lobo777

You're the second or third to suggest this one, so I'm seriously looking at giving it a shot now.

That's odd! The Antenna Farm shows this: (MHz)450-470 MHz

Does the Comet CA-GMRS require tuning? I can't find that info in any of the sites selling this model. Also, noticed the CA-GMRS appears to have the So239 connector, rather than the N type, so I'll need to change that out from my current cable setup, unfortunately, but not a huge deal.

All great info, and I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I have the first 40' run as N male to PL259 to my lightning arrestor, which is Po239 on both sides. The interior 40' run is PL259 (From arrestor) to PL259 to a base unit, which I haven't purchased yet - haven't decided on what I want... I am considering the Retevis RA87, but their site didn't state that it could receive the NOAA frequencies, and that would be a deal breaker for me. Looked at the quad, fairly inexpensive BTECH 50v2, but not sure on its quality, and it doesn't have a Roger beep (not necessarily a deal breaker and I know some people HATE the Roger beep, which is why I want it haha. Just kidding of course). I will look into the Comet CA-GMRS

It's the Browning br-6143

I have an 80' run (unavoidable, unfortunately) of LMR400. Thanks for the advice on the antennas!

I can't find any specs associated with the radiation patterns on this Browning, unfortunately.

I have been immersed in research on a proper "base station" antenna, to be located in the roof of my two story home in the mountains of New Mexico. I've been so obsessed with researching this particular piece of equipment, and rightfully so in my mind, that my wife is becoming increasingly annoyed with my preoccupation. That being said, after all of the posts, reviews, and opinions that I've read, I'm still confused, and I apologize in advance for the repetitive question. I live at almost 6,500 ft, surrounded by some hilly and even some mountainous areas, with the trails and roads being surrounded by various trees like pinon, juniper, and even some ponderosa pine in the higher areas. The house sits in a valley of sorts, with increasing elevation to the north, a large mountain to the west, rolling hills to the east, and a descending 15 mile LOS to the mountain range to the south. My rooftop mount will clear anything within a 300-yard radius, so I'm not concerned about the area around me, but I have several handhelds that will be used on trails going up north, east, and south of the home. I've that lower decibels on antennas in this type of area seem to be better for mobile units, but my question is about the base station. Should I get a 3 decibel or 6 decibel antenna for this situation? There is a repeater about 10 miles south, with a decent line of site, but I'm not too concerned with that - more wanting to reach our mobile units and handhelds (once I install mobiles) when they're out in various areas. Feel free to give me any antenna suggestions as well (under $200)! I was considering the Browning 6143 (3db). Thanks for any advice in advance!

I also live in the mountains in NM (6450 feet near Capitan, NM. What decibel gain antenna did you choose? I'm about to mount and antenna for my base station and after much research, I'm questioning if I should be using a lower gain like 3db (instead of 6) because I have some hilly/mountainous areas and areas with juniper, piñon, and even spots with ponderosa. I've seen that lower gain can be better for obstructions like this (not that it will receive or transmit through a literal mountain though). Curious what you came up with on the subject, neighbor!