(Part 2) Best two-way radio antennas according to redditors

Get a BF-F9 V2+. There's a lot you can do with it. Get another antenna and a bigger battery for it. You now have a really versatile analog HT. You can reliably hit repeaters 15-ish miles away with it, depending on terrain, and in narrowband mode, probably a bit more. It has a DTMF keypad (DTMF = touch-tone phone keypad), so you can do some fun things with repeaters that have internet links and other little oddities. Get a programming cable and CHIRP, and you can do lots of fun and convenient things like program all your local repeaters and simplex calling freqs into it, and train it to swear.

Get a 12-volt power kit, a headset, and a mag-mount antenna, and now you have a halfway-respectable mobile rig. With that antenna, you'd be VERY surprised how far that little radio can reach out. I've talked to repeaters 25 miles away with my little BF-F9 and a mag-mount, and had no complaints about sound quality.

The point is, don't go crazy with expensive-ass kit right now (cue bot appearance in 3... 2... 1...). You're still very new to the hobby (I'm at the point where I'm kinda new), and you don't quite know what you like. I didn't think I'd care very much for longwave DXing and all that, and for the most part, the idea of having a "shack" doesn't appeal all that much to me, but I'm getting more and more interested in mobile HF. Just noodle around, talk to people, go to field days, etc.

I was one of the lucky ones to be in the first pre-order batch (15 people, if I recall) for the Clearview Goggle Receiver. It arrived today, I got it installed, and just got back from flying Tiny Whoops indoors.

Some more info:

• Installed on Fatshark HD V2 Goggles
  
• The install was pretty easy, but I ran into some issues with the adhesive as it stuck to my fingers a little. I used some shoe goo which is why you see some gunk on the goggles if you look closely. I was in a hurry when I installed it.
  
• They give you an extra adhesive strip (and ribbon) which I probably should have used.
  
• I am running two Lumenier antennas with some simple SMA right angle adapters.
  
• I used these antennas because they recommend using the same antenna type. I may also try using two directional antennas. But these seemed to work really well.
  
• There is also a controller that goes in the head tracker bay. I'm not really sure what it does, but that's why you need the ribbon.
  
  Positives:
  
  
• Wow, the image quality is fantastic. It seemed tons better than my diversity. I will get some video up hopefully today from flying that shows the difference between my True-D, the ClearView goggle receiver, and another guy I flied with using the ClearView ground station. I think it beats them all.
  
• Easy install. The cover fit my goggles perfectly
  
• Easy to use. I didn't have any instructions going into this, but it was easy to figure out the menus. They have some videos up on the Youtube channel that I should probably watch more of.
  
• Tons of features. Band Scanner, lost quad finder, etc. I can see the lost quad finder really useful. They just made a video on how it works, which is really cool. You need a directional antenna, and it makes sounds that help you find it.
  
• The module seems to run cool. I had it on for a good hour today, and I notice any heat at all. It seems to run cooler than my True-D.
  
  Negatives:
  
  
• The price isn't fantastic. A little over $300 if memory serves correctly. Comparable to the pricing on the ground station, so not a big surprise.
  
• The fan is a bit loud.
  
• No external interface. I got used to using the screen on the True-D receiver.
  
• Pushing the button on the antenna to use the menus is a little awkward but I got used to it. Fortunately, the menus aren't too hard to navigate.
  
  Video will be coming soon! I am going to fly in a soccer dome on Tuesday night, which had even worse conditions than what I flew today. That will also be a good test.
  
  Edit: I just made a crude video and published. Enjoy!
  
  

I've been happy with my Tram 1181. I've brushed it in a parking garage without it tipping or breaking.

This is what you need to go with the other 2 parts you listed.

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Trucker-Weatherproof-Antenna-Wrench/dp/B01N6EEBJ4/ref=sr_1_cc_8?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1487155559&sr=1-8-catcorr&keywords=Pro+Trucker+mount

I would find a way to reinforce the mount. A spring would probably help also if you hit something.

