I'm using the Retevis M409 antenna along with several of my friends and we're all happy with the antenna's performance. The antenna is well worth the money.
Nice looking antenna looks sturdy ...should work well here in nova scotia need stuff like that ...today dead calm thats super rare off saint marys bay and then the bay of funday next to it with some of the highest tides in the world always windy ...and high corossion from salt
Great looking antenna. I am working toward setting up a GMRS repeater here in SW Oklahoma. I'm curious how the fiberglass would hold up in the summer heat. As an example, a few weeks ago, the week of August 14th it was 110 degrees+ every day. The sun beats up everything here. Thanks for showing the antenna.
Eric, that might be a fun antenna to put to work. It certainly appears to be reasonably well constructed, so adding good coax and plugging in some FRS/GMRS channels could be just the ticket :)
It must be 5/8 wave on 2M. I have had good luck with 2M antenna for UHF also. You should run a GMRS repeater on that antenna. An antenna like that would also make a great APRS base station for an iGate/digipeater.
The main difference between GMRS and CB is the nature of the wavelengths. While GMRS mobile format radios can penetrate solid barriers more easily, they require high wattage to reach distance as they are about 70 centimeters (UHF frequencies), whereas CB, while only 4 watts in AM and FM, are 11 meters (HF or high frequency) and get more range even with less wattage. If you put more wattage in the CB, it would range way past the GMRS radios with 50 watts. Another difference is GMRS has only 22 FM channels, while CB has 40 AM and FM, plus the SSB {which triples wattage naturally). GMRS does have the tones to help make communication without interuption, but so do the modern CB's. I have both in my comms plan -- CB is my main tier and GMRS make up mostly the hand held (HT) fleet. Both have their place and can give a certain amount of crossover for a layered emergency comms plan.
I have that antenna, or maybe a previous model, I can't find which model I have on the Amazon listing. I'm also part of a local radio club, where the GMRS part of the group is the most active. Even the guys that are hardcore CBers and Hams are enjoying the GMRS. Many especially like the fact that the radios are so cheap. They don't mind using them out in the field, be it farming, firefighting, off roading. And we have talked 10 miles, line of site walkie to walkie, and around fifty miles mobile to base, high power at 50 watts on both ends. That's over some hills mind you, so near line of sight is a real thing.
@@FarpointFarms I don't know your area, but I am suspecting it is rather flat, which would mean just beyond the curvature of the Earth would be the typical limits, or lots of small hills that would block the signal. And the height of the antenna above the ground and nearby objects really matters. Metal poles and buildings, evergreen trees, and the like, eat signal badly. And the 50 mile wasn't a good signal, but we were able to communicate, with some repeats.
My views uhf vs cb vhf low run both! Now cb got fm+ctcss,uhf gmrs/pmr446( uk/eu),you basically got same each with it own merits. Uhf line of sight noise free Vhf low long ranges in open terrain Ull need some decent lmr thick coax at uhf for that base gmrs antenna for min rf power loss. Get that up retivis real high as practical at uhf.,cant wait too see the video & results 👍 Rob.P 73's
I'm interested in this antenna but, FWIW, the link you supplied goes to a different model: the MA02, which is rated for 144/430MHz, not the MA09 (462~467MHz GMRS) you have here. I haven't been able to find the MA09 on Amazon.
So do you have to run a grounding rod with wire to that antenna if it is mounted outside and ground the antenna in the ground? if so what does that all intale?
I had the same question. From what I seem to have learned is that yes indeed the antenna needs to be grounded. In my case I have some roof mounted #10 AWG solid copper ground wire left over from a Starlink setup (dish now removed). That wire is ultimately terminated onto my homes' ground rod; I'm intending on using that setup for my GMRS base station antenna ground. I will have to figure out the specifics of how to connect the ground wire to the antenna, but I think that's almost trivial - a ground rod clamp will probably do the trick. If anyone knowledgeable can check me on this approach it will be appreciated.
@@Achilles3588 ya that was my next question was how do you attach the ground wire to the antenna? I have an electrician buddy I am going to get in touch with and see if I can inlist his help.
Your gmrs neighbors might have their pl tones filtering you out. You might fool around w your pl tones while they’re talking and see if you can determine if they’re using one?? Always enjoy your show.
