Mag mount antenna w/3-5 DB for 2m xts3000

[V188]

I'm acquiring some 2m radios. (Brand new baby ham, passed tech & general). Right now I have a moto xts3000 that I use a volunteer fire/EMS. I've got basic ham channels and several local repeaters programmed in it.

I'd like to get a good vehicle antenna with great DB to use in wife's or son vehicle with mag mount. . I'm putting a 100 watt in my truck and don't prob want a 3-5 DB on the truck. Prob too much wattage and will get people upset with me.

Anyway what's a good mobile antenna AND what is the connector I need to screw into antenna?

Thanks!

 

[LtDoc]

All things considered, a typical 5/8 wave antenna should work for all three of you. You might watch the power ratings if you plan on using 100 watts, but that shouldn't be that difficult. An antenna such as used by your department would probably handle 100 watts (and is probably a 5/8 wave), but check to be sure.
- 'Doc

 

[ermin]

The Larsen NMO-150 has a 200 watt rating.

73

Ermin

 

[mmckenna]

On VHF, the 5/8ths wave 3dB antennas are just about as big as you can reasonably go.

I used to run a 100 watt XTL2500 in my truck and I couldn't honestly tell any difference in the 100 watt vs. 50 watt radios. Once your signal reaches the horizon, it's done about all it is going to do (with a few minor exceptions). Nothing wrong with running 100 watts, other than obvious RF exposure issues. Unlikely you'd see a big difference in performance.

If you are using the radios for public safety use as well as ham, keep the useable bandwidth of the antennas in mind. 5/8th's wave antennas are only going to give you a 8 - 10 MHz portion of the band where the SWR will be acceptable. A 1/4 wave will give you more like 20, if it's installed correctly.