Great overview. THank you. I came across you video because I've been wondering about those antennas myself. Looks like the 18" may also do well in MURS range as well. Hmm, It gives me an idea. a copper wire coil, my broken measuring tape and a bit of big shrink tubing (or even a bike tire innertube) It might be a fun experiment! But for $10, I just might buy one and test it in my area. Thanks again.
shouldn't the antennas for HTs be measured with the hand as a ground plane and near a human head at a average height to get accurate measurements for what the radio actually sees in the antenna as its being used?
Take a look, guys... The AR-152A thwapmasters tested here showed under 2:1 for the 1.25 meter band, should you like to work 222 Mhz. The gooseneck seems primarily suitable for VHF work, as its bandwitth under 2:1 makes it good for both 2M and MURS HTs. Not too bad, considering the low price points.
My uv21 pro v2 came with the 18 inch model. It seems to be ok but the little nagoya it came with did just as well . I am still trying them out . The weather is just to bad to get out to try them out.
@@davidyummus6259 Use a vna or nano vna to measure where the antennas are resonant. Another style of antenna analyzer that covers that frequency range will also work.
@@allen_steel1236 Actual a real (102inch) Abbree (not the fake in this video) is a solid antenna. on two meters its nicely 1:1 also on 240-260MHz U and also on U: 350-390MHz On 70 cm its just to long, so bad swr expected there.
I just received a UV-9r pro and I can only get about 3/4 of a turn before my 18.8" antenna bottoms out. The male side sits about 3/16" below the case molding as a opposed to your model if you look at 9:52 in your video. Really wanted this antenna to work with it. Maybe I can take it apart and screw the connector out a little more.
Antenna openings in the case are sometimes too small for these antennas. Send it back and try something like a signal stick flexible antenna or use little SMA connector adapter to raise the fitting.
anyone had issues with the 18.8 inch while folded? i am seeing some people say it can damage your radio but not seeing anyone say it has damaged a radio
"The Best" is a hard question to answer. What's the best for you may be different than what's for me. If you're thinking about using a small HT as a mobile transceiver, I'd start with a fairly inexpensive antenna from Amazon ($25- $30) to see how much you use the radio mobile. If you plan on going with a bigger more powerful radio fairly soon, then a separate mount and antenna combo will be a good choice. You can expect to pay between $40 and $80 for each piece. Be sure to match the mag mount's connector with the antenna you choose. NMO or UHF. A lip mount for trunk or door might be a better choice if you don't have to move the antenna frequently. Here's a link to a video I did a while back talking about getting started going mobile. th-cam.com/video/kIMGzo_ZkZY/w-d-xo.html
I've seen a couple of video where folks did just that. One was, indeed, a painted and marked tape measure. The other was just a strip of metal with no markings.
Does anyone know where I can get some of the nickel size rubber gaskets for these antennas? They are easy to lose and I can’t find a source for them anywhere.
Try looking for O rings at a hardware store such as ACE. They often have them for sale as single items and in a variety of sizes. If the center hole is too small you can drill it out, or even sand it thinner to fit.
Funny you should notice that. As a young Air Force pilot I noticed I was collecting working but unreadable watches as the crystals were heavily scratched and scuffed. Ejection seat aircraft have little padding and lots of sharp edges and exposed nuts and bolts. They are also quite small and tight for the plot. Those two things did a number on watch crystals. By turning the watch around I could get a couple of year's worth of use from a watch. Wearing a watch this way for 20 years of military flying became a habit. Got a Galaxy watch a year ago or so only recently moved back to wearing a watch on the outside of my wrist. Thanks for the opportunity to call out my fellow military aviators whether active or retired for their service to the country. It's hard, dangerous, physically and mentally demanding work managing some of the country's most sophisticated technology in a fluid, fast-paced environment.
You will need to consider 3 things. What connector does the radio have. If SMA, then is the spike (male) on the radio. If so, get a female antenna. Next, what frequency do you plan to use? Get an antenna that covers those frequencies. Last, what is the diameter of the opening. Some larger antennas won't fully seat in small openings.
@@GadgetTalk4U Radio side is J Female connector and what I believe to be 1/4 in. opening. Radio runs @ 5 watt 136 -174MHz VHF. Would that work with the abbree?
@@CYPER210 Order from Amazon and try it. Return if it doesn't fit. The Abbree tactical style antennas have a base that's about 3/4 of an inch diameter.
I'm using the UV 13 Pro. I haven't used the Nagoya antenna, so I can't be sure. So many of these products are the same with different branding. That being said, I simply don't know.