>I live in Washington so bringing a nice radio for calling when out hiking on the various ridge's and mountains

You want a VHF or UHF Radio, this type of communication is line of sight, which complement those activities. I would get a Btech UV-5X3, would get you on 3 bands, 2m-1.25m-70cm, a better antenna, and programming cable.

https://www.amazon.com/d/Two-Way-Radios/BTECH-UV-5X3-Tri-Band-Amateur-Earpiece/B01J2W4JUI

https://www.amazon.com/Nagoya-NA-320A-2M-1-25M-70CM-144-220-440Mhz-BTECH/dp/B01K10B9XK/

https://www.amazon.com/PC03-Genuine-Programming-Cable-BaoFeng/dp/B00HUB0ONK/

I'll just leave this here:

NAGOYA RB-CLP SMA-Female Window Clip Mount w/RG-174/U 3M For Two way Radio Antenna Extend Cable Car Radio Accessroy Walkie talke https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JUVEPBY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_n.HzCbM8RPM39

Just about Any uhf mag mount should work. The photos you linked, looks like it has a uhf connector. This is also known as a so-239. If that's the case, you need an antenna with a pl -259 connector. This should work:

https://www.amazon.com/Tram-Connector-Antenna-410-490-Magnet/dp/B01976NIB0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467773359

Eh. I have the maldol version and the diamond SRH-805. They probably all have equally poor performance, comet also has a similar model, the MH-209.

The reality is none of these antennas are going to be signifigantly different from each other, they are designed for convenience.

They are great for when you are close range in a group or getting into a local repeter with good coverage in your area. I love them for a compact digital HT setup when using hotspots.

I would say pick one that fits your HT well and has the native connector for your radio. Beware of knockoffs for all these antennas all over Amazon and eBay though.

I use a Chinese import antenna on my anytone 868 for local repeaters and hotspots at home that has had surprisingly good performance. I like that it fits snug on my radio and fills out the antenna recess.

NKTECH NK-761M https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071P7LQ3D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cfoSCb6SBX0PJ

NO. You definitely will need a different receive antenna as using the same antenna will be a bad thing. It will reduce receive sensitivity in the appropriate frequency range and make the antenna tuned closer to the transmit frequency complicating matters even worse.Now the good part: If you are getting a 5/8 wave antenna that is 100% a straight piece of metal, you can cut this down to be in the frequency range you need.

Get yourself a pair of these.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ACBV9HO

You can easily trim down the antenna element to fit each of the specific frequency ranges you need. You need to shorten the length for the higher frequencies.

Try out this mount https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/cma-fo3antncg

Then you just need an NMO mount (either change the mini-UHF to a PL259 or get an adapter) and an antenna. I'm a fan of the Comet SBB5NMO myself.

You should read through K0BG's website as well. Although it is primarily aimed at HF operation and I find his writing style to be rather irksome he has some good information.

Edit: in case you haven't checked out products yet, heres a better amazon list: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015QC7IO2/ + https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GN94FOE/

I've got the Comet antenna set up ( https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QL2FCK4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) with the right coils (it comes with several), but no change from before (I don't hear anything).

I have squelch turned down to just above where I hear the static.

RTFM'ing but pretty clueless, so all hints are welcome.

https://www.amazon.com/1185-FSMA-Amateur-Dual-Band-SMA-Female-Connector/dp/B01DY8FNE2

Hmmm. OK, maybe roof mount is the best way to go then.

Are these of any use?

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Trucker-Ground-Antennas-Similar/dp/B01H7RDX48/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491595657&sr=8-1&keywords=ground+radial

I believe it is this:

https://www.amazon.com/Amateur-Dual-Band-Antenna-144-148-435-450/dp/B013VP38TU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468431813&sr=8-2&keywords=tram+1185

The thing about the magmount on the roof of your vehicle is you get a better ground plane which helps with your range.

Here it is from head to toe!

