I use an XM2000 hand held VHF radio. I am concerned that its range is limited. Can I hook it up to an antenna mounted on the boats 'A' frame to boost performance. Any comments/suggestions please.
You sure can. You might have to buy an adapter for the connector,and be sure to check the SWR, or have a marina do it.<br />You'll get really good results too.
Hi Diver, in a word, YES. The bubber ducky antennas that come with hand held radios are pretty poor on performance. Almost any antenna will work better, try a boat dealer or ham radio store for an antenna and cable with a matching connector for your radio. A 3db gain antenna with effectively double the effective radiated power from your antenna and the same gain effect works on receive or as we hams say, you can't work them if you can't hear them.
Diver<br />Yes you can hook to a good antenna and it will make a big difference. If it were me I would get a very good 6DB gain antenna unless you are on a sailboat. Shakespeer 5225 one of the best. That way when get a good fixed 25 watt radio your are all set. Your handheld rubber ducky likely -3db.<br />Still boat to boat probably looking at 5 to 7 miles.
i'm about to break your heart when I tell you this:<br /><br />Handhelds don't have the power to transmit through a big antenna. If you want big performance from your vhf, get a non portable one.
