SMA Adapters

[pkveazey]

Hmmm..... When I passed out HT's to the neighbors, I showed them an SMA adaptor that they could screw onto the antenna connector just in case they wanted to connect a Base or Mobile antenna. I told them that they cost about $6 each and if they wanted one they'd have to spring for the cost themselves. The other night I was looking at AMAZON and they had them 2 for $5.99. Well, Hell, I could afford that, so I ordered 10 adaptors. Since it was just above the $25 amount to get free shipping, I ordered them. They showed up today. I already have about 6 of them so I think I'll keep the new ones and pass out one to each neighbor that wants one. I also have one extra dual band mobile antenna so I can demonstrate how much farther they will transmit and receive with just a mobile antenna. When I first started playing with UV5R's, I put one in the car and connected it to a mobile roof antenna and was able to hit our local 2 meter repeater from 24 miles out. Yep, and actually have a conversation even though it was a bit noisy. The antenna on that repeater is only up about 100 feet. If any of the neighbors want a Base antenna, I can build a 1/4 wave ground plane with drooping radials for next to nothing by using an SO239 connector. They can buy there own Coax and ever how much pipe they want to mount it.

[FeedingFreedom]

I've collected an unseemly amount of RF adapters and connectors over the years. I have a "kit" in a parts box that I keep in the shack, and a smaller one that goes with my radio gear into the field. The duplicates and really odd ones reside in drawers, sorted by type. For connecting HT's to a larger antenna, I've taken to using the "HT Saver" types with a short cable between the SMA and the UHF or other connector, it takes the strain off the connector on the radio and prevents breakage, as most radio connectors are just soldered onto the PCB. Not the cheapest option, especially for quality ones, but better than snapping the SMA connector off the radio in an emergency. This is especially true if you're giving the radio to someone who doesn't have a lot of experience.

I'm an antenna enthusiast, I've tried most of the major designs, and some strange ones too. For most, I'd recommend a J-pole type made from 300 Ohm twinlead, I even have the numbers around here someplace for cutting one to go inside PVC pipe so it still functions as intended. I had one on my chimney for a long time, got great performance and I think I might have had a couple dollars invested. Nothing wrong with a 1/4 wave ground plane, for 2 meters I use uncoated silicon bronze brazing rods for the radials, they hold up fairly well even in a decent ice storm, and they can be bent back into shape afterwards.

For a directional antenna, I'm a huge fan of WA4VJB's "Cheap Yagis". I'm down to the last one I made 10 years ago, and I need to make more soon. Probably make a short video to describe my own method of building them. Huge performance for a couple dollars and a little time. I've even made a phasing harness to stack 2 of them, did really well in a couple VHF contests with them. Here is some more information about them:

http://fredspinner.com/W0FMS/CheapYagi/vjbcy.html

http://www.repeater-builder.com/antenna/pdf/cheap-yagis.pdf

This is my current go-to field VHF antenna: http://arrowantennas.com/arrowii/146-4ii.html. Definitely not the cheapest option, but I got mine new in the package at a hamfest for $25. I painted mine OD green (like most things I own!) and I also picked up the mast clamp for it. I keep it in a bag with some coax that can be put in the car or strapped to the side of my pack.