Patrol Car Antennas

[explcdt8]

Does the size of the patrol car antenna tell what band its on?


I know the answer is yes, but one of the departments bordering my town is on 400 MHZ, most of the cars have the standard high-band radio antenna, but one has an 800 MHZ antenna, even though it brodcasts on 400 MHZ. Also, my Sheriff's Office has both 400 and 800 MHZ, but the two antennas are the same.

Does anyone know why that is or how it works? I always thought 400 was a longer whip, and 800 was a smaller one.

[greenlead]

The wavelength of a radio frequency determines the size of the antenna.

Usually, mobile antennas are 1/4 wavelength.

So, if your transmitter uses 2 meter waves (144 Mhz - 148 Mhz), the antenna should be approximately 1/2 of a meter in length.

Here are the basics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_(radio) .

[serriafox]

Not sure but what I remember about antennas is it has to be a certain portion of the wavelength, like the person before said, but since 400 is half a 800 the it should work well with similar sized antennas. Although on would probably work better with one than the other. Just a image if the double the length of the other antenna.

[grumpyirishman]

So size does matter???

Lets hear from the ladies!!:p

[PVPD124]

The length of the driven element of an antenna USED to tell what band the radio is on. USED to is the operative phrase. I have been an Amateur Radio Operator for 15 years and have seen quite a few changes. I have 2 antennas on my car that are dual band VHF hi/UHF and you would think by looking they were hi band only.

I have a cell phone antenna (8ooMHz) on the car that is used for CB Radio (28.405MHz).

So no... Size doesn't matter (That's what my wife says anyway ).

Edit

Also, I have an antenna tuner that I have used to transmit on HF bands using a folding metal chair.

[explcdt8]

Thanks for your help