hi all hope everyone is fine. i need to buy a new uhf antener for the 4x4 and justwondering what people are using. i looked at a 6.5dbs one to day, its the big one that looks like a broom handle. i was told that it wont break like the white ones do. for cost $235 what do you all think. should i get it as we are heading up to the cape. very good for long distance regards possum,yvonne
justcruisin01 said
07:53 PM May 6, 2010
Been using a mobile one megga blaster for 20yrs, very good $80 @ dick smith plus base & coaxle cable. Its a removeable type ant from the base.can fit with a spring if you wish.
jimricho said
06:03 PM May 7, 2010
Regardless of the antenna performance UHF is not suitable for long distance communications. You're most likely well aware of this, but those unfamiliar with 2-way radio often aren't.
Provided the antenna has plenty of gain, anything above 4.5 db is fine, I'd give priority to its mechanical robustness if going off the black-top (especially going up the Cape) as corrugations can set up vibrations that can damage or even destroy a flimsy antenna. Also those little bonnet mount or "trunk" mount brackets are useless in a harsh environment. Give serious consideration to using a spring-mount base as this will absorb the shock if it hits anything.
If the re-installation involves any re-terminating of the connectors get this done by an experienced techie type unless you're familiar with installing connectors on RF co-axial cable yourself.
justcruisin01 said
08:09 PM May 7, 2010
justcruisin01 wrote:
Been using a mobile one megga blaster for 20yrs, very good $80 @ dick smith plus base & coaxle cable. Its a removeable type ant from the base.can fit with a spring if you wish.
This one has been to cape york twice, the deserts, gulf several times,& around aussie with no problems.
jimricho said
08:22 AM May 8, 2010
justcruisin01 wrote:
justcruisin01 wrote:
Been using a mobile one megga blaster for 20yrs, very good $80 @ dick smith plus base & coaxle cable. Its a removeable type ant from the base.can fit with a spring if you wish.
This one has been to cape york twice, the deserts, gulf several times,& around aussie with no problems.
There's nothing better than a first hand recommendation
-- Edited by jimricho on Saturday 8th of May 2010 08:23:36 AM
possumyvonne said
09:39 PM May 12, 2010
hi went to dick smiths today to get the mega blaster and quess what they are not very helpful, said they didnt have a clue what i was talking about. so i came home and looked on the computer and there it is at dick smiths. i ended up getting the adventurer which has the 6.5/3db antenna hope this is fine regards possum
jimricho said
08:02 AM May 13, 2010
"hi went to dick smiths today to get the mega blaster and quess what they are not very helpful, said they didnt have a clue what i was talking about. so i came home and looked on the computer and there it is at dick smiths."
Surprise! Surpise! (sarcasm intended)
As the "Adventurer" is "ground plane independent" it is a better choice then the "Mega Blaster" if mounting it on a bullbar.
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 13th of May 2010 08:06:22 AM
VK3FEMT said
04:16 PM Aug 26, 2010
I use a Electrophone AE472, its a wire job with two loading coils. Seems to work ok, and takes a reasonable bashing.
Its a combo 6/9 db job, just remove the top section for 6db, there are benefits to lowering the amount of gain an antenna has, but I will cover this in my radio posts at another time, as its a complex issue and needs to be explained correctly.
i need to buy a new uhf antener for the 4x4 and justwondering what people are using. i looked at a 6.5dbs one to day, its the big one that looks like a broom handle. i was told that it wont break like the white ones do. for cost $235 what do you all think. should i get it as we are heading up to the cape. very good for long distance regards possum,yvonne
-- Edited by jimricho on Saturday 8th of May 2010 08:23:36 AM
regards possum
"hi went to dick smiths today to get the mega blaster and quess what they are not very helpful, said they didnt have a clue what i was talking about. so i came home and looked on the computer and there it is at dick smiths."
Surprise! Surpise! (sarcasm intended)
As the "Adventurer" is "ground plane independent" it is a better choice then the "Mega Blaster" if mounting it on a bullbar.
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 13th of May 2010 08:06:22 AM
Its a combo 6/9 db job, just remove the top section for 6db, there are benefits to lowering the amount of gain an antenna has, but I will cover this in my radio posts at another time, as its a complex issue and needs to be explained correctly.