What is the best antenna for Yaesu VX-8DR? We will help you find the right answer.
Are you looking for a heavy-duty, versatile aftermarket antenna for your Yaesu VX-8DR APRS/GPS/Bluetooth Handheld Receiver featuring advanced APRS capabilities? Though the stock antenna is good enough for short-range communication, you’ll find numerous aftermarket replacement antennas that noticeably perform better.
However, remember that opting for a replacement does come with some trade-offs-the new aerial may boost performance visibly the transmitter may not be as handy.
So if you’re willing to sacrifice some handiness for superior performance, then you can pick and choose from several products. Additionally, a longer antenna is recommended (albeit with limits), but you should decide where to draw the line.
The 4 Best Antennas for VX-8DR
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| HYC CS TC-80 (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Diamond SRH320A (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | HYC NA-771 | Check Price |
 | TWAYRDIO RH771 | Check Price |
HYC CS TC-80 (Editor’s Choice)
The HYC CS TC-80 Dual-Band Antenna 144/430MHz CS Tactical Folding Antenna has been designed and engineered for Yaesu TYT Mobile Radio Transceiver. The CS TC-80 features a 31.5-inches (80cm) long antenna and comes with an N-J and N-Type connector making it companionable with any mobile transceiver featuring standard N-type radio. Furthermore, since the HYC CS TC-80 is foldable and retractable, you don’t always have to extend the transmitter fully.
Of course, you can fold or retract the antenna when you need to without adversely impacting the transmission or reception of signals. This foldable antenna offers a maximum power output of 70-watts and a gain of up to 5.2dBi. In addition, this HYC dual-band antenna allows you easy access to all radio channels in the VHF/UHF (136-174MHz; 400-520MHz) frequency range.
The HYC CS TC-80 Omni-directional dual-band antenna is compatible with most ham radio brands and models, including BaoFeng, Wouxun, Kenwood, HYT, TYT, Linton, Quansheng, and Puxing. In addition, the foldable feature of the antenna makes it simple to carry as well as install. However, bear in mind that it is perfectly all right for the antenna to receive signals in a foldable position but not transmit.
In other words, if you fold the antenna and then make the aerial transmit, then there is a high likelihood of the transmitter suffering damage. This is because the CS TC-80 tends to be a premium dual-band antenna made from top-notch ABS material that makes it highly sturdy and resilient.
Pros
- 144MHz/430MHz (VHF/UHF) dual-band antenna
- SMA male connector
- Fully foldable CS tactical antenna installs easily
- Works with Yaesu/Vertex/TYT and specific Kenwood and Wouxun handheld models
Cons
- There’s a clear gap when threading the base connector onto the antenna connector
- Not quite waterproof
Diamond SRH320A
Diamond has slowly but surely built and cemented its reputation by consistently coming up with various quality two-way radio accessories, including antennas and transmitters. And true to type, the SRH320A 144/220/440 MHz Tri-Band Handheld SMA Antenna by Diamond comes across as a high-gain premium-grade antenna. This HT tri-band antenna featuring a nearly 14” long flexible aerial improves your wideband scanner or handheld mobile unit’s performance by several notches.
The SRH320-A features an SMA male base connector that makes it compliable with a wide range of transceiver models and brands. This Diamond antenna has been pre-tuned to guarantee optimal performance across the frequency bands for which it has been designed and engineered. It is strongly recommended to use OEM antenna mobile mounts so that installing the SRH320A becomes straightforward.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you’re thinking of using a mobile mount unit of some other manufacturer, the odds are that the same may not be compatible with the SRH320A. However, you can do minor VSWR modifications by budging the antenna up and down towards the base. The SRH320A comes with two set screws fitted at the base that enable you to make those adjustments.
Pros
- Tri-band (144/220/440MHz) handheld antenna
- SMA male connector at the antenna base
- Gain: 2.15dBi for 440MHz 5/8 wave
- 14” long and max power 10 watts
Cons
- It doesn’t work with Baofeng radios
- The black paint on the connector threading interferes with establishing an effective electrical connection.
