Replacement antenna for Kenwood TH-2KAT
August 1, 2006 1:25 PM Subscribe
Where could I find a good replacement antenna for a Kenwood TH-K2AT ham radio?
After lugging the radio around in a bag for a few months, the cover for the original antenna began to crack. Since then, some chunks of it are gone, leaving the inner part of the antenna exposed. Ideally, I'd just like to replace it with a new, identical antenna, but it doesn't look like Kenwood (or any of the online places I checked) carry it.
What other antennas (antennae?) would be the best replacement for the included one, considering that this is not for any power-use of it (in fact, I usually only use the included antenna when I'm using the radio as just a receiver; I have a mag-mount antenna in my car for when I'm on the road). I'm basically looking for the best 1:1 match for the old antenna in terms of size and quality; I don't need or want a six-foot-long antenna since I'd be walking around with it.
Additional details for those who may be unfamiliar with the particular radio: the antenna is about six inches tall, SMA mount, for the 2m band.
After lugging the radio around in a bag for a few months, the cover for the original antenna began to crack. Since then, some chunks of it are gone, leaving the inner part of the antenna exposed. Ideally, I'd just like to replace it with a new, identical antenna, but it doesn't look like Kenwood (or any of the online places I checked) carry it.
What other antennas (antennae?) would be the best replacement for the included one, considering that this is not for any power-use of it (in fact, I usually only use the included antenna when I'm using the radio as just a receiver; I have a mag-mount antenna in my car for when I'm on the road). I'm basically looking for the best 1:1 match for the old antenna in terms of size and quality; I don't need or want a six-foot-long antenna since I'd be walking around with it.
Additional details for those who may be unfamiliar with the particular radio: the antenna is about six inches tall, SMA mount, for the 2m band.
As a temporary fix (or permanent) you could just cover the antenna with some shrink tube. Especially if its bound to happen again.
posted by CJB at 3:41 PM on August 1, 2006
posted by CJB at 3:41 PM on August 1, 2006
You might want to invest in an SMA to BNC adapter. It opens up a lot of possibilities for other antennas. (If you use it on the road, for instance, you can buy a window clip extension cable from radio shack and stick the antenna outside where it'll do some good!) At home, you can connect to a roof mounted antenna.
Life is a lot simpler in non-SMA land. I don't know why Kenwood chose that species. Fortunately, you only have to worry about 2 meters, so there are a bunch of options out there.
posted by FauxScot at 5:13 AM on August 2, 2006
Life is a lot simpler in non-SMA land. I don't know why Kenwood chose that species. Fortunately, you only have to worry about 2 meters, so there are a bunch of options out there.
posted by FauxScot at 5:13 AM on August 2, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
Ham Radio Outlet and Amateur Electronic Supply are my two favorite ham equipment vendors, although both have sadly deficient online catalogs.
posted by jammer at 2:23 PM on August 1, 2006