I have a Motorola T210 radio that comes with all channels set to default using ctcss/pl tone #1. When the ctcss tone on each channel is set to 0/off when you scan the 22 channels it automatically scans ctcss tones as well. Not a very common feature on radios. Thought this may help someone out there.
5:55 They may also be using 50-100 watt radios which makes it hard to tell how close they actually are to you and for you to have enough power to make the trip back into there recieve.
How do you adjust the swr on theese. I have perfect 1.1 on lower channels 1-6 but on 16-22 I'm looking at 1.56 . I've only ever had the mobile mount antennas.
Good afternoon. I was curious if you happen to know if this antenna is available with a N-Type connection instead of the 259? Ive been looking for a better antenna for my GMRS repeater here in Colorado. CHEERS from Colorado
@@wesoblander3648 there are adapters available, but every adapter you add to you coax you lose appropriately 2db. I'd just rather have the connection to the hardline I already have. Thank you though. CHEERS from Colorado
ive been a part of the mymidwestgmrs group for a long time and it is a lot of fun!!! also during the weekly net we talk all over the USA from Idaho to n.y.
Morning, yeah I bought a gmrs antenna from rugged radio. Looks the same that you have. Got great price on it and cable. Have a blessed day 🙏 ✨️ 🦅🦅🦅 Gray Eagle from Washington state. Been watching your videos long time, also mower junkie, you young guys are great 👍 👌 😊
It's mid winter here with snow on the ground and 5 degree weather some days. Climbing ladders and mounting/ adjusting antennas is hard enough to do at my age in good weather. This and another antenna are slated for mast install this spring. Hang tight!
Yes you do. But its really easy to get. Its $35 to apply to the FCC. No test is required, and the license is good for 10 years. Your license covers everyone in your immediate household. CHEERS from Colorado
I would not worry about the licensing on GMRS. The FCC, despite what the hall monitors and other busy bodies say, is an administrative agency that does not worry much about GMRS usage unless you are linking repeaters, etc. An outdoor antenna does help reception. similar to other types of radio(CB, MURS, etc.). You may well enjoy it :)
Looks like a great antenna. remember GMRS is UHF better coax is needed. Height in might un UHF . You can use thar bast antenna as a repeater antenna. Just need repeater and duplexer. Retevis and Midland both have a GMRS repeater. You only need to pay $35 for 10 year GMRS license and no test to take unless you count the FCC website challenge . Weather does effect GMRS like ice build up on antenna. Grounding is needed for lightning protection and to bleed static build up off. remember UHF is higher loss so every coax jumper and adapter adds to that . they make high quality adapters and connectors and they can make a big difference on GMRS , 50 OHM coax. RG 213/214 can work real nice. ABR and M & P both have UHF rated coax size of RG 8X. Just go threw data sheet on coax before buying. 70 CM ham band is close to GMRS . This makes finding connectors and coax easy threw amanture radio stores like HRO and many more. be careful with with Amazon coax. some great some poor graid. Buyer beware. Their is good stuff put in with the bad.
I have some RG213 around here and was planning to use it when I install it. In winter time I can hear FRS chat from a ski slope that is many miles from here. I am hoping that this upgrade will let me hear local chat (if there is any) from that area as well.
@@FarpointFarms Remember to scan for possible PL tone. That may be why they don't hear you. CTCSS or DCS tones.Some new CB radios have that now. FCC legal to use PL tones and FM on CB new. The Ski slope by me has a repeater . Check for that as well. only 8 repeater channels. GMRS . Lots of interest on GMRS.
You might want to look up the KB9VBR j-Pole for GMRS. Ungodly small. The bottom half is the ground plain. Mount vertical to anything with duck tape. Other antennas do beat it. (But not by that much) This j-pole works well in stupid locations and can be easily moved. Quality coax on a long run is so much more important then the antenna.
I'm using the Retevis M409 antenna along with several of my friends and we're all happy with the antenna's performance. The antenna is well worth the money.
Cool- Thanks for letting me know how well it does. I can't wait to get it set up and talking with it
Altitude is everything with UHF.
Yup Talk 30 miles and one side is at least 150 feet above horizon. Many repeaters are 1000 feet up.
@@2148aa the repeaters in San Antonio are on high ground and at least 300 feet above ground level.
