Antenna Adapters for Mobile & Handheld Ham Radios

Got the wrong plug? This is the most common and frustrating problem in ham radio. Whether you need to connect your Baofeng to a base antenna or your Yaesu to an SWR meter, you're in the right place.

We stock Canada's best selection of high-quality SMA, BNC, and SO-239 adapters. Don't let a tiny piece of metal stop you from getting on the air. Find the exact adapter you need below, and check our expert guide at the bottom of the page if you're not sure which one fits your radio.

16 products

Collection: Amateur Ham Radio Walkie Talkie Antenna Adapters

An Expert's Guide to Radio Connectors

Nothing is more frustrating than having the wrong plug. This guide will help you find the right adapter and avoid the most common mistake in ham radio.

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The #1 Point of Confusion: SMA Connectors

Handheld radios use two different types of SMA connectors. They look similar, but they are opposites and are not compatible. Here is how to tell them apart.

Type 1: SMA-Male on RADIO (Needs SMA-Female Adapter)

This is the most common style, used by Baofeng, Quansheng, and some Retevis models. Look at your radio's antenna port: if you see a CENTER PIN, and it's flush to the radio, you have an SMA-Male radio.

  • Fits Radios: Baofeng UV-5R, Quansheng UV-K5, Retevis RT5R
  • You Need: An SMA-Female adapter (which has a center hole)

Type 2: SMA-Female on RADIO (Needs SMA-Male Adapter)

This is the "Japanese-style" standard. Look at your radio's antenna port: if you see a CENTER HOLE, that protrudes from the radio, you have an SMA-Female radio.

  • Fits Radios: Yaesu, Icom, Wouxun, TYT, Retevis RT85, Retevis RA89
  • You Need: An SMA-Male adapter (which has a center pin)

Other Common Connectors

  • SO-239 (UHF-Female): This is the standard, large "Mobile Ham / CB-style" socket found on all mobile and base antennas, SWR meters, and antenna mounts. It accepts a PL-259 plug.
  • BNC: This is the "twist-lock" connector most commonly found on handheld scanners and test equipment.