WSBR383

I have and use two Btech UV-50x3's. One is my base radio and one in a SxS. I haven't had any issues with them at all, they are the exact same radio as FTM-350, different firmware. My base radio puts out 50W+- measured on UHF including GMRS. But it also puts out 70W on VHF. I will say my other UV-50x3 has lower outputs, same test environment, but still puts out low 40's in both VHF and UHF. I love the radio and it works and programs so easy with RT Systems software. Never tried the KG1000G, so can't compare to it, but for me, no need to.

I got the bulkhead connectors on Amazon, bought a few different ones, and just returned the ones that didn't look as good. That is what is good about Amazon is the return process. Thanks for the compliment.

I wanted to share my results of my 2nd Ed Fong GMRS antenna. This is on a 18' MFJ tripod mast on a Retevis RT97 GMRS repeater go box, powered by a 50AH lithium battery charged by tactical solar or wall charger through SAE ports on the box. Also using a repeaterid.com ID system with morse code. Couldn't be more happy with the results, the machine ran all weekend and solar kept it fully charged, and hardly any battery loss over the night. Using the 462.550 / 467.550 repeater pair with TX and RX codes. SWR under 1.1 and getting 5.2W output after the duplexer. The Fong GMRS antenna is the star, so lightweight and portable, with no need for grounding. Using 18' of Messi & Paoloni Ultraflex 7 with the good waterproof connectors (also have a 25' run of it if needed, love this cable and connectors for tactical or shorter runs). If anybody has any questions regarding this set-up, I will be more than happy to help.

Ya of course, the CA-712EFC is a 10'+ commercial grade antenna and a good one at that. Congrats, unfortunately where I live I can't have an antenna that large and/or high above the roof line. I have another Fong GMRS antenna on a tactical retevis repeater go box, using a 18' MFJ tripod antenna mast, works great as well. Very light weight and movable.

Excellent, can't complain about 1.1.

BTW, just ordered a 2nd Fong GMRS antenna for a tactical mobile repeater system. Love this antenna and it's application. Once I get it, I will upload second real results.

Tico, on the Fong, I am also using HVAC nylon zip ties instead of metal hose clamps or clasps as to not have any metal anywhere near it. In my experience that does make a difference. Yes also on a PVC mast, thicker of course, and I made it adjustable for a service if necessary https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C61V8TCS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

I am using a https://shop.mygmrs.com/products/nagoya-gpk-01-nmo-ground-plane-mount-kit for the SB-790A, the two antennas are probably 25 to 30' apart. The SB-790A states that you don't need radials, but I tested with and without and my results were slightly better with, so I keep them on. I use a DAIWA switch DWS-CS-201A, and the loss is so minimal, I get less than 0.1db. Daiwa states 0.2db, but my loss is less. 1.6 VSWR is acceptable in theory, but you are losing RF. Do you have your LMR-400 going directly into the radio with no other junctions or adaptors? Are your connectors good and there is no excessive kinks in the cable? Also, I put three ferrite beads as close to the connector attaching to the antenna on both runs of LMR-400, what is your reflected? That could be an issue. What meter are you using? And have you tried an antenna analyzer?

Tico, I have tried that antenna, it was okay and did work on 2m 70cm and GMRS, but it did not do anything really good. I use a Comet SB-790A for 2m and 70CM and the Ed Fong GMRS for GMRS, running through an antenna switch. I have been cleaning up my connectors and jumpers, impedance matching and getting the system to operate at the maximum productive (RG-142 Jumper from radio to the antenna switch really helped, was using RG-8X before), plus upgraded the connectors (Messi & Paoloni EVOlution UHF Male (PL259). Here are results for the ED fong currently on a 70' LMR run. The results are pretty amazing. I can reach a repeater over 80 miles away full quieting. Repeaters that I used to have to use high power to get full quieting, I can now use medium power. Proof is in the pudding. I am 1.1 through the GMRS band, with a 1.0 on the 465mhz.

Well that is good, can eliminate that. I just wasn't sure if you were powering it with that DC power supply and thought that could be a potential issue. Put another handheld on the same receive frequency as the repeater and see if that is having those random noises as well, troubleshooting is eliminating potential issues. Another thing I would try is to try another power supply for your SWR meter or something that doesn't require power to eliminate some type of failure there as well. And like you said, change the CW and monitor, to get to the root of the problem. Good luck and hopefully you will find it and post the results to help the next guy/gal with a solution if they ever have that problem.

Are you connected to a DC power supply? If so, and it is not adjustable, it needs to be exactly 12v, not 13.8v. I think they just updated that in their marketing information. Could that have been the cause?

That is awesome, truth is I posted this just to help people on my experiences. I do believe everybody has their opinions and sometimes they try to push it on others, but I feel try things and do your research for YOUR specific situation. Thanks for sharing your experiences it all helps people make informed decisions.

Ya, that could have been the problem with the slim jim as well (being close to other objects), I have restrictions on antenna height. It was a miracle that I got the HOA to approve what I have, but I had a height limit and had to submit drawings and plans for the antennas I currently have. The top of my fireplace has a metal / tin cover, so not sure if that effected my results with the slim jim or not, but it hasn't effected the Fong antenna. I am happy with the results, but don't get me wrong, I would like to have a DX-333 for tri-band (2m, 1.25m, and 70cm), plus a CA-712EFC for GMRS, but that won't happen in my neighborhood, lol, no way to hide a 10'+ antenna above the roof line. 73's and my advice to anyone is use what works for the situation!!

I wanted to do an update (see images on original review), I replaced the Rg8x jumper cable coming from my radio to the antenna switch with Rg142 and it helped and is better matched to the LMR-400. The images on original review are through my antenna analyzer with a new RG142 cable into the antenna switch, then 70' of LMR 400 to the Ed Fong antenna. I will say my signal reports are really good and I am extremely happy with the end results, it is near a perfect match. I run a Comet SB-790A antenna for 2m and 70cm on the switch as well through a 60' LMR 400 run, numbers are great on there as well. Very happy with the set up. Again, like I said, the Ed Fong UHF GMRS antenna just works, I have tested a bunch of different antennas and the numbers and actual field results are good. But, just wish the UHF connector on the cap was better and/or more durable. I used some caulking to seal it up and I have it mounted to my mast with HVAC zip ties, which are hefty.

WRXP381, I am sure the Comet 712 is better, but again, in an HOA, they don't allow you to have a 10.4' antenna above the roof-line. If I had no restrictions, I would choose a different antenna. I actually have a comet SB 790a for 2m and 70CM and love it, it was the biggest I could go and still be allowed in my HOA. Please keep review in context, I am not saying these are the "Best" antennas, but they are the best antennas that are smaller, don't require radials, and put out decent gain for a reasonable price point. My 13 mile reference is with mountains between btw, I can hit well over 30+ miles till I hit south mountain simplex. As an x signal-corp officer and an electrical engineer, Dr. Fong impressed me and didn't try to sell me on his antenna, he just answered questions I had about his antenna and my locational situation.