Handheld Radio Antennas
High-Gain Antenna
The stock antenna supplied with an HT is a short helical antenna known as a “rubber ducky.” It is small and durable but has no gain at all. Consider getting a higher gain antenna. It will be longer than the stock antenna. You have two choices: a flexible whip-style antenna or a telescoping antenna. The whip-style is more durable and easier to use, but it’s bulky and difficult to store (e.g., typically doesn’t fit in a backpack). The telescoping style collapses down to a convenient size when not in use, but is less durable, and you have to remember to extend it before transmitting.
External Antenna
No antenna works well inside a car, surrounded by metal. To operate inside a vehicle, you need to hook your HT up to a mobile antenna mounted on the outside of the vehicle.
When possible, such as when at a stationary site, connect your HT to a higher gain antenna located up high. Many schools, shelters, fire stations and other locations have permanently mounted antennas for this purpose, or you can erect a field antenna for the purpose.
Avoid connecting heavy coax cable to your HT directly; it puts too much strain on the fragile HT antenna connector. Use a thin, flexible jumper cable to connect them.