[Rooftop HOA Stealth Antenna]

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Just a suggestion, but run some LMR-400 coax since you will have a long run.  Much less loss than RG58.  You don't mention what radio you are using, but especially with a HT, you only have a few watts to begin with, don't let them escape your coax.

 

[Roll up antenna recommendations?]

On 10/14/2022 at 3:56 PM, Borage257 said:

I have the N9TAX GMRS/Murs w/16' and BNC connector. Use it on my mobile/Base. I love it. Gets me out to repeaters 30-40 miles distance.

If you need to mount it to a pole, lash it to a 5' driveway marker using zip ties.

Same !!

 

I loved my GMRS Slim Jim so much I purchased one for my 2M/70CM as well.  Great product and great value.

Ask Joe to custom-tune it if you like.  If you are primarily using repeaters, then you may want to stretch your sweep up a bit.  SWR's on mine are on the floor.

[KG-UV9P?]

How do I expand the Tx and Rx to accommodate GMRS?  I am legit on both.

Does the software specific to the UV9PX allow this expansion?

Thanks ahead

[KG-935G Scanning one area negates other area's receive capability?]

Set CH22 as a "priority channel."
 

[Midland Jeep Antenna Placement]

That's what I figured.

On my DD Explorer, I have the 1/4 wave whip and it seems to perform quite well.  It actually doesn't extend as high as the OEM top-mount AM/FM/GPS antenna.

I have just enough room to ensure 12"-12" GP on the top with the full-length sunroof.

Even when standing outside the vehicle, the 1/4 wave outperforms my N 771G rubber duck.

[Midland Jeep Antenna Placement]

Question for the OP and others:

Does the "Ghost" perform better than a Laird-Tram-Midland etc 1/4 wave NMO mount?  Being only 6" tall, seems doable in your need.

Just asking.

[Retevis RT97]

Provided the antenna is properly tuned to the GMRS frequencies AND your cable/connector losses are low, you should see a marked increase in Rx and Tx over "some" 1/4 and 1/2 wavelength antennas.  There is a lot of math and physics that go into any perceptible difference in distance and quality of comms.  Probably the most important element to consider is "line of sight" based on your height ASL.

Good luck

[Using my HT at Home. Which antenna?]

Thanks for all the conversation.

I decided to order a single-band Slim Jim and test the waters from there.  I can always add the Tram 1173 and mount at a later time for one of my vehicles.

Carry on and 73's

Barry

[Using my HT at Home. Which antenna?]

6 hours ago, Lscott said:

You have a choice for the RF connector. I wouldn't recommend the SO-239 unless you absolutely need it. Personally I prefer the BNC. I can easily find adapters from BNC to just about anything, and BNC terminated patch cables of various lengths are easy to find. Plus the BNC is a constant 50 ohm type so it's very unlikely to cause any kind of noticeable SWR issues. The down side is it isn't water proof. If the antenna is used out doors where it's going to get wet you might want the "N" type connector, which is pretty much water proof.  

The Slim Jim I am currently looking at offers a SMA f connector that will resolve connector issues.  The less "adapters" the better the performance I believe.

[Using my HT at Home. Which antenna?]

Thank you BoxCar,

I fully understand the height-factor but I'm thinking the trade-off of indoor vs outdoor would favor outside, on a metal patio table.  Even though it would be a "table height," either would out-perform an indoor installation.  Your thoughts ?

The beauty of purchasing both is that I could use the Tram on the roof of my Explorer (except for entering my garage) and the Slim Jim while camping or traveling...indoors or outdoors.  The dBi gain of the Tram should out-perform the "unity gain" of the 1/4 wave on the Explorer roof.

Again, thoughts ?

[Using my HT at Home. Which antenna?]

Thanks for the advice.  I am intrigued by the Slim Jim and will probably get one anyway considering the portability.

I guess I did not describe my other option well enough.  I am specifically looking at the Tram 1173, a NGP 5/8 over 5/8 mobile or Browning BR 450, attached to a magnet NMO mount.  My mental plan here is to attach it to a patio table (or higher) for better Rx/Tx.  The radiating pattern of the 5/8 over 5/8 is a bit more horizontal than even the Slim Jim and "should" provide a bit more range for my situation.

Thoughts ????

[Using my HT at Home. Which antenna?]

Wouxun 805G.  I have 1/4 on top of Explorer and get good results.

The rubber-duck obviously doesn't work well in the house to reach simplex or repeater.

I am thinking of either a Slim Jim hung outside the window OR a Tram 1173 5/8 over 5/8 just outside the window.

My local repeater is about 5 miles from the house

I would love feedback and suggestions from the hive on my best choice.  

Barry

[Any open unlisted GMRS repeaters in Lonoke County , Ar?]

I can hit the Little Rock Metro repeater from the Lonoke exit nice and clear.  It checks out around 30 miles west until I loose usable signal.  Running an HT with 1/4 wave on roof.

462.650, 141.3

Barry   WRUC860