@@HamRadioCrashCourse please please idk Y theres a male or female one can u please tell me which 1 i need to just take my old factory one & slap this one on?? Sorry im so new its crazy. I have the boefang u5r one if that makes any difference. Thanks & God bless
@@ThunderBroomPilot Who? The first line is a quote from the video. Do you see the quotation marks? See how the text is in italics? See how I pre-fix it with who said it? Well, those were your clues ... ... my apologies if they were just too subtle for you, ThunderBrainAutopilot ; )
Yeah, I went with the Abbree 42.5 inch antenna because ... well, you know. I can sit in my recliner, in my house with steel siding, with a 100+ year old cedar tree in front of the window, and I can hit a repeater located about 30 miles away as the crow flies. I'd say it's a pretty good antenna. KE0WKN
only thing missing is a flashy LED . chinese designer in plant says sales are down on our tac antenna . CEO of shitzo radio sales says ( we put flashy led on antenna dumb round eye love flashy leds ) LOL
They are called Whip Antennas in the military. Its supposed to bend back when hit by tree branches among other things like folding to dimimsh ones profile....because, you shoot the medic, the officer and the radio man first.
I have been testing one of the longer tactical folding antennas for a couple months now and I am still getting impressed with its performance. It outperforms anything else I have tried, including a couple expensive telescopic antennas that I have. For day-to-day use, it is a bit extreme due to its size, but for situations like marathons, parades, Skywarn activations, etc., this is the perfect antenna for an HT radio in the field.
Great video, Josh. I just received one of these as a Christmas gift from the kids. I'm planning on trying out the ABBREE against the Nagoya 771 on aSOTA activation tomorrow. We'll see how this goes. 73
Hey Chris. The Yaesu FT4 series are a comparable price and blow the Baofengs out of the water. Cleaner power out, less harmonics meaning all the signal goes where it should... better selectivity means distant stations come in much clearer. It's a very similar design, just with far better quality control and alignment. It's a very dependable radio for those on a budget. Don't misunderstand me... Baofengs still have their place in a SHTF situation, due to their disposable nature and low cost ... but mainly for handing out like candies to key civilians to help get a community organised. But a prepper should have something more capable, durable and (hopefully) more waterproof. Baofengs are basically a useful toy. Good for airsofters and as free gifts to help keep certain useful civilians organised and in the loop. I have 12 pre-programmed baofengs in my stockpile... individually bagged in ziplock, with spare battery, solar charger, laminated instruction card, silica desicant bags and cheap counterfeit Nagoya-771s. After all, a radio is only ever as useful as the folks on the other end of the QSO.
@@ThatGuy-sc5rx the card is pretty much unique to our club... and also to the specific UK frequencies that our EmComms organisation uses. You'd be better off devising your own channel plan, to suit your country, local repeaters, organisational needs, threat model, licensing and group structure. *Encryption* As for encryption, you CANNOT encrypt using an analogue baofeng. The best that most analogue radios can do is something called "frequency inversion" ... where the high audio frequencies become low, and the low frequencies become high... this results in a garbled audio. I do not believe any of the baofengs can manage this... and it's really not very secure anyway. A radio which WILL encrypt your communications is a digital radio such as the MD380... however, these are a little more expensive. *Problems with encryption* One problem with encryption is that other radio users cannot join your EmComms efforts unless they have specific radios... so it can be a little limiting. Unless, of course, your groups radios can operate on Digital AND Analogue simultaneously ... so that they can monitor your civilian 'hand-out' radios. Also, bear in mind that encrypted traffic is NOT allowed in the amateur band unless your license is specifically extended to permit it - usually only for Raynet/ARES operators, and only WHEN passing messages for a service user (the emergency services). Of course, you could argue that in a SHTF / WROL situation, you can do it anyway (under the defence of necessity)... but, it may attract unwanted attention from various agencies. I'd suggest that it's always better, in a disaster, to use non-encrypted traffic and a set of common modes and frequencies that any handset can tune. *Covert use in a WROL situation* Since you mentioned encryption, we should probably look at covert ops, foxhunting and anti-foxhunting strategies... In a rather more "combative" environment, then encrypted digital may be a good option... although, if you have the skills, then either morse (or packet) and a code-book is considerably better. Spies and resistance members have operated QRP morse stations on a 9v battery, very successfully from behind enemy lines ... including foreign spies communicating over many 1000's of miles using a simple wire thrown up into a tree. ... some of these morse radios are only as large as a cigarette packet ! Similar can be done with RTTY, APRS, Packet, etc. If you ever envisage operating covertly, it'd probably be a good idea to get some experience with "skyburner" antennas, which fire a signal "straight up" and have it scatter back to earth from the atmosphere ... and, also, an interesting radio-sport called "foxhunting", where you try to rapidly track down a "fox" - who broadcasts briefly at set intervals. As having a practical understanding how operators are tracked down, will help you operate covertly. Other covert techniques are more advanced, such as using Band-X horns aimed at water towers, to turn the tower into a convex reflector for the tight microwave beam. This technique was commonly used in pirate radio to covertly link studios to disposable transmitters located on rooftops. When one transmitter got located and taken down by the authorities, the studio horn would be swung around to activate a different rooftop. Two X-band horns pointed at the same building/tower many miles away can communicate quite well, and it really messes with tracking equipment as the signals appear to come from the reflector. Strong reflections also play hell with quad-antenna phase tracking rigs. Another way to operate covertly is by using transactional data. A car/bike/person with a transciever moves along a long route past various operators. Messages are automatically exchanged with the device as it passes. The passing vehicle may not even know it's carrying traffic... and operators simply arrange to have their device in proximity at some point on the route. I've seen this done with wireless USB sticks with rechargable 18650 batteries, wired into street-lighting poles... allowing people to connect wirelessly to an encrypted drive, either locally, automatically from a cellphone... or from as far as 3 mile away with a Yagi. Transactional nodes can become the ultimate dead-drop, whether an NFC operated device embedded in a table or wall... a transactional bluetooth storage device... or WiFi enabled SBCs such as Pi-Zeros or PIs, arranged in strange places - such as inside USB keyboards in libraries, or hanging off the back of electric outlets or lightswitches... or, up in a ceiling spliced to a ceiling light or fuse-box in a public place like a toilet. I had one in an advertising board of a bus shelter where it sat for several years uninterrupted. Covert is a BIG subject... and when to use encrypted or plain comms... covert or non-covert comms... transactional, automatic-transactional or realtime HT comms... all depend very much on your scenario. I'd strongly suggest getting into amateur radio and really learning how to get the most out of all the equipment, frequencies and modes... particularly if you ever plan on relying on communications in a serious situation.... whether that be a SHTF, WROL or even an active resistance scenario.
we used these type of whips in the Army for the VHF radios. While on the move they worked well enough, though I'd still through up a wire in the tree if we were going to be stationary for longer than an hour.
