Im looking into purchasing an Anytone mobile for my truck, but I cant find the right antenna for what I need. I need one that will transmit and receive on the full VHF/UHF range that the radio is capable of. I would like to keep height as short as possible as my truck goes into some pretty low hanging spaces, but what do you all suggest? I was looking at the Tram 1185 for the job, but I cant find if it does the full 136-174 400-490 Mhz i need. any suggestions? thanks.
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Anytone AT5888-UV Antenna Options
- Thread starter SLFD127
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toastycookies
Member
Larsen NMO-150/450C
VERY good reviews @ eham
Larsen NMO 2/70 Product Reviews
$49.95 @ Ham Radio Outlet
LARSEN NMO-150/450C | COMMERCIAL DUAL BAND NMO ANTENNA
VERY good reviews @ eham
Larsen NMO 2/70 Product Reviews
$49.95 @ Ham Radio Outlet
LARSEN NMO-150/450C | COMMERCIAL DUAL BAND NMO ANTENNA
WyoDuner
Member
I don't think you will find any antenna that has that broad of a range with acceptable SWR - either dual or single band. I've tested a number of antennas personally, including the NMO mount of the Tram 1185 (Tram 1181) and there is absolutely no way you will get less than 2:1 SWR across even half the bandwidth you are looking at.
As good as the Larson mentioned above, it has a MUCH narrower bandwidth that the 1185 and it is quite tall at around 37" or so. Honestly, the Tram 1185 is about as good as you are going to get for low height and wide bandwidth - that or some Comet equivalent.
My tram 1181 is about 144 to 155 Mhz and about 430 to 467 under 2:1 SWR - roughly - going off memory here.
BTW, That Tram 1185 isn't exactly a gain antenna. On VHF it does much worse than a 1/4 wave and isn't all that much better on UHF.
My question would be what frequency randge do you really need to transmit within. I can't imagine you're planning on transmitting on the Gov frequencies on VHF or below 430 Mhz on UHF.
As good as the Larson mentioned above, it has a MUCH narrower bandwidth that the 1185 and it is quite tall at around 37" or so. Honestly, the Tram 1185 is about as good as you are going to get for low height and wide bandwidth - that or some Comet equivalent.
My tram 1181 is about 144 to 155 Mhz and about 430 to 467 under 2:1 SWR - roughly - going off memory here.
BTW, That Tram 1185 isn't exactly a gain antenna. On VHF it does much worse than a 1/4 wave and isn't all that much better on UHF.
My question would be what frequency randge do you really need to transmit within. I can't imagine you're planning on transmitting on the Gov frequencies on VHF or below 430 Mhz on UHF.
toastycookies
Member
ah. missed the point where he is trying to TRANSMIT on 136-174 and 400-490.
That still does not compute.
That still does not compute.
I will be transmitting mostly on fire/public safety frequencies, Im a volunteer firefighter on a budget, and most of the freq I need are in the upper 140's thru 150 to 160 mhz. UHF is in the 460's. startin to sound like im not gonna find what im looking for for without getting a super tall antenna
toastycookies
Member
get the same antenna as your FD has maybe?
WyoDuner
Member
SLFD15C2, actually, a SHORT antenna is BETTER. Taller is worse for wide bandwidth (actually, to be specific, higher gain gives less bandwidth). The antenna you chose is about as good as you are going to get for your particular application.
Like I mentioned above, my Tram 1181 bandwidth is about 144 to 155 Mhz and about 430 to 467 under 2:1 SWR. That's pretty close to the ranges you are shooting for. The 1181 is same as 1185 so you should see similar results.
If you had access to a SWR meter that covers VHF and UHF you could check your SWR so you know what frequencies you can safely transmit on. Otherwise, I would just use a lower power mode on the radio if possible.
Like I mentioned above, my Tram 1181 bandwidth is about 144 to 155 Mhz and about 430 to 467 under 2:1 SWR. That's pretty close to the ranges you are shooting for. The 1181 is same as 1185 so you should see similar results.
If you had access to a SWR meter that covers VHF and UHF you could check your SWR so you know what frequencies you can safely transmit on. Otherwise, I would just use a lower power mode on the radio if possible.
toastycookies
Member
ok here's one tuned more for the ham bands. should still receive the public safety bands on UHF fine.
Mobile antenna, 2m/70cm, NMO, 4ft
Mobile antenna, 2m/70cm, NMO, 4ft
WyoDuner
Member
Ok, listen, the second one toastycookies posted is the same thing as the first - just open vs closed coil - VHF 1/2 wave over UHF colinear ... That type of antenna WILL NOT give you a very wide bandwidth and it is twice as tall as the Tram 1185.
AGAIN - the Tram 1185 is about as good as you are going to get for wide bandwidth and short height. I already stated I have the same exact antenna (just NMO vs Mag mount) that I personally tested and posted the results in almost the exact same scenario that you are needing the antenna for. The tram is only $22 on Amazon which meets your budget friendly requirement.
Search all day if you want but the Tram 1185 is your best bet.
AGAIN - the Tram 1185 is about as good as you are going to get for wide bandwidth and short height. I already stated I have the same exact antenna (just NMO vs Mag mount) that I personally tested and posted the results in almost the exact same scenario that you are needing the antenna for. The tram is only $22 on Amazon which meets your budget friendly requirement.
Search all day if you want but the Tram 1185 is your best bet.
ActionJackson
Member
I'm with Wyo. The Tram 1181 is the best match. I run the AT-5888UV with the 1181 and it actually performs well in the mountains/forest on UHF, actually better than most of our dept rig radios and we're in the 470 range. VHF is exceptional so you should have no worries. So far in all the areas of our county (mountains, beach, desert, metro) I haven't had any complaints.
ActionJackson
Member
Go to Official Site for Tram-Browning, Inc. and look at Page 10.
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