Antenna connector plan for VX-8 and beyond?

[Gregflier]

Hello all,
I have my first ham radio (Yaesu VX-8DR HT from HRO) on the way and am taking my Technician exam in the morning (probably should be studying but having more fun watching videos of our fearless leader talking to satellites).

I ordered the radio only trying to stay somewhat frugal but want to try out some of the "cooler" antenna options. At this point I'd like to order an ELK 2M/440 (seems more portable then Arrow) and a Slim Jim 2M/70 to try out "good" back packable directional and non-directional antennas. I'm thinking about MAYBE hooking them to something like an 857D portable eventually if I get deeper into the hobby.

What connector would it be best to get on the ELK and Slim Jim for use with the SMA HT and maybe a bigger radio in the future? (The ELK is listed as being available with "UHF" or "N"... No SMA or BNC listed)

I figure I am most likely to use mostly 2M with some 440 on these antennas.

What adapter should I get to connect the VX-8 to those connectors? I'm open to something simple like a SMA to BNC connector (Which exact one is best??) or HT saver (RG-58 or 174?) SMA to ? like N9TAX sells.

From most reports the stock duck isn't that bad so I'm putting off a Diamond SRH320A for now.

I know these decisions won't make a huge difference when using a HT but want to do everything "correct" and not paint myself into a corner if I get a mobile radio.

Any input would be greatly appreciated and I will try to use less bandwidth on the air when my call-sign appears in the database.

Thanks,
Greg

 

[Hurricane145]

I think I would get an antenna that has the coax already attached to it with a BNC connector on the cable.
The ELK probably just has a UHF or N connector on the antenna itself. In that case I would get the more usual UHF connector. It is more practical for most than an N connector.

For a handheld with an SMA connector I would get an RG-174 adapter cable, not just an adapter.
For one with a BNC antenna connector I make my own cables with some older RG-58 Superflex I happen to have.
You don't want a heavy adapter attached directly to the SMA (or a BNC) antenna connector on the handheld. Too much weight and leverage can break the handheld where the connector is mounted.

 

[Moleculo]

For a handheld with an SMA connector I would get an RG-174 adapter cable, not just an adapter.
For one with a BNC antenna connector I make my own cables with some older RG-58 Superflex I happen to have.
You don't want a heavy adapter attached directly to the SMA (or a BNC) antenna connector on the handheld. Too much weight and leverage can break the handheld where the connector is mounted.

Good piece of advice right there