Agreed with the height- More is better
This antenna looks like a rebranded Harvest. Great antenna.
Agreed
Hopefully that will improve your range. GMRS is a lot of fun!
That is the plan- I am sure it will do great
Just got this antenna as well. Be curious what the range test does. Thanks for posting!
Hope you like it!
I hAVE talked 54 miles with this, simplex to simplex.
Eric watched your videos for a long time really enjoy them keep up the good work my friend 👍
Thanks! Glad you enjoy them and thank you for the support
Nice looking antenna looks sturdy ...should work well here in nova scotia need stuff like that ...today dead calm thats super rare off saint marys bay and then the bay of funday next to it with some of the highest tides in the world always windy ...and high corossion from salt
I would bet the salt would be terrible for electronics.
Great looking antenna. I am working toward setting up a GMRS repeater here in SW Oklahoma. I'm curious how the fiberglass would hold up in the summer heat. As an example, a few weeks ago, the week of August 14th it was 110 degrees+ every day. The sun beats up everything here. Thanks for showing the antenna.
I had a fiberglass antenna down in Raleigh, NC and it lasted over 20 years. I think it will be fine.
@@FarpointFarms thanks. I may give it a try.
Curios to see more on what you discover with this antenna? I'm wanting a antenna like this for my home base GMRS.
I just need a little bit of free time to finish setting it up and time to play with it.
Really sweet looking antenna!
It does have a nice look to it.
Yeah if you could get your antennas up above the trees you would see a huge increase
That would be great- The reception would be awesome
Eric, that might be a fun antenna to put to work. It certainly appears to be reasonably well constructed, so adding good coax and plugging in some FRS/GMRS channels could be just the ticket :)
I agree with the construction of it- I just need a bit of time to finish setting it up and play with it
It must be 5/8 wave on 2M. I have had good luck with 2M antenna for UHF also. You should run a GMRS repeater on that antenna. An antenna like that would also make a great APRS base station for an iGate/digipeater.
Since Hurricane Helene I have not had a chance to really play with it more. I hope that I can here soon
love to hear what you think of it after using it for a while.
I plan on an update after a while
The main difference between GMRS and CB is the nature of the wavelengths. While GMRS mobile format radios can penetrate solid barriers more easily, they require high wattage to reach distance as they are about 70 centimeters (UHF frequencies), whereas CB, while only 4 watts in AM and FM, are 11 meters (HF or high frequency) and get more range even with less wattage. If you put more wattage in the CB, it would range way past the GMRS radios with 50 watts.
Another difference is GMRS has only 22 FM channels, while CB has 40 AM and FM, plus the SSB {which triples wattage naturally). GMRS does have the tones to help make communication without interuption, but so do the modern CB's.
I have both in my comms plan -- CB is my main tier and GMRS make up mostly the hand held (HT) fleet. Both have their place and can give a certain amount of crossover for a layered emergency comms plan.
I agree with the the idea of using CB for longer range comms and hand held GMRS for local stuff. That's what I do here.
The difference is, I am verses f.M@FarpointFarms
GMRS is 65 cm.
Think 1' in height per mile range. Tower 50' about 50 miles. But I live on kilowatt hill. I talk 50 miles on 15 watts on 11m all the time.
Good way of looking of it. I wish I could put a tower up that high over the trees here. The mountains keeps getting in the way
I have that antenna, or maybe a previous model, I can't find which model I have on the Amazon listing. I'm also part of a local radio club, where the GMRS part of the group is the most active. Even the guys that are hardcore CBers and Hams are enjoying the GMRS. Many especially like the fact that the radios are so cheap. They don't mind using them out in the field, be it farming, firefighting, off roading. And we have talked 10 miles, line of site walkie to walkie, and around fifty miles mobile to base, high power at 50 watts on both ends. That's over some hills mind you, so near line of sight is a real thing.
I wish I had that type of range! I get 12 to 15 miles here at 40 watts.
@@FarpointFarms I don't know your area, but I am suspecting it is rather flat, which would mean just beyond the curvature of the Earth would be the typical limits, or lots of small hills that would block the signal. And the height of the antenna above the ground and nearby objects really matters. Metal poles and buildings, evergreen trees, and the like, eat signal badly. And the 50 mile wasn't a good signal, but we were able to communicate, with some repeats.