Dont radios like the PRC117 go way lower in thr VHF band than any ham radio as well? I wasnt a comms guy and only had a little experince playing with the 117s.
Love your channel. Feel like I read your mind. 2 days ago I bought this and then your vid pops up on RUclips recommendations. This sucker reminds me of the old flimsy antennas we had on the old PRC-77’s!
@@darkoakradioworks1090 I saw a video today where a guy claimed well over a 30 mile range (like 35 iirc) to reach a repeater with the 42.5" model on his ht.
Thank you for the review. I’ve been on the fence about this antenna for a while now. I used is type of antenna a lot while I was in the Corp. They took a beating and were solid performers out in the field.
@@rammbostein everyone is enjoying the airsoft game until the Russian LARPer shouts OOORRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAA while going over the trench with his bayonet ductaped to his barrel.
The scariest thing is the fed cop playing with you gets taken hostage during a big airsoft game. Lets the small kid take his side are and hold him hostage with it. Turns out he had his real pistol on him by accident
@@tzoninghard2425 That's gross negligence at best. I do carry a firearm even when I airsoft, but I have it conceal carried so it can't even come out unless someone lifts my plate carrier. I never touch it at all and every time I start a game I check my guns that they are airsoft (I run all GBB)
I bought one, the analyzer showed it a little low in freq. so I popped off the end cover to trim it, guess what, It actually IS two tape measures with heat shrink.
Fireguy-1322 I’m new to all of this so forgive me if this sounds kind dumb but Grandpa taught me there is no such thing as a dumb question. Does it what do you mean by popping the cap and trimming it(is that HAM radio jargon, or is it just what you mean?) also does it really matter if the big antenna is made of two tape measures with heat shrink around it? The guy doing the video says even when this antenna is folded it still gets much better signal than all the rest. I go hiking mountain biking and camping a lot and I’m also really interested in get my HAM radio handle. Like I said I’m new to all this so I’m looking for everyone’s opinions. Thanks!
@@maggillaguerrilla830 No jargon, I pulled off the top cap and cut small chunks cut off the end a little at a tine to get the SWR closer to my local repeater frequency. And yes it does work pretty good folded over.
I have the small version for my baofeng and one for my id51a. I must admit I got them just because they reminded me of the military antennas I used while I was in the service. I actually like their performance.
People all over Amazon are complaining that it's just 2 tape measures stuck together, but I've read a ton of things about how tape measures are actually good at being an antenna, and if they are repurposing antennas, this is a good thing IMO. I have 3 of them, one for each of my Baofengs and they are actually way superior to the dinky antennas that the radios come with lol..
Pretty sure I'm going to get one of those ABBREE antennas. My cat, however, I don't believe liked it when your voice went High Frequency! Especially that last time!
Just before I left the BNSF Railway Telecom Department in LA we had started to issue folding antennas to the locomotive ground crews for use on their paksets (Railroad term for handheld radio) and the crews seemed to think they worked better than the basic rubber ducky antenna.
I use an Abree on a UV5RE and by telephone, I arranged to try a QSO to a friend on his main station. I was to be outside on my back yard lawn. He was to be on his 2m station rig. What I expected, happened. I could hear HIM but not in reverse. However a third station joined in and said to # 2 that he could read me and he was farther away still! I never spoke to #3 but heard him say that he could hear me. Not exactly a 2 way QSO but a definite link in both directions. If you go on Google Maps you'll see how far apart we are. Greater Manchester UK. Between two towns...Wigan, in the County of Greater Manchester and Stockport in the county of Cheshire. Some haul for a Baofeng Hand Held on a full sized Abree.? Gotta be 20 miles plus, across the city That Abree works! Is it unwieldy...Oh Boy, is it ever? BUT IT WORKS!
That's awesome I just ordered one last night just like it except mine is 49 .8 inches or something like that. It's the biggest one they had. Live your videos.
Just got mine today, the 18.8 inch one and I can already tell its a good antenna. I am able to hit a repeater using the new antenna on my BF-F8 HP, that I could not hit before. Also I was afraid it would be rather whipy, but the one I have is very sturdy and yes it does fold, but I'm not going too. Any ways I have two deployments this month so lots of testing and use to come.
Dumb question and I'm a TOTAL newb. I just ordered this guy (BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery) amnd am confused on whether I need a "male" or "female". I'd of course prefer NOT using an additional adapter. SO stoked I found your channel! Good folks!!!!
Ross G same brand and all ? But y’all use Falcon radios right ? I was trying to figure out what radios y’all used over sees and try to find one. But hard to find which ones and where to buy
CaliCR00kxiv doesn’t Harris make Falcon radios ? Or well it’s called the Falcon -1 or something. But that’s the same style antenna right y’all use out on Patrol right ?
@@jasonjackson329 ABBREE does have some government contracts but I believe it is only park rangers and other state agencies nothing DOD. The DOD comes under attack by lobbyist every time they sign a contract with a foreign company but local governments are better at showing people that the product is well made and affordable.
I'd like to see a test where you put a receiver recording somewhere, and you walk miles away to test all of the antennas. The near field strength is greater on that big antenna, but I'd like to see the strength when it is far away, comparing each one.
