VHF aerial

[uforea]

I've brought my VHF home without the aerial to bench test.
Can I just press the PTT switch or do I need to stick 30ft of wire into the aerial socket?

Ted

 

[rob2]

Don't press the PTT unless you have a balanced load attached! That will either be a matched aerial or a dummy load to absord the 25W being transmitted. Actually it is illegal to transmit whilst ashore, so the best option would be to borrow a suitable dummy load from a radio ham (who may be able to help fix whatever needs doing).

Rob.

 

[William_H]

Actually 17 inches of wire in the socket would be better. Or make up one of the emergency antennas that have been described here occasionally. (PM me with email address)
You can listen of course but as said best not to transmit. olewill

 

[rogerthebodger]

I made a DIY VHF aerial 2 months age

look here