Base

[KOK5CY]

I’m looking to switch antennas and I’m tied between 2 . The comet ca-712efc or Tram 2486-b
I bought the tram a few months ago because the dealer for the comet was out and I wanted to get my gmrs radio up and running so I chose the tram . Now I’m looking at changing the antenna. Anyone use the comet brand ?

 

[JamesBrox]

I’m looking to switch antennas and I’m tied between 2 . The comet ca-712efc or Tram 2486-b
I bought the tram a few months ago because the dealer for the comet was out and I wanted to get my gmrs radio up and running so I chose the tram . Now I’m looking at changing the antenna. Anyone use the comet brand ?

I use that Comet on my base unit...... works as advertised.

James/WRXU693

 

[FKimble]

Is there a problem when using the Tram? Do you think the Comet will perform better? Not familiar with either.

Frank

 

[Skypilot007]

I'd pick the Comet too. I've several for amateur radio over many years and they are still up on my roof working like the day I put them up there. I don't think the new Tram/Browning company is the old Tram or Browning company. Rehashed company names. I will admit I have a 700/800 Browning antenna on my car that works quite well.

 

[W8UU]

They're both mid-grade base station antennas. A good compromise between durability, performance, and price.

 

[AK9R]

I don't think the new Tram/Browning company is the old Tram or Browning company.

It's not. They are just brand names that have been sold to Asian manufacturers.

 

[N4GKS]

The only thing that would sell me on a Tram, is the fact that they’re not hollow tubes like the Comet. I’ve heard a few complaints about the tubes filling with water, freezing and bursting. All I’m using mine for, is receiving aircraft and 2 meter repeaters. A coat hanger would probably pick up ok, as long as it was up in the air. I saw one of those old Archer antennas on eBay. The thing went for 60 bucks plus shipping. I remember back in the day they were $15.

 

[AK9R]

The OP mentioned a Tram 2486-B. I'm unable to find that model. Maybe the OP meant Tram 1486.

The only thing that would sell me on a Tram, is the fact that they’re not hollow tubes like the Comet.

What makes you think that the Tram isn't a hollow fiberglass tube with a stiff wire running through it? That's the way almost all vertical VHF/UHF antennas with fiberglass radomes are made. Cut any of them apart and that's what you'll find.

The issue with some antennas of this design is that they are made as multiple sections that have to be assembled in the field. This is done for shipping purposes. A "real" antenna of this design, such as a Phelps-Dodge Stationmaster, now known as the Commander Technologies series, is shipped as one piece. A Commander Technologies 455-7N, which covers 460-470 MHz with 12.1 dBi of gain and is priced at around $2,000, is 19.5 feet long and is shipped in a 24-foot long tube. By comparison, a Comet CA-712-EFC has 9 dBi of gain, is 10 feet 5 inches long, and is shipped as two pieces. If the joint between the two pieces isn't properly assembled or if it fails, then the radome leaks. Of course, the Comet is an order of magnitude less expensive.

 

[N4GKS]

I was actually referring to scanner antennas. I’ve been out of the game a while. I was trying to figure out which scanner antenna would be good. I use Comet for my ham radio applications. Sorry about getting on the wrong thread.