Radiating Element?

[DeuceoneRadio]

I'm in the process of researching base antennas and was wondering if someone could explain radiating element to me. It seems the term should be self explanatory but I need help because I don't know how much that should factor into my final purchase decision. I appreciate the anticipated response. So far this forum has been super helpful to this noob.

[SteveShannon]

8 minutes ago, DeuceoneRadio said:

I'm in the process of researching base antennas and was wondering if someone could explain radiating element to me. It seems the term should be self explanatory but I need help because I don't know how much that should factor into my final purchase decision. I appreciate the anticipated response. So far this forum has been super helpful to this noob.

Antennas typically consist of reactive elements and radiating elements. The reactive elements are used to match the impedance of the radio and feedline which is usually 50 ohms. The radiating element is one or more metal wires or rods that convert the signal into RF. It’s usually the most visible part of the antenna. 

[DeuceoneRadio]

On 5/13/2025 at 7:11 PM, Socalgmrs said:

Just buy a good antenna and at least lmr400, or better, and hand the antenna. It’s not rocket science 

Could've done without the last sentence. Seemed a little condescending but thanks anyway. Some people like learning the technical aspect of things. I'm one of those people. Sorry but I don't know what I don't know.

[DeuceoneRadio]

On 5/13/2025 at 6:13 PM, SteveShannon said:

Antennas typically consist of reactive elements and radiating elements. The reactive elements are used to match the impedance of the radio and feedline which is usually 50 ohms. The radiating element is one or more metal wires or rods that convert the signal into RF. It’s usually the most visible part of the antenna. 

Thank you so much for the info. This might be my last time asking a question on here. I feel kind of stupid asking questions that might seem like adding 1+1 to you guys.

[WRKC935]

3 hours ago, DeuceoneRadio said:

Thank you so much for the info. This might be my last time asking a question on here. I feel kind of stupid asking questions that might seem like adding 1+1 to you guys.

You shouldn't feel that way at all.  There are some here that seem to relish in making derogatory or incendiary comments for no apparent reason.

They fail to remember that folks that are new to radio may still be learning about radio technology and inquire about things that folks with 30 plus years of experience just take for granted. 

So again, welcome to radio and try to enjoy it's benefits, but like everything else, remember you might run into some individuals that aren't as friendly about it as others.

 

[CoffeeTime]

I love reading the questions and answers. Keep asking! 

Welcome to the group! 

Best Regards! 

[GrouserPad]

5 hours ago, DeuceoneRadio said:

Thank you so much for the info. This might be my last time asking a question on here. I feel kind of stupid asking questions that might seem like adding 1+1 to you guys.

Don’t feel stupid. Ask your questions. There’s a great group of people here that are willing to help. A lot of this isn’t common sense knowledge and alot of the info online is hard to navigate for a newcomer. 

[SteveShannon]

5 hours ago, DeuceoneRadio said:

Thank you so much for the info. This might be my last time asking a question on here. I feel kind of stupid asking questions that might seem like adding 1+1 to you guys.

I agree with @WRKC935; you shouldn’t feel that way.  Hopefully my answer didn’t contribute to you feeling that way.  I hope you ask more questions and I hope someday you enjoy helping others here.
 

There will always be those people who attempt to make themselves feel better by attempting to make someone else feel worse.  @Socalgmrs is one of those people.  He especially relishes trolling newcomers.  You did nothing wrong!  
One of the features of the forum software is the ability to place other users on an ignore list.  SocalGMRS is on my ignore list because I enjoy not seeing his trolling.

[Socalgmrs]

1 hour ago, DeuceoneRadio said:

I'm in the process of researching base antennas and was wondering if someone could explain radiating element to me. It seems the term should be self explanatory but I need help because I don't know how much that should factor into my final purchase decision. I appreciate the anticipated response. So far this forum has been super helpful to this noob.

Just buy a good antenna and atleast lmr400, or better, and hand the antenna. It’s not rocket science