Ham Radio Crash Course Hi just watched this video and found it interesting but I know nothing about SWR and all the lingo. So my question is how much farther can you reach with this antenna compared to the rest. It's six months since you replied to this comment have you done the test yet.. I'm asking as I'm interested in getting a Baofang radio but as my budget is small I want to,get the best bang for my buck first time. Thank you.
I bought the 18" model for my 'Feng. With the stock duckie I can just barely hit repeaters from up to 10 miles. With the Abbree I can easily hit and talk to repeaters 16-18 miles away. Haven't really tested further than that.
I got the 28.5 inch Abbreee antenna and I love it. There is a repeater I can't hit with the stock Baofeng UV 5R but I can hit it easily with the tacticool Abbreee
Back in the days before vhf/uhf handis became what they are today I had a couple of ICOM IC-02s with so called "rubber duck" antennas. The wife and I (her call N1DHX, mine N1ABE) used to use them to keep in touch while out and about generally on simplex. At 5 watts the units worked fair and would hit local repeaters as long as we weren't more than a mile away. The stock rubber ducks are fairly inefficient radiators, more like dummy loads in some cases. I went to a bottom loaded, extendable whip which when fully extended was a half-wave match at 2m. It more than tripled the range of my rig with the longer radiator. Plus, being a better match, most of the rigs output made it into space. Judging from the performance of the 24" abree antenna I would guess that with the loading coil the antenna is a half wave match at 2m and a full wave at 70cm. That antenna probably would be great out at a field day gathering or just roaming around. A little inconvenient for casual use. I may get one myself just to tinker around with. I bet they'd work well in the 70cm GMRS band. FCC rules as of 2017 prohibit detachable antennas for FRS use. There are also some restricted frequencies in the GMRS band as well.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse wow...that's a shit ton...I couldn't get a good look, and went with a WASR because it looked stamped and I didn't see a dimple. But you get all the points bro. 80% AK builders are a special breed!
I think it is hilarious. I’m a new ham, and have been making contacts on my Baofeng regularly with good reports. I run the pro power, and like it. I may have to try this thing, if only to baffle the Baofeng haters. “If you hated it before...check this out” lol
video was 100% worth it just to hear you say "abrrreeeeeeee" 😜 my guess is the 771 is more omnidirectional so not as strong in the specific direction you were testing
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Where is the link for that? I notice that Amazon marks some sizes as "Does not ship to UK." Have ordered a 42'' from EBAY UK. Your video quite fired me up. Would like to see the follow on video. 73s and Season's Best.
I know these antennas are often relocated to a stationary mount on a vest, for instance. This has me wondering a couple of things. 1) What are the cable considerations in doing so? Will extending it result in any loss that begins to negate the gain you get from the better position say above your shoulders/head? 2) What about taking that to an extreme. Say you wanted to use this like you would a j-pole pulled up on a tree branch. Any reason you couldn't extend this antenna up into a tree with a long relocation cable if you wanted to transitive from a better vantage point. What are some limits to consider in length of extension vs benefit? I'm not an expert; looking for a dialog here to help me learn.
I ordered one, picking it up tomorrow, can't wait! I have the shorter one right now cuz the Chinese on eBay screwed up and I had to bicker for 2 weeks for a FULL refund and they don't wanna pay for a return. READ REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK on the sellers of these radio accessories!! Anyway the shorter one has its drawbacks compared to the stock antenna, the signal isn't consistent. You're correct on the Nagoya antenna --- the stock one works better!
1- radio pouches work! 2- get a ptt shoulder mic with the aux port! 3- antenna relocation kits come in 3' and 6' cables are cheap and DO WORK! 4-Get you some quick connect adapters they are a life saver! 5-NEVER trust the belt clip on a radio!
Love the intro!!! careful tho... as I recall you are in California and I'm pretty sure in California bullets can cause inexplicable death, especially grouped together in large "clips" ;)
LOL - I just ordered the 42 inch version this morning before I saw your video. More curiosity and novelty than anything, but glad to here my chances are good that it will work
Could you run a SWR test on the antenna at different frequencies? I'm curious to see that. I'm so curious to see if that antenna is capable of operating on GMRS frequencies, even though it's not advertised to work on those frequencies.
A little fun knowledge! The antenna is a so called “blade antenna” or “march antenna”. Optimal if you are doing recon in the woods and you don’t want a long stiff antenna that will just flip your shit or snap. It is meant to bend as you walk through branches and stuff.
It's nothing like I've seen. It's supposed to be metallic, loose, rattle a lot and at least have one permenant bend from mishandling. Also it's supposed to be foldable into tiny pocket size along the segments.
I know over time the Army version we used on patrols had wore out so much that they would not stay erect and just kinda droop all over the place but we never really had to unfold them being we used them mostly for platoon internal comms on MBITR's. That huge cap at that the end looks ridiculous though lol
I got one of those tactical folding antennas off eBay. It broke after the first fold I did with it. Seller didn't keep his word on getting me a different antenna. So, I hope that one from Amazon is better.
Great review, that is quite the gain. It would be nice to see if there is a performance difference between folded and extended long ABBREE antenna. Also, if a counterpoise wire off of the belt clip screw would further make a difference. Thanks a bunch de VA3NIE
I bought myself an Abbree and took it up to Mt. Umunhum, south of San Jose. The Abbree got out great but the receive on my UV5R couldn't handle all the RF up on the hill. Good thing I had my Alinco DJ-G7 with me. Going to get an SMA male to female adapter and go back with the Abbree on the Alinco. Was S9 to West San Jose on the Abbree and S7 on the Alinco with an MFJ-1717.
