CyborgAlienWRYG738

Which magnets? The CB antenna magnets or the Laird's? If the latter, it's hard for me to see without my glasses that really small print, (I'm on my phone,) and I can't wait until the end of the month to get to see the optometrist. Diabetes is playing havoc on my eyes lately. That being said, still isn't the 100+#s of the 5"ers. I thought the Anytone you talked about had lower power, it's another reason why I was considering the 578UV III for the power it can push, I also read that they're generally underpowered on the output, which 2W is hardly noticeable in dB, so it really doesn't matter. The Alinco sounds like it can hold it's own, which is a good thing.

Great SWR! So did you change the antenna you were using? What's the power rating of the Anytone and which models are they again?

That's good to know, the Little Wil is just as strong as the Wilson 1000. The magnets on the 5"ers have over 100# magnets, compared to this 80# one. And these antennas are very different than the CB whips when you consider they have those attenuators on them about midway up that add to the drag coefficient.

The Antenna Farm being closed doesn't help at all. I hope the owner is ok and recovers soon or someone else can take over until he can return. It's sad they couldn't find a way to keep it open in the interim.

I've been looking at the GR8PI lately to fulfill my mounting needs. I like they're qualities, I was worried about the strength of the magnet though and being able to handle the ~3' antenna sitting atop it. Good to know the black version is capable. I think I'm going to get it and pair it with the B4505CN which I decided was the best choice for GMRS right now, for me. product-GR8PI.datasheet.pdfENG_DS_ANT-DS-NMO-Magnetic-Mount_0721_A1.pdfENG_DS_DS-ANT-B4505CN_1020-TE_A1.pdf

How's the magnet strength on that?

Much thanks for the excellent info. I wish I had this information before I went and purchased all the junk I thought was decent and wasted all my money on them other brands. As soon as I can find the money again, I will be getting one of these B4505CN antenna. I read that for GMRS you want to have RG58A/U cable off the base, in a 5" NMO magnet mount I'm having difficulty finding any that include that cable, most are 3" and with a 3' antenna I'm not sure if that's going to be sufficient or not. The one I have found is from Tram, the Chrome mount, is supposed to have it but, the one I got, doesn't. It's just RG58/U. Which is better for 70cm and 2m.

I want to get this one checked out and make sure it's still in tune and the finals are ok. It's already been setup for linear, (I like the sound better when they're setup correctly,) I miss my old Cobra 29 and 25 from back in the 70's. The 29 disappeared but, I did have the 25 floating around somewhere. I also had a Uniden 6? and 76 but, I sold them. (They were both made in the USA.) I'm kicking myself for not keeping them, they were perfectly tuned and I have talked from Tampa Florida to the docks at the Dallas shipyard on the 76 with no ground antennas from Wilson when they still made them. I'm missing one of them now but, I still have the one I'm using with my 520XL Pro.

I like the Astatic mikes best too. Especially that particular model. I'm not all that crazy about the Mikes with buttons all over them, the ONLY thing should be on the Mics is a PTT and maybe a gain or squelch control but, nothing more, IMHO.

Speaking of CB, I just come across my old Cobra 29LTD Chrome that I used in my pickup a while back. I need to take it in and make sure it's ok and still in tune.

I'm not sure if it's on Chirp or not, if so it would be on ChirpNext, they've pretty much abandoned the original Chirp, from what I understand. Chirp Home ChirpNext Downloads Chirp Linux Instructions

He has videos on it in his YouTube channel

I'm stuck on my Unidens but, I have used most of the others, I just prefer my 520XL Pro as far as CBs go. I've looked at those 3 and I've considered them, I'm just looking forward to if/when I get my Technician license, (I'm wanting it to do digital mostly,) I'm wanting to go ahead and get a DMR radio so I don't have to buy another one later. Otherwise I would've just went with one of the above. I'm leaning towards the Alinco but, the Icom 2730a has my eye as well.

Get the B4505CN the extra "B" means it's black, that one is chrome. The trailing "S" means spring. I'm going to have to wait for the first of the year., to spend anymore money, my next orders going to also include a mobile radio once I decide which one to get. Looking at the Anytone AT-D578UVIII Plus Triple/Dual Band, (interchangeable with codes),or the TYT MD-9600, or something similar. I have yet to make up my mind. Mostly from lack of input on which units are better. Those even have superheterodynes in them. Well the TYT does, not completely sure about the Anytone. Any suggestions? I've been looking at other brands as well but, those two seem to be the easiest to get to do what I want. I hope to find something not made in China but, that seems impossible at this point.

The Lil Wil is a mag mount, yes, for CB is it 1 piece, not really the whip separates from the base, it's adjustable and you really should set the SWR when you use it the first time. I've used them for years for my CBs in my personal vehicles because of how great they are and easily movable. If you need one that can separate easily from the whip, the 1000 even comes with a cover for the base thread mount to keep it dry in carwashes.

I need something to use for both but, I'm looking for those too for future purchases... Just right now it's more important to have a portable one, comes in greater hand for bugouts, mobiles, home, etc.

I used an old Wilson lil wil whip on one of my antennas for a replacement where I cut too short but, now I have to replace it... BTW they're about $25 to replace...

Yeah I was looking for a widebander but they're just ¼ waves and not what I require. I need at least a ⅝ wave to reach the repeaters around me. The more the gain the better.

CB and GMRS are way different and require way different antennas... Trim chart+: ENG_DS_DS-ANT-B4505CN_1020-TE_A1.pdf

The B4505CN doesn't require the ground plain which is what the N means, the B4505C is the same antenna which would work with the ground plain mount your using. ENG_DS_ANT-DS-Mobile-Load-Coil_B3.pdf

The 4505CN is more aligned with GMRS then the 4503, which is more towards 70cm. Which is why you're not getting as good a signal reading. I've been researching this particular line for a few days now and leaning towards the (B)B4505CN due to this. There's a Larsen 405 that's similar but, I'm leaning more towards the Laird.

Thanks again Steve, I think I've got it now.

I had turned the PTT-ID off and I had changed my ID as well, I'm not sure what the "control code" is, I tried the security codes which were the default security codes/passwords and then changed my security codes/passwords. I did notice a slight increase of output power after a subsequent complete wipe as well, though I don't have the full power I once had. It's noticable when I try to talk to locations from inside my house that I now have to go outside to reach.

ANI?!? Where would I do this magical disabling?!? I don't know what I'm looking for.

Now if I can just figure out how...