What Gives? Why Is The CA-712EFC Perpetually Out Of Stock?

[tcp2525]

Anyone know of a vendor that actually has one in stock? I've been looking for the last six weeks for one without success. All the reputable vendors, even the gougers, show out of stock.

[WRQD922]

Good question. I have been waiting myself. Most venders keep pushing the date back for when they will be in stock.

[gortex2]

Did you call antenna farm ? 

[KevinJ]

I have noticed this, several sites list a later this month date for next shipping batch, but they all do seem to be purchasable/backorder-able as they still have a clickable add to cart button.

[Guest]

Yup. I have had my 712efc for a while and needed another for a new set up.  Finally got a 9nc couldn’t wait any more.  It’s an even bigger improvement.   I am now sending out over 700w radiated power. And swr 1.4 at 467 and 1.2 at 462

[wayoverthere]

  On 9/8/2024 at 12:18 PM, gortex2 said:

Did you call antenna farm ? 

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That's who I thought of too...looks in stock there.

https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/antennas-mounts/base-antennas/gmrs-base-antennas/gmrs-omni-directional-base-antennas/1085-comet-ca-712efc-detail

[tcp2525]

  On 9/8/2024 at 2:25 PM, wayoverthere said:

That's who I thought of too...looks in stock there.

https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/antennas-mounts/base-antennas/gmrs-base-antennas/gmrs-omni-directional-base-antennas/1085-comet-ca-712efc-detail

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I did see that, but classified this clown as a gouger. The site didn't say out of stock, but I'm sure they have many at $189.95. I would hope they are offering free shipping and a tube of K-Y Jelly since everyone else that had them, and hopefully will be getting them soon, are asking $139.

[tcp2525]

  On 9/8/2024 at 1:20 PM, WRXP381 said:

Yup. I have had my 712efc for a while and needed another for a new set up.  Finally got a 9nc couldn’t wait any more.  It’s an even bigger improvement.   I am now sending out over 700w radiated power. And swr 1.4 at 467 and 1.2 at 462

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That might be an decent option. Did you get the GP-9NC or GP-9NCA? I'm really not that interested in VHF as it going to be solely for GMRS, but it would be nice to have that option should my needs change in the future.

[WRUU653]

Buy Two way Radios say it’s in stock. Comet CA-712EF

 

is there a difference between 712EF and 712EFC ?

edit- it looks like there is possibly. My bad

Edited September 8, 2024 by WRUU653
Additional information

[wayoverthere]

  On 9/8/2024 at 3:26 PM, tcp2525 said:

I did see that, but classified this clown as a gouger. The site didn't say out of stock, but I'm sure they have many at $189.95. I would hope they are offering free shipping and a tube of K-Y Jelly since everyone else that had them, and hopefully will be getting them soon, are asking $139.

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Fair point. They've been pretty in-line (or even a little less) on prices of of other things I've picked up, so I didn't look into what the going price is on the 712efc, just looked for in stock.

[tcp2525]

  On 9/8/2024 at 6:29 PM, wayoverthere said:

Fair point. They've been pretty in-line (or even a little less) on prices of of other things I've picked up, so I didn't look into what the going price is on the 712efc, just looked for in stock.

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Thanks for looking and giving me the tip, I really appreciate it. I always compare prices prior to pulling the trigger. I have a total dislike for companies that go way above and beyond fair market price and avoid them. I'm in no real hurry and will snag one eventually. It's strange they have been out of stock for so long. I almost am starting to think they might be discontinuing this model. If I have time tomorrow I will call Comet and get an answer from them.

[SteveShannon]

  On 9/8/2024 at 8:35 PM, tcp2525 said:

Thanks for looking and giving me the tip, I really appreciate it. I always compare prices prior to pulling the trigger. I have a total dislike for companies that go way above and beyond fair market price and avoid them. I'm in no real hurry and will snag one eventually. It's strange they have been out of stock for so long. I almost am starting to think they might be discontinuing this model. If I have time tomorrow I will call Comet and get an answer from them.

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DXEngineering claims they should ship on the 16th of September. I would just order it rather than letting others get in the queue ahead of you.

[tcp2525]

  On 9/8/2024 at 8:40 PM, SteveShannon said:

DXEngineering claims they should ship on the 16th of September. I would just order it rather than letting others get in the queue ahead of you.

