SpeedSpeak2Me
-
Posts
52 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Gallery
Classifieds
Posts posted by SpeedSpeak2Me
-
-
Would need to know which part of the VHF band the antenna is for. If it was for an amateur radio 2m (144-148 MHz) repeater, it probably won't work very well for GMRS, since the GMRS frequencies are not a harmonic of 2m. If it was used for MURS, you might be able to get away with it, but performance will still suffer. Also, I wouldn't use a radio with an inline SWR meter to do your testing. You really don't know what you're transmitting into. I would find someone with a quality antenna analyzer (like a RigExpert) that covers a wide range of frequencies.
You also don't know the state of the hardline, it might have a break in it. Probably don't want to be keying a radio into a broken coax. An antenna analyzer can also tell you the length of the coax, so you'll have a good idea if the entire length is still good.
As for knowing which antenna the hardline is going to, aside from tracing it, I don't know of a good way to test that. More seasoned forum members might have some ideas. -
6 hours ago, WSAY672 said:
I can't get my MXT115 into repeater mode. Anyone have any tips?
4 hours ago, WSAY672 said:Found it... not as simple as it should be.... turns out that there's two channels for each channel. After turning on the repeater mode, you have to keep scrolling through channels. Example, still have a simplex ch20, and also a ch20 with the rpt icon.
Something to keep in mind with that model, is that even when Repeater mode is enabled, and you are using the RP channels, it will be set to NFM (Narrow FM). You have to send it to Midland to ask them to change it to WFM (Wide FM) for the repeater channels. They don't charge you for it, but still kind of a pain. Will it prevent you from using a repeater? No, but the audio won't sound as good. The repeater will sound quiet to you, since you're hearing only 1/2 of the bandwidth. When you are transmitting to the repeater, others will hear you fine, but your voice won't sound as full, since you're transmitting using only half the bandwidth.
If you do send it in to be updated, the WFM is only for the RP (repeater) channels. So if you're on CH 16 simplex, it's going to be NFM. One of the shortcomings of the radio. Other than a goofy menu system (including their listings of CTCSS/DCS tones), the radio itself is just fine for simplex communications, and actually sounds decent. -
1 hour ago, WRYS709 said:
Doesn't the UV-5G+ use the same battery mold as the classic UV-5R? And if so, wouldn't the desktop cup chargers for the UV-5R will work?
No. The batteries are different sizes (width and thickness), and the contact plates are in different locations:
Battery on left is for the UV-5G Plus, on the right is the standard capacity battery for the UV-5R.
-
42 minutes ago, dwmitchell61 said:
I have a 40W Midland MXT-400. A 1 foot jumper of TM LMR-400 connects the output to an MFJ-842 SWR/POWER meter rated 140MHz-500MHz. A 3 foot RG-8X jumper connected to my window feed through (MFJ-4601N, N connectors). On the outside I have a lightning protector (also N connectors). The feed line is 30 feet of TM LM-400 connecting a BRC HP500 antenna.
The SWR meter indicates 35W output from the radio with approximately 2W reflected power and the needles cross at 1.4SWR.
A call to an individual I hear booming in from a repeater loud and clear with only two bars on my signal meter tells me that my signal is staticky and broken. So it appears that the receive is a LOT better than my transmission.
I suspect that I have an antenna marketed as a GMRS antenna that is in fact a UHF antenna trimmed for SWR, but not necessarily a GMRS resonant antenna. The ad says it is 3 5/8-wave on 2m and 7 5/8-wave on 70cm, and the frequency is 460-470MHz (GMRS) and "C-loaded" (ceramic capacitor at the bottom, probably?).
Any thoughts on this?
Thank you,
Dave KJ7WUZ/WRHW845
What is the antenna? If it is a dual band that includes 2m, it is not likely to be resonant on 64cm (GMRS), especially repeater input. Being seven 5/8λ stacked for UHF it'll have an even tighter operational bandwidth, but will give much higher gain. The SWR reading from the meter might not be accurate.
-
OOC, which meter were you measuring with, and what was used as a test load?
-
2 hours ago, Lscott said:
I did a test on the N9TAX antenna a while ago. It’s similar to a simple Slim-Jim. The SWR isn’t outrageous on the GMRS frequencies.
There are two versions. One tuned for MURS/GMRS. The other for 2M/70cm.
N9TAX-MURS-GMRS-VHF Scan.pdf 284.88 kB · 2 downloads N9TAX-MURS-GMRS-UHF Scan.pdf 284.32 kB · 1 download N9TAX-2M-70CM-VHF Scan.pdf 285.04 kB · 1 download N9TAX-2M-70CM-UHF Scan.pdf 285.33 kB · 0 downloads
Interesting... I'm glad someone else analyzed the N9TAX Labs antennas. I also have both the 2m/70cm and MRUS/GMRS versions, both with 16' of RG58U. For the MURS/GMRS (on GMRS) using a RigExpert Stick Pro, with the antennas hanging about 12' AGL (away from vegetation), I got slightly better results:
2m/70cm (UHF)
I also found that the Surecom SW-102's (mine is the "S" model)l are wildly inaccurate. I know they are popular, but the readings they give can be very misleading. As an example, it told me my Browning BR-6155 (fed with 50' of LMR400UF) has an SWR of 1.01:1 at 467.6000 MHz. My RigExpert Stick Pro, and my friend's AA-1400 both show 1.37:1 at that frequency.
-
Just now, TacticalTodd said:
No problem, sir. Hopefully the brain-trust at DanPlanet will be able to add it to their ever-growing list of supported models. It's a nice little GMRS only HT, with a few flaws, but overall it's decent.
-
Just a note, contrary to what most of the internet experts are saying, CHIRP-next does not work with the UV-5G Plus, even if you select a different model to "fake" it. You will get a read error. If anyone says that it does, ask for the actual proof. The request to support this model was submitted back in December (2023).
To program via computer, you have to use the proprietary CPS (Customer Programmable Software), and it is Windows only. It's also not very good.
-
3 hours ago, jchrist said:
I can't seem to get on a repeater. I've tried a few times to get on a local repeater (Crete IL) but i don't get a response to my requests. How can I join a net if I can't connect to a repeater?
Would it be safe to presume that you sent an access request to the repeater owner, and received the private PL tones (either CTCSS or DCS) ? If not, you will need to do that before you can access the repeater. If you do have that information, verify that your radio (transceiver) is set up correctly (input/output frequency (offset), and tones (decode/encode)). If everything is set correctly, are you within range of the repeater? Crete does have a very large footprint.
Also, was the net already in session? Were they asking for check-ins? Is it possible you doubled (keyed at the same time) as someone else, and weren't heard?
Let's get through these questions before going further.
-
57 minutes ago, Scottytalk said:
You can program your radio easily. The manufacturer should have software and cable so you can use a laptop. You can talk simplex (line of sight) or set up repeaters. A repeater needs freq, offsett, in/out tone etc. Many repeaters are open use, others ask for owner permission.
Good luck
As @wayoverthere stated, the Midland MXT115 is not computer programmable. In order to use it with repeaters you have to use the FPP to enable the Repeater menu, so that you can set the CTCSS or DCS code. Midland also uses a LUT (Look Up Table) for the PL Tones. So you can't just program in 67.0 or DCS023N, you have to know what their value in the table is. Additionally, as of last year that model comes from the factory as NFM (Narrow FM), even on the repeater channels. So unless they are now shipping them out with WFM enabled for repeaters, you have to send it to Midland for them to update the firmware. That's only with the USB-C models, as the USB-Type A are not upgradeable to WFM.
- WRUU653 and wayoverthere
-
2
-
1 hour ago, CyborgAlienWRYG738 said:
Much thanks for the excellent info. I wish I had this information before I went and purchased all the junk I thought was decent and wasted all my money on them other brands. As soon as I can find the money again, I will be getting one of these B4505CN antenna. I read that for GMRS you want to have RG58A/U cable off the base, in a 5" NMO magnet mount I'm having difficulty finding any that include that cable, most are 3" and with a 3' antenna I'm not sure if that's going to be sufficient or not. The one I have found is from Tram, the Chrome mount, is supposed to have it but, the one I got, doesn't. It's just RG58/U. Which is better for 70cm and 2m.
You're quite welcome for the information, and don't feel bad. When I first got into GMRS I picked up one of the Nagoya UT-72G antennas based on other people's recommendations. I got two from two different resellers and they were both junk. The SWRs for simplex were 1.77:1, and at the repeater inputs it was almost 2.10:1. Some will say anything under 2:1 is okay, but i just wasn't comfortable using something that was that far off, when I knew there was better. I did have people tell me I got the wrong antenna, that I got the UT-72 (2m/70cm) by ignorance. However I have that antenna as well, so I had a direct comparison (at the end of this post). The UT-72 performs slightly better than the UT-72G on GMRS.
Having invested in the quality equipment (the RigExpert), it really lets me know exactly what is going on. I did my testing on three different vehicles, all with more than enough area for a ground plane, and got the same results for both antennas (UT-72G) on all three vehicles. Where some initial mistakes were made was using an inexpensive inline SWR meter, the Surecom SW102. It's good for confirming your TX frequency and power (when used with a 50Ω dummy load), and that's about all I trust it for. Others have had measured success with them, but when compared to a quality antenna analyzer, they just don't hold up. At least that is what I have found with my use of them, YMMV.
I use 3.25" bases with both of my 32" antennas and have no issues, even at highway speeds. You have to be careful with the base size, as I have found that too large of a magnetic base will impact your tuning. For example I helped a person that purchased a 6" mag mount, and from experience I could tell before we did any trimming of his Laird BB4503 that something was wrong. The SWR's were way too high, and the "shape" (peaks/valleys) were in the wrong places. We switched them to a 3.25" base and the antenna went to where it should have been.
The reason is, I believe, and more knowledgeable persons on here can correct me if I am wrong, is that due to the requirement of needing at least 1/4 wavelength ground plane (about 6.3" / 16cm), the diameter of the base was interfering with the ground plane itself.
For reference, this is the mag mount that I use, which has 12' of RG8X, and is paired with the BB4505CN or BB4502N.
Laird TE Connectivity GB8XI also have this base with 12' of RG58/U, with the removable rubber boot, and pair it with the BB4505C or the BB4503.
Laird TE Connectivity GBR8PIThe GB8PI is the same as the GBR8PI, but without the rubber boot. So you're basically being charged $7-8 for the boot, which isn't required, nor does it hurt its performance.
Now, I do say "as a reference" because The Antenna Farm is closed until Summer of 2024, but they are still an excellent resource. An alternative mount, which I have yet to hear anything negative about is the Midland MXTA12 mag mount. It is also more readily available, and is 3.5" in diameter. To go further with that, Midland's MXTA26 GMRS NMO antenna is also an excellent performer, and requires no tuning. These two items are very often paired with each other.I have Midland's MXTA13 mag mount, which is a 1/4λ, with a 1" magnet, 6" mast, and 20' of spaghetti (RG-174) for coax. It performs better than I ever would have given it credit for, even with the massive amount of attenuation from the coax, which is about 20dB per 100', which is a lot. However it works in a pinch for temporary use, and over flat terrain I can hit repeaters 30 miles away with just 15w.
As mentioned above (both antennas on the same vehicle, positioned in the same place). Sweep is 400-500 MHz.
Red - Nagoya UT-72G
Blue - Nagoya UT-72
-
20 hours ago, WRZM228 said:
I think I'm gonna grab this one. They said its easier to tune and it kicks the GMRS repeater like an old fashion alarm clock. There are just 2 nit picks I would like to change if there is a factory option. I don't like the color of the whip and I wish it was chrome or stainless. The 2nd one is the in between coil or extender. Its bad enough it has a spring on the bottom. I hope Laird has an exact match performance in chrome and minimalist whip. If not, its fine.. I'll get it. I'm gonna double check with them if I can use the magna-mount I got from them. It fits like a glove fir my needs. The magnet is really strong, the cable is LMR-195, The connector feels like pro-am, the bottom is rubberized and the connection is brass that fits right on with the Laird whip with the o-ring seal. I hope I get this straighten out today.
BTW: I bought an okay mobile radio (AnyTone AT-7xxUV) so I wont have to mess with my other radio and just leave as a base station. It would have been nice if I have the mobile antenna running. But will wait then.
I have one of these, without the spring, so the BB4505CN. IIRC, they make two "spring" versions. One has a steel spring, the BB4505CNS/B4505CNS, and one with an elastomer spring BB4505CNS(R)/B4505CNS(R). The springs are not-so-much for wind loading, but in case you hit something with it, like a garage door header or tree branches.
I intentionally got the "no ground plane required" version for a car that has very little area for the ground plane. The antenna works great, since the bottom half serves as the ground plane, with the signal propagating from the top half above the coil.
The trimming chart on the package is accurate, and I've found that my final trimmed length is usually within 0.0625" (1/16th) to 0.125" (1/8th) listed on the chart (typically longer). That is with 12' of RG8X on a mag mount, and using a RigExpert Stick Pro (antenna analyzer). I have mine cut to favor repeater inputs rather than simplex, since that is where it is used most. In reality I could have aimed for center-band and would never notice a difference.
My SWRs are 1.5:1 or less from 457 MHz up to 478 MHz, the lowest being 1.06:1 @ 465.6000 MHz
The Return Loss chart shows a more accurate reading of the tuning:
For this vehicle I also have the BB4502N, which is also a very good performer for its length (~ 10"), but it is 1/2λ, not 5/8λ. Additionally I have the BB4503 (5/8λ) and the BB4505C for another vehicle which does have sufficient area for the ground plane, and those also have excellent performance.
In the event that you (or others) are curious, here is a direct comparison of the BB4505CN to the BB4505C, covering a 30 MHz bandwidth. Green line is the BB4505CN, and the orange line is the BB4505C.
Some people say I like Laird antennas, and they would be correct.
-
Not that I would, but the OP could do what they wanted, but performance on Tx will still suffer, as they’ll lose the counter poise. I can’t see the external speaker/mic combo’s cable serving as the counter poise. Might help Rx a bit, but that’s about it.
-
1 hour ago, WRFN864 said:
I am running an XTL5000-UHF remotely mounted in the back of a 2022 Ford Bronco 2-Door. There is an O5 head connected to that radio, mounted on the passenger side. The radio is connected to a Rugged Radios GMRS-Point5 NGP Tuned Whip antenna mounted on the front mirror.
I also have a second XTL5000-VHF on a second O5 head that I use as a P25 scanner. That radio is connected to a Rugged Radios VHF 1/2 Wave NGP Antenna mounted on the spare tire mount.
Each radio has its own speaker mounted behind the front seats.
The VHF antenna works terrific but the UHF antenna setup doesn't work well at all. With the radio set for 50w output I can't get more than a few miles. I know that NH terrain plays an important role here in the sucky range but I think this mount/antenna combo is trash. I just don't have a better place to mount a UHF antenna with a ground plane.
For the UHF antenna for GMRS, yeah, that’s not a good mounting location, even for a NGP. You’re basically blocking 90°+ of your transmit RF due to its position next to the cab corner. It’s also shorter than the roofline, so that’s hurting propagation as well. The antenna itself is a curiosity, as there doesn’t seem to be too much information about them. Just that they’re wide band 406-470 MHz. If it is truly for covering all that in one antenna without changing the tuning, you’re going to be sacrificing performance, especially at the edges, like where GMRS is at.
Best case would be a 5/8 wave dead center of the largest metal portion of the roof. Or better yet a 5/8 over 5/8 colinear. But that will be a good 32” in height. You can get single 5/8 wave about 11”, and tune it for GMRS, if that is the intended usage.
The biggest goal is to get the antenna in a position where it is not obstructed by parts of the vehicle.
-
LMR400 is good, you can also get LMR400UF (Ultra Flex). The 400UF is a little easier to work with since the center conductor is stranded, and has pretty much the same properties as regular LMR400 (see chart below), with only a slightly bit more attenuation, (which I doubt anyone will notice in the real world).
For antennas, most will know that I'm a big fan of the Browning base antennas. I started with a Tram 6140 (a.ka. Browning 6140), and moved up to the BR-6155. Just mount it and go, no tuning required. During the day, over flat terrain I'm regularly hitting repeaters at 40+ miles with only 15w. At night that extends out to 60-70 miles. Antenna is only about 30-35' AGL, and is fed by 50' of ABR Industries LMR400UF.
The Laird base antennas (450-470 MHz) are also very good, though more expensive than what is effectively the same performance you get with the Browning. Something to point out, check the connector on the antenna side. Some UHF antennas with have a Type N (female) connector on it, not (UHF) SO-239. So you will need an adapter at one end or the other.
-
36 minutes ago, WRYS366 said:
Sorry, forgot to add the antenna was on the top of the vehicle with no obstructions.
I don't have any equipment (yet) for testing an antenna other than the radios.
I did expect though to gain at least some range using just 1 larger antenna on one radio, which didn't happen.
It is possible though like you say that I got a bad antenna or it's just not a very good antenna to start with.
From what I could tell, the stationary radio was only able to hear the roaming radio once it was in range for that stationary radio to actually transmit.
But my understanding was, which could be wrong, the larger antenna should be able to transmit farther and the radio with the shorter antenna would pick that up father and just not be able to respond, but that might not be correct.
Typically you would, but the terrain and elevation differences between the two points comes into play. GMRS is all LoS (Line of Sight), so you have to work within its limitations.
-
58 minutes ago, WRYS366 said:
Hi there,
I'm new to the hobby and experimenting with a small mobile antenna in my vehicle.
I'm using
- 2x Baofeng UV-5R GMRS radios
- 1 with the stock antenna
- 1 connected to this antenna.
I have some landmarks I'm using for range and trying to plot an area that I can transmit and receive in just to get an idea of what the radios can do.
The terrain is a mix of
- farmland
- forest
- orchards
- small hills
I've added the vehicle antenna after just using the stock antennas thinking that the radio with the larger antenna should be able to transmit further, and the 2nd radio should be able to hear it, but not respond.
This isn't what's happening though. Adding the larger antenna to one radio doesn't seem to have affected anything.
I was planning on buying a 2nd antenna but I'm taking things one step at a time and experimenting.
Do I need to have larger antennas on both radios before I notice a change?
Thanks for the responses!
Would be good to know where on the vehicle the Nagoya is placed (i.e. roof, trunk, etc.). You want to have at least 6.3" of clear surface in all directions around the antenna (figure 12.5" diameter). You also don't want it right up against the body or cab of the vehicle, as that will block both TX and RX signals.
Also, the Nagoya UT-72G antenna can be hit/miss. I know four people that all got them from Amazon, and two have "workable" SWR's on the GMRS band, and two are basically paper weights because they are so bad. The one that I got is at 1.8:1 on GMRS Simplex (462MHz), and almost 2.1:1 on GMRS Repeater inputs (467 MHz). Both SWR values are "acceptable", but not exactly great in comparison to other mobile antennas.
-
Congrats on your new purchases. Keep in mind those HT's (GXT1000VP4) are not repeater-capable, only simplex communications (and their range is vastly overstated). However the MXT575 will have no problem with repeaters, just get a good antenna for it (either base or mobile, however you plan to use it).
-
The high SWR with the Diamond X50A on GMRS isn't surprising, as it is way out of band for what the manufacturer designed it for. Antenna is made for 2m/70cm, not 64cm, and it's not tunable. The Tram 1486 is tunable so that the SWRs for GMRS (simplex and repeater inputs) can be significantly lower. Once properly tuned the Tram 1486 should have an SWR of 1.5:1 or less across a 10 MHz bandwidth. From what I understand the cutting/trimming chart that is provided with the antenna is quite accurate.
-
5 hours ago, WRXT271 said:
I just ordered a Tram-Browning BR-6155 from Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/Browning-BR-6155-fiberglass-omnidirectional-450-470MHz/dp/B00S983H0K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JOHH7Q1W5XRZ&keywords=tram+br+6155&qid=1693318224&sprefix=tram+br+6155%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1 I have had great luck with all my Tram-Browning antennas for Ham, CB and scanner. I have a lot of confidence that it will be the same for this antenna. Also use only LMR 400 Flex coax. The BR-6155 uses an N-Type connector. So order your cable with a N-type at one end an a PL-259 at the other end. Order the length you will need + 20 ft incase you need to move your radio around in your room.
For mobile antenna I have two.
Midland – MXTA26 MicroMobile® 6DB Gain Whip Antenna – Quadruple Signal Output – 32” Antenna. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084BPXNC5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details This NMO antenna requires no tuning. 1.05 SWR Ch 16 (462 MHz) and 1.77 SWR on 467 repeater input.
Tram 1241 5" NMO Magnet Mount , Black https://www.amazon.com/Tram-Magnet-Mount-5-25in-1-50in/dp/B07K8Q7PYD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1B4GNIG8Z8YLL&keywords=browning+mag+mount&qid=1693319912&sprefix=browning+mag+mount%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1 I use only mag mounts use this one for long antennas.
Browning 450MHz-470MHz UHF 3dBd Land Mobile NMO Antenna. https://www.amazon.com/Browning-450MHz-470MHz-3dBd-Mobile-Antenna/dp/B00IDTJ2EA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WDL2ZYY7M3OJ&keywords=browning+gmrs+antenna&qid=1693319544&sprefix=browning+gmrs%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1 This antenna requires trimming, however, I achieved 1.05 SWR Ch 16 (462 MHz) and 1.77 SWR on 467 repeater input on this antenna also.
1233-BNC Black 3 1/4" Magnet Mount NMO Mag Mount 17 foot Antenna Cable Roof or Trunk https://www.amazon.com/1233-BNC-Black-Magnet-Mount-Antenna/dp/B01AX1R1NY/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1B4GNIG8Z8YLL&keywords=browning+mag+mount&qid=1693319912&sprefix=browning+mag+mount%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-7 Use this smaller Mag Mount for smaller Tram 450-470 antenna.
Good luck
RJ
I am currently running the BR-6155, and it does an excellent job. It replaced a temporary BR-6140, that even though it was a unity gain 1/4 wave, it too did a good job. The BR-6155 is fed with 50' of LMR400UF, and the base is about 30' AGL. No issues hitting repeaters at 20-30 miles, full quieting, on just 1w of power when I have the HT hooked up to it (low power).
I picked mine up from The Antenna Farm for less than Amazon's cost, however once you add in the cost of shipping they pretty much come out within a dollar or two of each other. I just happened to use The Antenna Farm because at the time Amazon was out of stock.
SWR readings using RigExpert Stick Pro (450-480 MHz - 400pts of data):
-
1 hour ago, K7lon said:
Thanks for the post.
Any suggestions on an nmo type that would easily tip back when hit. It's looking like this will be an adventure into the unknown. When I find a piece of clean 1/4" plexiglass to do a mockup with an old dual band setup. This will save an ugly scare if it fails. I will report back on the results when I get it done.
The two of the antennas that met a tragic death were comet SBB5. The best dual band ever.
P.E. (retired)?
Thanks
WRJA397Pretty much anything with a spring. I like the Laird antennas, and any of their 450-470 MHz antennas that end with an "N" will be a no ground plane required, and the "R" or "S" indicates a rubber (elastomer) or stainless spring, respectively. The "BB" models are all black, and the "B" are black base and stainless.
Examples:
https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/shop-all/mobile-antennas/300-512-mhz-uhf/no-ground-plane-antennas/3232-laird-connectivity-bb4505cns-detail
https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/shop-all/mobile-antennas/300-512-mhz-uhf/no-ground-plane-antennas/3236-laird-connectivity-bb4502ns-detail
https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/shop-all/mobile-antennas/300-512-mhz-uhf/no-ground-plane-antennas/6533-laird-connectivity-b4502nr-detail
https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/shop-all/mobile-antennas/300-512-mhz-uhf/no-ground-plane-antennas/6536-laird-connectivity-bb4502nr-detail
https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/shop-all/mobile-antennas/300-512-mhz-uhf/no-ground-plane-antennas/3233-laird-connectivity-b4505cns-detail -
Has to be true, it's all in bold.
-
You can also do this with their proprietary programming software. Connect the DB20 (G or UV) to your computer, open the software, read from the radio. In the software's menu, click on "Model", and then "Model Information". It'll let you choose which mode you want to use the transceiver in. As stated earlier in the thread, each time you change modes (Frequencys) it will wipe all programming and memory channels, so back up your data first.
-
If you can find a way to do a quick release mount, and want something small and inconspicuous, I'd go with a Tram-Browning 6140. It's only 26" tall, with unity gain, and no ground plane needed. I used one for a few months before upgrading to something larger (once I had a better mount). Would need to get coax go along along with this.
Other option is something like an N9TAX Labs slim-jim roll up antenna (for MURS/GMRS). You would need to be able to hang it from something, and wouldn't want it right up against a surface like a wall or railing. I have seen apartment dwellers just use an aluminum extension pole, like the ones for paint rollers, and they fasten a hook to the end. Extend it, lean out over the railing, start talking. Takes a few second to put up/take down.I do have the N9TAX one, with 16' and PL-259 connector that I use frequently. They also sell a PVC mount (3/4") so you can just get a piece of PVC pipe and hang the antenna on the end of it.
Custom built coax cable with connectors or pre-built?
in Technical Discussion
Posted
Follow the @OffRoaderX advice. Get a factory pre-made one with PL-259 connectors on both ends, and an SO-239 to N adapter. You will never notice the insertion loss, and if you need to reuse the cable later for something that doesn't have a N connector, like a different antenna, you can.