HYS NMO 2M VHF 144MHz Trunk/Hole Mount Antenna - Rugged Mobile Install

In this review the HYS NMO 2M VHF antenna is evaluated as a purpose-built mobile antenna for amateur and commercial VHF radios. The bottom line: this antenna is for users who need a rugged, vehicle-mounted VHF solution that covers 136-174MHz and can handle up to 150W. The reviewer found it straightforward to install on a trunk lid or hood with the included stainless steel L-bracket and appreciated the long 13 ft RG-58U coax for neat routing; it delivers reliable performance for radios from Motorola, Icom, Kenwood and similar VHF mobile units.

Key Features

• Frequency coverage: The 136-174MHz range supports standard 2M VHF band use for amateur and many commercial handheld and mobile radios.
• Power handling: Rated to 150W maximum input, it suits higher-power mobile radios without immediate risk of overload under normal operation.
• VSWR performance: VSWR under 1.5 helps ensure efficient transfer of power from radio to antenna across the VHF band.
• Rugged mounting: The stainless steel L-bracket NMO hole mount is built for trunk groove or side mounting and gives a secure installation on vehicles.
• Included coax: The 13 ft (about 4 m) RG-58U cable provides enough length to reach radio installations in most cars and trucks without additional cable purchases.

Who It's For

This antenna is primarily for amateur radio operators and professionals who run VHF mobile radios from brands like Motorola, Kenwood, Icom, Vertex and Hytera, and who need a robust, low-profile mount for a vehicle. It is a good fit for users who want a durable trunk-lid or hood installation and who value the convenience of a long RG-58U lead included with the kit.

Those who should look elsewhere include installers who cannot or will not drill a 3/8 in to 3/4 in hole for the NMO mount, or anyone requiring a fiberglass whip for a non-penetrating magnetic mount. Also consider higher-performance collinear antennas if very high gain or exceptional mobile range is the priority.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Built for rugged use with a stainless steel L-bracket that secures well to trunk grooves and side mounts.
• Wide VHF coverage of 136-174MHz makes it compatible with common 2M amateur and many commercial radios.
• Included 13 ft RG-58U cable simplifies installation and routing to most vehicle radios.
• Good VSWR (<1.5) and 2.5 dBi gain deliver efficient on-band performance for mobile use.

Cons

• Requires drilling a 3/8 in to 3/4 in hole for the NMO mount, which may not be acceptable for some vehicle owners.
• RG-58U has higher loss compared with newer low-loss coax at VHF frequencies for very long runs.

Specifications

Frequency	136-174 MHz
Gain	2.5 dBi
VSWR	< 1.5
Maximum power input	150 W
Mount type	3/4 in NMO trunk/hole L-bracket stainless steel
Coax included	13 ft (about 4 m) RG-58U

Our Verdict

The HYS NMO 2M VHF antenna is a practical, no-nonsense mobile antenna for operators who want a rugged trunk or hood installation and broad VHF band coverage. It offers solid VSWR, usable gain and a long coax lead that make installation straightforward, and it represents good value for anyone comfortable drilling the necessary NMO hole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fit my Motorola or Icom mobile radio?
Yes, this antenna is designed for 136-174MHz VHF mobile radios and is compatible with Motorola, Icom, Kenwood, Vertex and similar VHF units.

How large a hole do I need to drill?
You should drill a small hole typically between 3/8 in and 3/4 in for the 3/4 in NMO-style mount used with the stainless steel L-bracket.

Is the included coax long enough for installation?
The supplied 13 ft (about 4 m) RG-58U cable is sufficient for most car and truck radio installations, though longer runs may benefit from lower-loss coax.