Tested Best COMET Ham Radio Antennas
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 มิ.ย. 2024
- We're back at the field testing. Today we're looking as a sampling of mobile ham radio antennas from COMET. Thank you to Ham Radio Outlet for letting me borrow these antennas. I did buy one after the testing. Watch the video to find out why!
COMET SBB-5NMO: www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
COMET 2x4SR: www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
COMET B-10: www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
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I’ve got one thing figured out. My Diamond 5/8 wave 2m/70 cm mobile antenna on top of my Ram truck is 2” below the drive through ceiling of In-N-Out burger. I’ll trade gain for a burger…
I go thru drive through's with the SG-7900 and the Diamond screwdriver antennas scraping and banging off things LOL took out the lights in one drive thru!
I have been a ham since 1993. I have never had any other mobile antenna than the Comet SBB 5. I currently own four of them. The older ones still work great but are faded by sunlight damage and pitted by the winter weather.
Thank you for finally doing this video, asked years ago and now ther was finally enough interest to make a video, please do more of this.
I’ve had the SBB-5 NMO for 3-4 years and I LOVE IT!!! It’s on my Silverado using a mag mount on the roof.
Yes it’s tall. Yes, I park in a garage at work but I put the mag on the back wheel well and I’m good. I know, I know, not the best place but its works on my local repeaters.
I drove TV news microwave & satellite trucks for almost 25 years so I’m very aware of vehicle heights, etc. and don’t have too much trouble with trees & drive thrus and always stop and take the antenna off the roof if needed.
The more “tin in the wind” the better. The SBB-5 is great when I’m running the ARRL VHF contests.
And now after seeing your video, I’m seriously looking at the B-10 for use on the roof when I’m in the garage.
Thanks for all your hard work & kudos on the production value! 👍🏼
7-3
Michael-WA5AZQ
I’ve been waiting for this video! Love it! Definitely upgrading my current antennas for my SAR vehicle
More to come! I'm going to work through other brands too!
Thanks for the video! I appreciated the real-world data and the test methods!
Good stuff Josh. I've been running the Signal Stalk for a couple of years.
Great review Josh, very informative and helpful! Comet makes some amazing antennas!
Bought an SBB-5 at a hamfest 2 years ago. Wanted some mag mount antennas. Guy had some. I grabbed 2-3 different ones. Realized I got the #1 antenna out there with an NMO mag mount for >$20 !
It does better than it’s big brother the 8 too!
Thanks Josh for the science.
Great video helped me make a desertion on a antenna for my fender mount on my dodge truck. Going with the SBB-5 with PL-259 Connector.
Great video and a good test protocol.
I've been running an SBB-7 for Public Service events and traveling for over 20 years, Works great out in the boonies. Too tall for my garage, so use a Z-750 (also 20+ years old and on it's 3rd vehicle) for day to day use on my TM-D710. I use the B-10 on the front hood of my Trailblazer for 13 years for the VHF/UHF side of my IC-706MKIIG. In the Dayton area we are saturated with repeaters and it works great in town. I put the Z-750 up there when using the SBB-7 on the back.
While I know the NMO is the "professional" vehicle mount, all of my VHF/UHF mobile antennas are PL-259 and the mounts are SO-239. Much easier to remote antennas (such as up on a mast with my drive over mount) for ARES work. I have had no problems with those connectors in 20+ years of use.
73 Randy KAØAZS
Fantastic video! I just wish you would have tried 50 watts also and provided numbers for 50 too but the video still shows how amazing comet antennas are. It’s the only brand I use. I have a nice stockpile of comets in the shack.
I’m working on and FTM 500 install right now and I’m running a short run of LMR400 Flex to a Breedlove stake pocket mount to get all my power out and on the air! Going to try a Comet CSB790A antenna. It’s a long 7/8 wave antenna with 5.1 DBi on 2M and 7.7BDi on 70cm
Josh,
I have been using the B-10 antenna on my Tacoma roof now for about 5 years. I use with a Connect System 800D on 70cm DMR at high power. I always get a clean signal in a 40-50 mile circle of the repeater. My opion is this is excellent shorty antenna. Thanks for all you videos.
