Recommend me a 2M/70CM base station antenna

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Recommend me a 2M/70CM base station antenna

Posted: 9/15/2017 2:35:50 PM EDT

Inspired by recent events, I am trying to get my house in order in terms of emergency coms. I have an HT that is good to go, but I'd like to have a base station of some sort for more range. I don't own an HF rig, and while taty may happen in the future, my immediate goal is to set up a Yaesu 2M mobile unit I have for home use. I plant to install it in my basement, and I think I will buy a boat battery to use as a power supply. I want mount an antenna on my house. It is three stories, and there is a chimney I can mount the antenna on. I figure I can run coax down the side of the house and into the basement.

I need a recommendation for an antenna. I'd like to keep it under $100 if possible, but I am somewhat flexible. I think it makes sense to get a dual band unit, as I may upgrade my radio at some point to one that does UHF as well. I do not own an antenna tuner, so that is also an issue.

Can anyone recommend an antenna? Thanks.

Posted: 9/15/2017 2:47:47 PM EDT

[#1]

Diamond X50? They're right around $90

Posted: 9/15/2017 2:48:03 PM EDT

[#2]

I have a Comet "GP-3" that's been working great for years.

I'd get a rig that offers a X band repeater function. Might come in handy to use with your HT in the event of bad times.

Posted: 9/15/2017 2:49:06 PM EDT

[#3]

Tram 1480. Well under a hundred. Take the savings and put it to some good coax.

Posted: 9/15/2017 3:04:45 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
Tram 1480. Well under a hundred. Take the savings and put it to some good coax.

View Quote

This.

Posted: 9/15/2017 3:12:03 PM EDT

[#5]

I do not disagree with any of the above suggestions. I also Dig the Crossband Dual-band Rig Idea...

but let me add to the once mentioned Coax Cable thought. At 100' losses on VHF (2m) will be minimal with lower end coax. on 440 (UHF/70cm) you'll need a better feedline.

IF you think you may one day add a dual bander to the mix, I'd spend it on the Coax now and save running a better one, later (ask me how I know)

Posted: 9/15/2017 3:20:49 PM EDT

[#6]

Every suggesting so far has been a good one. I'll add that if you want a slightly worse antenna, the Comet GP-1 isn't a bad choice.

This may sound like odd advice but the GP-1 is pretty tiny (about 4' tall) and lower profile and very easy to transport and install.
The others are very noticable, twice the length, and only slightly harder to set up on account of that. The GP-1 is my go to
when I need "an antenna" rather than a "good antenna."

I'd also add that the Tram is an incredible deal and going to be hard to beat with another supplier.

Posted: 9/15/2017 3:31:06 PM EDT

[#7]

Tram 1480 from Home Depot for $43. Shipped to store for free, pick up in a few days. Easy Peasy.

Posted: 9/15/2017 4:04:38 PM EDT

[#8]

I have been using a TRAM 1480 as my 2 meter base antenna for close to three years now. I am very satisfied with this antenna and recommend it. It's basically a Comet GP-6 for less than half the price.

Posted: 9/15/2017 4:28:49 PM EDT

[#9]

Thanks for all the replies. I have two more questions:

1) Do I need to tune this type of antenna? The mobile VHF antennas I have used in the past cam "pre-tuned," and I just plugged them in.

2) What kind of feed line should I be using? Can I get a 100' line with connectors already on it? I can make up connectors if I need to, but I usually find factory ones are more reliable.

Posted: 9/15/2017 4:48:18 PM EDT

[#10]

The antennas come pre-tuned, normally centered on 146.52, with very acceptable SWR across the band.

Coax is a big topic of debate. There's a lot of versions but basically you want low loss. Many will recommend LMR400, but
it's a bit stiff and doesn't like to be flexed. I think the current "best" coax is a recommendation made by another member
here, which is Davis RF BuryFlex. It's indoor/outdoor/buriable, losses comparable or better than LMR400, and flexible.

Just don't use CB coax.

