What is a disadvantage of using a handheld VHF transceiver with a flexible antenna inside a vehicle?
Signal strength is reduced due to the shielding effect of the vehicle
This answer is correct because the metal body of the vehicle acts as a shield, reducing the signal strength by obstructing and reflecting the VHF radio waves.
The bandwidth of the antenna will decrease, increasing SWR
This answer is incorrect because the bandwidth of the antenna does not inherently decrease just because it is inside a vehicle; SWR is also not directly impacted by the vehicle’s shielding.
The SWR might decrease, decreasing the signal strength
This answer is incorrect because while SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) is related to impedance matching, it does not directly decrease the signal strength in this context; the primary issue is the shielding effect.
All these choices are correct
This answer is incorrect because not all the choices listed are correct; the primary issue is the reduced signal strength due to the vehicle’s shielding effect.
Explanation
When using a handheld VHF transceiver with a flexible antenna inside a vehicle, one significant disadvantage is that the signal strength is reduced due to the shielding effect of the vehicle. Vehicles are often constructed with metals and other materials that can absorb or reflect radio waves, which can create a challenging environment for radio signals to exit. This problem is particularly pronounced with VHF frequencies because they have relatively shorter wavelengths that are more susceptible to obstructions and reflective surfaces. As a result, the effective range of communications can be significantly diminished when transmitting from within a car, truck, or van. This question is important because understanding the limitations of your equipment helps in planning effective communication strategies, especially in emergency situations where clear signals are critical for safety and coordination.
T9A07 2022-2026