Tyler
KF5ETZ
I have had the CA2X4SR with the optional spring extension for about 4 years. As you noted in your video the fold-over works great for parking structures and the spring section helps out with the occasional low-flying tree branch.
I haven't had any issues with 70cm repeater usage, and I actually operate an HT in my Suburban with the Comet antenna so I am always low power.
I also have to give Comet kudos because they offer replacement parts at reasonable prices. I had an antenna damaged in shipping. The vendor filed an insurance claim with the shipper and sent me a new antenna. I was able to replace the broken phasing coil for only $11 so now I have two of them.
I've ran the SBB-5, SBB-7 and the 2x4SR. Currently using the 2x4SR on my 400XD in my vehicle. It works great and doesn't scrape the overhang at the bank when I drive through.
The SBB-5 works great as well, but some areas it isn't big enough for East Tennessee.
The SBB-7 had no problem getting my signal out in most areas. One draw back is the it scrappes the overhang at the bank and low limbs can knock it over.
The 2x4SR is the sweet spot for me on my vehicle. It's big enough to get my signal out and not easily knocked over or scrape overhangs.
I’ve got the SBB-5 on the tailgate of my Honda Pilot and I love it. It’s connected to a FTM-400.
I have the SBB5 mounted on a lipmount on the hatch. Amazing performance. Has a spring to lower it when entering parking lots.
I have the search and rescue antenna on my F-150 (same mount) but I do have the optional spring for smacking branches and drive through overhangs.
This is valuable information. I want to put a mobile antenna on top of my Explorer mainly for calling CQ on road trips to get traffic updates
great around town test of the different length antennas.
I believe that cutout when receiving the test signal back was actually your ID5100 briefly switching to listen for WX tone. At least that's what I've experienced on my 5100. Also, I have the B10 on my wife's SUV and I've been very happy with it!
I have the uhf mounted 2x4 and Iove that antenna. Prior to that I had a tram mag mount. Needless to say the comet is miles better especially on receive.
great information Josh, thanks...!
Nice testing Josh! I’m currently using the SBB-5 NMO mounted on the hatch of my SUV and it’s been doing a great job. I also have the SBB-7 NMO but it’s pretty tall to clear most drive thru where I have it mounted.
What mount did you go with? I'm looking use this antenna on my SUV.
I do have the COMET 2x4SR on two vehicles. Bought that one because, in my use case, I have a GMRS radio as well as a VHF/UHF radio connected with a switch and that antenna works well across all the frequencies needed (with only one antenna for my wife to not like). The SBB does look good too! All my HTs are fitted with signalsticks - good antennas and being able to coil them up for storage is great. Thank you for the review! 73! W7PMR
I have the Comet ca2x4sr-nmo with the accessory spring which Comet makes specifically for this antenna. That spring is just the right tension to keep the antenna upright at highway speed, but it takes the shock if you do hit something. I've gone into the parking garage with the antenna up. I was going slow, and I stopped after the first impact and took the antenna down, but there was no damage.
I’ve got the 2x4 with about 1 million miles on it. Works awesome on the mirror of a semi truck.
I love real world tests like these.
Josh ... Excellent Video! I own an SBB-5, it was my First Mobile Antenna and its hasn't disappointed me. I only recently became a ham in Canada... decided while I am looking into HF units, I setup the SBB-5 As a Temporary Base Station Antenna on my Fence-9ft up! Fantastic Range... anywhere from 9 km to a max. 35 km range on 5 Watts with an HT ~ FT-65R! Recently I was able to open a Repeater about 60km away during a Net with a 3/3 ... So I totally Agree with you, its just the best Value for the money! Keep doing these great reviews! How about doing a review on the Comet UHV-4 ...been thinking of picking up one of these too! 73 ...
I found the SBB5 to be the best on 70cm and of course awesome on 2m.
