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The Nagoya is 'Tri-Band'. If you want to get deep in the weeds and basic: Each transmit is trimmed as close as possible to the wavelength, and the ground plane is a 'virtual' (If I don't add that some pedant will comment, but you can gloss over it) mirror image of the same Tx from the top (I know all about null-fields, leave me alone; you had over a day) and, ideally, is also 'trimmed'. The different rods should combine for one of three bands and the trim 'matches' the trim of the wire (antenna you see) you picked to transmit on that antenna. If you, in fact, have a dual or tri-band antenna, both will equally perform but they are tri band and that seldom works well without friends, work and beer. But you don't want a tri-band bc I presume you do not have a HAM license or would know all this. In a perfect world you would calculate to a specific frequency, do some math, cut things and 'trim' to perfection but we use 'bands' of frequencies. The other one says UHF; that's a huge band. I'm going to say you will have more options with the Nagoya.

I can't get the Microsoft 'fix' for viewing the old .hlp files to work on my Windows 10 machine so I can use the KPG-49D HELP files. VERY FRUSTRATING! Does anyone have the HELP files for Kenwood's KPG-49D Version 4.21 in text (.txt) or Microsoft Word or PDF or any other file type that I can download? Thanks in advance.

Wait.. How does linking a repeater across multiple states monopolize every channel?

I would love to tell them that linking over a network is a rule violation, not a law violation, and linking repeaters via analog non-routed RF is assumed to not be a rule violation (legal), since its not explicitly denied in the rules. Now, linking repeaters across the norther part of the state and monopolizing every channel is a @$$h0l3 move... which should be the real topic.

Apparently someone's had enough

I guess? Like I said, I'm new to this. Why would one have brass and one have steel?

I kid you not, I bought one of those little pond fishing, plastic, trolling motor boat thingies about two years ago. Store it in the side yard up against the house. Earlier this month my wife goes "Why is there a boat propped against the side of the house?"

Because I have zero need for a big ass antenna nor the eyesore. Besides, I'm already using a Laird antenna, attaching it to the top of a flagpole.

Why not buy a professional grade Laird base station antenna which is a better quality antenna and be even more pleased then you would be with a Tram.

Thanks, this is the kind of information I am looking for, what, if any issues did you experience with them? Did they cause higher SWR readings? And how many of them did you go thru, as in had to replace upon purchase?

It might be that the KG1000 is locked down too. The stock image on the KG905Gs doesn't even actually use the first 30 memory slots. And if you really wanted, just for fun:

I haven't used the ground plane kit from either, but I have used antennas from both. As a general rule, I was more pleased with the Trams than the Nagoyas. I have no idea whether that says anything at all about their ground plane kits.

Interesting, I have several Wouxon HT's & my KG1000g+ and the only ones that allow me to change any of the first 30 are the Ham versions. All of the GMRS type accepted radios I cannot change any of the channels if I try the CPS software reverts it back or gives and error stating out of band. Maybe I should try Chirp or RT systems to program. Now the Boofwangs allow pretty much anything I want in chirp.

No need to over complicate things. Instead of spending an additional 600$ repeater, buy a better antenna and a taller mast to put antenna up higher and that repeater will go 10 miles. I had an RT97S 10W version on a Comet CAF712EFC around 40ft up or roughly 282ft above sea level and had no problems getting into it with an HT from 5-10miles away in the Piney woods of Texas with 80Ft tall pine trees everywhere.

I had a cousin on my dad's side of the family who lives in Pikeville. His last name is Jimmy Stanaford. I've not seen him in years. He had 700 acres that he raised cattle on. I lived in Crossville before moving back to AZ.

it's literally the same stuff from the same Chinese manufacturing facility. Just buy one and be happy.

The best is the one you want to spend your money on. Or, you can always flip a coin. Heads Nagoya, tails Tram.

I live a little southeast of Great Falls, at a higher elevation and in sight of town. I am considering putting a GMRS repeater at my place to see if it might be used some. Steve, W1NEK

The most "believable" results I could get was with my hand holding the cable just below the antenna. Still highly questionable results.

Yellow steel? You mean the brass NMO connector?

BEST = Works best, actually gets low SWR readings, you know, a quality product that will last, and actually worth the money...

Depending on what side of the house it's on, she might not have even noticed it yet.

As he ^ said, "best" is subjective. To my eye, as someone who is relatively new to the hobby, they look largely the same. If it were me, I'd go with the Nagoya. I know the name and something about the yellow steel on the Tram says "cheap" to me. Completely subjective and unscientific. Kind of like the original question.

Why don't you tell us what "best" means to YOU, then we can focus on those attributes.

Firstly if this isn't in the correct place, feel free to move it. Secondly, which is the best, the Nagoya or the Tram mount? https://shop.mygmrs.com/collections/antennas/products/nagoya-gpk-01-nmo-ground-plane-mount-kit https://www.buytwowayradios.com/tram-1465.html