VHF Disguised Antenna Question.

[Clarky]

I am thinking about switching to a VHF disguised Antenna. Does anyone have any personal input, if it receives as well as a standard 18" whip antenna? Thank you.

Manufacturer
TE Connectivity
Model #
TRAT1420
Product Description
Phantom Ant. 142-160, White
Frequency (MHz)
142-160
Product Narrative
The VHF Phantom low visibility antenna's exterior is made of high impact ABS plastic suitable for inside or outside use. It's field tunable and offers approximately 1 MHz bandwidth. Features include a gold-plated pushpin contact, O-ring seal in base and closed-cell foam mount pad that seal out moisture. The insert molded mount bushing will not leak. Ground plane is required.
Gain (dB)
Unity
Maximum Power (Watts)
60

 

[KevinC]

I am thinking about switching to a VHF disguised Antenna. Does anyone have any personal input, if it receives as well as a standard 18" whip antenna? Thank you.

Manufacturer
TE Connectivity
Model #
TRAT1420
Product Description
Phantom Ant. 142-160, White
Frequency (MHz)
142-160
Product Narrative
The VHF Phantom low visibility antenna's exterior is made of high impact ABS plastic suitable for inside or outside use. It's field tunable and offers approximately 1 MHz bandwidth. Features include a gold-plated pushpin contact, O-ring seal in base and closed-cell foam mount pad that seal out moisture. The insert molded mount bushing will not leak. Ground plane is required.
Gain (dB)
Unity
Maximum Power (Watts)
60

Nor sure how much bandwidth you need to cover, but this only does 1 MHz.

 

[mmckenna]

They suck.

Narrow bandwidth, as Kevin said.
They perform poorly.
An 'OK-ish" option if you need very narrow bandwidth and are talking into a radio system that has outstanding portable radio coverage.

Here's what I can tell you about my "experience" with them:
Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE, that I know that has tried one of these has absolutely, 100% regretted the purchase.
I've been offered a few of these by people that hated them so much, they were giving them away.
I never accepted one. I've heard enough complaints to know it's not worth it, I'm not going to use it, and it would just be another thing that collects and takes up space.

-EVERYONE- hated them.

If you want low profile, stick with the 1/4 wave. Thin whips blend in better, plus they actually work.

 

[prcguy]

I have a couple of these and they are the worst VHF antenna of any size I have ever used. They are way down from a full size 1/4 wave whip and very narrow band width. I cut one apart to find a ridiculous design inside. I would recommend anything else including a 1/4 wavelength of wire taped to an inside window which should work better.

 

[AI7PM]

If you are only going to receive, OK, but, every compromise antenna I've ever come across ended up in the scrap metal bin. Radio isn't a place for form over function.

 

[WB5UOM]

You have to cough up $$ to get a covert antenna that works.
and I did not day works perfect...
STI-CO makes decent ones.
I have 2 different models running on LE unmarked units that work ok
pricey pricey

 

[Clarky]

Thank you all for the replies. I'll stick with the 18" antenna.

 

[mmckenna]

Thank you all for the replies. I'll stick with the 18" antenna.

The radio Gods will smile upon you.

 

[mbnv992]

These VHF “soup can” phantom antennas have always been horrible even 15+ years ago. Hasn’t changed since. You’d be absolutely cutting corners with reception. If your using it on a 110 watt radio you’d blow that POS can right off the roof since they can only handle 60 watts max.

The phantom UHF antennas have been proven WAY better in the field than those soup can monstrosities. I wouldn’t even use one to RX only with. Plus they are SUPER expensive.

Every single person I’ve known throughout the years that wanted and got this VHF soup can, ended up getting rid of it soon after it was installed. It’s that bad.

I’m glad you stuck with the 1/4 wave whip instead.

 

[pandel]

If you are really trying to conceal your antenna, here's an idea for you. Hide it in plain sight. Most commercial antenna manufacturers produce a black powder coated 1/4 wave that will just about disappear. Especially if you are using an NMO mount as God intended and not a mag mount.
You gain all of the advantages mentioned above, wide band width etc. and NONE of the disadvantages!
Not to mention the $

 

[8K10F1E]

How is one of those coke can antennas more disguised than a cheapo quarterwave whip? Those phantoms are huge and ridiculous looking and catch your eye way more than a quarterwave whip