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Gmrs repeater antenna question

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redneckcellphone

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Recently i posted on reddit gmrs about needing an antenna to use for a repeater and someone suggested the diamond f718a becuse it has 11db of gain but the person wasnt sure if it would tune for gmrs since its for 70cm. Anyone know if it will turn for gmrs or not?

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HummerMike

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I don't own one of these. The assembly manual states from 440 - 450mhz. There is no adjustment of the vertical Radial. GMRS is in the 462 - 467.700Mhz range. It may work there, but your SWR would be bad. Myself, I would pass on this antenna for your needs.

Mike
 

mmckenna

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Probably not going to be a good choice.

Frequency is too far off. You really do need a frequency specific antenna when doing this sort of stuff. While some can be tuned, you're going to be much better off with the right tool for the job.

Not sure where your repeater is going, but if it's going at an established site on a leased tower, you may get some pushback from the tower owner. Amateur radio grade antennas are often not welcome.

Antenna gain isn't always your best friend, especially if you are going to be on a high mountain top.
Lower gain antennas or antennas with a downtilt will help coverage a lot more than additional gain will.

I'd avoid taking advice from anyone who'd recommend an amateur radio grade antenna for a GMRS repeater. It may seem like a cheap option with a lot of gain, but it's not going to work out as well as an appropriate antenna that is designed for this sort of application.
 

cmdrwill

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I'd avoid taking advice from anyone who'd recommend an amateur radio grade antenna for a GMRS repeater. It may seem like a cheap option with a lot of gain, but it's not going to work out as well as an appropriate antenna that is designed for this sort of application.

Or any of the Chi brands. Stick to the pro stuff.
 

lmrtek

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its a ham only antenna and they are very poor repeater antennas as well

the laird FG4607 is 9db gain and built like a tank compared to the import junk and about $199

the hustler G6-450-3 is also an excellent repeater antenna as well and
about the same price as the Laird

and the DB 408 has a long reputation as the industry standard in repeater antennas
 
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