Hi all,

I have a Wouxun KG-UV9D which I got probably 11 years after getting my license, and don't use it much because I can barely reach the local repeater on a good day. I think the max output power is 5W.

I did get a longer whip antenna for it but that doesn't help much.

What would be some good options for an extranal antenna that I can put in my attic or on the roof to get better distance?

Also, I remember using a linear amplifer back in the CB days. Is such a thing possible with HT devices?

Getting a desktop HAM radio isn't really an option right now so I'm trying to make the most of what I have.

Thanks,
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Hello Nigel,

Thursday October 09 2025 00:35, you wrote to All:

What would be some good options for an extranal antenna that I can put
in my attic or on the roof to get better distance?

Have you ever heard of the Ventenna? It's an antenna that slides over your bathroom vent if you have one.

Have you tried making a J-pole? They're easy to make and can really extend your reach on 2 meter. I have one my dad made back in 2004 for me that works amazing even with a giant hill blocking many of my northern repeaters.

Also, I remember using a linear amplifer back in the CB days. Is such
a thing possible with HT devices?

Absolutely. I've seen a Tokyo Hi-Power amp made in the 80s that put out 300W from 5W input.

Getting a desktop HAM radio isn't really an option right now so I'm
trying to make the most of what I have.

I have a 2-meter mobile, a Motorola UHF mobile programmed for GMRS and local 440 repeaters, and a 220mhz (1.25m) mobile--our club is putting up a 220 repeater--sitting on my desk. All work but I need more power supplies. XD

73 DE KS4TD/WSBW961,
Sean

... "Wealth is not his that has it but his that enjoys it." - B. Franklin
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Re: Options for HT radio antenna?
By: Sean Dennis to Nigel Reed on Thu Oct 09 2025 18:25:51

Have you ever heard of the Ventenna? It's an antenna that slides over your bathroom vent if you have one.

Can't say I have and I'm not sure my wife would go for that so I'm going to have to scrap that idea.

Have you tried making a J-pole? They're easy to make and can really extend your reach on 2 meter. I have one my dad made back in 2004 for me that works amazing even with a giant hill blocking many of my northern repeaters.

I've not tried making any type of antenna yet. Just watched a video and it seems pretty easy. Almost half way to making a trombone :) The guy said he was reaching 50 miles with 5-7w so certainly interesting. I don't have any copper pipe tho but I'm sure I can find some.

Absolutely. I've seen a Tokyo Hi-Power amp made in the 80s that put out 300W from 5W input.

Also a good option but I would definitely want to have an SWR meter check before hooking something like that up. I used to have one back in England in my CB days but I'm sure it disappeared when I moved to the US.

I have a 2-meter mobile, a Motorola UHF mobile programmed for GMRS and local 440 repeaters, and a 220mhz (1.25m) mobile--our club is putting up a 220 repeater--sitting on my desk. All work but I need more power supplies. XD

My local club has a 70cm and 2m repeater along with a couple of DStar repeaters.

I did look at some mobile setup that I could sit on my desk. Amazon have them for about $150 which doesn't seem to bad but I figure if I'm going to take up more desk space, I should probably go for something with more bands since I have a general license. I wouldn't mind getting my extra so I don't have to worry as much about which bands I can and cannot use but that's not top priority right now.
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