Episode 195 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast is now online. We discuss the importance of an antenna in extending radio range and some top of the line aerials that can maximize the range of your base, mobile or handheld radio.
TWRS-195 - Using Antennas to Extend Radio Range
Show Notes:
TWRS-195 - Using Antennas to Extend Radio Range (buytwowayradios.com)
Thanks for another great podcast. Back when I was more active on the HAM side my use case was utilitarian in nature. For my mobile radios I would buy an antenna that was designed for the band radio I had, install it, and go. I didn’t have access to an SWR meter back then. I never had a problem with any radio I used. Now that I am using GMRS more and can measure the SWR I find “good enough” works for me.
As you stated, getting an accurate SWR reading on a handheld radio can be very challenging, and therefore I don’t worry about it. I have tried a bunch of different antennas on my handhelds and the Bandit-G is my favorite especially on our KG-S88G radios. It works as well (maybe a little better) than the Nagoya 771 you used to sell. I prefer the thinner profile antenna of the Melowave. Will you ever offer a Melowave in the shorter 701 size? I find that I use the shorter factory antennas on a regular basis but if I am out on the trails I will always carry the longer antenna in my pack in case I need the extra range. A shorter version of the Bandit-G would be handy to have.
Sean