By way of observation, I do think there are better performing HT
antennas out there, especially for two meters. The stock antenna works
fine on 440, but the antenna from my Kenwood THF6 blows it away on 2
meters.

While at the Milton, Florida ham fest last July, I bought the SMA 
equivalent of the PL258 barrel connector.

This coupler is a female SMA connector on each end. It is about the 
size of a pencil eraser, so if you get one, screw it onto the end of 
an antenna, and leave it there. Otherwise, you will be constantly 
chasing it around until it gets itself lost.

I tried it with the antenna from my Kenwood THF6, and was very 
surprised at the difference it made on 2 meters.

I have also used it with the MFJ duel band antenna that is about 17 
inches long. That works too, of course, but I don't want that for my 
primary antenna because of the length.

Since there are better 2 meter/440 ducks out there than the Kenwood 
antenna, buy either the SMA connector that I mentioned, or the BNC to 
SMA male connector, and you will have lots of antenna options.

I bought both connectors from Cedar City Sales, of Lebanon, TN. I 
think they were $5 each.

Mike Duke, K5XU
American Council of Blind Radio Amateurs