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Antenna problem
- Thread starter Fcso221
- Start date
So you're wanting an antenna you can attach to the back of a radio, like a rubber duck on a portable? It looks like the mag-mount they sell is simply a PL-259 to the radio and an SO-239 socket on a magnet base. Doesn't look like it comes with the actual antenna? (Weird) So what you need is a GMRS antenna with a PL-259 plug and a right-angle adapter. BUT... most of the GMRS antennas with a PL-259 plug are a bit larger and would put stress on the antenna jack on the radio. It's best to just use the extension cable to prevent damaging the radio.
Fcso221
Member
I kind of figured as much. As that's what i would have to do thanks.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Couple of things:
If you are receiving only and will never transmit, putting a portable radio antenna on the back directly 90º'd off the plug would be an option.
-The stress on the antenna jack is a concern.
-The lack of counterpoise directly under the antenna, rather than offset like it would be, is going to impact performance.
If you are going to transmit with that setup:
-20 watts that close to the user isn't a good idea from an RF exposure standpoint. It's not super bad, but not a good idea.
-20 watts of RF right off the back of the radio is going to give you issue. RF will likely get into the mic cord or even directly into the radio and probably cause all kinds of issues. Any nearby electronics are going to suffer.
You really do want to get the antenna on a proper ground plane and away from the radio a bit. I know outside may not be an issue, but you don't really want to do directly off hte back of the radio.
If you are receiving only and will never transmit, putting a portable radio antenna on the back directly 90º'd off the plug would be an option.
-The stress on the antenna jack is a concern.
-The lack of counterpoise directly under the antenna, rather than offset like it would be, is going to impact performance.
If you are going to transmit with that setup:
-20 watts that close to the user isn't a good idea from an RF exposure standpoint. It's not super bad, but not a good idea.
-20 watts of RF right off the back of the radio is going to give you issue. RF will likely get into the mic cord or even directly into the radio and probably cause all kinds of issues. Any nearby electronics are going to suffer.
You really do want to get the antenna on a proper ground plane and away from the radio a bit. I know outside may not be an issue, but you don't really want to do directly off hte back of the radio.
prcguy
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If this is for GMRS you don't want a ham antenna, different frequency range and very few will work there.
The antenna connected directly to the back of the radio is a bad idea for a number of reasons. Get a 16" x 16" steel or metal plate with a hole drilled in the center. Buy a UHF mobile quarter wave antenna cut for 467 MHz. The antenna is less than 6" tall, so it's very discreet if that's an issue. Keep the 15-20 feet of coaxial cable that comes with the antenna and mounting hardware. Install the antenna in the center of your metal plate and move it outside. Keep the antenna as far away from you and the radio as possible, even if you're only receiving. Your entire set-up is portable if you ever need to take it with you or relocate.
prcguy
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A 12" X 12" plate is good for GMRS or UHF as its a 1/4 wave from the center outward.
