Tested! ABBREE, TWAYRDIO, Smiley, MFJ Ham Radio Antennas & QuirkQRP ZipTenna!
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- Your comments were received! Here are some of your favorite handheld radio antennas TESTED!!
Antennas from the video in order of appearance (Note the connector!)
Diamond SRH815: amzn.to/3wrjgNB
TWAYRDIO: amzn.to/3NkTKzU
Signal Stuff Signal Stick signalstuff.co...
ABBREE 18" amzn.to/3D2bWcT
Diamond SRH77CA: amzn.to/3NchI0b
Z
Smiley 5/8th: www.smileyante...
MFJ Long Ranger: mfjenterprises...
Smiley 1/2 www.smileyante...
ABBREE 47" sometimes called 48": amzn.to/3wriGzp
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ZipTenna! www.etsy.com/l...
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Current Shack Config (includes affiliate links)
ICOM 7300: amzn.to/2PKBpmZ
SteppIR 3E Yagi: consumer.stepp...
ICOM 2730a: amzn.to/2JqrASg
MFJ-4230DMP: mfjenterprises...
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Should I test your favorite antenna? What is it?
I'd definitely love comparison between the long Abree antennas and say Diamond SRH770S, which is of similar length, but more expensive, and from a brand with stronger reputation.
Do a test on a DIAMOND RH205 antenna. I use it on an ICOM IC V86. It uses a BNC connector. Also try any Comet antenna. I forgot to say the Diamond RH205 antenna is 52.8 inches extended and is a 5/8 wave fully extended. Works very well for me. Great video btw.
Roll-up j-poles: Ed Fong vs N9TAX
I mean, did you get the Twayrdio I recommended? The all black one? Because THAT ONE in the video, I had no part of. :)
I got the two pack Luiton NA-771 , they honestly seem to perform better than most of my other HT antennas , like $14 for 2 of them
Great video. Quick suggestion: use recorded audio for the test call. It would normalize the test for changes to distance from the mic and remove background noise including wind. Really appreciate these types of videos!! It would also be helpful to do a cw tone to measure signal strength instead of audio, maybe put your call in cw on the recorded audio?
Great suggestion!
Excellent work, Josh. Thanks for the contributions you make to the community!
Thank you!
Yes I was wondering if you could tell about the 49.2 inch Abbree antenna. I got 2 18.5 " and a 49 " but I'm all new to this. Just ordered a UV-5R 8W and antennas. All because of you. Thank you so much for getting more people into this awesome way of communication
So many acronyms 😮. I'm learning more every time I listen
A comparison of a homemade quarter wave tiger tail vs the ZipTenna might prove interesting.
Awesome video man! Can't wait for a receive test as well.
.... can you add the Boefang in the test too. Because, you know everyone has one kicking around somewhere.
Appreciate it my man.
I went with the 72cm (28 inch) Abbree just to try it, but before I bought one, I did some research and found out that the 48 inch does just almost the same performance so that is why I've got 28 inch so it's not too short and not too long. Beliveve it or not, the farthest contact Ive done with it at a height of more than 200 feet above sea level is 74km on simplex at 4 watts. Take note, I was just using a vintage Icom IC-02AT. It's a great and handy antenna for emergency purposes to carry around with for the "just in case" situations.
A tip for the ABBREE... I have the 42.5" ABBREE and if (when at home) you store it unfolded it will lose the kinks and stop tending to fold up on you. I wish someone sold the actual military versions of these, as they were MUCH better built, but the ABBREE is a great antenna, IF you get a REAL one and avoid the counterfeit ones... They work great ran through the MOLLE straps on a pack.
Amen. Not saying my ABBREE 18" is great by any means, but I make sure to store it at home in its extended (unfolded) state.
I like it because I can put my radio in my Camelback, have the antenna sticking up, and have my hand mic/speaker on my strap opposite my water valve. Does anyone have any favorites for such use?
