Field Testing Handheld Antennas - Signal Stick, Baofeng Rubber Duck, Tactical Whip, Nagoya NA-771

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  • @w.rustylane5650
    @w.rustylane5650 3 роки тому +18

    That's the first real time test of several antennae over known distances. Thank you for posting this and I've gained enough knowledge from your tests to know what antenna to purchase: The Signal Stick. It offers a lifetime warranty to bootl

  • @RoccoPaco1
    @RoccoPaco1 4 роки тому +39

    This was exactly the type of test I was looking for! Thank you! I am subscribing!

  • @theslowwalker
    @theslowwalker 3 роки тому +17

    Great field test. Lab tests are of use as well. But, you can't beat real life results. I'm just starting off in ammetuer radio and found this very helpful. Thank you.

    • @reycassius6944
      @reycassius6944 3 роки тому

      I know Im asking randomly but does someone know a method to log back into an instagram account..?
      I was stupid lost the password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!

    • @greyarcher4686
      @greyarcher4686 3 роки тому

      @Rey Cassius Instablaster :)

    • @reycassius6944
      @reycassius6944 3 роки тому

      @Grey Archer thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now.
      Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

    • @reycassius6944
      @reycassius6944 3 роки тому

      @Grey Archer it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy!
      Thanks so much you saved my account !

    • @greyarcher4686
      @greyarcher4686 3 роки тому

      @Rey Cassius no problem =)

  • @rightpedaldown9346
    @rightpedaldown9346 3 роки тому +12

    Thank you for your real world test. I can appreciate this style more . I agree with your results. Thanks for sharing and please keep the videos coming!

  • @Coryschmory
    @Coryschmory 4 роки тому +18

    Dude, your subscriber numbers are climbing! Keep up the good content!

    • @ModernHam
      @ModernHam  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the support!

  • @gaptastic
    @gaptastic 2 роки тому +3

    I'm a big fan of the signal stick, but this video had given me a better appreciation of the tactical antenna. Thanks for sharing! Well done video!

  • @enb3810
    @enb3810 Рік тому +2

    Actually comparing the OEM, plus the most popular aftermarket antennas. Thank you!!!

  • @nine7295
    @nine7295 3 роки тому +5

    The signal stick (I own an SMA-M one) is designed for VHF only, it is a 1/4 wave whip for VHF with no loading coil for any other bands, despite it claimed to be a dual band antenna. The other antennas claim to be dual band also, but they were indeed designed to be such. So you should test it in UHF as well, since all these antennas claim to do dual band. My experience is that the signal stick does work in UHF despite it isn't designed for it, but it has a very high angle of radiation as a 3/4 wave antenna at that band, not the best unless you are using it for satellite work.

    • @RLPnKY
      @RLPnKY 5 місяців тому

      Yes, that is my issue with all the posted tests, including field tests. Most of our HTs are dual-band, so I'd really like to see comparative results of each antenna's performance in both the 2m and 70cm bands. Lab tests are good, but actual field test usage is more realistic in terms of what a user can expect.

  • @d_juxtaposition_b
    @d_juxtaposition_b Рік тому +2

    This was a great test, it definitely helped me out. Most of what you find is “this one is better just because”, not anything actually demonstrations an improvement in audio quality on the receiving end. Good job man.

    • @ModernHam
      @ModernHam  Рік тому

      Yeah I'd like to do a better test soon. Maybe talking to a friend and changing antennas as I go further

  • @dbcustomrc
    @dbcustomrc Рік тому +1

    I own the following: a Nagoya 771 clone that came with my “feng”, the signal stick, the Abbree version of the tac antenna, and a roll up J pole.
    Sitting in my buddies yard with my Jpole hung from a pole at 20’ I was able to talk around my area, even to a tower I’ve struggled to reach at my house which is several miles closer.
    With my signal stick on my QRZ-1 and the Jpole on my feng (uv5r), the signal stick was clearer. The Jpole was cutting out and struggling but the signal stick was holding tight.that tower is roughly 15 miles away. Tonight I signed into a net using the QRZ radio with the tac antenna. That tower is about 18-20 miles away. They said I was loud and clear with a bit of static but not enough to wash me out. I didn’t try the signal Stick but I will if I catch the net again tomorrow.