Posted: 9/15/2017 4:58:06 PM EDT

[#11]

B-Square Engineering stainless steel J-pole.

http://www.b-squareengineering.com/jpole.htm

Inexpensive, omnidirectional, corrosion resistant, great SWR on both bands.

Use RG-8/U type .400" diameter coax... RG-213, LMR-400, etc.

Arrow also makes a good J-pole.

Posted: 9/15/2017 5:02:17 PM EDT

[#12]

I use a Comet GP-6. Has been working great so far.

Posted: 9/15/2017 5:13:31 PM EDT

[#13]

I like the idea of cross band repeating. Once I get up and running, I might upgrade to a dual band rig.

Posted: 9/15/2017 5:36:32 PM EDT

[#14]

I like the CQ1000 from The Wireman their website sucks, but a phone call is all you need!

Posted: 9/15/2017 5:41:44 PM EDT

[#15]

Coax at 100'
https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/cable/coaxperf.html#atten

Posted: 9/15/2017 6:05:51 PM EDT

[#16]

Also available via Amazon for roughly $50

Damn it, Amazon link, Y U NO INSERT?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003H3J4NQ

Failed To Load Product Data

Posted: 9/15/2017 6:21:08 PM EDT

[#17]

Another vote for the Comet. I have a GP-3 and a GP-1. Both perform very well and are very well made.

I also have an Arrow Antenna GP146/440 - 1/4 Wave Ground Plane in the attic. Arrows are very nice antennas and very well made for what they cost.

All of these choices are under $100

Posted: 9/15/2017 6:36:54 PM EDT

[#18]

I'll +1 the Tram 1480 for a dual band antenna, $50 delivered via amazon here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003H3J4NQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2NYACAJP9I1IY&psc=11

I bought one a couple years back & it has worked well. A caveat, though, you want to seal the center joint to prevent water infiltration. I used fusable tape & covered that with vinyl electrical tap to protect from UV. Also make sure the bottom weep holes stay clear to remove any condensate accumulation.

Nick

Posted: 9/15/2017 10:46:43 PM EDT

[#19]

Arrow Open-Stub Dual-Band J-Pole

Posted: 9/16/2017 4:09:01 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
This.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Tram 1480. Well under a hundred. Take the savings and put it to some good coax.

This.

This. Mine's three years old, now and works great. I had a home make, exact copy of an Arrow J pole and an Ed Fong and they were not even in the same league as this antenna.

Posted: 9/16/2017 8:23:52 AM EDT

[#21]

I say go big and pay the extra money needed.
Get a Comet GP-9 or Diamond 300 as high as you can and use the LMR-400UF coax. The UF means ultra flex and is easy to work with.
If you want performance for simplex 2M and to reach repeaters further out, go big. Don't limit yourself on a small budget and get small results. Pay the extra now and don't look back.

Posted: 9/16/2017 8:39:01 AM EDT

[#22]

For VHF/UHF, antenna height is a lot more important than antenna gain (for most omni-directional vertical antennas). Get it as high as you can. You would not believe the difference it makes. Of course, it's not that critical if you simply want to reach some local repeaters.
Also, like everyone mentioned, don't skip on coax cable on these frequencies. You can easily loose half the transmitted power in a coax cable. Same applies for RX. Coax connectors must be sealed very well from moisture. Wrapping it with electrical tape is not enough in most cases. Moisture intrusion can make your antenna inoperative, especially if you use crimped coax connectors. I strongly recommend to solder anything that goes outside.

A cross band radio can be very beneficial.

Posted: 9/16/2017 9:44:31 AM EDT

[#23]

Built one of these.
It performs well, will take full limit, swr's are low, it's very broadbanded, and can be sectioned so that it can be packed easy.

Edit: It doesn't need to be grounded, can be put up on a PVC pipe, placed in your attic, or hung from a tree etc...

http://www.arrowantennas.com/inst/OSJ146440.pdf

Posted: 9/16/2017 9:55:08 AM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:

...Edit: It doesn't need to be grounded...

