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Old January 27th 07, 12:58 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.equipment
Norm Mann Norm Mann is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Sep 2006
Posts: 14
Default External antenna for air band handheld radio


"ToMasz" wrote in message
oups.com...
I want to install a stationary external airband antenna hooked up to a
handheld radio to talk to airplanes.
It would possibly be a whip antenna but I don't know what type and
where to buy it the US.
Any recomendations?


Yes, DON'T!
You didn't say where or what you are, but unlicensed operation of a aircraft
radio will probably make you a hazard to navigation in any country.
While pilots that fly within the continental US borders are no longer
required to get a radio *operators* license, a radio *station* license is
(AFAIK) required for the equipment. In this case, the "station" is usually
an airplane, based at an airport, or an FBO or unicom on the airport
property itself.
That being said, just getting a simple dipole outside in the clear and as
high as you can get it, will do wonders for your reception. Unless you can
legally transmit, keep your hand away from the PTT switch. You could damage
the transmitter if the antenna is not cut to the correct frequency, but for
just listening, it should be much better than the antenna that came with the
radio.

-NM