Antenna for AZDEN PCS-6000 (2M + Civil Airband)

[techynyc]

I'm looking for advice on an indoor Antenna to use with a vintage AZDEN PCS-6000 (2 Meter) TX/RX) SO-239 socket.
Not sure why this 2M radio includes a RX range of 118-174 MHz which includes Civilian Aircraft 118-136. Its the only AZDEN model that has covers Airband ... any thoughts as to why?

I plan to use this primarly as a receiver for Civil Airband FQs in 118-136 range. ...but if I also wanted to tune thru 2M band is there any other antennas you'd recommend to cover both 2m and Aircraft for receive only.

Here are the pics and specs --> RigPix Database - Azden - PCS-6000

Appreciate all your feedback.

 

[K4EET]

So @techynyc, you want to only receive and never transmit? You want to receive 118 MHz to 148 MHz even though your radio will go up to 174 MHz on receive?

 

[K4EET]

Here is what I would do. The mid-point between 118 MHz and 174 MHz just happens to be 146 MHz which is the middle of the Amateur 2 Meter Band. Get yourself a Two Meter ham antenna that has gain and call it good.

<edit> NOTE: A 2M collinear antenna would be preferred over a base loaded 5/8th wave antenna...

 

[techynyc]

K4EET, Thanks for your repies. Yes, it will be Receive only. I'm not sure if there would be anything to listen to on 136-174 on an old Analog receiver like this one. Their are some Military and Gov channels but I would think these agencies would be using digital modeis and some encrypted. Its not the 1980s any more.
Unless your hinting there is something in that range that might be of some interest. Tell me more ... and the antenna to receive it on. I'm aware that some antenna can be changed i.e. tunnable so you can optimize it for other ranges.

 

[mmckenna]

Depends entirely on where you are.
There are a lot of agencies still running analog VHF systems.
Very popular with wildland fire fighting.
Marine VHF
MURS
Still lots of public safety users.
Interop channels, etc.

 

[K4EET]

@techynyc, here are two examples of collinear antennas...

Mobile: Hustler CGT-144

Base: Hy-Gain V-2R

NOTE: Do you have a balcony to put it on?

 

[techynyc]

No balcony. I can mount the antenna up on a roof via a pipe.

 

[K4EET]

No balcony. I can put them up on a roof via a pipe mount.

Oh okay, your first post mentioned you were looking for an "indoor antenna" but if it is going on the roof then you would want a base antenna for outdoors. Will you be able to ground the antenna properly? I have a post HERE about that topic.

 

[techynyc]

Indoor Antenna was for when I travel. I might take the radio by car to the coastal area and having a smaller indoor antenna would be more suitable. I wouldn't be able to pack a 9' Hy-Gain V-2R in my car. It just wont fit
PS I read your article on properly grounding Antenna back in Sept. No way I'd stick an antenna on the roof pipe without it be properly grounded.

 

[K4EET]

The Hustler CGT-144 is fairly tall as well but it does break down quickly by loosening some set-screws.