Packet activity on VHF is vertically polarized in SW MO so any vertical VHF antenna should do pretty good for you. Don’t expect good results however with a rubber duck indoors. It has been done but it is marginal. Remember that when in error correcting mode, you may be able to monitor the signal but you may not be able to make the handshake. While you may be able to make out your buddy talking just above the noise level on FM Phone, that same quality with Packet will not let you communicate.
It you are marginal into say the SGF09 node and have a two meter beam to spare, orient it vertically and you should be good to go. While in most cases you will want to use a good quality omni-directional vertical with a little gain, there is no reason you cant us a yagi or quad if willing to loose omni-directional convenience.
( Here is a page that details some of my 2 meter antenna experinces. -KC0NCQ )
