Radio Field Use Performance Tips

Here are some simple and inexpensive items to optimize handheld radio performance in he field. Higher power output from the radio certainly helps, but a good antenna will make much more of a difference. Other items make use more convenient or provide backup in emergency scenarios. All items were purchased on Amazon, except for the roll-up J-pole antenna, which I found on eBay.

Note: I forgot to mention an important detail regarding when I was picking up transmissions from Colville. Not only is it 40 miles away, but it is on the other side of the Kettle Range, with the "low point" of the pass approximately 3,000 feet higher than my location! That's a significant barrier to radio signals, so the clear reception I heard was quite impressive.