  • @kd5inm
    @kd5inm 4 роки тому +8

    Good test. I think the Mirkit is a good antenna because of the width of it means that it's more widebanded, meaning it will cover a greater or larger area of the band with a lower SWR over that range of frequencies. I assume you stayed on one particular simplex frequency. Here is another idea, test for the lowest SWR or frequency on each antenna where it is lowest SWR, that generally is representative of where the antennas are resonant. Each antenna will vary from the next depending on where they are resonant. The smaller the antenna element is, the less broadband it is. The Mirkit is wider and probably wider banded so it's going to be stronger over a wider amount of frequency than say a wire whip will be. Let's say I have two dipoles, both the same length, one is made from 14ga copper wire and the other is made from 1/2 inch copper pipe. The copper pipe one will have a SWR that is lower over a greater range with the center frequency being resonant at the length both dipoles are cut at. So if the whip antenna works better than the Mirkit then it's a good possibility that it is cut to be resonant on the frequency you used for the test even though the Mirkit is more broadbanded.

    • @ModernHam
      @ModernHam  4 роки тому

      That's some good antenna theory. I never really considered how the width changes the bandwidth.

    • @whatabouttheearth
      @whatabouttheearth 3 роки тому

      Isn't narrow band stronger though?

  • @michaelcollins5192
    @michaelcollins5192 2 роки тому +1

    concise, real-world test with full data sharing. great job, thank you

  • @DialM4Microcontrollr
    @DialM4Microcontrollr 4 роки тому +7

    Thanks for the tests. I have a similar tactical antenna. Mine goes by the brand name Abbree (hopefully I spelled that right)

    • @ModernHam
      @ModernHam  4 роки тому +1

      That one is the more popular brand.

  • @garygarland7031
    @garygarland7031 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you for taking the time to do this. ❤

  • @johngroberts952
    @johngroberts952 2 роки тому +1

    I have personally used the Nagoya antenna at three miles with decent sound quality.
    That was 2 uv5r ‘s both with the same Nagoya-177 antenna

  • @N4EJM
    @N4EJM 4 роки тому +4

    I have the Signal Stick as well and really like it.

  • @DannyFyffe
    @DannyFyffe 2 роки тому

    I almost agree with you. Place 3 and 4 is right. There were 2 times I thought the tactical whip sound just a tiny bit better than the rest, but we agree on the 1 clip where the signal antenna beat them all. So it's a VERY close 1st and 2nd place but I think the tactical whip squeaked out the win, but the signal is such a close 2nd, I doubt anyone could go wrong with it. Thanks for doing this.

  • @Anri75
    @Anri75 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome content, great presentation. Keep up the good work, you are up there with the best presenters in this field worldwide. (just to let you know... )

  • @TheNuggetshooter
    @TheNuggetshooter 2 роки тому +4

    Well done. Nothing like a live test to give you what a piece of equipment does vs what some says it should do. Thanks for sharing. How about testing mobile antennas. I am thinking of getting a mobile unit and also getting a magnetic based vehicle antenna.

  • @danielnapier4501
    @danielnapier4501 4 роки тому +2

    Yeah, I've decided to get the singnal stick. After the field test you did.

  • @npc9352
    @npc9352 3 роки тому +1

    Those "tactical" antennas seem stupid, but they're actually surprisingly well performing. I've got 72 cm one and was absolutely shocked how good it is and now always bring it with me for hikes.

  • @pumper34x
    @pumper34x 2 роки тому

    Awesome video! This is the proof in action instead of opinions and statistics. Great job!!

