Best outdoor VHF antenna for rural Tennessee — no trunking, mainly DMR conventional

Mbrowning

Newbie
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Feb 6, 2016
Messages
25
Reaction score
3
Location
Cookeville
I’m in Cookeville, TN, and I’m looking for suggestions on a good outdoor antenna mainly for VHF reception (150–160 MHz), mostly conventional DMR, no trunking. I don’t really monitor UHF (only THP sometimes), so my focus is strictly on VHF.

The antenna would go on a tripod about 7 feet high, out in an open yard. I’d prefer something around 5–6 feet tall (not a huge 10-foot antenna). I’ve looked at the Comet GP-3, Diamond F718A, and some marine whips, but I’d love real-world input on what works best for strong VHF reception in a rural area like mine.

My main goals are good performance on VHF, reasonable wind durability, and not super expensive or complicated to mount.

Appreciate any advice or photos of your setups — thanks!
 

dave3825

* * * * * * * * * * * *
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Feb 17, 2003
Messages
9,979
Reaction score
5,530
Location
Suffolk County NY
Antenna selection is based on frequency, not mode or system types.

If only 150 to 160 than you want something that resonates on or has a center of 155.

The comet is a dual band 146 and 446.

The diamond is made for 440 MHz
 

Mbrowning

Newbie
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Feb 6, 2016
Messages
25
Reaction score
3
Location
Cookeville
Antenna selection is based on frequency, not mode or system types.

If only 150 to 160 than you want something that resonates on or has a center of 155.

The comet is a dual band 146 and 446.

The diamond is made for 440 MHz
Any recommendations?
 

trp2525

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2010
Messages
1,377
Reaction score
434
I’m in Cookeville, TN, and I’m looking for suggestions on a good outdoor antenna mainly for VHF reception (150–160 MHz)...
I don't think you could go wrong with a Centerfire 1/4 wave VHF ground plane antenna. They have a model that is tuned/cut to 150-165 MHz (which is exactly what you are looking for) and it is priced at $29.95. Flat rate shipping ranges from $7.50 to $12.50 depending on where you are located.

These antennas are made in the USA and are constructed with heavy duty aluminum and stainless steel. They terminate in a female SO-239 connector which mates with a PL-259 male on the end of your coax.

I have had a VHF-High 1/4 wave ground plane antenna in my attic for many years and it works GREAT on VHF-High. I also get very good performance with it on UHF 450-470 MHz. (I believe my antenna is an Antenna Specialists brand antenna which haven't been made in 20+ years.)
 

kc2asb

Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2015
Messages
1,809
Reaction score
2,668
Location
NYC Area
The Centerfire ground planes look really well-made and the prices are very reasonable. They remind me a lot of the old Radio Shack #20-176 ground plane scanner antenna from back in the day.

I used to use a Diamond F22A for VHF-hi monitoring, and 2m operating. Great antenna, but it's 10.5 feet tall. I'd rather use one of these ground planes
 
Top