Nothing scientific, just using many different antennas.
Thanks for what you do!
Big thumbs up! I love these type videos!
Glad you like them!
Hi Josh your favorite magician here. Love the antenna testing. I have an SBB-25 on my car, it's nice but way too tall over 50 inches, I think the SBB-5 would be better since it's only 38 inches and will fit in my garage without having to fold it over. Thanks for assuring me it would be great on my 2020 Ford Edge ST. Thanks.
Thanks for watching! Keep the magic alive!
I've had a SBB5 (wasn't called that back in the day) since 1995. Still rock solid.
You provide excellent content for hams. I appreciate it! - De AL7KT
Thank you!
I have the 2x4 with the optional spring and have beaten the s*** out of it and it is still going strong.
Good feedback!!
I know these are (weirdly IMO) controversial, but I really love my set of Compactennas for my ham radio and scanner. They do very well in most conditions, including urban environments with a lot of multipath. The HAM band version when mounted on my hatchback's roof had very similar performance to my giant 'supergainer' mounted to the rear hatch.
I've had them mounted for about 5 years and have done many long trips through all sorts of terrible weather and they've held up great. My next car antennas will be from Compactenna as long as they're still around.
I have the CA-2X4SR (not NMO mount) connected to a LD-5M lip mount on my Civic. Its a great antenna. I have been able to send APRS packets to the ISS with it while driving.
I've got one as well. Added the spring kit to it... just in time...I went to a valet parking lot and they put my Jeep into the garage. I forgot about the height of the antenna! Got my Jeep back and found the antenna tilted backwards ( the screw on the mount was loose enough to let the antenna flex and not break) with only a few scratches. Checking with antenna analyzer and no issues. Great antenna for me. I got it specifically for 2m band openings for mobile and it's wide band operations. Trying to get a duplexer to run my 220 rig and my Yeasu 8800 through it...if possible. I'd get it again.
nice analysis. Thanks.
I have one of the larger Comets on the van and wouldn't ya know it, the drive through took a section off. So I will be replacing it before I head out to Huntsville
That does happen. 😬
Tip of my old SG-7900 is bent back 30 degrees from a bird strike at 80mph... I heard a twang, looked back in the rear view mirror and saw a cloud of feathers... friend driving behind me said it cut the bird in half and splattered him with guts, feathers, blood...
Great video, i was reading the other day that they stopped making the signal stalk because of some design issues.
Apparently they are currently working on fixing the problems.
Thanks again for a great video!!
Cheers 73 VA6GKT
Hmmm. Not sure about that.
I actually use the comet CA-2x4SR with the Yaesu FTM-200 and like it. I like its folding capability and recently added the comet spring to help when hitting branches and such. I did look at the SBB-5 but liked the little UFO on the CA-2X4, lol.
Helpful thank you!
I'm loving these tests.. I was wondering, do you have a video of your RX setup and the DTMF TX setup? I'd love to learn how this works.. Especially how the DTMF TX works.. If some one else used this dtmf code, would it also TX for them?
great test. with 70CM can be blocked in spots . sometimes just moving a foot or so makes a big difference. I like how the one will even due MURS and GMRS. looking for good performing GMRS antenna and this was helpful letting me know what else is out their. have Ford fusion car so looking into longer antenna .I have the Midland MNO 5DB GMRS one now and works pretty good. 73's
They also have a spring kit for the 2x4 to help out with low obstructions
I have the 2x4SR on my 4x4 and I pick up HAM and GMRS when I’m off-road around other off-roaders.
I've got the 2x4SR-NMO and paired with my Kenwood D710-GA it's amazing.
The fold over was nice when I used to park with my old vehicle in a parking garage. Now I don't have an issue in my current garage with the current vehicle.
But it's been a fantastic performer and I only get excellent feedback on my signal output at any wattage.
But I was always extra impressed by the RX. I used to hear my club members on simplex from 50 or so miles away in the mountains. But because of trees I imagine they could never hear me.