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Thanks. I did see that option and always use DX Engineering and HRO for my major purchases. If I get a reasonable and accurate answer from Comet that it's going to be a minor delay and they will be shipping to vendors soon, I will do as you say. I don't want to be on a list only to find out the antenna is discontinued. I'm sure DX would already know the status and wouldn't list it on their site if that were the case.

[Guest]

  On 9/8/2024 at 8:40 PM, SteveShannon said:

DXEngineering claims they should ship on the 16th of September. I would just order it rather than letting others get in the queue ahead of you.

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DXE has been saying that for 6months or so.  That’s the current issue.  You may give them your money only to be put off another 6months.  If you have the money and time to wait great but for others that need an antenna now and don’t have the money to sit any where from 2 weeks to 6 months alternatives can be found. 

[tcp2525]

  On 9/8/2024 at 9:21 PM, WRXP381 said:

DXE has been saying that for 6months or so.  That’s the current issue.  You may give them your money only to be put off another 6months.  If you have the money and time to wait great but for others that need an antenna now and don’t have the money to sit any where from 2 weeks to 6 months alternatives can be found. 

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OUCH! I didn't think DXE would do that. That was my concern.

[tcp2525]

Just got off the phone with NCG and they said that they are waiting for the delivery to reach the port and claim that they will have them for distribution in a week or two. Of course, they will need to be shipped to the many vendors. Is it real, or just smoke and mirrors? I'm added to the DXE que so we shall see. A sliver of hope is better than no hope.

[tcp2525]

Good news!!! The antenna finally arrived today. It was well worth waiting six months for the old stock to be depleted and the new batch to be shipped. My compliments to Mr. Yakamoto for assembling and tuning, he nailed it. A quick sweep with the VNA on my ground jig placing the antenna six feet off the ground yielded 1.510:1 @ 462.550 and 1.019:1 @ 467.725. I also hooked up the HT and was able to hit distant repeaters the first antenna couldn't. That said, I feel a little more confident when I get my fat ass up the tower it should perform really well when I connect the Heliax to it. Happy, Happy!!!

[CentralFloridaGMRS]

Make sure you waterproof it. 

[SvenMarbles]

I see them in stock and shipping tomorrow from DX engineering..

[Raybestos]

  On 9/25/2024 at 11:11 PM, CentralFloridaGMRS said:

Make sure you waterproof it. 

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I have heard this is necessary.  Ideally, the antenna would be designed, engineered, and made so this was not necessary.  What materials are needed and what areas would need this treatment?

[WRYZ926]

Use self fusing tape at each joint and the coax connection. It is also highly suggested to wrap the self fusing tape with a good electrical tape. The self fusing tape is not UV resistant.

Self fusing tape: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K5GW67O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Raybestos]

  On 9/29/2024 at 1:12 PM, WRYZ926 said:

Use self fusing tape at each joint and the coax connection. It is also highly suggested to wrap the self fusing tape with a good electrical tape. The self fusing tape is not UV resistant.

Self fusing tape: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K5GW67O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

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Thank You!  

[SvenMarbles]

  On 9/29/2024 at 1:12 PM, WRYZ926 said:

Use self fusing tape at each joint and the coax connection. It is also highly suggested to wrap the self fusing tape with a good electrical tape. The self fusing tape is not UV resistant.

Self fusing tape: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K5GW67O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

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This stuff works good! 

[tcp2525]

  On 9/29/2024 at 12:54 PM, SvenMarbles said:

I see them in stock and shipping tomorrow from DX engineering..

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DX Engineering is the only place, as well as HRO, one should buy from. Great people at both establishments.

[LeoG]

Got mine from Chatt Radio out of TN and as far as I'm concerned it was a good experience.  He had 14 in stock while others had none.  Took about 1 week to get here and shipping was $15 because it is an oversized package.  I thought they might have sent me the wrong antenna because of the packaging and I sent an email after 6pm and he got back to me within a few minutes.  Turns out the packaging was from the manufacturer that way and modified because it was the "C" version of the 712EF.  After sending the email I noticed the antenna itself was labeled as the "C" version as he has said and told me I would love that antenna.

And I'm sure I will when I get it up in the air finally.