RadioScannerSA
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Best Mobile Antenna for 130-170mhz
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RadioScannerSA
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mmckenna
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How do you know it is a suitable antenna for VHF?
That would be a good option. And mount it on top of the vehicle.
mmckenna
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That might indicate an issue with your radio. You need to make sure you have it programmed correctly, on the right frequency, using the right bandwidth, etc. Or, you may be just too far out of range of the system to hear it well.
mmckenna
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That looks similar to some inexpensive VHF/UHF ham radio antennas that are sold in many places. Confirm with the seller that it is designed to cover VHF.
That small skinny coaxial cable isn't going to do you any favors.
RadioScannerSA
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Hi all,
Thanks for all the help thus far.
Just an update, this is the antenna I have currently:
It shows there that it is for 138-174mhz.
Does this mean it is a good one and that it's likely my position and the radio itself?
Or do I need to tune the antenna and cut it?
Thanks for all the help thus far.
Just an update, this is the antenna I have currently:
It shows there that it is for 138-174mhz.
Does this mean it is a good one and that it's likely my position and the radio itself?
Or do I need to tune the antenna and cut it?
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
OK, open coil 5/8th's wave.
That antenna design isn't going to give you full coverage over the 138-174MHz band. It'll probably give you about 10MHz of reasonably low SWR. Those kinds of antennas are designed for the whip to be trimmed to a specific length based on the center frequency you want to listen to. Usually the manufacturer supplies a cut chart with the antenna that will get you pretty close.
I'm still not sure what is going on with your setup.
There's a lot of little things that could be causing your issue.
If you could describe, in detail, everything you can about your radio, how it's installed, where/how the power is connected, what kind of radio you are using, what radio service are you listening to, etc. The more detail, the better.
Trying to troubleshoot things like this over the internet is difficult at best.
If it was me, and I knew my radio was good, here's what I'd do:
Positive power lead from the radio needs to be connected to the positive post on the vehicle battery. Make sure the fuse is installed close to the battery. Do not connect power anywhere else than the battery. Don't tap fuses, don't tap into other wiring. Positive comes off the battery positive post only. Use suitable size wire and make sure it's properly routed and protected.
Negative power lead from the radio gets bonded to the vehicle body close to the radio. Do not run the negative power wire all the way back to the battery. It's not necessary. A short negative lead to body can drain off noise/interference in some cases. Make sure it's a good connection.
I'd put that antenna up on the roof, centered front and back as well as left and right. Preferable to do a permanent NMO antenna mount in the center of the roof.
I'd make sure the radio was programmed correctly. Pay special attention to making sure the frequency is programmed correctly. Make sure it's programmed for narrow FM or wide FM, depending on what the transmitter is using.
If it still sounds bad, then you need to start looking at a few other things:
-Is the ignition system in the vehicle making too much noise?
-Does the radio need to be aligned? Could be out of alignment and off frequency.
-Is there a problem with the antenna and/or coaxial cable?
That antenna design isn't going to give you full coverage over the 138-174MHz band. It'll probably give you about 10MHz of reasonably low SWR. Those kinds of antennas are designed for the whip to be trimmed to a specific length based on the center frequency you want to listen to. Usually the manufacturer supplies a cut chart with the antenna that will get you pretty close.
I'm still not sure what is going on with your setup.
There's a lot of little things that could be causing your issue.
If you could describe, in detail, everything you can about your radio, how it's installed, where/how the power is connected, what kind of radio you are using, what radio service are you listening to, etc. The more detail, the better.
Trying to troubleshoot things like this over the internet is difficult at best.
If it was me, and I knew my radio was good, here's what I'd do:
Positive power lead from the radio needs to be connected to the positive post on the vehicle battery. Make sure the fuse is installed close to the battery. Do not connect power anywhere else than the battery. Don't tap fuses, don't tap into other wiring. Positive comes off the battery positive post only. Use suitable size wire and make sure it's properly routed and protected.
Negative power lead from the radio gets bonded to the vehicle body close to the radio. Do not run the negative power wire all the way back to the battery. It's not necessary. A short negative lead to body can drain off noise/interference in some cases. Make sure it's a good connection.
I'd put that antenna up on the roof, centered front and back as well as left and right. Preferable to do a permanent NMO antenna mount in the center of the roof.
I'd make sure the radio was programmed correctly. Pay special attention to making sure the frequency is programmed correctly. Make sure it's programmed for narrow FM or wide FM, depending on what the transmitter is using.
If it still sounds bad, then you need to start looking at a few other things:
-Is the ignition system in the vehicle making too much noise?
-Does the radio need to be aligned? Could be out of alignment and off frequency.
-Is there a problem with the antenna and/or coaxial cable?
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