I saw a bucket of actual antennas like that that were either used or just surplus at a army store near fort benning, I might get a connector just so I could use it
Mainland Chinese make replicas for the airsoft/softair/re-enactment communities. So naturally it evolves to cover Chinese radios like Baofeng alike. The Thales and Harris real steel have versions for 30-88/90MHz, 90-512, and 30-512Mhz. Harris has one that covers 225-450MHz as well. I read a bad review of one of these replica tape antennas so I haven’t hooked 2 (ABBREE?) that I bought up to an HT yet (not sure if ABBREE fully replicates full coverage, but it doesn’t list as such.) Since my SWR is not full VHF/UHF range so I can’t help; I do wonder about the counterpoise of these airsoft versions. Note what concerns me is since Chinese 70cm coverage is 430MHz (possibly offsets from US ham similarly in VHF say 130?) so someone mentioned opening and trimming the (measuring) tapes by popping the top cap open (slipping it off easily) and work it with SWR meter. Note the antenna’s top portion appears to be MX threaded, and I think directly connectable to the Motorola Waris series radios (HT750/1250/1550/overseas equivalents). The “counterpoise” length transitions to SMA connector and for cosmetically-tacti-cool. let me dig out my HT750 to confirm... (Waris series accessories still being sold on eBay, even it is ~2 generations older) I can hit my local 220 repeater with the full-length Harris and the shorter folded up Harris.
KM6AGJ As an off grid Ham, I could definitely use an antenna like that when I'm running my base radio in my RV in crossband while I am way in the mountains and out exploring and shooting photos.
Just got mine! Went with the 42" because 'Merica, lol. So far so good, picking up channels I wasn't getting before which is nice. Mainly bought it as an emergency antenna to keep in the car.
I love that big stick. I gotta get me one.
Werd!
K6UDA what length do you ordered and if you already get it, how do it perform? 73 DH1AR
@Kevin Olschesky Then you found out she was talking about hers.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse please please idk Y theres a male or female one can u please tell me which 1 i need to just take my old factory one & slap this one on?? Sorry im so new its crazy. I have the boefang u5r one if that makes any difference. Thanks & God bless
Which boefang handled was this ?
Best intro yet. “This is not an airsoft rifle, this is a REAL AK47, AND THESE ARE FULL OF BULLETS!” My people!
When you show up to the airsoft game and you're pretty sure you brought the wrong gun...
🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️😁
@Stuart pull the trigger easy test
Hah I'm like number 223 on a comment about an AK47 😂
@@FenderBender503762 coming soon lol
HRCC: _"Are we compensating for something?"_
Everyone: _"Yes... the Baofeng"_
LOL!
Oh, please. Spare the Psychology 101 wisdom comments.
@@ThunderBroomPilot Who? The first line is a quote from the video. Do you see the quotation marks? See how the text is in italics? See how I pre-fix it with who said it? Well, those were your clues ...
... my apologies if they were just too subtle for you, ThunderBrainAutopilot ; )
@@ThunderBroomPilot Found the sad ham
Yeah, I went with the Abbree 42.5 inch antenna because ... well, you know. I can sit in my recliner, in my house with steel siding, with a 100+ year old cedar tree in front of the window, and I can hit a repeater located about 30 miles away as the crow flies. I'd say it's a pretty good antenna.
KE0WKN
For real
Had to get the 48 just cause it’s longer
I heard once, if its stupid and it works, it aint stupid.
Came here for radio stuff, subscribed for another california AK owner lol
Lol, welcome.
Haha I had to go back and look for the grip fin! Confirmed!
Chinese guy: what should we do with all this left over snap bracelet material?
Chinese guy 2: we sell to Americans, call it tactical
antenna
only thing missing is a flashy LED . chinese designer in plant says sales are down on our tac antenna . CEO of shitzo radio sales says ( we put flashy led on antenna dumb round eye love flashy leds ) LOL
@@KiloWatt304 hahaha
We literally use these in the military lol. Slightly better versions though.
That was funny hahaha
They are called Whip Antennas in the military. Its supposed to bend back when hit by tree branches among other things like folding to dimimsh ones profile....because, you shoot the medic, the officer and the radio man first.
I have been testing one of the longer tactical folding antennas for a couple months now and I am still getting impressed with its performance. It outperforms anything else I have tried, including a couple expensive telescopic antennas that I have. For day-to-day use, it is a bit extreme due to its size, but for situations like marathons, parades, Skywarn activations, etc., this is the perfect antenna for an HT radio in the field.
I think you have nailed it. Those are my feelings as well!
Great video, Josh. I just received one of these as a Christmas gift from the kids. I'm planning on trying out the ABBREE against the Nagoya 771 on aSOTA activation tomorrow. We'll see how this goes. 73
Great! Let me k ow how it goes!
Just came over here from Modern Rogue and just bought a baofeng radio and this is exactly what I need.
Hey Chris. The Yaesu FT4 series are a comparable price and blow the Baofengs out of the water. Cleaner power out, less harmonics meaning all the signal goes where it should... better selectivity means distant stations come in much clearer. It's a very similar design, just with far better quality control and alignment. It's a very dependable radio for those on a budget.
Don't misunderstand me... Baofengs still have their place in a SHTF situation, due to their disposable nature and low cost ... but mainly for handing out like candies to key civilians to help get a community organised. But a prepper should have something more capable, durable and (hopefully) more waterproof.
Baofengs are basically a useful toy. Good for airsofters and as free gifts to help keep certain useful civilians organised and in the loop. I have 12 pre-programmed baofengs in my stockpile... individually bagged in ziplock, with spare battery, solar charger, laminated instruction card, silica desicant bags and cheap counterfeit Nagoya-771s.
After all, a radio is only ever as useful as the folks on the other end of the QSO.
@@garychap8384 you mind sharing your laminated info card ? And is there a way to use encrypted or private frequencies for two way communications ?
@@ThatGuy-sc5rx the card is pretty much unique to our club... and also to the specific UK frequencies that our EmComms organisation uses. You'd be better off devising your own channel plan, to suit your country, local repeaters, organisational needs, threat model, licensing and group structure.
*Encryption*
As for encryption, you CANNOT encrypt using an analogue baofeng. The best that most analogue radios can do is something called "frequency inversion" ... where the high audio frequencies become low, and the low frequencies become high... this results in a garbled audio. I do not believe any of the baofengs can manage this... and it's really not very secure anyway.
A radio which WILL encrypt your communications is a digital radio such as the MD380... however, these are a little more expensive.
