Mag mount tram 1185….

[Aircargo]

…received today, tram 1185 19in. $32….Had tram 11861 30inch. $59 11861 says high gain taller whip of coarse. The tram 1185 is shorter by 10 inches,doesn’t say high gain or anything on description.

Question is think it’s a big difference…? Worst or better? Same?

These mag mounts “old” as well….any RECENT antennas been released,mag mount….txs in advance all….73 from north jersey…. 📻 🎙️

 

[mmckenna]

The 1185 is 1/4 wave on VHF, so essentially zero dB gain. On 70cm so 2.5dB gain.
The 11861 is 1/2 on VHF, so 2.15dB gain if you put it over a good ground plane, 0dB if you don't. 5/8 over 5/8 on 70cm, I think that gives you around 5dB gain.

"Gain" is relative and depends on what you are comparing it to. The 11861 has more gain than the 1185, hence the marketing claim of "more gain".

Which one is better? That's for you to decide. More gain means more effective radiated power (ERP), that can make it look like your antenna is receiving more signal or transmitting with more power. However, it accomplishes this by changing the antenna radiation pattern. In some applications the radiation pattern is beneficial, in other situations it may not be. It really depends on what YOU are doing with it. Likely you'll see a slight improvement with the 11861 compared to the other.