I didn't know that. Thank you 👍
When I bought my first radio I immediately upgraded the antenna to the 42.5". With having the HT that shall not be named, it seemed like a no-brainer. The ABBREE works surprisingly well.
@@bluedirtgreen "shall not be named". 🤣
Finally a good video that isn’t a hour long
Lol, thanks 🤷🏼♀️
Yeah.. I wish I had that much time.. I can’t watch those. But I certainly appreciate all of your videos
Thanks for letting us know, thanks for that very interesting thanks again , Alan from England 💯👍🇬🇧
Thank you for clarifying this was a Tx test...
This was a great test and we'll put together. Thanks for doing this. Looks like it was fun.
Thanks TO!!
Thanks!
No problem!
Great work and well edited! Thanks!
Thank you!
That Signal Stick has worked pretty well.
Other antenna testers have said adapters like the one you used on the THWAYRDIO RH770 are actually adding length to the antenna thereby changing the resonant characteristics of the antenna. The change may be so small that it's negligible in your test scenario, but could be critical if you were at the absolute limits of a repeater's coverage.
I like the Smiley antenna's, (to me) they sound much cleaner & understandable.
I purchased 2-ABBREE's 48-inch antennas, and yes, its annoying how they self fold, because they have been in the Amazon stock warehouse for a very long time.
I also purchased 2-Nagoya 771 antennas. for some odd reason I don't hear the difference. And yes, I made sure I purchased it from Nagoya Authentic.
My next purchase is going to be the entire set of HamSticks.
Thanks for your efforts to educate us, and your work in making videos. I'm surprised no test showing the Comet SMA 24. I've had this on my FT60 for several years. Even came with spare o-ring in case of gap between radio and Antenna.
Thank you! I pay out of pocket for these antennas, so I certainly don't own them all.
I've got a couple 42" Abbree that I've use with a Baofeng HT and my IC-705. The BNC version for the 705 broke because it was folded and created weak points in the antenna. What was good about them was that they could be folded over just a couple of inches at the top and can lower the SWR on 2m next to nothing.
I do have a FT3D and use a few antennas with. I've used a 42" Abbree, Diamond SRH770S and RH77CA, along with a signal stick. The 42" Abbree picks up APRS beacons much better than any other antenna I've used. The SRH770S is a good, all around antenna for field and home use. If one does Wires-X/YSF or any other digital vioce mode with a hotspot, the Diamond RH77CA is hands down the best antenna for that purpose, with next to nothing SWR on UHF.
With what I've learned from the antennas I've used, each one has a different purpose. If one has an HT that does APRS and likes to go for hikes other outdoor activities, I recommend the Diamond SRH770S. It's a great antenna for the outdoors. It's flexible and will not fall over like a Abbree antenna will.
I've used a Abbree 42" foldable on a Baofeng while hunting. It wasn't pretty and was more if a hassle than anything else. They're great around the house for getting into a repeater if you're outside.
The smileys are right there and they are practical. I've used them for 30 years. You have to try the smiley stubby 2m it rocks. Hro had it for 10 bucks.
Two not so common but powerful additions to any kit...Especially with regards to current Day situations..
Diamond RH789 Telescoping Handheld Antenna & Diamond SRH770S
I just got my NR770HNMO Diamond today full quieting into my local repeater on my new FTM400XDR loving this setup so far.
Great work
Is there any quad band antennas for a VX-7r? Can one be home made?! Ideas? Need to cover 6m, 2m, 1.25m 70cm bands. All in one if possible.
The data nerd in me loves the black and white objective numbers. Great video.
Yesssss! Me too
One antenna I didn’t see which is what I have is the TidRadio NA-771, which is what I use as a temporary replacement on my Baofeng UV-5RPro.
Some of those antennas like the Smiley and MFJ sound *really* good, and I’d love to try those.
BRAVO. Actual useful information.
I have a Signal Stick for my HT. My brother got a Nagoya 771 for his HT. I haven't been able to see his setup yet so don't know how it is, but I like my Signal Stick. I feel like quarter wave is a good balance between on-the-go usability and signal quality. I don't do anything where I would need the increased capability of a half or 5/8 wave, so it would be nothing but extra weight and volume being stored/transported.