*Problems with encryption*
One problem with encryption is that other radio users cannot join your EmComms efforts unless they have specific radios... so it can be a little limiting. Unless, of course, your groups radios can operate on Digital AND Analogue simultaneously ... so that they can monitor your civilian 'hand-out' radios.
Also, bear in mind that encrypted traffic is NOT allowed in the amateur band unless your license is specifically extended to permit it - usually only for Raynet/ARES operators, and only WHEN passing messages for a service user (the emergency services). Of course, you could argue that in a SHTF / WROL situation, you can do it anyway (under the defence of necessity)... but, it may attract unwanted attention from various agencies.
I'd suggest that it's always better, in a disaster, to use non-encrypted traffic and a set of common modes and frequencies that any handset can tune.
*Covert use in a WROL situation*
Since you mentioned encryption, we should probably look at covert ops, foxhunting and anti-foxhunting strategies...
In a rather more "combative" environment, then encrypted digital may be a good option... although, if you have the skills, then either morse (or packet) and a code-book is considerably better. Spies and resistance members have operated QRP morse stations on a 9v battery, very successfully from behind enemy lines ... including foreign spies communicating over many 1000's of miles using a simple wire thrown up into a tree.
... some of these morse radios are only as large as a cigarette packet ! Similar can be done with RTTY, APRS, Packet, etc.
If you ever envisage operating covertly, it'd probably be a good idea to get some experience with "skyburner" antennas, which fire a signal "straight up" and have it scatter back to earth from the atmosphere ... and, also, an interesting radio-sport called "foxhunting", where you try to rapidly track down a "fox" - who broadcasts briefly at set intervals. As having a practical understanding how operators are tracked down, will help you operate covertly.
Other covert techniques are more advanced, such as using Band-X horns aimed at water towers, to turn the tower into a convex reflector for the tight microwave beam. This technique was commonly used in pirate radio to covertly link studios to disposable transmitters located on rooftops. When one transmitter got located and taken down by the authorities, the studio horn would be swung around to activate a different rooftop.
Two X-band horns pointed at the same building/tower many miles away can communicate quite well, and it really messes with tracking equipment as the signals appear to come from the reflector. Strong reflections also play hell with quad-antenna phase tracking rigs.
Another way to operate covertly is by using transactional data. A car/bike/person with a transciever moves along a long route past various operators. Messages are automatically exchanged with the device as it passes. The passing vehicle may not even know it's carrying traffic... and operators simply arrange to have their device in proximity at some point on the route. I've seen this done with wireless USB sticks with rechargable 18650 batteries, wired into street-lighting poles... allowing people to connect wirelessly to an encrypted drive, either locally, automatically from a cellphone... or from as far as 3 mile away with a Yagi.
Transactional nodes can become the ultimate dead-drop, whether an NFC operated device embedded in a table or wall... a transactional bluetooth storage device... or WiFi enabled SBCs such as Pi-Zeros or PIs, arranged in strange places - such as inside USB keyboards in libraries, or hanging off the back of electric outlets or lightswitches... or, up in a ceiling spliced to a ceiling light or fuse-box in a public place like a toilet. I had one in an advertising board of a bus shelter where it sat for several years uninterrupted.
Covert is a BIG subject... and when to use encrypted or plain comms... covert or non-covert comms... transactional, automatic-transactional or realtime HT comms... all depend very much on your scenario.
I'd strongly suggest getting into amateur radio and really learning how to get the most out of all the equipment, frequencies and modes... particularly if you ever plan on relying on communications in a serious situation.... whether that be a SHTF, WROL or even an active resistance scenario.
@@garychap8384 impressively detailed comment. 👍
that intro 100/10.
all these mags have bullets in them!!!
we used these type of whips in the Army for the VHF radios. While on the move they worked well enough, though I'd still through up a wire in the tree if we were going to be stationary for longer than an hour.
Dont radios like the PRC117 go way lower in thr VHF band than any ham radio as well? I wasnt a comms guy and only had a little experince playing with the 117s.
@@jeepinbanditrider yeah, somewhere like 30-80mhz
threw
Still use them for VHF on ASIP and PRC-148 radios.
I think I remember using them on the Harris 150s as well, but I doubt it works for HF band transmitting
I'm impressed you held it together so well with all of double entendre you were dropping. Well done, sir. Well done.
Thanks for watching!
I love your intro.
“All of these magazines have billets in them!”
Stay cool, Dude.
Hah! Thanks for watching!
Love your channel. Feel like I read your mind. 2 days ago I bought this and then your vid pops up on RUclips recommendations. This sucker reminds me of the old flimsy antennas we had on the old PRC-77’s!
Not gonna lie, you got me with the airsoft bit. Well done 😂
Hah, thanks,
I'm just getting in HAM radio, and I picked up 2 ABBREE antennas at a gun show. Glad I found your channel, and now I'm a subscriber.
Ooooooooo they have a 42 inch one also. I am going to have to order one of these. Great intro, you had me laughing.
New to the HAM radio scene and doing research but u sir have won a subscriber and digged the intro 👍👍
Thanks and welcome
Hey Josh, do a follow-up where you actually use the antenna to make some contacts and test repeater reach! :)
I have the 42in blade antenna and I made a 22 mile repeater contact with good to very useable signal report.
Dark Oak Radio Works 22 miles from the repeater? Or 22 miles from the repeater to contact?
@@darkoakradioworks1090 I saw a video today where a guy claimed well over a 30 mile range (like 35 iirc) to reach a repeater with the 42.5" model on his ht.
Thank you for the review. I’ve been on the fence about this antenna for a while now. I used is type of antenna a lot while I was in the Corp. They took a beating and were solid performers out in the field.
The scariest thing to hear in an airsoft game:
"Oh, this was the real Ak..... MEDIC!!!!!!!"
Meanwhile during SHTF: *pfft ting* *pffft ting*
"Wait, this is the airsoft one"
LOL
@@rammbostein everyone is enjoying the airsoft game until the Russian LARPer shouts OOORRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAA while going over the trench with his bayonet ductaped to his barrel.
