Flameout

I bought one of these cheap, Chinese spectrum analyzers and I was pretty successful in tuning the flat pack duplexers. I tried tuning one, then took ot to a local guy that had REAL equipment and he was surprised at how close I had it tuned. They are a pain to work with though! https://www.ebay.com/itm/353219998270?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=_4IuJVqfS0m&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=0zihXCkJQWG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY This will give you an idea of what it looks like while tuning

What am I missing? I don't get the joke about using Andrew Heliax coax

Hmm, now you have me thinking. I'm currently using the 712efc, 60 feet up, and that thing really bends with the wind. I'm wondering if the 9nc would hold up OK, being 60' up. I do have a Commscope DB404, but it's awful compared to the 712efc

They are old, but an Icom IC-FR4000 has all of those options. Or maybe a Motorola MTR2000? Sometimes new isn't necessarily better

That sounds exactly like someone in my area. He started getting upset because people were actually using it! I somewhat understand why some repeater owners are like that, but no one owns those frequencies I operate a repeater in my area and wish more people would use it. I have had well over 100 requests and if there are a handful of regular users, I'd be exaggerating. I certainly don't have one of those elaborate systems where I'm paying tower rental, but do have some expenses. Between my 50' tower, hardline, good N connectors, repeater(s), duplexer and antenna, I have well over $1,000 into it, but I actually want people to use it

You can't go by that. If you requested access, the repeater owner is notified via email immediately. I'm obviously logged in and this is what shows up for me

I kind of lean towards the Comet 712EFC myself. I took down my Commscope DB404 and replaced it with the Comet (up about 65') I'm at 1250' asl with the lowest elevation in my area being 700' (Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela rivers)

I bought that Commscope DB404b and wish that I hadn't. I just thought "it's expensive, so it MUST be good". Was a waste of money. I went with a Comet 712efc instead and it performs much better than that db404 Using an Icom IC-FR4000 repeater, TX/RX Systems 28-70-09 duplexer (pretty much the same as the one you listed, but older) and 1/2" hardline

Using 2 Comet 712 EFC's (one for repeater, one for base) GAP Titan DX, Comet GP6, N9TAX Slim jim and MFJ-2012 OCF dipole. If you look closely, they are all in the photo. I also have a Commscope DB404 sitting in the garage. I replaced it with on of the 712's

I'm using a Comet 712efc on both my repeater and my base. So far they have been an excellent choice. I actually replaced my Commscope DB404 with the Comet

The Comet 712efc's are a great antenna for the price. I actually replaced my Commscope DB404 with one, and right now it's up over 50' on 4 of those fence top rails (of course with guy wires) Sounds like you'll have a nice setup

From everything I've read, the Andrew Heliax is better if you're running a repeater. For just a GMRS base station radio, either would be fine, with LMR600 being a bit of overkill, unless it's a really long run to the antenna. This is just my opinion and my observations If wanting it for a repeater, this may help a bit https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/blogs/bridgecom-official-blog/how-to-select-feedline-for-a-repeate

Hey, whatever works!! Anytime a tower goes up for sale in my area, they get snatched up pretty quickly, so for now, I have been using those 1-3/8" galvanized top rail for fencing. I have 25' on my roof with my Comet 712 EFC (Top of antenna is about 50') and 40' of top rail for my Commscope DB404 (top of antenna is also around 50')Of course I had to add guy wires, but so far so good. This was supposed to be "temporary" but I said that about 9 months ago. So far they survived high winds and lightning

Before purchasing, I emailed them and asked if my Commscope/Andrew fittings that work on my Commscope fsj4-50b cable would work on theirs, and they assured me their cables were the the same specifications. On this TXM cable, you just have to be damn sure to to thread the fitting too tightly. I got things working and everything tests OK, but I'll stick with good USA made cable from now on

I used the Commscope MCPT-1412. It did a good job prepping the cable, it's just when I threaded on the N connector, it tore up that cheap copper. I always use good fittings too. Was using an Andrew F4PNMV2-HC