When I moved out of a Low Band area, I ditched the 50” antennas for something shorter. I originally settled on the PCTEL MAXRAD BMAXSCAN1000. This antenna covers 150-174/450-470/800-840 at 15” long. This antenna is built very solid and performs well. You can pick these up for about $35-40 shipped online, which is not a bad price for a quality NMO antenna.
After the BMAXSCAN1000, I discovered the Larsen 150/450/800 tri band. The Larsen performed slightly better on all bands, and has a height of 16”. Due to the slightly better performance, this has been my go to antenna for the last 6 years. I was initially put off by the antenna as it has a plastic base and load covering. It feels like a step down in build quality from the PCTEL antenna, but the Larsen tri-band has held up very well in the AZ heat despite being mostly plastic. It is a similar price to the PCTEL antenna at around $35-40 shipped.
The other day I came across a Tram 1181 that had many great reviews on Amazon. At $20 shipped, I figured I would give it a shot. I am pleasantly surprised by the build quality. The antenna is all metal and has a quality feel like the PCTEL antenna. I was very surprised that the performance as I directly compared signal strength from distant transmitters with my trusty Larsen. The Tram 1181 outperforms the Larsen on VHF and UHF! Unfortunately, it does come in with slightly worse performance on 700/800mhz, but this is to be expected as it is a dual band 140-170/430-470. It is also slightly longer at 18 13/16”.
Based on the VHF/UHF performance of the Tram 1181, this will now take over as my everyday antenna on the vehicle. The slight drop in 700/800mhz is not a big concern for me as I live in LSM hell of the Phoenix area systems, and a little attenuation will likely do me some good. If you listen to distant 700/800 systems, and care less about 150/450, then the PCTEL or Larsen may be better antenna choices for you.
Long story short, if you are looking for a great 150/450 NMO mount antenna for your vehicle, the Tram 1181 is a great performer for around $20!
After the BMAXSCAN1000, I discovered the Larsen 150/450/800 tri band. The Larsen performed slightly better on all bands, and has a height of 16”. Due to the slightly better performance, this has been my go to antenna for the last 6 years. I was initially put off by the antenna as it has a plastic base and load covering. It feels like a step down in build quality from the PCTEL antenna, but the Larsen tri-band has held up very well in the AZ heat despite being mostly plastic. It is a similar price to the PCTEL antenna at around $35-40 shipped.
The other day I came across a Tram 1181 that had many great reviews on Amazon. At $20 shipped, I figured I would give it a shot. I am pleasantly surprised by the build quality. The antenna is all metal and has a quality feel like the PCTEL antenna. I was very surprised that the performance as I directly compared signal strength from distant transmitters with my trusty Larsen. The Tram 1181 outperforms the Larsen on VHF and UHF! Unfortunately, it does come in with slightly worse performance on 700/800mhz, but this is to be expected as it is a dual band 140-170/430-470. It is also slightly longer at 18 13/16”.
Based on the VHF/UHF performance of the Tram 1181, this will now take over as my everyday antenna on the vehicle. The slight drop in 700/800mhz is not a big concern for me as I live in LSM hell of the Phoenix area systems, and a little attenuation will likely do me some good. If you listen to distant 700/800 systems, and care less about 150/450, then the PCTEL or Larsen may be better antenna choices for you.
Long story short, if you are looking for a great 150/450 NMO mount antenna for your vehicle, the Tram 1181 is a great performer for around $20!
