Using a handheld radio inside a vehicle can limit its range when communicating on the track or street (where permitted). Universal fit - not built for one specific make or model, so confirm mounting space and wiring on your machine before ordering. The Rugged Radios external antenna for handheld radio connects through a BNC adapter and a 15-foot cable to extend handheld radio range inside the vehicle.
Key Features
- VHF half-wave antenna for 144–174 MHz
- 15-foot cable with NMO cable mount and BNC connector
- Radio-specific BNC adapter selection
- External antenna setup for handheld radio use inside a vehicle
- Intended for short track, circle track and street applications (where permitted)
Built To Solve: Handheld Radio Range Inside Your Vehicle
- Moves the VHF antenna outside the vehicle for extended handheld radio range.
- Uses a 15-foot cable between the antenna mount and BNC connection.
- Matches the BNC adapter to the handheld radio model.
- Covers the 144–174 MHz VHF frequency range.
Best For: Handheld Radio Users in Track and Street Vehicles (where permitted)
- Short track drivers using a handheld radio inside the vehicle.
- Circle track drivers seeking an external VHF antenna.
- Street users looking to extend handheld radio range inside a vehicle (where permitted).
- Buyers who can select a BNC adapter for their radio model.
Specifications
- Frequency range: 144–174 MHz
- Cable length: 15 feet
- Manufacturer part numbers: EXT-ANT-KIT-VHF-ABH (Rugged R1 / RDHX / RDH16 / ABH7 BNC Adapter), EXT-ANT-KIT-VHF-5R (V3 - RH5R - HYT - BlackBox BNC Adapter), EXT-ANT-KIT-VHF-ICOM (Icom BNC Adapter), EXT-ANT-KIT-VHF-MOT (Motorola BNC Adapter)
What's in the Box
- VHF half-wave antenna, 144–174 MHz
- 15-foot cable with NMO cable mount and BNC connector
- BNC antenna adapter
Fitment
- Universal fit - not built for one specific make or model. Fitment is not guaranteed on unlisted applications, so confirm mounting space and wiring on your machine before ordering.
Fitment is based on current product data for this part and is not guaranteed on unlisted applications. If you don't see your exact setup, contact us and we'll confirm fitment before you order.
FAQ
How much cable is available for routing the antenna?
The cable is 15 feet long.
How do I choose the BNC adapter?
Select the BNC connector that pairs with your radio model; the adapters are radio-specific.
What should I avoid when attaching the antenna?
Do not overtighten the antenna to the NMO connector.
When is an external antenna a useful choice for a handheld radio?
Choose this setup when you want to extend handheld radio range while using it inside a vehicle.
Will this fit my machine?
Universal fit - not built for one specific make or model. Fitment is not guaranteed on unlisted applications, so confirm mounting space and wiring on your machine before ordering.
Why Rugged Radios
Rugged Radios offers this VHF external antenna kit with radio-specific BNC adapter options.
Extend Handheld Radio Range
Choose the BNC adapter for your radio and order the Rugged Radios VHF external antenna kit.