I like the antenna that works the best, so I will probably invest in the best 70 CM antenna you tested.
Cant wait for the receive test
Great concept to cover! Love how you're making the subjective objective. Keep up the great work!
Excellent video Josh! Just what I needed to know before purchasing antenna's.👍🤓
I noticed a few years ago my Signal Stick didn't perform nearly as well as my Smiley 27000. I still like that's it's nearly indestructible, and I'm a fan of supporting local businesses. I use it when durability is more important than radio performance, but that's about it. I know the 1/4 wave 27000 doesn't perform as well as the 1/2 wave sticks, but it's a much more convenient size for daily use.
I use a Signal Stick on my Yaesu FT2DR, and I'm getting into a repeater 26 miles away...in a mobile home with a stucco roof. I'd call that a win.
I call it a good repeater.
🎉 Love the music too! ❤
They getting clearer
Good tests. Just ordered the MFJ Long Ranger. I already have the 47" Ambree. Two is one, One is none. Thanks!!!
Hi which model is the long ranger antenna? and where do you get it?
videos like this are very^2 important.
Thank u
73 from 🇧🇷
😊👍
Outstanding reviews of these antennas. Been a ham since the 80’s and I am still learning things Hi Hi. I subscribed to your channel. 73’s
Cool video. Funny because I was watching notarubicon and it was the one where you were helping find the "jammer". Then I was looking for antenna videos. I have much sadness because I pick absolutely 100% nothing on my Baofeng or my Quansheng. I think I probably need a better antenna. I live in a rural area so it's not surprising I don't hear much. Just not sure what to get.
Thank you for the video. Had no idea the MFJ was that good. Always thought Diamond was the top antenna. I was so wrong.
The Mfj continues to impress. @K6ARK was right!
wow , thanks ,I use the long ranger
Bueno! That TWAY antenna looks like the "extra" antenna that came with some of the older Icom ID-51's for a better receive antenna. I have one of the old Anniversary models that included that antenna but confess I don't recall ever using it. Before you toss it, maybe do a receive test on AM or FM (non-ham bands) and see if any better?!?
Abbree antenna is my favorite mainly for airsoft
I bought Nagoyas for my Chinese radios, NA771, NA24J (new high gain), NA781 (tri band), I hope I won't regret not buying a telescopic
questions: 1) at about 6:12 you talk about the antenna being the MFJ Long ranger, but the text reads "ABBREE 47" GOOSE", which is it?; 2) for a tri-band Kenwood D74A what would be your recommendation; 3) if an antenna gets too long i was thinking to just have a coax cable to separate the antenna from the HT, what are your thoughts on this; 4) I also have an AnyTone D878UVII Plus, what would be your recommendation for it? Thank you for doing this. And one last question, do you have any idea how your SNR test results compare to result on a Tiny VNA?
Great video! I wonder if a 70cms version of this video is on its way.
I'm shocked. I swore by the Diamond RH77, and bought the signal stick to support hamstudy but never cared for it.
Ditch those rubber grommets, and go to a good hardware store and pick up some washers that will fit. Works much better. Thats how I solved the problem on mine. Love my 18 inch Abbree antenna. I now have the 13 and 15.35 inch versions. They all work great. But the 18 inch one is my go to when I'm doing field work and I need that little bit of extra range.
Thank U very much for such a Spectacular/Practical Test , No Manufacture can getaway from your test ..
However the SWR reading would change significantly as your Head Approach the Walki-Talki and Antenna in TX Mode .. i had done this test in me house using MFJ Antenna Analyzer ..
for instance , from the video i would consider "Signal Stick" is a little bit Longer for 146.5 Mhz "Test Frequency" ...
i wish to consider a different method or to sweep the Frequency a little bit Up/Down to "give a chance" for the Antenna "subject to Test" to show it's maximum radiation..
Thanks for watching!
