Does this antenna need a ground plane?

No. PCTEL lists it as not requiring a ground plane, so it can go on brackets and mounts where a metal ground plane is impractical.

What frequency range does it cover?

It is tuned for 450–470 MHz UHF. It is not a broadband antenna, so use outside that band will give poor results.

Is it a direct replacement for a standard UHF whip?

It fits common UHF mobile mounts, but check your mount thread and connector. The spring base makes it taller than a plain whip.

Does the spring base affect performance?

The spring adds flexibility for impacts and low clearances. It does not add gain; the 3 dB rating comes from the whip design.

Is it suitable for handheld radios?

No. It is a mobile whip meant for vehicle or fixed mounts, not a handheld antenna.

PCTEL Maxrad MUF4503S 450-470 MHz 3 dB Spring Chrome Antenna

Best price now

$50.48at ArcadianChecked 2 h ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Arcadian

PCTEL Maxrad MUF4503S 450-470 MHz 3 dB Spring Chrome Antenna

Best price now

$50.48at ArcadianChecked 2 h ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Arcadian

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Lowest price today: $50.48 at Arcadian (checked Nov 10, 2026).

Our take on the PCTEL Maxrad MUF4503S 450-470 MHz 3 dB Spring Chrome Antenna

The PCTEL Maxrad MUF4503S is a 450–470 MHz mobile whip antenna with 3 dB gain and a chrome spring base. It mounts on a vehicle or fixed bracket and needs no ground plane, which makes installation simpler than with many UHF whips. It suits UHF two-way radio users in the 450–470 MHz band, such as business, public safety and fleet radios. Owners like the sturdy spring and easy setup, but some report weaker than expected range and mixed build consistency.

Best forUHF two-way radio users in the 450–470 MHz bandFleet and commercial vehicle installsBuyers who want a no-ground-plane antennaReplacing a worn mobile whip on an existing mount

Pros

Covers the 450–470 MHz UHF band
3 dB gain helps on the road
Spring base flexes on impacts and low clearances
No ground plane required
Chrome finish holds up outdoors

Cons

Some owners report shorter range than expected
Build quality is inconsistent between units
Narrow band limits use outside 450–470 MHz
Spring base adds height on the vehicle

PCTEL Maxrad MUF4503S 450-470 MHz 3 dB Spring Chrome Antenna prices at every store

ArcadianNew
In stock
$50.48Checked 2 h ago
Visit Arcadian

PCTEL Maxrad MUF4503S 450-470 MHz 3 dB Spring Chrome Antenna price history

Lowest price we've seen: $50.48 on Nov 10 at Arcadian. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

3.9 / 535 ratings

Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 35 ratings. Owners generally find it easy to install and durable, but opinions split on real-world range and consistency.

What people mention

RangeMixedSome owners say it reaches well; others report shorter range than they expected.
BuildMixedThe spring and chrome finish are liked, but a few units arrived with loose or uneven parts.
SetupPraisedOwners say mounting is quick and no ground plane is needed.
TuningCriticisedA few users found it hard to get a good match across the band.

Specifications

Antenna Category: UHF (380-600 MHz)
Antenna Style: Mobile Whip Antenna
Ground Plane Required: No

Questions and answers

Does this antenna need a ground plane?: No. PCTEL lists it as not requiring a ground plane, so it can go on brackets and mounts where a metal ground plane is impractical.
What frequency range does it cover?: It is tuned for 450–470 MHz UHF. It is not a broadband antenna, so use outside that band will give poor results.
Is it a direct replacement for a standard UHF whip?: It fits common UHF mobile mounts, but check your mount thread and connector. The spring base makes it taller than a plain whip.
Does the spring base affect performance?: The spring adds flexibility for impacts and low clearances. It does not add gain; the 3 dB rating comes from the whip design.
Is it suitable for handheld radios?: No. It is a mobile whip meant for vehicle or fixed mounts, not a handheld antenna.
Where is the PCTEL Maxrad MUF4503S 450-470 MHz 3 dB Spring Chrome Antenna cheapest?: At Arcadian, for $50.48, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the PCTEL Maxrad MUF4503S 450-470 MHz 3 dB Spring Chrome Antenna?: Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 35 ratings.

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