HYC NA-771
With the HYC NA-771 fitted on your wideband scanner or transceiver, you bet you’ll be able to communicate over a longer range. The NA-771 whip antenna is extensive up to 40cms, and you can make the most of this feature for increasing the receptivity of your two-way radio. On the other hand, you can easily bend or flex the antenna to communicate in a densely populated area crammed with high rises and other structures obstructing the free passage of signals.
The NA-771 antenna from HYS is 40cm long, which is more than adequate for receiving signals from all local and country repeaters in your area. On the other hand, the NA-771 comes with a gain of 2.15dBi and provides a power output of up to 10W. Also, carrying the antenna or tucking the same in your pocket is not an issue as the feeler weighs only 42 grams.
This HYS antenna has a male-SMA connector making it seamlessly compatible with all 2-way radios and walkie-talkies featuring a female-SMA connector. In addition, the HYC NA-771 dual-band antenna works with Yaesu/Vertex Standard Ham Handheld radios, Puxing- TYT-, Linton-, TonFa, BaoFeng, and WouXun ham handheld radios (select models).
Pros
- Dual-band handheld antenna with SMA male connector
- Antenna length: 40cm
- Gain: 2.15dBi
- Pairs with handheld ham radios having SMA female connector base
Cons
- The tip of the antenna is not as sturdy as you’d expect (susceptible to getting snagged quickly pulling the connector from the base)
- There might be a small gap between your radio case and the antenna base so that the antenna may flop around.
TWAYRDIO RH771
The TWAYRDIO RH771 is a dual-band handheld antenna with a long soft whip measuring 38.2 cm and a male SMA connector. The RH771operatres smoothly in a frequency range of 145MHz/435MHz (2m/70cm), and featuring a male SMA connector, the antenna fits on any ham radio/2-way radio having a female SMA connector. The RH771, with a gain of 2.5dBi and a maximum power of 10-watts, goes a long way in enhancing your handheld scanner’s or wideband scanner’s performance.
As a top-quality dual-band antenna, the RH771 is perfectly handy for maintaining communication during emergencies, including natural disasters. Moreover, the antenna is fully foldable, implying that you can use the same conveniently in areas and enclosures that are cramped and overcrowded. Moreover, this HT dual-band antenna from TWAYRDIO is integrated with multiple functional features that’ll enable you to boost the radiating range.
Pros
- Dual-band high-gain antenna with SMA male connector
- 14.9” long whip helps improve radiating range
- 2.15dBi signal with up to 10-watts power
- Works with any two-way radio with an SMA female interface including Yaesu, ICOM, Kenwood, WouXun, TonFa, Linton, TYT, and PUXING
- Waterproof and fits firmly
Cons
- The base is a tad too broad and stout, so may not fit snugly
FAQ: Yaesu VX-8DR
An updated and more advanced version of the Yaesu VX-8R, the VX-8DR APRS/GPS/Bluetooth handheld receiver, incorporates the VX-8R’s features and is reinforced with additional APRS capability. No wonder the VX-8DR caters to the requirements of the most fastidious APRS user much better than the VX-8R. Following are some of the standard features:-
- The prominent main deal with four distinct side-buttons for smooth handling
- Compact, ergonomic design enables comfortable and firm fit in the palm
- Ultra-durable: Aluminum die-cast bodywork with polycarbonate resin front panel
- Waterproof up to a depth of 1m (3ft) for ½ hour
- AM/FM reception
- Dual ham band operation
- GPS operation
- Bluetooth compatible
And these are some of the extra features of the VX-8DR:-
- Station list memories enhanced to 40 from 50
- Smart Beaconing™ function
- DIGI-Path route indication feature (DIGI-Path route settings increased to 7 from 1)
- The direction of your traveling is always displayed atop the GPS screen
- APRS texting memories increased to 30 from 20
Final Thoughts: The Best Antenna for VX-8DR
So there you have it-the four best HT antennas for Yaesu VX-8DR. Though there isn’t much to differentiate between the models in terms of performance, the Diamond SRH320A enjoys a competitive advantage owing to its compatibility across the three bands (short wave, VHF, UHF, and BC bands). In addition, the SRH320A offers you the opportunity to interact with a broader audience.