Antenna Question

[KJ4FWA]

I have an ICOM 2 meter ham radio that I want to listen to on a trip (still working on getting my license so then I can talk) but I need to find a decent antenna, I'd like a mag mount one if possible, I know the question was posed before...but would a CB antenna let me listen to what I want or should I find one thats better

 

[SLWilson]

1/4 Wave

You should be able to locate a mag mount quarter wave VHF Hi antenna for your trip reasobable. Or, if you know any hams in your area, they'd most likely loan you one.

Steve/KB8FAR :lol:

 

[KJ4FWA]

I know of a couple hams near by, the one guy I got my base and car one from only had base antenn... I'll keep lookin

 

[fineshot1]

A 2 meter 1/4 wave mag mount antenna must be one of the most common mobile ham antennas around.
If you can't find one from one of the below web sites try ebay. It would be an advantage to get an NMO mag mount as it would increase the amount of antenna choices for you should you later want to change to a better antenna and still use the mag mount. Also - the classified section on the qrz, qth and eham web sites should have some possibilities as well.

http://www.hamradio.com/

http://www.aesham.com/

http://www.universal-radio.com/

 

[KC0QNB]

Of course it depends on yours money situation, I have a Maxrad commercial grade on my Jeep, 3dBgain, I also made a deal with another ham, and a got a Maxrad nmo magnet mount for my wifes car. A 1/4 wave will work fine but if you want to spend the extra cash, get the 5/8 wave gain antenna and the commercial magnet, of course you an always drill a hole.

 

[af5rn]

To answer the original questions, yes to both. Yes, the CB antenna is likely to let you hear what you want to hear, possibly even well. But just as likely, you won't hear more than a mile. You never know til you try. But strictly for receiving, off-band antennae frequently surprise us with their ability to receive other bands relatively well.

However, I would also answer yes to your other question, as others have. Yes, you should probably just go ahead and get a 2m antenna instead. They're cheap and readily available and work better, as well as being a lot safer if you happen to press that transmit button for any reason.

 

[KJ4FWA]

Well, I have the Mic disconnected, so Accidental Transmits wont happen, I'm not licensed yet so to remove temptation it's gone, but listening in dosnt hurt On my trucks I have some antenna ordered but I wanted a mag one for my moms car...she dosnt want holes lol

 

[jon_k]

A coat hangar will pick up signals for you. Wire is wire. In a pinch you can use any metal as an antenna for monitoring. When you transmit thats when you have to do it right. Otherwise you will get high SWR and burn up your radio transmitter.

Of course it helps reception to have an antenna cut to the size of the frequency you want to monitor. For now you can poke anything into the antenna hole carefully and use it for reception. They DO make magmount bases that have an NMO antenna thread mount. You can buy any antenna that uses an NMO mount, thread it on the magnet base and you're set to go. I use this antenna on my 2 meter 70cm rig (Comet SBB7) It is a tad tall but wonderful antenna. http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/hamantm/3908.html

Haven't used it extensively but it's a great amateur antenna. Good luck on the test. It's extremely easy so you should have no worries.

 

[stevolene]

Ive used this antenna on my HT with great results, also a really nice little scanner antenna

 

[stevolene]

for the money, this one is hard to beat

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/scanants/1190.html

 

[KJ4FWA]

Thanks!