broken antena

[rpatton]

Will a VHF antenna still work if it is broken about 5 inches from the tip. The wire is still intact but it laying over.

 

[gm280]

Re: broken antena

Will a VHF antenna still work if it is broken about 5 inches from the tip. The wire is still intact but it laying over.

Not knowing how your particular radio is designed, your broken antenna could change the VSWR so that your transmissions will not make it as far as before if the radio doesn't shut down transmissions because of a high SVWR. If you can't repair that broken section, I would replace it. Antennas are built for the frequencies they will work on. Anything shorter can change their ability to properly transmit, and can for that matter receive too! JMHO!

 

[Splat]

Re: broken antena

The emitter being folded over will at least effect the radiation pattern, and almost certainly affect the swr. It should be repaired, should probably be replaced to avoid any water intrusion and corrosion issues.

 

[jhebert]

Re: broken antena

Replace your present, broken, fiberglass-encased antenna with one that won't break so easily. See

continuousWave: Whaler: Reference: VHF Antenna

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: broken antena

I am a HAM radio operator. A bent VHF antenna isn't bad, a broken one is. You have changed the resonating frequency of the antenna. It is junk. Do not use your VHF radio in this condition or you can burn out the finals in the radio.

Wait, I think I read it wrong. The wire is intact, which means the length hasn't changed. It will effect the radio range and reception slightly, but shouldn't kill it to use it like this. I advise you to get another antenna.