Antenna Recommendation

[redpsy36]

Need an opinion for an antenna. I looked through many threads but couldn't find a definite answer. I currently have a TRAM 1094 mag mount antenna hooked to a Whistler WS1040 in my truck. I listen to mostly VHF as nothing else in my area uses anything besides it. I can pick up most frequencies from about 10 miles away. It doesn't sound like much but I'm surrounded by huge mountains all around. I'm looking for antenna that is dedicated to the VHF range. I have an NMO mount on an L bracket with a PCTEL MUF 4502 1/2 wave UHF antenna that a buddy gave me.

Could I add a longer whip to the PCTEL and use it for VHF or would it not change anything?
What is a good VHF NMO antenna that won't break the bank?
If I did use the NMO mount, would it be best to mount it on top of the cab or use the L bracket and mount it on the front fender?

Sorry if these questions have been asked 15483945 times. If anyone could point me in the right direction, or point toward a forum that answers my questions, it would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

 

[chief21]

Probably the best antenna for your situation would be a simple and inexpensive VHF whip (about 19") with an NMO base. Since you are surrounded by mountains, any antenna with gain would only further lower your beamwidth into the hills. A unity gain antenna will serve you better... preferably on a permanent mount, and as high as is practical.

 

[mmckenna]

A permanent mount NMO in the dead center of the truck cab is the correct way to do this.
Mobile antennas are going to work best when they have a good ground plane under them, even the "no ground plane" antennas will work better with one.
Mounting antennas on the fender can result in shielding from the cab. It's a poor choice for antenna location.

As for inexpensive VHF antenna, a 1/4 wave whip permanently mounted in the dead center of the cab is going to work very well. Using higher gain antennas usually won't make any difference in your sort of application. In valleys with mountains close in around you, the repeaters are going to be well above the horizon. Higher gain antennas achieve their gain by focusing their pattern at the horizon, which can work against you.

I'd also say skip the hammy/hobby grade Tram/Browning/Random Chinese brand components. Any minor cost savings is going to negate itself in the long run. Quality components will outlast your truck. If you can, skip the "preterminated" cables. You want just the amount of coaxial cable you need to run between the antenna and the radio. No more, no less. That might mean you will need to install your own connector, or pay someone to do it for you.

I'd recommend Larsen or Laird.

"The Antenna Farm" is a good resource for small orders like this.
NMO permanent mount, no connector:
https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/larsen-nmokds-1122

VHF 1/4 wave antenna:
https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/larsen-nmoqc-767
-This is a field tunable antenna, so you'll need to cut it to length. It will come with a cutting chart. Easy to do.-

You'll need to order a connector to match your radio and the RG-58 cable that comes with the NMO mount.

 

[redpsy36]

Thanks. I'm thinking about ordering Larsen ^^. In the meantime, would adding a longer whip to the PCTEL UHF antenna basically turn it into a VHF antenna? Or is there something in the base that is tuned for UHF?

 

[cmdrwill]

In the meantime, would adding a longer whip to the PCTEL UHF antenna basically turn it into a VHF antenna? Or is there something in the base that is tuned for UHF?

Yes the "base" IS "tuned" for UHF only. So adding a longer whip will not help.

 

[Ubbe]

As it is a 1/2 wave antenna it needs a matching coil in the base that is tuned to 450MHz. At 150Mhz the coil will be less effective and probably not interfere much so you could actually use it with a 1/4 wave VHF antenna. That suggested 19" seems to be fine so make the total whip to that lenght. You could add an additional lenght using hose clamp or anything else you have at hand. It's easy to then restore the antenna to its original state.

/Ubbe

 

[KMG54]

I will be honest as to what works best for me. A Larsen tri-band on a mobile to base ground plane mount on my chimney. Hears everything I need. And just to stir the pot more, fed with quad shield RG6.

 

[KMG54]

Missed the mobile part, sorry, but the Larsen still shines.

 

[trentbob]

My 3 rooftops are VHF UHF 7 - 800 megahertz ground planes. Very inexpensive. Low loss coax like LMR 400 or RG6 is always a good bet even though your loss is lower with VHF High. It is interesting to hear how the mountains affect reception and it certainly makes sense to use 1/4 wave antenna.

I use the new Larson tri-band with the spring and the heavy-duty nmo mount on the car. Sounds interesting up on the roof with the radial mount.

 

[KMG54]

I love those ground plane mounts. I ran 3 separate into a tri plexer and found the tri bander did as well by itself.

 

[redpsy36]

Thanks for all the help everyone! I'm new to radios in general but I'm learning. I haven't decided on which antenna to order yet but I've already got the NMO mounted on the cab of my pickup. All that's left now is decide on which antenna.