  • @benjamindudley3798
    @benjamindudley3798 3 роки тому +2

    As Bong Jovi pointed out, a lapel mic/actual mic would help a ton. Your video is informative, to the point, well recorded video wise, and fairly well edited, a mic would really push you into more professional territory.

  • @edromero6352
    @edromero6352 3 роки тому +1

    My kind of test, thanks for your time and effort.

  • @bensmith4563
    @bensmith4563 Рік тому

    I put a full size mobile antenna on my ht mostly because it's funny but now I really feel the need to actually go out and test it

  • @itsmightydusty1996
    @itsmightydusty1996 5 місяців тому

    Dude this video is amazing

  • @kenandbarbie-b6c
    @kenandbarbie-b6c 6 місяців тому

    I just got a Radtel 470x with the stock antenna & a Radtel branded tactical antenna about 18” long that looks similar to yours. I haven’t tested it on transmission or measured SWR yet, but I do notice an enormous difference in receiving between the two, even in airband. For the money, the tactical antenna seems very good, but I would also like to try the signal stick in the future as they have helped me with my ham studies. It looks like a lightweight, pliable, less ostentatious performance antenna than the tactical. Thank you for your testing on Ytube.

  • @garypoplin4599
    @garypoplin4599 Рік тому

    8:51 - This is from a guy who stumbled across your test (not a radio pro or even amateur): the Miriit Tactical had the best signal, hands down. If I had a radio and was in the market for an antenna, I’d get the mirkit.

  • @patrickgerth4570
    @patrickgerth4570 3 роки тому +4

    Some antennas do better on UHF and others do better on VHF. But in my opinion, the Abbree and Diamond antennas are the best.

  • @longrider42
    @longrider42 3 роки тому +1

    I've been using the 18 inch, its a tad longer, cant remember, Abbree antenna and for me it works great. I have the Nagoya NA 771 but the Abbree, is so much better. Had to modify the base of the antenna to fit my TYT UV8000E, but it wasn't hard to do. Nice review. I've been a HAM since 2016. Oh the antenna I use is tuned for best possible SWR's on 146.000. A repeater I use a lot is 146.775, so I'm getting a SWR of 1.03 and a power out put of 9.97 watts. Yes the TYT is a ten watt HT.

  • @keithsafford3056
    @keithsafford3056 7 місяців тому

    Wish I would have discovered this BEFORE I did all my tests after buying antennas!

  • @longrider42
    @longrider42 3 роки тому

    I have the Abbree 18 inch Tactical antenna, on my TYT UV8000E, 10 watt HT, and its a beast of an antenna. On frequency 146.000 it has a SWR of 1.0. At 146.775 I get a SWR of 1.03, and a power output of 9.93 watts. I am getting a Signal Stick, so will test that when it comes in.

    • @ksotiko1
      @ksotiko1 3 роки тому

      Hi, did you end up testing the signal stick on your uv8000e? I have the uv8000d and am looking at the signal stick or the abbree tactical antenna

  • @justjames7809
    @justjames7809 5 місяців тому

    Great video. Very informative, this is what I’ve been looking for to see how well the Nagoya would hold up and how far would it stretch. Half a mile ain’t bad. But that signal and mirkit antenna woooow those will be on my pick up list!

  • @3asyrider75
    @3asyrider75 2 роки тому

    I really love my tack antenna. It’s all I use now. You can transmit folded at shorter rangers

  • @w6qd
    @w6qd Рік тому

    Thanks for providing your test results to the UA-cam community, they were very useful and informative. AND, I never heard of the Signal Stick until your video and I may just buy one.
    73, w6qd

  • @DaninVirginia
    @DaninVirginia 4 роки тому

    Great head to head comparison of common HT antennas!

  • @mickeydavis2250
    @mickeydavis2250 3 роки тому +1

    Great job, very informational. Keep up the good work

  • @ArndroidInc
    @ArndroidInc 3 роки тому

    Very nice job there Mr. I like that signal stick.