My views uhf vs cb vhf low run both!
Now cb got fm+ctcss,uhf gmrs/pmr446( uk/eu),you basically got same each with it own merits.
Uhf line of sight noise free
Vhf low long ranges in open terrain
Ull need some decent lmr thick coax at uhf for that base gmrs antenna for min rf power loss.
Get that up retivis real high as practical at uhf.,cant wait too see the video & results 👍
Rob.P 73's
Good points!
How it’s work so far? You see increase in the signal distance
I have not had a chance to install it- Hurricane Helene has set me back a while
I'm interested in this antenna but, FWIW, the link you supplied goes to a different model: the MA02, which is rated for 144/430MHz, not the MA09 (462~467MHz GMRS) you have here. I haven't been able to find the MA09 on Amazon.
I will have to look at the link and see what I can do
So do you have to run a grounding rod with wire to that antenna if it is mounted outside and ground the antenna in the ground? if so what does that all intale?
I would certainly use a ground rod when using this or any outdoor antenna.
I had the same question. From what I seem to have learned is that yes indeed the antenna needs to be grounded. In my case I have some roof mounted #10 AWG solid copper ground wire left over from a Starlink setup (dish now removed). That wire is ultimately terminated onto my homes' ground rod; I'm intending on using that setup for my GMRS base station antenna ground. I will have to figure out the specifics of how to connect the ground wire to the antenna, but I think that's almost trivial - a ground rod clamp will probably do the trick. If anyone knowledgeable can check me on this approach it will be appreciated.
@@Achilles3588 ya that was my next question was how do you attach the ground wire to the antenna?
I have an electrician buddy I am going to get in touch with and see if I can inlist his help.
Any update on the antenna?
I am behind on this due to a very chaotic fall (thanks Hurricane Helene.) I hope to get caught up here soon
is it good for an attic.
Yes you can, it would be perfect if you have a HOA that has too many rules
Where is the range test 🤔
Thanks to Hurricane Helene, I am very far behind. I am hoping to get caught up over the winter (fingers crossed)
@FarpointFarms awesome, thank you. I have it in my Amazon cart but have been holding off till I find more info on it 😂
Your gmrs neighbors might have their pl tones filtering you out. You might fool around w your pl tones while they’re talking and see if you can determine if they’re using one?? Always enjoy your show.
I might have to try that-
I have a Motorola T210 radio that comes with all channels set to default using ctcss/pl tone #1. When the ctcss tone on each channel is set to 0/off when you scan the 22 channels it automatically scans ctcss tones as well. Not a very common feature on radios. Thought this may help someone out there.
5:55 They may also be using 50-100 watt radios which makes it hard to tell how close they actually are to you and for you to have enough power to make the trip back into there recieve.
No stickers in the box!😢
Nope
How do you adjust the swr on theese. I have perfect 1.1 on lower channels 1-6 but on 16-22 I'm looking at 1.56 . I've only ever had the mobile mount antennas.
There is no adjustment. That said. 1.5 is also a great number.
@@FarpointFarms Hey thank you for answering my question. I won't worry about it then and consider it all good.
Anything below 3 is not horrible.
Good afternoon. I was curious if you happen to know if this antenna is available with a N-Type connection instead of the 259? Ive been looking for a better antenna for my GMRS repeater here in Colorado.
CHEERS from Colorado
I am not sure for the connector- Maybe someone can chime in to answer it
You could probably find an N-adapter online through Amazon, DX Engineering or similar sites.
@@wesoblander3648 there are adapters available, but every adapter you add to you coax you lose appropriately 2db. I'd just rather have the connection to the hardline I already have. Thank you though.
CHEERS from Colorado
It's a base. Give er 50 watts! 😊
I just try to stay leagal
@FarpointFarms 50 watts is max power allowed on GMRS base and mobile. HT are limited to 5 watts.
ive been a part of the mymidwestgmrs group for a long time and it is a lot of fun!!! also during the weekly net we talk all over the USA from Idaho to n.y.
p.s. love you and ur ch. thanx
Thank you- Glad to hear that you guys have a weekly chat- that is pretty cool
Morning, yeah I bought a gmrs antenna from rugged radio. Looks the same that you have. Got great price on it and cable. Have a blessed day 🙏 ✨️ 🦅🦅🦅 Gray Eagle from Washington state. Been watching your videos long time, also mower junkie, you young guys are great 👍 👌 😊
Thanks- you have a blessed day as well
Some local groups don't like newcomers / intruders I've noticed. As though they're a little gang of buddy-buddies.