@@Kalezian LOL his friend is following him with only a stripper clip of ammo
The scariest thing is the fed cop playing with you gets taken hostage during a big airsoft game. Lets the small kid take his side are and hold him hostage with it. Turns out he had his real pistol on him by accident
@@tzoninghard2425 That's gross negligence at best. I do carry a firearm even when I airsoft, but I have it conceal carried so it can't even come out unless someone lifts my plate carrier. I never touch it at all and every time I start a game I check my guns that they are airsoft (I run all GBB)
So far you seem to be the most knowledgeable in the ham radio trend on RUclips.
Thanks! My new antenna videos are non-biased as they are purely based on my measurements. Check them out.
I bought one, the analyzer showed it a little low in freq. so I popped off the end cover to trim it, guess what, It actually IS two tape measures with heat shrink.
I wish I would have seen this video before I bought mine. Pulled of the top cap and yep, two tape measures. Yes its the green packaging
Fireguy-1322 I’m new to all of this so forgive me if this sounds kind dumb but Grandpa taught me there is no such thing as a dumb question. Does it what do you mean by popping the cap and trimming it(is that HAM radio jargon, or is it just what you mean?) also does it really matter if the big antenna is made of two tape measures with heat shrink around it? The guy doing the video says even when this antenna is folded it still gets much better signal than all the rest. I go hiking mountain biking and camping a lot and I’m also really interested in get my HAM radio handle. Like I said I’m new to all this so I’m looking for everyone’s opinions. Thanks!
@@maggillaguerrilla830 No jargon, I pulled off the top cap and cut small chunks cut off the end a little at a tine to get the SWR closer to my local repeater frequency. And yes it does work pretty good folded over.
Yes ever frequency has its measurement . Half and quarter the length...
😂🤦🏾♂️🤣
Great Opening 😄 Thanks for all the videos, new to Ham and getting a ton of info from them!
I have the small version for my baofeng and one for my id51a. I must admit I got them just because they reminded me of the military antennas I used while I was in the service. I actually like their performance.
Its a very good antenna. I guess the military knows what their doing when it comes to comms huh? :D
@@HamRadioCrashCourse until you need it to work then it's crickets and visit to the como shop lol
1:16 I believe the line is "Excuse me while I whip this out" lol
I bought the 18 and the 42”abbrev antennas and love them both
Its definitely grown on me, I got the 18in. For 8 dollars it's way better than the stock and I will feel less guilty beating it up in the woods
I bought one of these and now I can hit the local repeater with my baofeng. Before it was totally quite. So far I’m happy with it.
"Excuse me while I whip this thing out. "
"No, dang nabit. I said the radio is a [train horn]."
You should get the award for funniest comment.
I’m buying one of these antennas just so I can say that every time I unfold it.
Say hello to my little friend.
I was going to say that but I figured surly someone has already thought of this
_"Look, I'm gonna need everyone to stand back ... trust me, there's a reason this thing only comes in black"_
Every antenna that I have purchased from Abbree has been excellent in performance.
Thanks for the review. They now have a 39.3" and 42.5" on Amazon. I'd like to see how those compare to the 28".
I ordered the 42, should be here any day
I ordered a 42 also
No mistakes were made brother. That AK is badass.
People all over Amazon are complaining that it's just 2 tape measures stuck together, but I've read a ton of things about how tape measures are actually good at being an antenna, and if they are repurposing antennas, this is a good thing IMO.
I have 3 of them, one for each of my Baofengs and they are actually way superior to the dinky antennas that the radios come with lol..
I never thought about it but now that you mention it thats got to be what they are.
I have been thinking about getting into ham and that antenna is what just pushed me over lol. Love it.
_"hey [airsoft ref], are we allowed to use pellets 7.62 by 39 millimetres big?"_
You’re the best radio channel EVAR
Thanks!
Pretty sure I'm going to get one of those ABBREE antennas. My cat, however, I don't believe liked it when your voice went High Frequency! Especially that last time!
Just before I left the BNSF Railway Telecom Department in LA we had started to issue folding antennas to the locomotive ground crews for use on their paksets (Railroad term for handheld radio) and the crews seemed to think they worked better than the basic rubber ducky antenna.
I use an Abree on a UV5RE and by telephone, I arranged to try a QSO to a friend on his main station.
I was to be outside on my back yard lawn. He was to be on his 2m station rig.
What I expected, happened.
I could hear HIM but not in reverse. However a third station joined in and said to # 2 that he could read me and he was farther away still!
I never spoke to #3 but heard him say that he could hear me. Not exactly a 2 way QSO but a
definite link in both directions.
If you go on Google Maps you'll see how far apart we are.
Greater Manchester UK.
Between two towns...Wigan, in the County of Greater Manchester and Stockport in the county of Cheshire.
Some haul for a Baofeng Hand Held on a full sized Abree.?
Gotta be 20 miles plus, across the city
That Abree works! Is it unwieldy...Oh Boy, is it ever? BUT IT WORKS!
That's awesome I just ordered one last night just like it except mine is 49 .8 inches or something like that. It's the biggest one they had. Live your videos.
You get a like (I'm already sub'd) for the pronunciation of abbrEEEEEEEE!
This is really good for people in need of an antenna with out putting on the roof our living in a apartment.
Greetings from Reno, Nevada.
You crack me up!
Just got mine today, the 18.8 inch one and I can already tell its a good antenna. I am able to hit a repeater using the new antenna on my BF-F8 HP, that I could not hit before. Also I was afraid it would be rather whipy, but the one I have is very sturdy and yes it does fold, but I'm not going too. Any ways I have two deployments this month so lots of testing and use to come.
Dumb question and I'm a TOTAL newb. I just ordered this guy (BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery) amnd am confused on whether I need a "male" or "female". I'd of course prefer NOT using an additional adapter. SO stoked I found your channel! Good folks!!!!
We use that same antenna for active duty Army. Had it for 3 combat tours.
Ross G same brand and all ? But y’all use Falcon radios right ? I was trying to figure out what radios y’all used over sees and try to find one. But hard to find which ones and where to buy
JASON JACKSON Harris radios. Not the same brand antenna but yes we have whip antennas just like that.
