Comet SMA-501 / Diamond SRH-805 Mini Ant

[MacombMonitor]

Two "mini" SMA antennas on the market are the Comet SMA-501, and the Diamond SHR-805. Over the years, I've had, one, or the other at times. As I recall, one of them fails to bottom out to it's base when screwed down on an SMA equipped radio, leaving a very small gap between the base of the antenna, and the radio's antenna mount. This risk putting more strain on the mount, should the antenna strike something. Trouble is, I can't remember which one of the two had this problem.

Anyone?

Thanks!

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I have a Diamond SRH-519 that doesn't sit flush on the 396, but my Comet SMA-501 does.

 

[MacombMonitor]

I have a Diamond SRH-519 that doesn't sit flush on the 396, but my Comet SMA-501 does.

Thanks Mark! I'm having to "make do" with a tiny Icom IC-R2 for awhile, and I thought I'd pick one of these up, to compliment the small package! They work well for me in my area.

 

[Air490]

It's the SRH-805 that does screw all the way down. Having said that, the latest version of this antenna comes with a small rubber washer to put under the antenna and resolve the problem.

Well done Diamond!

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

the latest version of this antenna comes with a small rubber washer to put under the antenna and resolve the problem

There's still a small gap on my 519 even with the washer.

 

[MacombMonitor]

It sounds like Diamond isn't maching their parts properly. I'm sure they're aware of the fit issue, I wonder why they haven't corrected it by now?

 

[W4KRR]

It sounds like Diamond isn't maching their parts properly. I'm sure they're aware of the fit issue, I wonder why they haven't corrected it by now?

Maybe the problem isn't the antenna, maybe it's the connector on the radio. Some of them have SMA connectors that stick up higher than others. If I recall correctly, the connector on my VX-7R is lower profile than the one on my BCD396T.

 

[MacombMonitor]

As mentioned in my original post, one antenna, out of the two I mentioned, (Comet SMA-501, and Diamond SRH-805), fit the way it should, and the other did not. From what another post indicates, it is the Comet SMA-501 that fits properly. I'll be able to confirm this in a few days, as I've ordered a new Comet SMA-501 from Universal Radio. This was on an Icom IC-R2, and same situation on an Icom IC-R5. I've read where people had similar experiences with the Uniden BCD396T...some SMA antennas fit correctly, others did not. So it still appears that some antennas are not being machined to spec.

 

[ksabo]

I have the same problem........

I bought a Diamond SRH77CA for my Icom R5 and it has the same problem you describe. When screwed all the way domn, there is a gap between the radio and the bottom of the antenna.

Kenny

 

[Air490]

It seems to be an "issue" with Diamond antennas. I have never had the same problem with Maldol or Comet antennas.

Having said that, I still think Diamond antennas are pretty hard to beat!

 

[W4KRR]

It seems to be an "issue" with Diamond antennas. I have never had the same problem with Maldol or Comet antennas.

Having said that, I still think Diamond antennas are pretty hard to beat!

I have a Diamond SRH-815 that works great, but when used on my BCD396T, there is a very small gap between the base of the antenna and the top of the radio. I will have to check and see if the gap is there when used on my Yaesu VX-7R.

Anyway, like someone just said, Diamond furnishes a small washer that fits between the antenna and radio to close the gap. I would like to purchase extra washers, if not from Diamond, maybe someone could suggest what they have used for this type of application, and where they got it.