Masthead antenna for handheld?

[jimiboy]

I am looking at either the Icom M31 or the Std. Horizon 270 as the main VHF radio for my boat.
I read in a PBO recently that one could connect a masthead-mounted antenna to these creatures to significantly increase range.
How do I find out what type of antenna connections these radios have built in?? There is no mention in any of the blurb.
The antenna I have my eye on comes with a PL259 connector, and the agent old me on the phone that he could supply it with a different one if necessary.
Is there an industly standard fitting or are they all different?
Anybody out there got this sort of knowledge please??

Happy 2007 to all,
jimiboy

 

[ditchcrawler]

I am going to buy a connector so that in case of emergency I can connect my Icom h/h to my emergency aerial(which has a standard radio connector)
I am informed that the connector required is an Icom SMA/PL259 adaptor

 

[mainmarine]

You can get adaptors http://www.maplin.co.uk/search.aspx?Menu...y&doy=2m1at Maplins:
The usual lead from the masthead has the PL259, you can get an adaptor to BNC which is the normal rubber aerial end fitting

 

[Judders]

Will any amplification be added or is it simply a case of plugging in?

 

[mainmarine]

It is simlpy an adaptor, to the change the socket/plug type, the reception from a masthead aerial is far better than the hand held's

 

[jimiboy]

many thanks mainmarine. I will get onto it tomorrow
jimiboy

 

[Salty John]

The antenna will normally have a PL259 connector because it fits the SO239 socket on virtually all marine VHF fixed sets. Handhelds will have either a SMA connector or a BNC connector. You can get adaptors for anything to anything in the RF connector world, so pick the radio and then buy the appropriate adaptor.