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  • Mobile radio in your car

    From Utopian Galt@21:4/108 to All on Sat Aug 30 15:38:33 2025
    Is it recommended to buy a mobile radio for my car so i can have better reception?


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  • From SirRonmit@21:2/120 to Utopian Galt on Sun Aug 31 08:18:29 2025
    Is it recommended to buy a mobile radio for my car so i can have better reception?

    It depends on what your needs are, if you drive often, your location, etc.

    'reception' is only as good as your antenna ...

    Here in my area, we have multiple repeater towers, and most operators use those, and hand-helds. Some that are much further away will grab a mobile rig (and place it in their shack) only because of the power. They still use a decent antenna or one that they made themselves.

    If you are wanting simplex more, then, sure, grab a mobile rig for more power. But you are limited to your antenna while driving around trying to make contact.

    I have a small 25W mobile in my vehicle, but use my HT all the time due to repeaters. I can call others on the mobile and they can hear me, but if they are on their HT simplex, I can't hear them back. I have a 50W rigged in my house with a J-pole on the roof, but since I live in a small valley, I can only get out so far until I raise the antenna another 50+ feet at least .. :(

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  • From pyrewyrm@21:2/150 to Utopian Galt on Tue Sep 2 10:38:14 2025
    Is it recommended to buy a mobile radio for my car so i can have better reception?

    Antenna is where the reception will be at. HT with a coax to an externally mounted antenna (magnetic or NMO) will do orders of magnitude better than trying to use the HT's antenna from inside the car. And the investment cost is pretty minimal too.

    Especially if you are looking at VHF/UHF only, I probably wouldn't bother with a formal mobile radio at the outset - instead, I'd get a decent antenna rigged up first with an adapter if needed to connect to your preferred HT.

    Best part is, later, if you do decide a mobile radio offers features/power/conveniences you desire, then you already have the antenna.

    HF mobile, on the other hand, is an adventure. There is no such thing as a small, effective option, unless you are aiming for the uppermost bands only. No way to make a good but small antenna for 20m and lower; its all compromises down there. And even then, if you visit parking garages, prepare to have "fun".

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