Hi John, Many/most handheld VHF's only output 2 to 5 watts maximum. Fixed-mount VHF's can output up to 25 watts. If you connect a handheld VHF to a masthead antenna through a length of coax cable you incur a loss of power in the length of coax cable. Because the output power from a handheld VHF is low to start, the power loss from the coax is notable. The end result is a better signal from a mast head antenna, but a loss in the power reaching the antenna. Hope this helps! Larry is always checking out stuff like this, I'll bet he has some more to add. Randy ________________________________ From: montgomery_boats-bounces+randyg=cite.nic.edu@mailman.xmission.com on behalf of John Tyner Sent: Fri 3/30/2007 3:09 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: RE: M_Boats: VHF boost Larry, What was the reasoning against connecting the handheld to a masthead antenna? I've been thinking of doing this myself. ~ John Tyner M-15 #412 "Chimpanzee" -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+tynerjr=md.metrocast.net@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+tynerjr=md.metrocast.net@mailman.xmissi on.com]On Behalf Of Larry E Yake Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 11:53 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com; nwpotters@yahoogroups.com Subject: M_Boats: VHF boost I found something in the latest issue of Sail mag that is actually of use to small boat sailors like us. In the "Ask Sail" section a skipper inquired about improving the range of his handheld VHF with a masthead antenna. Their expert (Gordon West) basically shot that down, but added the following: "A better way to improve a handheld's performance is to get a longer antenna for it. Your local marine radio store (or go to www.hamradio.com) should sell 24-inch-long flexible antennas with an SMA connector. Get one for the 2-meter band, which is close enough in frequency to the marine VHF band. Mounting one of these antennas should give you twice the range that you'll get from the standard handheld antenna." I don't think I would want a 24" antenna on my radio all the time, but it would be nice to have one to screw on when you need the extra range. Larry Yake M17 #200 CornDog "In a power boat you get there faster. In a sailboat you're already there." _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats