Hello all, new to the site. GMRS noob here. Lots of questions.

[Kamperdog]

So I’m new to the GMRS world and I have just got 2 radios A Midland MXT275 mobile. And a BTech GMRSV-1.

I like the Midland mobile, and I all I’d like to do with that is find a better no-drill antenna that isn’t 5ft tall. Any ideas?

 

The BTech is giving me a headache and I think I’ll sell it off. For starters, I didn’t realize it was only 2 watt max until after I got it. All the repeaters in my area are too far to use it....

 

So I’d like to find a solid handheld with max power and repeater capable. So any suggestion for that would be great.

 

Thanks for letting my join.

[wayoverthere]

Is mag mount an option? 1/4 wave for gmrs are only around 6 inches tall, maybe another inch with mount. There are other options around 12 inches...found this 5/8 wave linked off the listing I bought mine from, just over 12"...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IDTJ2EA/ref=dp_cerb_1

 

Even the 5/8 over 5/8 browning I have is maybe just over 3 feet at most.

 

On handhelds, the gmrs specific market is kind of sparse, I don't know of much above 5 watts that's gmrs specific. Part 90 stuff might (I'll leave that to those with experience in That area). Even in uncertified stuff (baofeng and the like) there isn't much above 5 watts, and those aren't actually legal for use in gmrs spectrum.

[berkinet]

If you can’t hit the repeater with 2 watts it is very unlikely you will do any better with 5 watts.

[Kamperdog]

If you can’t hit the repeater with 2 watts it is very unlikely you will do s as my better with 5 watts.

Argh. Dang it.

[Kamperdog]

Is mag mount an option? 1/4 wave for gmrs are only around 6 inches tall, maybe another inch with mount. There are other options around 12 inches...found this 5/8 wave linked off the listing I bought mine from, just over 12"...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IDTJ2EA/ref=dp_cerb_1

 

Even the 5/8 over 5/8 browning I have is maybe just over 3 feet at most.

 

On handhelds, the gmrs specific market is kind of sparse, I don't know of much above 5 watts that's gmrs specific. Part 90 stuff might (I'll leave that to those with experience in That area). Even in uncertified stuff (baofeng and the like) there isn't much above 5 watts, and those aren't actually legal for use in gmrs spectrum.

 

Yes, I ONLY want a magnet mount. NO drilling! Thanks.

[wayoverthere]

Depending on the vehicle, there are nmo clamp mounts (for roof racks or mirrors), or lip mounts for the edge of the hood/trunk that could give you more no-drill options. I haven't used the 5/8 I linked above, but the reviews are good...all it needs is a nmo magnet mount, and you're in business (one mag option here https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077HSPBBH/ref=psdcmw_764460_t3_B077HWTJTL)

(Lip mount: https://www.amazon.com/Browning-1246-B-Antenna-PL-259-connector/dp/B00NP7D1BA/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=lip+mount&qid=1591469122&sr=8-4 )

 

dxengineering.com has a lot of stuff too, and likely generally better quality options than Amazon.

[Kamperdog]

So I ordered a MXTA12 antenna mag mount and the MXTA26 antenna for my MXT275. Hope I see a noticeable boost in performance.

[Lscott]

So I ordered a MXTA12 antenna mag mount and the MXTA26 antenna for my MXT275. Hope I see a noticeable boost in performance.

If you want something smaller and likely cheaper look at this one. This one is a bit over 6 inches tall.

 

https://www.pctel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Product-Datasheet-25.pdf

 

Check out the model PCTCN4347. This is pre-cut, tuned, so you don't need to do anything.

 

A generic one where you have to cut the whip to tune it is here.

 

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/pctel-maxrad-pctcnmft-5913

[Kamperdog]

Well, the other one is already on the way lol so I’ll try it out first.

[kidphc]

Yes, I ONLY want a magnet mount. NO drilling! Thanks.

I loved my Nagoya UT72. Thought it was the bomb. 

Drilled a hole and put in a Larsen 2/70sh and now I had to add squelch. The antenna changed how much it was receiving. Now weak signals that I never heard before are trying to open the radio. Will never go back to a mag mount, well at least for my trucks.