny Mattkuhar

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Might look into your departments FCC license. It may be the factor in helping you pick an antenna.

Another thing to look into, depending on your departments radio needs, surplus VHF radios can often be had on eBay for around $50. If you don't need more than 16 channels and the department is analog, you may be able to get away with a 20 year old mobile.

 

[Duster]

Might look into your departments FCC license. It may be the factor in helping you pick an antenna.

Another thing to look into, depending on your departments radio needs, surplus VHF radios can often be had on eBay for around $50. If you don't need more than 16 channels and the department is analog, you may be able to get away with a 20 year old mobile.

Canada...it would be an Industry Canada license, correct?

Seriously, though, also if Canada requires narrow-banding, make sure any older radio you acquire is capable of narrow band (12.5khz) channel deviation.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Canada...it would be an Industry Canada license, correct?

Seriously, though, also if Canada requires narrow-banding, make sure any older radio you acquire is capable of narrow band (12.5khz) channel spacing.

Canada…right.