Alternate antenna for the VX-7R

[KE6MGB]

I recently purchased the Yaesu VX-7R, and am really happy with it. The only thing I don't like about it is the antenna. It's pretty "bulky". Is there a better alternative to this antenna? Even though the radio is able to tx on 6m, 220, I'm only interested in tx'ing on 2m/440, so I'll just need a good 2m/440 antenna. I personally prefer the skinny flexible ht antennas.

Just looking for some advice and which antenna would be best for this radio. I know Yaesu sells an upgraded version of the antenna, but not sure if it's worth it to buy that one or another brand.

Thanks and 73,
Rod

[VK2AKG]

on 70cm I am using a quarter wave whip from a Tait Orca on my VX7R and find it goes at least as well as the original. It is lighter, shorter and mechanically compatible.

[KA5PIU]

Hello.

If all you want is 2 meters and 440 there are a lot of good choices.
The VX-7R antenna is actually 2 pieces.
If you do not want 6 meters you can leave the large end stub off and place the little cap on.
There are antennas for 2 and 440 that are as thin as a wire that work very well indeed.
Antennas for commercial talkies are usually monoband so if you do go that route remember not to transmit but in that band.

[WA9SVD]

Almost any antenna will do better than the stock antenna. If you are only interested in 2M/70 cm, consider the Diamond RH77CA. (Assuming your radio takes a BNC type connector.) I've used one to work satellites with 1 Watt out on 2 M. (Receive was with a Diamond whip on the 70 cm side.)
The RH77CA is a simple, thin whip that's only 14.78" long.
Any "short" antenna will perform poorly, which is why "rubber duck" antennas, especially the original antennas supplies with most H-T's, , are often referred to as "dummy loads."

[K0RGR]

I use a couple different after-market antennas on my HT's. The ones I have are strictly 2/440, though - I use the stock antenna for other bands.

The ones I use the most are built by MFJ. I can't find any pictures of them, but I think I have the 1716S and 1717S.
The short one is a couple inches longer than a standard duck, and outperforms it pretty convincingly. The antenna is made from a very flexible piece of wire. The longer one I have is a full 1/4 wave on 2 meters, and that makes quite a difference. This one is coated with rubber and you can tie a knot in it without hurting it.

[KB3OAD]

For me, which may not be the same as you, I homemade a 2m/70cm slim jim antenna for the 7R. I use it stationary in the house a lot, but other mobile uses it's obvious that plan won't work.


I'm in your situation too. I've been looking at some of the Icom dualbands with the BNC connection. Buy the cheap 'sma bnc' adapter from EBay and you should be set. SMA, with my experience, isn't as popular as BNC, so that adapter will open your options.



I hope this helps,
Jimmy
KB3OAD

[KB1KIX]

The best I've used is the Diamond Tri-Band.

It is abot 14 inches or so long and has an SMA connector. I use it for 70cm, 1.25m and 2m use - works great.

Blows the stock antenna away.

At a recent festival, a bunch of us were providing comms support. Guy saw my antenna and thought it was a bit exaggerated (dunno, 14" thin antenna didn't seem that long).

He was trying to hit a few repeaters, we gradually tested a few repeaters further out. I consistently blew him away - same radio. Only difference was a good quality antenna.

One thing to note when you buy aftermarket antennas.

Get one that is a bit "thicker". There are some that are only about 2mm around - way too small - it flexes too much in the wind.

Go for the antennas that are about half the thickness of a drinking straw - much more stable and don't cause wicked fade!

Jonathan