IronArcher

So are we all from Wisconsin here?

My mobile has a recommended input of 13.8 +/- 15% so it would be good up to 15.9v And as low as 11.73. Just adding this for a reference. This radio is 45w out (claimed) so I went with a 30amp power supply. I would think 450w should be fine for most. In the manual, the radio asked for less than 15a (207 watts?). I figured it would be safer to just double that.

Gman1971, I didn’t take you post/s to be combative. I hope you aren’t taking mine as combative either

Mbrun, Thanks for the link! That helps. I’m still not sure how that works with the Midland antenna. I noticed some complained that their antenna was cut too short from Midland, though most got a proper replacement without issue. I think I’m going to try the Tram as it cost much less, and my Tram 1/4 wave seems very good (at least on my meter), but if it isn’t all that, I’ll try the Midland seeing you have seen good results. Did you notice any improvements over a 1/4 wave antenna?

The Tram (which is also the Browning BT-450) lists its gain as 5.5 dBd. The midland claims 6dB It would seem more likely that those should be the dBi numbers (4+2.1). Again, my guess is that there isn’t a noticeable difference. Reading the link above and some others, I am lead to believe it probably is closer to 4dBd gain. Do you disagree with the link in the reply above yours that a 5/8 over 5/8 would have more gain than a 1/4 wave, with the penalty of being much taller?

So, long or short version, how does a 5/8 over 5/8 wave antenna “work”? I’m looking at the Tram 1173/Browning BR-450 vs. Midland MXT 26. The Tram/Browning has a separate coil, and you trim the top element to frequency needed. The Midland has a just 1 piece antenna with a couple of loose “coil” winds in the middle. How do those different systems compare? The tram claims 5.5dB and the midland claims 6dB Tram cost $20-25 Midland $40 I’m trying to find a reason to consider the Midland, but I am seriously doubting .5 more dB is worth $x2 What am I missing? Thanks!

Slick idea. Unfortunately, I have no shark fins

I have a habit of doing that. I’ve just seen paint issues (maybe from dirt, some say from the rf, I don’t know.) Also, I have a slight concern with a mag mount as that would put part of my antenna below the rails and cross beams on my luggage rack. And of course, part of me is interested if “tuned” ground plane has any benefit over just using a whole car. I’m leaning towards drilling/tapping for a few ground plane radials, or just getting the 1/2 wave antenna.

So I picked up an antenna mount with the intention of mounting it on the crossbar of my luggage rack. Looking at it now, it seems as though it is at best metal covered in a plastic sheath.

And here I thought I saved them. But I just read 2 articles with side x side testing and the dude running those tests said he could find literally no difference. His meters showed loss of no more than .01dB

The Wouxun being discussed here is not a CCR radio.

Newer guy here. I’ve done tower climbing before (for a wireless internet company). If there was anyone around me that needed a climber for a fraction of the claimed cost (not debating that price, I just have no idea what climbers charge. I got $100 per climb (yes, it was for a friend)) I would consider getting certified. Never knew they charged that much