What is SMA-J and what whip antenna should I get?

[suzukigs750ez]

Hey guys. I’m looking to pickup a decent whip antenna for a handheld but am unsure how to find one… new to this stuff. Here’s the info from the antenna that comes with the unit. I’d like to get one within the same frequency range but a whip antenna (durability) and handheld lengths.

Color: Black
Service / Frequency: Business, VHF (134-180MHz)
Number of Bands: Single Band
Connector: J Male

 

[kb5udf]

Hi there, we can probably help better if you tell us the model of the radio.

 

[doctordialtone]

Connector: J Male

https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/7t624r

 

[suzukigs750ez]

Hi there, we can probably help better if you tell us the model of the radio.

Icom v10mr. All I can really find on it is the antenna connection.

 

[mmckenna]

Icom v10mr. All I can really find on it is the antenna connection.

The SMA-J connector is actually an adapter.

SMA is a small coaxial adapter
"J" is the common term for the threaded stud type antenna connector on top of some of the lower tier Icom hand held radios.

An SMA-J adapter is difficult to find. More often they are BNC-J adapters.
But, these are -test- adapters. Icom sells them for facilitating connecting test equipment to the radios while they are on the bench.
You never want to use adapters if you can avoid it. And you never want to use them on top of a portable radio, as it puts a lot of stress on the antenna jack on the radio. The antenna jack is the weakest part of the radio and will quickly fail if too much strain is put on them.

Much better to use the antenna with the correct connector on the end.

 

[merlin]

The standard antenna for this radio is FA-SC28V (Nice radio)
Like most portable Icom LMR portables, this is not an SMA connector. More like a stud mount.
They do make an external antenna adapter to mate with the radio but as mentioned, this can strain the connector.
Mostly used for bench test setups but can be used with external/rooftop antennas.
Typically, this adapter has a female BNC type connection. an example: (this is the 'J male to BNCf')
MX BNC Antenna Adapter For Motorola Maxon Midland Tekk Icom Saber Kenwood Series | eBay

 

[suzukigs750ez]

Will any of these work for my MURS radio? Here is the stock one (Icom FA-SC28V VHF Antenna (142-162 MHz))

Icom FA-SC55V Flexible Antenna

Icom FA-SC55Vis a genuine OEM VHF (146-174Mhz) flexible antenna for Icom F11, F14/S, F3001, F3003, F3011, F3021, F3021T/S, F3023T/S, F33GT/GS, F3161DT/DS, T/S, F3163T/S, and F70DT/DS series two way radios.

www.buytwowayradios.com

Icom FA-SC61VC 136-174MHz Cut Antenna for Specific Frequencies

The Icom FA-SC61VC is a VHF antenna specifically designed for Icom F4400D and F7020 UHF portable handheld radios. The antenna can be cut to specific frequency ranges in 5MHz increments.

www.buytwowayradios.com

 

[mmckenna]

Either one would work.

The SC61VC allows you to cut it to the frequencies in use, which should result in a slight performance edge over the standard SC55 antennas, which are "tuned" somewhere near the middle of the capability of the radio, rather than where you need it.

 

[suzukigs750ez]

Either one would work.

The SC61VC allows you to cut it to the frequencies in use, which should result in a slight performance edge over the standard SC55 antennas, which are "tuned" somewhere near the middle of the capability of the radio, rather than where you need it.

Cut it? As in physically remove part of the antenna?

 

[mmckenna]

Cut it? As in physically remove part of the antenna?

Yes, that's how you tune antennas. Antennas work best when they are resonate at the frequency you are using. Think: Tuning Fork, Guitar string, etc.
You make an antenna resonate by cutting it to the right length for the frequency/installation. That's what's done on vehicle installs.

 

[suzukigs750ez]

So would I be able to cut it for 151-154 or is it not that broad?

 

[mmckenna]

So would I be able to cut it for 151-154 or is it not that broad?

Yes, it's good for a couple of MHz either side. It'll ship with a "cut chart" that will give you instructions on where to cut it. Cut it for around 152MHz and you'll be good. It's not super critical, but it can give you a bit of an edge.

 

[12dbsinad]

You cut the antenna with a pair of side cutters or linemans pliers to desired length then you super glue the cap on and viola

 

[suzukigs750ez]

So would I be safe to buy it and definitely have full range of MURS channels?

 

[12dbsinad]

So would I be safe to buy it and definitely have full range of MURS channels?

Yes. MURS is 151-154 Mhz so just cut your "center" frequency to around 152/153 Mhz and you'll be fine

 

[suzukigs750ez]

Yes, it's good for a couple of MHz either side. It'll ship with a "cut chart" that will give you instructions on where to cut it. Cut it for around 152MHz and you'll be good. It's not super critical, but it can give you a bit of an edge.

An edge receiving and transmitting better than the “stock” antenna?

 

[mmckenna]

An edge receiving and transmitting better than the “stock” antenna?

Maybe. Would depend on what frequency the stock antenna was tuned for. You'll probably find it's tuned for a bit higher frequency than what you want. I wouldn't expect huge noticeable results, but maybe a slight improvement.