I jumped past the 42 with the 45" ABBree. No one to talk to but the in house resident, that said I tried the Fm radio and about blew the speaker, no static where sometimes I can't even get a signal. Hopefully it will resonate with the 20 and 70 as well.
The question is whether the shroud around the radio's antenna mount is too narrow. My guess is it would fit. It fits my Baofengs. Amazon returns are easy if it doesn't. Cheers.
Good information on these antenna's. What does the "Tactical" mean with these antennas? Is there anything that makes them somehow tactical or is it typical marketing baloney?
If by tactical, they mean cover a couple lengths of tape measure with black plastic, oh yes, way tactical. Any tactical Timmy would be properly equipped. Despite the ridiculous appearance, they seem to work well.
From Collins Dictionary Dot Comm "You use tactical to describe an action or plan which is intended to help someone achieve what they want in a particular situation." "Tactical" is also how ABBREE advertises the antenna.
@@GadgetTalk4U If they really wanted to be uber cool, they'd use "Logistical" instead. That's what Generals say is more important. Bwahahaha. Great video, keep 'em coming.
VSWR is the ratio of forward and reflected power through the antenna system. Resonance occurs where the antenna's reactance is zero. Hams use non resonant antennas all the time. Most use the SWR measure (as I did) to assess power loss in the antenna.
Wrong.....The 48 inch Tac Abbree antennas are Very resonant at 2 meters, Much better Resonant than the Diamond SJR77CA commonly used as a dual band Reference antenna.....Infact, with top 15" whip section folded over, the 48" long Tac antenna is flat 1: 1.1 at Midband 70 cm (446 mhz) not to shabby for any Single band antenna !! These 48" Tac Abbree antennas Really perform in spite of some "Sad Hams" who just don't like the looks & bash 'em every chance.....
Each video assumes different level of knowledge. This one assumes one has some background. I've got others that are made for brand new folks like yourself. We were all there at some point. Cheers.
I've seen some videos where some of the tapes were blank and others were painted with measurements. Tape measure yagi antennas are often a good antenna starter build.
Anyone please :) (New to Radio) I have a Hacked/Factory Set UV-5R that I programmed the 22 GMRS Channels/Frequencies into plus a local Repeater to receive only of course :) Are the following Abbree Antenna Specs good for GMRS Frequencies ? Frequency: RX:136-174MHz,400-520MHz；TX:GMRS(462-467MHz) Gain: 3.0 dBi. Max Power: 20Watts. V.S.W.R: Less than 1.5. Impedance: 50ohm. Antenna length: 48cm/18.89inch
The answer to your question lies within the specifications you listed. The antenna range includes the GMRS range. Broad band antennas will normally have reasonable SWR in those frequencies, not necessarily great readings.
You'd be surprised. While that may be the main factor for you, lots of folks place a high value on aesthetics. A senior marketing VP at a company I once worked for said, and I believe it, "There's nothing more dangerous than a focus group of one." Thanks for watching and commenting.
Damn. Finally someone do test those antena in folded position as they are usually used in LE/MIL
they are better for UHF in folded position and VHF in unfolded for transmit
I found this channel before two days and I,m so excited. Thank,s for this and cheers.
Bravo for the proper prononciation of the word niche !
Just a historical note: the AN/PRC-6 Radio, used in the Korean War, used a foldable antenna with the same idea.
Great overview. THank you. I came across you video because I've been wondering about those antennas myself. Looks like the 18" may also do well in MURS range as well.
Hmm, It gives me an idea. a copper wire coil, my broken measuring tape and a bit of big shrink tubing (or even a bike tire innertube) It might be a fun experiment! But for $10, I just might buy one and test it in my area. Thanks again.
shouldn't the antennas for HTs be measured with the hand as a ground plane and near a human head at a average height to get accurate measurements for what the radio actually sees in the antenna as its being used?
Take a look, guys... The AR-152A thwapmasters tested here showed under 2:1 for the 1.25 meter band, should you like to work 222 Mhz. The gooseneck seems primarily suitable for VHF work, as its bandwitth under 2:1 makes it good for both 2M and MURS HTs. Not too bad, considering the low price points.
My uv21 pro v2 came with the 18 inch model. It seems to be ok but the little nagoya it came with did just as well . I am still trying them out . The weather is just to bad to get out to try them out.
Love your reviews! You are very thorough
Thank you so much! Cheers.
Thank you i have been searching for this information, well done
Thank you for sharing this review
Thanks for your videos. There is lots of useful info for beginners like me.
Can you recommend a good antenna for the Quansheng UV-K5 8?
If you don't have one, try a Nagoya NA 771. The Quansheng's need an SMA female antenna.