I got a Tri bander Comet for my D74 but use the stock antennas on my older Icom dual band HTs. The big ABBREE is something I might want to have on hand for fringe areas but I'd never have it as a every day carry antenna.
Anyone happen to know why the long ranger antenna is out of stock everywhere
I sold them all.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse so it's your fault I can't buy a slightly better antenna. Thanks for the reply
The Long Ranger is considerable better than stock! 👍 check out the Smiley Half Wave. I like that one even more.
Roll up, N9TAX vs Ed Fong DBJ2, I'd love to see how they compare to each other, as well as the extendable "long range" offerings.
Thank you Josh, exactly what I needed!
that is a fun project, but having broken gear is not so fun... Loved the experiment!
I'm really surprised by the Diamond SRH77A result. It was the antenna I was suggested when I got my tech license and just kept with it. Guess I'll have to switch.
OK i have a question. I'm not a ham. However I do use a marine radio one for kayak fishing. Many of us kayak fishing guys use handheld radios to not only stay safe but to communicate. As you can image this presents some issues.
1. We are close to the water often only the anntena is maybe 2 to 3 feet at most.
2. To stay safe we often will strap the radio to our life jackets (upside down. As to not have the anntena in our faces)
I'm fully aware this single action is probably the main reason we have bad signal both out and in.
What would some of you guys recommend. Outside strapping a anntena on the kayak and having a wire to our radios I don't think this is very safe if we fall off.
Just watched your video on HT antennas. I would like to know more of what or how you gathered the data at home when you were in the park. Thanks. Enjoyed the video. Steve KE8VHY
Josh thanks for more great ham content! I would love to see you test home brew and commercial LEO sat antennas for portable use! Test of the Arrow as the baseline, then build and test a tape measure yagi, egg beaters, the canary jail and the few other home brew amsat antennas. I'm really torn right now as to what I should go with for both my portable and base amsat antenna so I would really appreciate it. 73s K8OTY
Good idea!
Thank you so much for doing this videos
Josh, I have watched this video three times now! Great job. Like your objectivity and the attempts to level the field. I was surprised by the lackluster in the Diamond (pun intended). I have used them for years. This type of antenna group is a well represented cross section of what is out there, but yes, there are more! One thing that hit me after the third watch: what about the flip side of this coin? How do these stack up in the receiving arena? I think a bit more difficult to measure, but it was just a thought.
Your timing is great. I’m working on the receive side now. 👍
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Great! Looking forward to it.
Thanks for your work. Fun and entertaining!
Keep the monster Abree. Nothing is funnier than the the tiny baofeng with 4 feet of antenna... may not be the best on the physics side. But it is hillarious to see the looks of the other folks at the city park when you set up...
I'd love to see some roll up jpole. I hike with my yaesu ft60 and plan on getting a roll up to take backpacking where there is no cell service at all
If i could find a flex peice like the antennas we had on our ambitr radio antennas id be happy.
Thanks for reviewing those antennas. Very informative. 73
Great test! My two favorites - the Diamond and Signal Stick were not producing the results I hoped for. Maybe they’ll shine in another test?
I think you have to keep in mind both of those are standard whips. Not telescopic or folding. They're on the much better end of whips when you look at it like that.
It's still apparently better than the stock antenna and it's very robust mechanically.
Yes. Much better than stock and easily can stay on your ht at all times
Thought on the 47” …
- Wouldn’t it be a great antenna of a handheld (4-5W) with extension coax-cable to a magnet on a steel roof rack of a 4x4 in the outback?
great comparison test , josh
Love this video. Great info for where I am in my journey. I can't help but wonder how the Abree 47 performs folded. Also, your thoughts on vest mounted antenna?
Great comparison!
Which antenna is the best ?
I am really surprised to see the Diamond SRH77CA do so badly compared to the other ones.
I noticed that the signal stick performed worse with the Zeptenna extended all the other performed better. Maybe you should have talked about that.
Best extendable hand held ham radio antenna for the anytone 878 and the baofeng ... thanks?