View Quote

Umm, yeah, well...

Posted: 9/16/2017 2:16:43 PM EDT

[#25]

Ok, rephrase.
It doesnt need to be grounded to operate.

Posted: 9/16/2017 2:18:41 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
Built one of these.
It performs well, will take full limit, swr's are low, it's very broadbanded, and can be sectioned so that it can be packed easy.

Edit: It doesn't need to be grounded, can be put up on a PVC pipe, placed in your attic, or hung from a tree etc...

http://www.arrowantennas.com/inst/OSJ146440.pdf

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:
Built one of these.
It performs well, will take full limit, swr's are low, it's very broadbanded, and can be sectioned so that it can be packed easy.

Edit: It doesn't need to be grounded, can be put up on a PVC pipe, placed in your attic, or hung from a tree etc...

http://www.arrowantennas.com/inst/OSJ146440.pdf

I assume you mean that it doesn't need a ground plane or radials.

Despite the claims you would be incorrect:
https://www.w8ji.com/end-fed_vertical.htm

Quoted:
I say go big and pay the extra money needed.
Get a Comet GP-9 or Diamond 300 as high as you can and use the LMR-400UF coax. The UF means ultra flex and is easy to work with.
If you want performance for simplex 2M and to reach repeaters further out, go big. Don't limit yourself on a small budget and get small results. Pay the extra now and don't look back.

My experience with the really tall dual band verticals like those is that first, they perform poorly on 440. Second, they don't hold up to wind, etc very well, and ice will do them in. Lastly, the small boost on 2m is not enough to make up for problems 1 & 2.

Posted: 9/17/2017 1:49:10 AM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
Diamond X50? They're right around $90

https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.qrz.com/h/kc3ath/diamond_x50.jpg

View Quote

This is what I have, it's great. I used LMR400 coax for install, and am running a Yaesu FT-7900. Love the combo.

Posted: 9/18/2017 12:43:25 AM EDT

[#28]

I use the elk directional 5 element 2m/70cm for my home antenna.

LMR-400 feedline.

Yaesu FT7900 base

Posted: 9/18/2017 5:16:01 PM EDT

[#29]

Depends on if you want an omni directional or a directional yagi type antenna.

For general emcoms use I have a Diamond X700HNA vertical. It's a bit more than $100.00 though.

Remember, with a directional's lobes, you have drop-offs in RX as well as with TX.

Posted: 9/18/2017 8:29:51 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
I use a Comet GP-6. Has been working great so far.

View Quote

+1. Mine has been up since 2005.

Posted: 9/24/2017 8:01:26 PM EDT

[#31]

I've been using an Ed Fong J pole. It's been up for about 5 years, works great.

Posted: 9/24/2017 10:08:39 PM EDT

[#32]

I just ordered a Comet GP-3. I'll post a pic once I get it up.

Posted: 9/24/2017 10:33:31 PM EDT

[#33]

You'll have to pry my GP-6 from my cold, dead, hands...

But then again,

If I'm dead, I would hope one of you clowns got it anyway

Posted: 9/24/2017 11:55:17 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
Every suggesting so far has been a good one. I'll add that if you want a slightly worse antenna, the Comet GP-1 isn't a bad choice.

This may sound like odd advice but the GP-1 is pretty tiny (about 4' tall) and lower profile and very easy to transport and install.
The others are very noticable, twice the length, and only slightly harder to set up on account of that. The GP-1 is my go to
when I need "an antenna" rather than a "good antenna."

I'd also add that the Tram is an incredible deal and going to be hard to beat with another supplier.

View Quote

I've got one of the big diamond base antennas. I painted it battleship gray, and it's not nearly as noticeable...

Posted: 9/27/2017 9:38:07 PM EDT

[#35]

I soldered up a copper j-pole. Clear coated it and can call it "art" to keep the wife calm.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Recommend me a 2M/70CM base station antenna

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