Smiley Antenna Mini Rubber Duck

[zzz]

I'm thinking about trying a new antenna. The Smiley Antenna Mini Rubber Duck to be specific. I was wondering if anyone else had used this antenna? Did it negatively effect your RX capabilities at all? It's quite a bit shorter then any of the "stock" antennas I have seen. 

 

 

Link https://bettersaferadio.com/smiley-antenna-mini-rubber-duck-gmrs-465mhz-sma-m/

[WRVX790]

I believe there are two stubby antennas offered by them. The 2.5" and then a 1.25" or something close...

The same feller that bought some Wouxun KG-935G Plus has ordered two of the 2.5" Smileys. I'll try to paraphrase his report as soon as we test them. He and I know each other "in real life", and we tested our radios through a local repeater last week. [<-- link] We'll test again when he gets those Smileys. 

[WRWE456]

On 3/5/2023 at 6:09 PM, WRVX790 said:

I'll try to paraphrase his report as soon as we test them. He and I know each other "in real life", and we tested our radios through a local repeater last week. [<-- link] We'll test again when he gets those Smileys.

On 3/5/2023 at 6:09 PM, WRVX790 said:

 

Did you guys ever get to test these antenna's?

[Guest]

Physics does not care about radio aesthetics (those stubbies do look cool) or convenience (not being poked in the eye or having the antenna get stuck in an elevator door) - a 70 cm wave is hard to catch (or release) with an antenna the length of a finger.

Do they work? https://www.smileyantenna.com is putting together really well made and tuned products! - I am including the webpage for detailed descriptions (I like to go back to the source).

Here is the catch: You will compromise and you need to know what your needs and priorities are.

Is the little Rubber Ducky does the trick, that's great - go for it!

But, the stubby will not perform like its longer brothers and sisters (mind the right connector).

With that said: Other people's reports will only help you a little because in real life, the momentary situation (and all its parameters) counts.

If you already have difficulties on a day-to-day basis, going short is a daring move. But if you are in a situation where your connection is solid and you even reduced output power, you should be ready for the stubby.

Sorry but there is no concrete answer !

My personal choice: If I would try a Rubber Ducky, I would give smiley a shot rather than amazon  

 

[WRWE456]

My interest in these stubby antenna's is for times when I want short range, such as working around the property and talking to the house. I'm not expecting them to be as effective at long range nor do I want that for this purpose. Short range with low power. Right tool for the job kind of thing.

[back4more70]

On 3/5/2023 at 6:09 PM, WRVX790 said:

The same feller that bought some Wouxun KG-935G Plus has ordered two of the 2.5" Smileys.

I also have a Wouxun KG-935G+, but went with the Wouxun ANO-012G stubby antenna 4 5/8" (buytwowayradios). It is not as good as the stock antenna, but it is close enough for me, and pretty awesome for just under $10.

[WRUW493]

Try this one:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0855PVDWS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Fairly flexible and not quite as long as the OEM on my GM30, yet a really nice and efficient 1/4 wave.