Try this link: amzn.to/4ek2Cm1
@@GadgetTalk4U Thank you -
I have or 3 18 inch amtennas but how do I identify the frequency range ?
I have a tri band, a dual band & a GMRS version but no markings
@@davidyummus6259 Use a vna or nano vna to measure where the antennas are resonant. Another style of antenna analyzer that covers that frequency range will also work.
The Abbree is only resonant on tactical frequenties
as long as your FRQ, Likes 2.5: 1 or more
@@allen_steel1236 Actual a real (102inch) Abbree (not the fake in this video) is a solid antenna. on two meters its nicely 1:1 also on 240-260MHz U and also on U: 350-390MHz On 70 cm its just to long, so bad swr expected there.
I just received a UV-9r pro and I can only get about 3/4 of a turn before my 18.8" antenna bottoms out. The male side sits about 3/16" below the case molding as a opposed to your model if you look at 9:52 in your video. Really wanted this antenna to work with it. Maybe I can take it apart and screw the connector out a little more.
Antenna openings in the case are sometimes too small for these antennas. Send it back and try something like a signal stick flexible antenna or use little SMA connector adapter to raise the fitting.
I had same issue I just shaved down the plastic on the antennas base and it then fit, I used a file
anyone had issues with the 18.8 inch while folded? i am seeing some people say it can damage your radio but not seeing anyone say it has damaged a radio
What is the best magnetic antenna for these radios? Love your videos by the way.
"The Best" is a hard question to answer. What's the best for you may be different than what's for me. If you're thinking about using a small HT as a mobile transceiver, I'd start with a fairly inexpensive antenna from Amazon ($25- $30) to see how much you use the radio mobile. If you plan on going with a bigger more powerful radio fairly soon, then a separate mount and antenna combo will be a good choice. You can expect to pay between $40 and $80 for each piece. Be sure to match the mag mount's connector with the antenna you choose. NMO or UHF. A lip mount for trunk or door might be a better choice if you don't have to move the antenna frequently. Here's a link to a video I did a while back talking about getting started going mobile. th-cam.com/video/kIMGzo_ZkZY/w-d-xo.html
@@GadgetTalk4U awesome thank you so much.
Thanks for this. Really helpful.
You're welcome!
I'm fairly certain this antenna is made from a tape measure. I want to open one up and see what's inside.
I've seen a couple of video where folks did just that. One was, indeed, a painted and marked tape measure. The other was just a strip of metal with no markings.
It is literally a tape measure. I bought one, and opened it up.
These antennas look very similar to the antennas I used on my prc77 radio I used in the marines…
Remind me of them as well!! 11B here 👋
Does anyone know where I can get some of the nickel size rubber gaskets for these antennas? They are easy to lose and I can’t find a source for them anywhere.
Try looking for O rings at a hardware store such as ACE. They often have them for sale as single items and in a variety of sizes. If the center hole is too small you can drill it out, or even sand it thinner to fit.
I tried 2 of them and swr really HIGH
There are some "Fakes" out there. Yes I know a Chinese faking a Chinese, yeah.
I also noticed this gentlemen wears his watch on the inside of his wrist and now I have a rash
Funny you should notice that. As a young Air Force pilot I noticed I was collecting working but unreadable watches as the crystals were heavily scratched and scuffed. Ejection seat aircraft have little padding and lots of sharp edges and exposed nuts and bolts. They are also quite small and tight for the plot. Those two things did a number on watch crystals. By turning the watch around I could get a couple of year's worth of use from a watch. Wearing a watch this way for 20 years of military flying became a habit. Got a Galaxy watch a year ago or so only recently moved back to wearing a watch on the outside of my wrist. Thanks for the opportunity to call out my fellow military aviators whether active or retired for their service to the country. It's hard, dangerous, physically and mentally demanding work managing some of the country's most sophisticated technology in a fluid, fast-paced environment.
Wow I bet! That's really cool. @@GadgetTalk4U
I have no knowledge on HHR's and recently purchased a couple of ICOM IC-F14 radios at garage sale and am curious if this abbree antenna work?
You will need to consider 3 things. What connector does the radio have. If SMA, then is the spike (male) on the radio. If so, get a female antenna. Next, what frequency do you plan to use? Get an antenna that covers those frequencies. Last, what is the diameter of the opening. Some larger antennas won't fully seat in small openings.
@@GadgetTalk4U Radio side is J Female connector and what I believe to be 1/4 in. opening. Radio runs @ 5 watt 136 -174MHz VHF. Would that work with the abbree?
@@CYPER210 Order from Amazon and try it. Return if it doesn't fit. The Abbree tactical style antennas have a base that's about 3/4 of an inch diameter.