I just got the Kenwood d710ga and 2x4SR NMO antenna - going to play from home office location till I learn the radio ..and get things sorted into my Lexus 350 .. and then shop for a base station antenna for the home .. but good to hear we have similar selections and that you have good results.. perhaps you have a suggestion for a home antenna too .. I have a lot of testing and learning to do ..
Josh! pretty nice video! I was wondering, how did you setup the cables and your radio inside your F150 lightning and I also wanna know what did you bought in order to mount the antenna on the third light of your car? is that a special antenna mount design for the F150? Where did you bought it?
I know this test was 10 months ago, but the video just popped up in my feed. I have a 2023 Ford F-150 with the same 3rd brake light antenna mount and 5100 radio. I'm using the B-10 because it clears my 8' garage door (so it always stays on except for car washes), and that little antenna has surprising performance (I keep the radio on 15 watts). Anyway, hope this was helpful to anyone considering the smaller B-10 as an option. Cheers and 73. Pete in Arizona - KI7LIL
I have the 2x4 and love it
I use a Diamond SG-7900 but I also have a 10' garage door and 12' ceiling! HF is a Diamond screwdriver. Out where I live I need max gain... repeaters are 30-50 miles away!
The 2X4 has an optional spring that replaces the bottom section...helps in drive thrus
One test that's also important is how they sound on the road. I'm not referring to signal quality; instead, I'm referring to wind noise. Some antennas can be heard just a little, some whistle, and some howl. For example, on my GTI, the B10 whistles and the 2x4SR howls. The SBB5 makes some noise, but it's just a faint wind sound. I have the larger SBB7 and SBB15, too. They sound like cargo boxes! HAHA! That may be a result of my main mount being near the back of a long roof and very much in the wind. I didn't notice any of these noises when mounted on my previous car, a sedan where the antenna was on the trunk lid with the coil(s) being below the direct path of wind. Of course, now I have so much on the car that it probably doesn't matter. 🤣Nice work! -Scott, KE4WMF
Have you ever tried the Comet SBB-680? I've been working with one for about 10 years and it holds up very well and it has decent range at mid level power (10w). I got it for the size (it's great for going in and out of drive throughs on top of my Jeep Grande Cherokee) and performance (I can hit repeaters 30+ miles away with a good signal at about 10w). Well built and works great.
I put 2x4 sr on everything. A spring kit is a must if you are anywhere near brush or low limbs. They will break without the spring if you hit a limb or anything stout. Not cheap, but the wide band is a must for me.
Thanks for your help and import Ke4hpq
Great review
Im looking for a tried and tested aerial
Good information Josh. The dual band on my daily driver's trunk fits the car's shape and size (Acura iLX) but definitely loses in the performance category.
I have both the SBB5 and UHV-4 that I will place on my truck lid. The height is definitely an issue with the UHV4, but worth it when trying to get weaker signals.
The issue I had with the SBB5 was the fact I used Amazon. The packaging is the same between thr two connectors and Amazon screwed up the stock. I kept getting the wrong connector sent different from my order. Comet had to finally step in and make it right. I bought directly through them and they honored the price while they dealt with Amazon's stock.
Need to try the comet ca-2x4sr as well. I believe they make an nmo version of it as well but not positive.
thank you
Can you do a review on the mount you got? I think I know which one, but I'm curious what you think about it.
Excellent
The SBB-5 is a half wave antenna on 2 meters. So if you need an antenna for a fiberglass car like a Corvette or to go on an RV or Camper shell, the SBB-5 is a great choice. Half wave antennas don't need a ground plane. 3:39
I run this on my full size pickup. Works great. Notice better preference on APRS. I usually run 5 watts off a Yeasu Ft5dr. Not too often I have to turn on the Mirage dual band amp. Think it’s about 45 watts with 5 watts in. Easy removal for getting into my garage.
and good for a motorcycle for the same reasons.
I use the SBB-5 with mag mount on my aluminum Ford truck on a steel plate on top of a piece of unistrut stuck in the stake pocket. Its the same hight as my cab but stuck to a 5" square steel plate. I chose the sbb5 because of the poor ground plane i likely have with my compromised mount.