CaliCR00kxiv doesn’t Harris make Falcon radios ? Or well it’s called the Falcon -1 or something. But that’s the same style antenna right y’all use out on Patrol right ?
@@jasonjackson329 ABBREE does have some government contracts but I believe it is only park rangers and other state agencies nothing DOD. The DOD comes under attack by lobbyist every time they sign a contract with a foreign company but local governments are better at showing people that the product is well made and affordable.
I'm getting mine soon, glad to see they are amazing.
Is that a Baofeng antenna or are you just happy to see me?
I'm glad the signal stick did so well. I've been talking it up for awhile.
Its still the antenna to have a I feel.
You need to get the 42" one and test it!
So THAT was the ultimate question.
I got a 48 inch one
I use this as a base station antenna for my UV5R and a 25 foot cable outside my condo. Works great!
How its range and what cable do u use
@@QuIsLinG666 sma male to sma female, 25 ft max. I got it from Amazon. I can hit repeaters 40 miles/60 km away that are on a mountain.
I'd like to see a test where you put a receiver recording somewhere, and you walk miles away to test all of the antennas. The near field strength is greater on that big antenna, but I'd like to see the strength when it is far away, comparing each one.
That is in the works!
Ham Radio Crash Course Hi just watched this video and found it interesting but I know nothing about SWR and all the lingo. So my question is how much farther can you reach with this antenna compared to the rest. It's six months since you replied to this comment have you done the test yet.. I'm asking as I'm interested in getting a Baofang radio but as my budget is small I want to,get the best bang for my buck first time. Thank you.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse have you performed the test yet? I'd love to see a video of it
Just passed my ham radio technician test. Not in the database yet. Thanks for all the helpful advice.
Congrats!!! Glad you’re joining us!
I bought the 18" model for my 'Feng. With the stock duckie I can just barely hit repeaters from up to 10 miles. With the Abbree I can easily hit and talk to repeaters 16-18 miles away. Haven't really tested further than that.
Blazing Saddles reference! Love that movie!
One word... timely
Loved the into.
Yes... I miss those days of prepping you did.
I got the 28.5 inch Abbreee antenna and I love it. There is a repeater I can't hit with the stock Baofeng UV 5R but I can hit it easily with the tacticool Abbreee
Back in the days before vhf/uhf handis became what they are today I had a couple of ICOM IC-02s with so called "rubber duck" antennas. The wife and I (her call N1DHX, mine N1ABE) used to use them to keep in touch while out and about generally on simplex. At 5 watts the units worked fair and would hit local repeaters as long as we weren't more than a mile away. The stock rubber ducks are fairly inefficient radiators, more like dummy loads in some cases. I went to a bottom loaded, extendable whip which when fully extended was a half-wave match at 2m. It more than tripled the range of my rig with the longer radiator. Plus, being a better match, most of the rigs output made it into space. Judging from the performance of the 24" abree antenna I would guess that with the loading coil the antenna is a half wave match at 2m and a full wave at 70cm. That antenna probably would be great out at a field day gathering or just roaming around. A little inconvenient for casual use. I may get one myself just to tinker around with. I bet they'd work well in the 70cm GMRS band. FCC rules as of 2017 prohibit detachable antennas for FRS use. There are also some restricted frequencies in the GMRS band as well.
Sooooo many bonus points for the WASR. 😃👌
I built it from an 80%er kit. How many points is that?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse wow...that's a shit ton...I couldn't get a good look, and went with a WASR because it looked stamped and I didn't see a dimple. But you get all the points bro. 80% AK builders are a special breed!
It’s just a Romy G
@@HamRadioCrashCourse 👌
I think it is hilarious. I’m a new ham, and have been making contacts on my Baofeng regularly with good reports. I run the pro power, and like it. I may have to try this thing, if only to baffle the Baofeng haters. “If you hated it before...check this out” lol
The intro is gold😂
Yes mang!
video was 100% worth it just to hear you say "abrrreeeeeeee" 😜 my guess is the 771 is more omnidirectional so not as strong in the specific direction you were testing
Hey ...That practical test leaves very little doubt.
Thank you.
Go watch the follow on video. Even more practical testing over a decent range.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse
Where is the link for that?
I notice that Amazon marks some sizes as "Does not ship to UK."
Have ordered a 42'' from EBAY UK.
Your video quite fired me up. Would like to see the follow on video.
73s and Season's Best.
ruclips.net/video/KDBC0azUa50/видео.html
"Hang on baby while I whip this out." Blazing Saddles.
Just brought Baofeng UR-10R $32 ebay (latest model) and UR-9R PLUS (2nd latest model) for $20 but now seeking antenna. Thanks for video.
I know these antennas are often relocated to a stationary mount on a vest, for instance. This has me wondering a couple of things. 1) What are the cable considerations in doing so? Will extending it result in any loss that begins to negate the gain you get from the better position say above your shoulders/head? 2) What about taking that to an extreme. Say you wanted to use this like you would a j-pole pulled up on a tree branch. Any reason you couldn't extend this antenna up into a tree with a long relocation cable if you wanted to transitive from a better vantage point. What are some limits to consider in length of extension vs benefit? I'm not an expert; looking for a dialog here to help me learn.
I ordered one, picking it up tomorrow, can't wait! I have the shorter one right now cuz the Chinese on eBay screwed up and I had to bicker for 2 weeks for a FULL refund and they don't wanna pay for a return. READ REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK on the sellers of these radio accessories!! Anyway the shorter one has its drawbacks compared to the stock antenna, the signal isn't consistent. You're correct on the Nagoya antenna --- the stock one works better!
1- radio pouches work!
2- get a ptt shoulder mic with the aux port!
3- antenna relocation kits come in 3' and 6' cables are cheap and DO WORK!
4-Get you some quick connect adapters they are a life saver!
5-NEVER trust the belt clip on a radio!
Ordered one from Amazon after watching this video. Should be here in a couple of days (weather permitting). Can't wait to see how well it works. :~)
Love the intro!!! careful tho... as I recall you are in California and I'm pretty sure in California bullets can cause inexplicable death, especially grouped together in large "clips" ;)
we would gladly accept him and his proclivities here in Idaho.