How does the ABBREE Gooseneck compare to the Nagoya Gooseneck antenna? And by the way, which radio is that you are using? Te UV9 Pro or the UV13 Pro?
I'm using the UV 13 Pro. I haven't used the Nagoya antenna, so I can't be sure. So many of these products are the same with different branding. That being said, I simply don't know.
I saw in one legit test thay gooseneck decrease performance in general. Test was with Abree 28inch
Thank you for your video. Will the Abbree 42" antenna work on a Gmrs Tidradio H8 2gen ?
Thanks!
Yes it does
Thank you!
I jumped past the 42 with the 45" ABBree. No one to talk to but the in house resident, that said I tried the Fm radio and about blew the speaker, no static where sometimes I can't even get a signal. Hopefully it will resonate with the 20 and 70 as well.
Do you know if the whip antenna would work on a BTECH GMRS-Pro?
The question is whether the shroud around the radio's antenna mount is too narrow. My guess is it would fit. It fits my Baofengs. Amazon returns are easy if it doesn't. Cheers.
Well done.
Good information on these antenna's.
What does the "Tactical" mean with these antennas? Is there anything that makes them somehow tactical or is it typical marketing baloney?
If by tactical, they mean cover a couple lengths of tape measure with black plastic, oh yes, way tactical. Any tactical Timmy would be properly equipped. Despite the ridiculous appearance, they seem to work well.
From Collins Dictionary Dot Comm
"You use tactical to describe an action or plan which is intended to help someone achieve what they want in a particular situation."
"Tactical" is also how ABBREE advertises the antenna.
I suspect it is marketing based on their appearance.
@@GadgetTalk4U If they really wanted to be uber cool, they'd use "Logistical" instead. That's what Generals say is more important. Bwahahaha. Great video, keep 'em coming.
... it all comes down to $$$💰💰💰
Wrong Vna settings 😢 try to mesure without cabel, it changing capacitans.
Excellent video. Any chance of running the SWR for the other 3rd party and stock UV-5R antennas? Love to see them for comparison! 73 my friend...
I've tested them. The stock UV-5R antenna's are all over the scale from 1 to over 3 SWR. The ABBREE that I have reads 1 SWR.
Try this video I did a a bit ago.
th-cam.com/video/87IAqE_qwgg/w-d-xo.html . Cheers
Many reviews show they are not even resonant any where near 2mters
VSWR is the ratio of forward and reflected power through the antenna system. Resonance occurs where the antenna's reactance is zero. Hams use non resonant antennas all the time. Most use the SWR measure (as I did) to assess power loss in the antenna.
Wrong.....The 48 inch Tac Abbree antennas are Very resonant at 2 meters, Much better Resonant than the Diamond SJR77CA commonly used as a dual band Reference antenna.....Infact, with top 15" whip section folded over, the 48" long Tac antenna is flat 1: 1.1 at Midband 70 cm (446 mhz) not to shabby for any Single band antenna !! These 48" Tac Abbree antennas Really perform in spite of some "Sad Hams" who just don't like the looks & bash 'em every chance.....
BEING BRAND NEW, HIS DEMO ON THE CHART MENT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO ME… 😮
Each video assumes different level of knowledge. This one assumes one has some background. I've got others that are made for brand new folks like yourself. We were all there at some point. Cheers.
I cut one of these open. They are quite literally made out of tape measure.
I've seen some videos where some of the tapes were blank and others were painted with measurements. Tape measure yagi antennas are often a good antenna starter build.
Anyone please :)
(New to Radio) I have a Hacked/Factory Set UV-5R that I programmed the 22 GMRS Channels/Frequencies into plus a local Repeater to receive only of course :)
Are the following Abbree Antenna Specs good for GMRS Frequencies ?
Frequency: RX:136-174MHz,400-520MHz；TX:GMRS(462-467MHz)
Gain: 3.0 dBi.
Max Power: 20Watts.
V.S.W.R: Less than 1.5.
Impedance: 50ohm.
Antenna length: 48cm/18.89inch
The answer to your question lies within the specifications you listed. The antenna range includes the GMRS range. Broad band antennas will normally have reasonable SWR in those frequencies, not necessarily great readings.
Who gives a s*** about the looks its the functionality of the antenna getting out
You'd be surprised. While that may be the main factor for you, lots of folks place a high value on aesthetics. A senior marketing VP at a company I once worked for said, and I believe it, "There's nothing more dangerous than a focus group of one." Thanks for watching and commenting.
I just wish he would talk normal and not infomercials style
Kinda sounds like Andy Rooney
What real difference does it make? Does it really bother you THAT much...
Don't hate....appreciate