Question From Newby About 2 Meter Antenna

[RockyBennett]

Hello All, I have a very simple question that I know ya'all can answer. I am VERY new to amateur radio and I have a simple set-up. My radio is a Yaesu FT-2980 that puts out 80 watts in the 2 meter band. My antenna is a Comet GP-1. I am using 50 feet of Davis RF DRF-400 cable for my connection between the antenna and the radio.

Quick question. Do I need to tune the antenna or measure my SWR? I just connected the whole shebang together and I am generally happy, but I am wondering if I could get more out of this very simple system or am I good to go?

Thanks in advance,
Rocky

 

[WA0CBW]

It is a good idea to measure the SWR to see that things are operating properly. I don't think there are any adjustments you can make to that antenna. If your coax and connectors have been installed correctly and you haven't noticed anything unusual then things are probably just fine.
BB

 

[ko6jw_2]

The Comet GP-1 is a 2m/440 antenna with no tuning required. Measuring SWR or using an antenna analyzer is a good idea to make sure the entire system is working.

FCC rules and good practice suggest using the minimum power needed to communicate. Just because your rig puts out 80 watts you probably don't need to use it. My rigs are set at 5 watts and are full quieting into all local repeaters. I might go up in power for simplex if needed.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[RockyBennett]

Thank you for the good advice. I will try to reduce my power. The repeater I talk through is about 40 miles away, so I will reduce to 5 watts and see how that works.

 

[KC5AKB]

I run full power most of the time on fm uhf and vhf I am on the fringes a lot of the time

 

[KC5AKB]

Not a big deal

 

[W5lz]

I have to say that your set-up is a 'no-tune' one. There's no easy/simple way of tuning it. So, unless there's a problem use it. I only know of one sure way of finding a problem and that's by measuring things. All this still leaves you "up in the air", right?

 

[RockyBennett]

Thank you to everyone that has responded, I appreciate the information and feedback.