So it’s more than a 1/2 wave on 70cm isn’t it? What about the ground plane on that freq?
@@forgetyourlife it's 2x5/8 wave on 70 cm. It will require a ground plane on 70cm, but the ground plane will vary depending on how and where you mount it on what vehicle.
As always value added content 73's sir.
Much appreciated
I use this antenna. Its rockin
Thank you
Question Josh - I have the same mount in NMO but use the diamond’s version of the SBB-5. I get a high pitched whistle from wind at highway speeds (above 55MPH). I assume it’s from the coil and I am curious if you notice the same with the SSN-5. My dad has exact setup as I do and has the same whistle noise. It’s not loud but it is there and high pitched. I have a F-350 dually crew cab and my Dads an F-150 super cab so airflow and roof line is different but both get the same whistle.
@Ham Radio Crash Course-
Let’s say you want to pair an excellent mobile antenna for connecting the Kenwood TH-D75 in a Jeep wrangler application would the SBB-5nmo be the ticket or is there an awesome tri band that would be better?
I have had great luck with the Comet CA-2X4SR Mobile VHF/UHF - with the added benefit of being able to use it for Public Safety VHF frequencies. The available spring add-on allows for more flexibility on taller trucks like mine. - KI5MEL
Work great for Hambands and receive out off Ham bands!
Suggestion on the sbb5 is to take a piece of large diameter heat shrink tubing around the coil. Otherwise you will constantly be telling your wife, "no, I don't hear any whistle"
Do you have any videos that cover how you do the signal and power logging of the receive performance at your base station? I've seen a few videos where you test various equipment like this and would love to use my home SDR setup to analytically compare my mobile rig performance as I make adjustments and antenna changes.
one of the best antenna brand.
Maybe throw in the 1/4 wave signal stalk??? I love mine. I use both of theirs. Big one for long road trips, little one for bopping around town.
That wasn’t an option when I bought mine.
How did you setup the DTMF to transmit a voice back?
Josh, which NMO mount do you have on your truck? Thanks!
One thing to consider is angle of radiation, ie lower angle is good for repeaters at a lower elevation and higher angle of radiation better for higher mountain repeater. For instance a two meter quarter wave has a higher angle of radiation than a 5/8 wave. Keep up the good work 😊 73 de KW7WP
Aloha Josh, what a great video but I have a great challenge for you.
Please test the Tram 1185-a 19” 1/4 wave mag mount antenna against the SBB-5 and B-10 against the 1185. They are very similar in price and can be bought with different types of connectors.
I also own and love my Comet antennas but I was so pleased with it’s performance that I bought two more for my two rigs in my Jeep and still have an extra one for a back up.
I mentioned this Tram 1185 antenna because it’s one of only a few antennas that passed my VOAD Repeater test held on the first Saturday of each month for it’s 284 mile journey from Oahu to the VOAD repeater on top of Moana Kea on the Big Island of Hawai’i, which is five islands away from Oahu.
I do have a 5/8 wave Comet antenna that does better but it’s over 50” tall.
I’m not sure if HRO sells the Tram 1185? I bought all of mine on eBay a few years ago and they are still working great. I have two of them on top of my Jeep. One for my Yaesu FT-2900r and the other for my Anytone AT-5888 UVIII 50 watt tri-band transceiver. Yes, this antenna works great for 220 mhz also.
My wife likes these antennas also for she likes to go to the Ala Moana Mall, which their underground parking structures use to interfere while looking for parking spaces, which my Comet and JetStream antennas use to bang against the overhead structure and pipes hanging down in those parking levels.
I would love to try out that short B-10 antenna to compare performance and signal strength vs the Tram 1185 antennas that I’m already using, especially for the monthly VOAD repeater test for one hour each month.
Are you up for this challenge?
Todd de WH6DWF 🇺🇸
Probably not no, my truck is Aluminum. It would need to be an NMO mount.
