Antenna question for the new guy here

[WSFA200]

I’m considering putting an antenna outside my vehicle, to see how the range improves.  My question is this: if the longer antenna on a handheld won’t get as good a signal on the midland ghost antenna (that’s only like 3.5 inches long, how is it better?  Clearly, the question shows I’m ignorant of how all this works, so you guys with more experience, please share the way!!!

[wayoverthere]

1 hour ago, WSFA200 said:

I’m considering putting an antenna outside my vehicle, to see how the range improves.  My question is this: if the longer antenna on a handheld won’t get as good a signal on the midland ghost antenna (that’s only like 3.5 inches long, how is it better?  Clearly, the question shows I’m ignorant of how all this works, so you guys with more experience, please share the way!!!

It's a matter of getting the signal outside of potential barriers of the cabin. The metal of the pillars and roof, as well as thermal/UV barriers in the glass in many vehicles.

If you want to bump things up another notch, look at 1/2 or 5/8 wave antennas, which tend to be around 12". Even a 6" 1/4 wave mounted outside the cabin will likely be an improvement, given sufficient metal (ground plane) around it, and they're inexpensive...I see $10-15 for tram or laird variations, depending on the vendor

 

[wayoverthere]

7 minutes ago, wayoverthere said:

It's a matter of getting the signal outside of potential barriers of the cabin. The metal of the pillars and roof, as well as thermal/UV barriers in the glass in many vehicles.

If you want to bump things up another notch, look at 1/2 or 5/8 wave antennas, which tend to be around 12". Even a 6" 1/4 wave mounted outside the cabin will likely be an improvement, given sufficient metal (ground plane) around it, and they're inexpensive...I see $10-15 for tram or laird variations, depending on the vendor

 

I'll also add ...the little testing I've done with a ghost-type antenna (a laird phantom for 70cm ham) was less than stellar...needed the full 15 watts on the little anytone mobile to get into a repeater that's no problem on the 5 watt handheld outside the car.  Others may be able to share experiences with Midland 's specifically, though.

[WRHS218]

I have a 1/4 wave 6" GMRS antenna on my vehicle and it works very well. Much better than a handheld antenna inside the metal box. I went with the shorter 1/4 wave because my vehicle is pretty tall and longer antennas would occasionally hit things and got in the way when I have a kayak on top.

[Socalgmrs]

The ghost antenna is not a whole lot better then the hand held antennas the only reason a ghost work better is its on the out site and higher up.   Unless you really need that low prince of an antenna for garage clearance id stay far far away.  You can get a much better antenna for less money.    

[JBRPong]

No experience with the ghost type but I have the Midland MXTA26 mag mount and it helped quite a bit.
And when I'm not using it on the car I have it on a cookie tin out on the balcony (2nd floor apartment) and I can pick up repeater 40 miles away.