MFJ 1717 rubber duck antenna question
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| Oct 27th 2011, 02:38 | |
KI5SFTotal Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0 |
My new MFJ 1717 is advertised as a dual band antenna that is a 1/4 wave antenna at on 2 meters and 1/2 wave on the 440 mHz band.But for some reason I can connect to 2 repeaters on the 222 mHz band at 224.380 and 224.620 respectively.It is 15 1/2 inches long.I figure it is about 3/8 wavelength at 224 mHz.Has anyone heard using a 3/8 wave antenna for these frequencies ? Carl KI5SF |
| Oct 27th 2011, 19:20 | |
KB0HAETotal Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0 |
Hi. While the antenna works on frequencies it is not intended for use on, the SWR may be higher, and the antenna will probably be less effecient than one designed for the band. A 5/8 wave vertical antenna is supposed to have more gain than a 1/4 wave or 1/2 wave antenna. Of course that is with a proper counterpoise or ground radial system, which an HT ducky seldom has. |
| Oct 27th 2011, 23:14 | |
KI5SFTotal Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0 |
I am sure that is why I am getting into only 2 repeaters on the 222 mHz band as there are others in my area on that band.The rubber duck is not very efficient.Probably a j-pole or vertical whip in the attic(where I will have to mount my antennas for now) cut for the 222 mHz band will do the trick for me. |
| Nov 9th 2011, 01:53 | |
w1rfiSuper Moderator Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0 |
If you can, get much closer to the repeater and see if you can hit it. If not, then you may have a programming problem with the radio. The antenna may be inefficient on that band, but getting close would solve that problem. If you can see the repeater tower and can't hit it, something other than the antenna is wrong. 73. Ed Hare, W1RFI |
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