VX-7r New Antenna

[sactrack]

I am new to the HAM world - and actually am only here by way of work. I am on one of the Placer County Sheriff's SAR teams. We are issued ICOM units during a callout if they are available - however, I did some research and asked around and ended up purchasing a VX-7r about a month ago. The Commander software and cable are great and it's been handy to be able to field program it as well. It's been a great radio to use during our training weekends (haven't been called out on a search since having it).

In some of the canyons we get down in though, I'm expecting the stock rubber antenna (even with the base extender) to have a hard time tx/rx. Anyone have any recommendations on an antenna that might work better? (telescoping, flex, etc... - doesn't matter). I'll be using the stock antenna most of the time and this new one will be carried in my pack - but I want to have it for the times the stock one wont' transmit out.

As a side note, it's also been fun listening in to some of the local PD/FD dispatch traffic. I've also been able to pick up some CALTRANS traffic when we head up the hill. I haven't been able to pick up any CHP traffic though. Heard someone say that a better antenna might help with that too? Any truth to that?

thx in advance for any advice/help offered.

 

[KE5MC]

For working 2m and 70cm the Diamond RH77 gets good reviews. Mine measures 14.75 inches from end of BNC to tip. There is two version SMA and BNC. I have used it on a VX6, VX8 and 92AD using a Diamond BNC adaptor. I like the easy on/off using the BNC vs. the SMA. For Public Service Special Events using a repeater the 77 has worked well. For simplex activities with other club members in relatively close proximity I use a RH915, short and thin. None of the stock antennas were used so no comparison available.

In deep canyons it is possible than no antenna is going to work. In my club we have been trying to use simplex whenever we can and I have to say that it has worked well. However, North Texas is not known for its canyons and mountains.

The 77 is also recommended as a scanner antenna and I use it from time to time on a Uniden 396T. Again no complaints.

Give the stock antenna a try and see if it gets the job done. Only reason I went to a replacement was to use a SMA to BNC adaptor and use BNC antennas. Radio and antenna break down better for go-bag storage until needed then it is just a twist and lock to get on the air.

Mike KE5VYU