Hello to all my fellow RR members. I recently starting volunteering for my county's EMA. I was given a Kenwood K-272 VHF handheld unit to use until the radio techs can install a mobile radio in my vehicle. However, I live about 13 miles away from the repeater tower and I believe the max range of the handheld with the stock antenna is only about 8 miles or so (although I know many variables can affect the range).
So I had an idea, but I'm not sure if it will work. Would it be possible to use my Diamond RH77CA antenna in place of the stock antenna to boost the range of the handheld? I have a SMA to BNC adapter that I can use to make the RH77CA fit the handheld, so that's not an issue. I'm just wondering if the RH77CA would even transmit on the frequency that I need to transmit on, which is close to 154 MHz. I know the RH77CA was designed to transmit in the 144-148 MHz and the 440 MHz bands, but I wonder if it would be able to transmit on 154 MHz and if it did, then I was wondering if the RH77CA would help to boost the range of my handheld.
I know that I could probably ask some of the employees of my county's EMA about whether my idea will work, but I'm the new guy and I don't want to appear stupid. So I figured I would join RR (which is a great site that I have enjoyed for some time) and seek the knowledge of the experts on here. My area could possibly get some severe weather tomorrow so I am hoping that someone could provide me with an answer before then. I would greatly appreciate any help that anyone could offer, even if you just have a theory about whether my idea would work. Thanks!
So I had an idea, but I'm not sure if it will work. Would it be possible to use my Diamond RH77CA antenna in place of the stock antenna to boost the range of the handheld? I have a SMA to BNC adapter that I can use to make the RH77CA fit the handheld, so that's not an issue. I'm just wondering if the RH77CA would even transmit on the frequency that I need to transmit on, which is close to 154 MHz. I know the RH77CA was designed to transmit in the 144-148 MHz and the 440 MHz bands, but I wonder if it would be able to transmit on 154 MHz and if it did, then I was wondering if the RH77CA would help to boost the range of my handheld.
I know that I could probably ask some of the employees of my county's EMA about whether my idea will work, but I'm the new guy and I don't want to appear stupid. So I figured I would join RR (which is a great site that I have enjoyed for some time) and seek the knowledge of the experts on here. My area could possibly get some severe weather tomorrow so I am hoping that someone could provide me with an answer before then. I would greatly appreciate any help that anyone could offer, even if you just have a theory about whether my idea would work. Thanks!