While the 2X is a huge antenna, they do make an optional spring add on, worth the money for tree impacts.
Have you done any testing on the Comet SBB 15 Tri Band? And is there any way to get the SWR a little lower on 6m and 440m
Help, need suggestion for a single strong magnetic Ham radio vehicle antenna mount please. Not interested in the 3 magnet triangle one. Antenna will be the Comet SBB5. Thanks for suggestions
I love my SBB7, a perfect 1.0swr on both bands and i love my icom 5100, it's definitely the best mobile radio out there for traveling with that near repeater search. Yeasu's and any other radios are just a headache.
Can you test stock stereo antenna the one you use for the regular car stereo I wonder how good it would be
Good day,
I'm planning to purchase either the Nagoya UT-72 or Nagoya UT-72G antenna. I'm primarily going to use frequencies between 451.000 to 455.000 most of the time, and occasionally frequencies between 144 to 145. I've heard that the Nagoya UT-72G might be a better choice since its frequency range extends from 155 to 462 compared to the Nagoya UT-72, which covers 144 to 430. However, I've noticed that the Nagoya UT-72G is more expensive in my area. Can you please provide guidance on which antenna would be the better option given my frequency usage and budget constraints? Your assistance is much appreciated. Thank you.
It'd be cool if you added some budget options to these tests... like the tram antennas. The Tram 1180 is usually under 50 bucks.
I use the SBB-5, good all round antenna. Also that receiver on 70cm is not good, 12dB snr at -102dbm? it should be lower than -115 for 12dB.
I know this all too well the dilemma of having a big stick on a truck. My mate has a 9 ft stainless whip for cb after trying many antenna's on his 4x4. That thing is tough as nails, would spring right back to vertical even after a few solid hits on trees when going bush. He still took it off going into a parking garage but drive throughs never phased it either, it just sprang right back after it hit the sign.
you should try this one! CSB-790A :)
I ordered a Diamond Tri-band nmo antenna (model CR320B), but it is back ordered. What would you recommend for a replacement?
Hi, I just bought this VHF Airband Outdoor Antenna for my portable SONY Air-8 receiver. Anyway, being an antenna expert, I hope you can be of some help. This antenna comes with a 30 feet coaxial cable (RG 58). I plan to install the antenna on top of our water tank which has a height of 54 feet. With the extension cable that I need, is it better to use the thicker cable (RG 8)? Because of the cable length, is it better to replace the entire antenna cable with the coaxial RG 8? Any help from your end will be appreciated. Many thanks.
Again. Damn you TH-cam. I was bored at work for hours and i didn't get the notification got this video. I pay for premium like a schmuck and i keep missing literally everything i wanna watch...
I'm looking for a dual band 2m/70cm mag-mount.
Plenty of cheap Chin, and one I bought works surprisingly well, however nearly all that I can find have piddling little magnets which let go at about 70Mph or less with gusts of headwind.
Any suggestions?
I've "graduated" from the 2x4 to the 7900.
But there's very little to be gained in reality.
The SBB25 was better on 2 meters than any other antenna I've tried.
A lot of the shorter 'dual band' antennas are nothing but a 1/4 wave on VHF, which is about a 3/4 wave on UHF - 3/4 wave on UHF means radiation pattern is pretty much aimed at the sky.
What mount is that on the F150? Looking for suggestions for mine.
Have the sbb5 and sbb7 and must say the sbb7 blows me away again and again. I run my Nmo mount on a lip mount on the truck bed of my ram and while suboptimal it still just works, haven’t found any repeaters I can’t hit that I could in any other situation.
when I had my antenna mounted like that if I was marginal into the repeater I could turn the truck and get gain from reflection off the cab
How far away was your receiver? Just trying to get an idea of the other variables.
@HamRadioCrashCourse will the SSB-5 transmit on 155.00?
I alternate between the 2 and the 5.
How’s the SBB-5 compared to the Larson 2/70 NMO ?
Is this icom 5100 still great for mobile and base operations?