@@imhidingintheshop8889 I friggin love Idaho!
And cancer in laboratory animals and incarceration in magazines larger than 5 rounds.
Everything in komifornia causes death, cancer, or birth defects. The question is it actually the products or the state behind the cause?
Only in a ghost gun
LOL - I just ordered the 42 inch version this morning before I saw your video. More curiosity and novelty than anything, but glad to here my chances are good that it will work
Could you run a SWR test on the antenna at different frequencies? I'm curious to see that. I'm so curious to see if that antenna is capable of operating on GMRS frequencies, even though it's not advertised to work on those frequencies.
It does work on GMRS but it shines on VHF.
Ordered two 42" ones for my ft60 and uv82, should have them in my mailbox tomorrow. Looking forward to messin with em
How are they? I'm thinking of ordering a few myself.
@@drivingexcitement they work SIGNIFICANTLY better than the nagoyas I was running. Definitely worth a trigger pull
@@brazenbull636 Thanks for the reply. I have mine on the way.
I made a 2m dipole out of a tape measure. After coating it with flex-seal, the 'tenna looked just like this!
Awesome. Now fold it.
Bro, you flagged me like five times in that intro!!
Point away! Point away!! LOL♡♡♡
You are hilarious :)
🤜👍🤛♡♡♡
Now, if only they make a 6/2/70cm Tri-band antenna for my VX-8DR! de n6amf!
A little fun knowledge! The antenna is a so called “blade antenna” or “march antenna”. Optimal if you are doing recon in the woods and you don’t want a long stiff antenna that will just flip your shit or snap. It is meant to bend as you walk through branches and stuff.
It's nothing like I've seen. It's supposed to be metallic, loose, rattle a lot and at least have one permenant bend from mishandling. Also it's supposed to be foldable into tiny pocket size along the segments.
GTpcGaming I guess the countries we serve in have different radio/comms systems
I know over time the Army version we used on patrols had wore out so much that they would not stay erect and just kinda droop all over the place but we never really had to unfold them being we used them mostly for platoon internal comms on MBITR's. That huge cap at that the end looks ridiculous though lol
Thanks for the insights! Planning on using this for my hammo can build
I got one of those tactical folding antennas off eBay. It broke after the first fold I did with it. Seller didn't keep his word on getting me a different antenna. So, I hope that one from Amazon is better.
Just try to break it every 30 days lol
the opening troll is magnificent
Great review, that is quite the gain. It would be nice to see if there is a performance difference between folded and extended long ABBREE antenna. Also, if a counterpoise wire off of the belt clip screw would further make a difference. Thanks a bunch de VA3NIE
@SavageSurvival Thanks for the information. I ordered one yesterday, just before you replied :)
I bought one! Its just like the whip antenna on the old PRC-77 military radio
So, is it the most recommended if not the best antenna for HTs?
smartzed Best is subjective.
When a breeze catches it better hold on to your radio. Im glad it works well i got one and hadnt gotten to test it out simplex yet.
It gets a bad wrap, untill the FCC approves it, then it get high praises
Honestly, it can fold to a good size.. and get better reception!! Just ordered it from your link!! Thx
Scientific no, good enough yes, brilliant of course ;-)
I brought one of the antennas and so far I think it works great
Next up;
An ABrrrreeee Rhombic for 2m... fold down to size of a deck of cards; unfolds to tennis court size... lol😄
I bought myself an Abbree and took it up to Mt. Umunhum, south of San Jose. The Abbree got out great but the receive on my UV5R couldn't handle all the RF up on the hill. Good thing I had my Alinco DJ-G7 with me.
Going to get an SMA male to female adapter and go back with the Abbree on the Alinco. Was S9 to West San Jose on the Abbree and S7 on the Alinco with an MFJ-1717.
"Hey Blind Baby...WTH the hell is this ding dong thing?"
"I think he's gonna show ya JR..."
"OMG, we'll never fit that thing on the album cover!"
I saw a bucket of actual antennas like that that were either used or just surplus at a army store near fort benning, I might get a connector just so I could use it
So was the super gargantuan better than the merely gargantuan one?
I have hit a 32 mile repeater with this antenna so it’s definitely a rare steal
Only think I'd like to know is how it worked in the different bands. 70 cm vs 2m or even the 220 band. Thanks
Not dual band. Only 2m
Mainland Chinese make replicas for the airsoft/softair/re-enactment communities. So naturally it evolves to cover Chinese radios like Baofeng alike. The Thales and Harris real steel have versions for 30-88/90MHz, 90-512, and 30-512Mhz. Harris has one that covers 225-450MHz as well.
I read a bad review of one of these replica tape antennas so I haven’t hooked 2 (ABBREE?) that I bought up to an HT yet (not sure if ABBREE fully replicates full coverage, but it doesn’t list as such.) Since my SWR is not full VHF/UHF range so I can’t help; I do wonder about the counterpoise of these airsoft versions.
Note what concerns me is since Chinese 70cm coverage is 430MHz (possibly offsets from US ham similarly in VHF say 130?) so someone mentioned opening and trimming the (measuring) tapes by popping the top cap open (slipping it off easily) and work it with SWR meter.
Note the antenna’s top portion appears to be MX threaded, and I think directly connectable to the Motorola Waris series radios (HT750/1250/1550/overseas equivalents). The “counterpoise” length transitions to SMA connector and for cosmetically-tacti-cool. let me dig out my HT750 to confirm... (Waris series accessories still being sold on eBay, even it is ~2 generations older)
I can hit my local 220 repeater with the full-length Harris and the shorter folded up Harris.
KM6AGJ As an off grid Ham, I could definitely use an antenna like that when I'm running my base radio in my RV in crossband while I am way in the mountains and out exploring and shooting photos.
When you were saying how long it is I thought you were talking about a CVS receipt.
Just got mine! Went with the 42" because 'Merica, lol. So far so good, picking up channels I wasn't getting before which is nice. Mainly bought it as an emergency antenna to keep in the car.