VHF/UHF Mobile

Why mobile works so well

A mobile radio puts out more power than a handheld, and a roof-mounted antenna sits higher and in the clear. Together they easily double or triple your range, whether you’re on simplex or working a repeater from the highway.

The antenna matters most

• Mount it in the middle of the roof if you can. The metal roof acts as the ground plane, and the antenna works best with metal all around it.
• A magnetic mount is fine for getting started. A permanent mount (NMO) is better long-term.
• A dual-band antenna covers both 2 m and 70 cm.
• Check the SWR after installing. A poor reading usually means a bad connection or a mount without a good ground.

Power: wire it right

• Run the power leads directly to the battery, not to a cigarette-lighter socket.
• Fuse both the positive and negative leads, close to the battery.
• Use wire heavy enough for the radio’s current draw. See Power & Wiring.
• Keep power and coax runs away from the vehicle’s engine electronics to reduce noise.

Operating safely

• Driving comes first. Pull over for anything more than a short exchange.
• Set up your memory channels before you drive, so you’re not programming at 100 km/h.
• Alberta’s distracted-driving rules have limited exemptions for two-way radios. Check the current rules before you key up while driving.

Out on the road

• Program in the repeaters along routes you travel often. A repeater directory or app helps.
• 146.520 MHz is the place to call when you don’t know a local repeater.
• Many mobile radios can cross-band repeat, relaying a handheld through the truck’s bigger signal. It’s handy at a campground or around the yard.

Last updated October 2026.