HEAD:

Team Wendy EXFIL LTP

Team Wendy LTP Cover

Team Wendy EXFIL Peltor Adapters

EOG Short Set System counter weight pouch

2X Velcro Elastic Battery Holders

Spiritus Systems Lid Snake MK 2

FMA V-Lite

Used Rhino Mount

Z-Tac Comtac II's

Rothco One Hole Balaclava

Smith Optics Aegis Arc

Generic green and black shemagh

UPPER BODY:

Semapo NJPC Vest

Ferro Concepts The Dangler

Z-Tac TCI PTT

Baofeng UV-5R with Retevis Whip Antenna

Bravo Dummy Antenna

Condor Dual Kangaroo Pouch, Radio pouch, and one of their generic utility pouches.


A Tourniquet

Emerson Gen3 Combat Shirt

Plus some Mechanix Gloves I got from Princess Auto


LOWER BODY:

A Condor Duty Belt I can't find online for some reason

BLACKHAWK! Molle Dump Pouch

Warrior Assault Systems Universal Pistol Clip

Emerson Pistol Lanyard

Emerson Gen3 Combat Pants

Multicam Side Zip Teesar Boots

WEAPONS

KWA VM4A1 with Madbull 12 Inch Rail Black, AIM 3x Zoom and 559 Style Sight, Magpul MOE Short Vert Grip, G&G Flip Up Sights and Stock I stole from another gun, G&P Magwell Extender LBX 2-Point Sling and Blackjacks 9-Line Sheet Sticker and Mk.18 Mod1 Armourers Sticker.

G&P Minimi/M249 with the Ranger Stock or "Special Forces" Stock. AIM 552 Style Sight and an LBX 2-Point Sling

And lastly a KWA USP.

Was looking for something along these lines but I'm not sure how well they'd perform. They would, however, fit the cars look a little better, would go with your rack mount instead of the magnetic though. Not prepared to cut a hole in my MK7 as of yet.

https://www.amazon.com/136-174-400-470-Profile-Phantom-Magnetic/dp/B01N11HGC8

I use one of these at home, I 'installed' it in a tree near a window using a tennis ball and masking tape.

Gotcha! Thanks for the help! Just based off this I've got quite a bit better understanding. Based off your advice it sounds like i should be shooting for something like this.

Tram Browning 1121 18 INCH NMO quarter wave VHF 150-162 MHz antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S982K58/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_37Xiyb7EWPYEE

Strictly speaking, BTECH and BaoFeng are different companies. BTECH is just a contract manufacturer. I own a BTECH UV-25X4 (primarily for 1.25M amateur FM), and it's performance far exceeds the UV-5R by any metric. The 50x1 reminds me a lot of the 25x4.

Even Midland acknowledges the deficiencies of their 15 and 40W models: tone squelch is required if you use PL (CTCSS or DCS) on TX, and you can't use "split" tones at all. The 50x1 has no such problems, as is clear from the link.

While tone squelch (TSQ) is common, there are older repeaters that can't accommodate it -- or the operators feel it's not needed. And, while I own a Midland MXT115, operating on simplex with TSQ is a considerable limitation when others try to break in.

I don't see any pictures of the back, so I can't say if there's a cooling fan. I'd be surprised if there wasn't, though. The VHF/UHF RX is a nice touch. You can monitor amateur repeaters, VHF marine, MURS, and all of the weather channels.

If it's similar to the UV-25X4, you can extend the mic cable with simple ethernet inline cable. It's certainly much cheaper than the Midland MXT400, though I doubt the output power of the 50x1 is a full 50W.

The recommendation of the Nagoya mobile antenna is poor, however. The coax is cheap and lossy at UHF, and the connector adapter to PL-259 is ridiculous. This is a much better option. Or, if you already have a suitable NMO mount, this Tram whip is a great choice.
Perhaps not great for monitoring VHF, but neither is the recommended Nagoya.

If you don't want to run the full 50W, a cigarette lighter jack would run this easily. I keep my 25x4 in the back seat "pocket", and change channels with the mic buttons. Otherwise, this could be a nice base station when you add a power supply.

All told, I'd say it's a better buy than the Midland MXT400, if only because of the PL/DCS capability.

• Todd KAF6430