Awesome information! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
The ziptenna is a neat idea, but there's two big problems I can see with it. First, HTs already capacitively couple to the holder and use them as a ground plane / counterpoise, so if the ziptenna doesn't account for that the precise length isn't very precise. Second, is it grounded? I couldn't tell for sure, but it looked like it was just near the SMA jack and not actually in contact with it... Maybe it does better if it is looped around the jack?
Great video. Thanks
Here a year later after release.. I like how the smiley sound.. I would like to ask for a tactical demonstration… I have a baofeng uv-5r.. I have a relocation antenna kit 90degree bnc … the relocation kit end is a sma-female.. so I have to get a sma-male antenna to attach.. now my question is… if the radio was designed for a sma-f antenna, would my relocation kit work , if I have to switch to a sma-male antenna? TWAYRDIO seems to be the only brand on Amazon that makes a decent sma-male antenna…. Any suggestions
What does your test setup look like at home? I'd be interested in seeing if you have that automated and how you are recording all of that data!
How about the Diamond SRH320A and the Comet HT-224? These are triband antennas that are perfect for that HT.
I jus ordered my third antenna, I’m beginning jus licensed General and how do people organize their HAM Handhelds, antennas??? Do you use faraday bags??
I have a Boafeng, now want to get a Yaesu with a field battery charger ability … How do you organize your HAM handheld Anntennas??
HT antennas - black art :-) Thanks nice comparison
Awesome video. Thanks! :)
BTW, great video editing. Seamless!
Please do the abree at-776. I am just really surprised at the performance on mine. I’ve had it a few days.
RUclips has dragged me down a rabbit hole for HT rat tails to improve signal. Do you have a video comparing that zip lanyard to rat tails to just making sure you are touching the screw while transmitting? I am really curious if there's a difference between the 3.
Cool video! Thanks!
Thank you for the report, interesting. Interesting for the gadget hounds. Practically speaking, I guess I don't get it. All of this for using a distant repeater? If you are using a repeater, what's the real point? Cell phones don't need outboard antenna and they work almost everywhere and we are talking very low power devices.
It’s not to a repeater. Cellphones can only talk to cell towers.
So check out the antennas and transmitter power at the cell base station. Typically 17 dB antenna gain, plus higher power.
I'm sitting at home, 700 metres from a base station, and my phone is showing a signal strength of -114 dBm on 4G.
Great video, very informative
With these antennas does the SWR matter ?
Wondering. Why do you use or prefer the Signal Stick on your radios when this comparison you did shows the Smileys doing better?
Generally because you can rock the signal stick all the time and its a generally a good performer. The Smiley would break if you left it on the radio for long and it’s fragile as it’s telescopic.
How about testing the Nagoya 771? Thanks the great service.
Maybe it's mentioned somewhere, but can you tell me what equipment you're using at home to record these transmissions? I'd like to do various similar tests where I am at, and my wife is tired of monitoring the radios.
SDRPlay RSP1a and SDRuno software. Install the audio recorded plugin and turn on SNR CSV
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Excellent, thanks.
Did you tune the antennas first?
I spy liberty park.
Currently studying for my armature license .
Also setting some lora nodes here by UCI. 🎉
It’s actually CPE. GOOD LUCK!
the MFJ 1714 long ranger is no longer available, do you think the Intellitron HA-1711s that gigaparts sells performs the same?
Looks like it’s identical!
Great apples to apples test!
I would think measuring S11 would give another quantitative measurement. Perhaps just with a cheap NanoVNA. Or a Spectrum Analyzer with tracking generator and Directional Coupler.
Indeed! Good recommendation.
What would those differences amount to in terms of range? Roughly, of course. It would be interesting to take the best, middle, and worst of those antennas and do a range test.
See the video I posted last week about telescopic antennas. Many were able to hit a repeater 62 miles away.
Great video but I’m not sure how much that metal table affected the results?
It might have, but it would be affecting all antennas the same.
What I always miss in those tests are Abree in folded position.