I think they will get over it- I would just keep chiming in
@@FarpointFarms what brand of duel band (VHF / UHF) base station antenna do you recommend for my Yaesu FT-60R radio ?
Ive had the same experience. They treat it as if they own the public repeater and no one else can use it.
The guys that have never heard you are probably just using privacy codes.
Maybe,
Don't tape that connection, it will just hold water.
Good tip, thanks for sharing
@@FarpointFarms use self seal rubberized tape used that for cable tv along the salt water areas good stuff stretch and wrap on seals to itself
Another option to tape or to seal the tape so it doesn't unwind and fall off is ignition sealer spray or clear lacquer
Another user said not to tape because water can get caught in it?
Is this a M409 or MA09?
MA09 Sorry about that!
stickn with CB SSB ...
Sounds like a good plan
You never told us how it works.
It's mid winter here with snow on the ground and 5 degree weather some days. Climbing ladders and mounting/ adjusting antennas is hard enough to do at my age in good weather. This and another antenna are slated for mast install this spring.
Hang tight!
I always do say bigger is better. And yeahh definitely gonna get a better distance and performance compared to the magnet
I still haven't got up on the ladder to mount it, but I am really excited to see the difference.
do you need a license to talk on GMRS
Yes you do. But its really easy to get. Its $35 to apply to the FCC. No test is required, and the license is good for 10 years. Your license covers everyone in your immediate household. CHEERS from Colorado
Thanks for chiming in on the question.
I would not worry about the licensing on GMRS. The FCC, despite what the hall monitors and other busy bodies say, is an administrative agency that does not worry much about GMRS usage unless you are linking repeaters, etc.
An outdoor antenna does help reception. similar to other types of radio(CB, MURS, etc.). You may well enjoy it :)
I'm sure this isn't your wife but mine would have wanted to be around when I was up on ladder so if I fell off she could say, "I told you so!!".
That is pretty much exactly why she wants to be there!
Looks like a great antenna. remember GMRS is UHF better coax is needed. Height in might un UHF . You can use thar bast antenna as a repeater antenna. Just need repeater and duplexer. Retevis and Midland both have a GMRS repeater. You only need to pay $35 for 10 year GMRS license and no test to take unless you count the FCC website challenge . Weather does effect GMRS like ice build up on antenna. Grounding is needed for lightning protection and to bleed static build up off. remember UHF is higher loss so every coax jumper and adapter adds to that . they make high quality adapters and connectors and they can make a big difference on GMRS , 50 OHM coax. RG 213/214 can work real nice. ABR and M & P both have UHF rated coax size of RG 8X. Just go threw data sheet on coax before buying. 70 CM ham band is close to GMRS . This makes finding connectors and coax easy threw amanture radio stores like HRO and many more. be careful with with Amazon coax. some great some poor graid. Buyer beware. Their is good stuff put in with the bad.
I have some RG213 around here and was planning to use it when I install it. In winter time I can hear FRS chat from a ski slope that is many miles from here. I am hoping that this upgrade will let me hear local chat (if there is any) from that area as well.
@@FarpointFarms Remember to scan for possible PL tone. That may be why they don't hear you. CTCSS or DCS tones.Some new CB radios have that now. FCC legal to use PL tones and FM on CB new. The Ski slope by me has a repeater . Check for that as well. only 8 repeater channels. GMRS . Lots of interest on GMRS.
License required. nope stickn with CB SSB ...rock on
Sounds like a good plan
I look forward to a follow up on this antenna and i have shared this video on my community page. WRQC947
Thanks!! I won't be able to install it till early October as I am tied up with other jobs.
With that small of an antenna I would just find a big tree and screw it directly into the wood
You might want to look up the KB9VBR j-Pole for GMRS. Ungodly small. The bottom half is the ground plain. Mount vertical to anything with duck tape. Other antennas do beat it. (But not by that much) This j-pole works well in stupid locations and can be easily moved. Quality coax on a long run is so much more important then the antenna.
I am not sure about the tree- Scary things live in them