  • @ducktapepilot
    @ducktapepilot 3 роки тому +1

    Great video. I'm really enjoying your channel

  • @GMAN420BC
    @GMAN420BC 3 роки тому

    No matter what antenna, they are only good for a little over a mile.
    Very cool video.
    Greg VE7 EGT

    • @garrettstephens91
      @garrettstephens91 2 роки тому +2

      Not necessarily true. I can hit a repeater that is 2.1 Miles away from inside my house in my living room. I can also hit a repeater line-of-sight on top of a mountain 13 miles away. Both with the stock antenna on my Yaesu FT70

  • @soupdragon12345
    @soupdragon12345 3 роки тому +1

    This is cool test , thanks for posting

  • @whitetiger8652
    @whitetiger8652 Рік тому

    Thanks for making this video. Very helpful.

  • @andrewhamop6665
    @andrewhamop6665 4 роки тому +4

    I have a Nagoya NA-320A for my UV-88 (TYT not Baofeng yay) and it works well, I think I may get a Signal Stick for it though, because I have to use an ugly adapter for my Nagoya.

    • @ModernHam
      @ModernHam  4 роки тому

      Yeah I have an ugly one as well.

    • @andrewhamop6665
      @andrewhamop6665 4 роки тому

      @@ModernHam yeah, the non-standard connector side is the only thing I don't like about my Nagoya, other then that it's performance is great. Durability is good too, just yesterday I dropped a 50lb bag of animal food down the side of me that I had my HT on, and it didn't break my antenna!

  • @litewatefitr
    @litewatefitr 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks brother!! Lotta good info! Newb here, and I always appreciate a good review! Thanks!

  • @fenf777
    @fenf777 2 роки тому

    Thanks for your test ! I do have the tactical antenna, the down side is the mobility for logistic is not that good, but for tac out, yeah kinda cool looking. I always prefer the nagoya antenna all day

  • @danielnapier4501
    @danielnapier4501 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the video. I've learned something.

  • @anthonymarino4260
    @anthonymarino4260 Рік тому

    thanks for sharing

  • @RadioAntics
    @RadioAntics 3 роки тому +1

    Mirkit tactical seems like it’s the best

  • @huntinglife5202
    @huntinglife5202 4 роки тому

    great vid brother. Thank you for taking the tme out to film these.

  • @joseacd01
    @joseacd01 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you

  • @gavingrow5999
    @gavingrow5999 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the antenna reviews. Keep it up!!

  • @mlr145
    @mlr145 3 роки тому +1

    Thnx for the info

  • @georgemullin7772
    @georgemullin7772 Рік тому

    Absolutely great video keep on testing thank's

  • @Roust7
    @Roust7 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks this helps a lot

  • @cooldad4
    @cooldad4 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for the video, I was impressed with The Signal Stick; but I have to import it from the US! Can't see it anywhere in the UK!

  • @mortk4
    @mortk4 4 роки тому

    Great job, keep doing what you're doing... 👍

  • @chipl2326
    @chipl2326 3 роки тому

    Great video! interesting to see the results. Thanks!

  • @okanaganpeterjames
    @okanaganpeterjames Рік тому

    Just liked and subbed. Thanks for doing this test

  • @2metercrew389
    @2metercrew389 4 роки тому +1

    Well done 👍

  • @brucebeauvais1324
    @brucebeauvais1324 Рік тому

    It seemed to me to be important to know what the test frequency was. We all know SWR changes depending on frequency. You’re also testing with a dual band radio so which band the test uses is also important. It looked the the receiving radio was set to 147.016 at the high end of the two meter band.

  • @BEAUTIFULASAROCK
    @BEAUTIFULASAROCK 2 роки тому

    Epic video many thanks!

  • @Tribal-y5z
    @Tribal-y5z 2 роки тому

    This is the real test of walkie Talkie

  • @chasehoward4455
    @chasehoward4455 2 роки тому

    Nice video! I'm from New Mexico and hope to purchase two UV-5R s

  • @357Muzzleblast
    @357Muzzleblast Рік тому

    Antennas are tricky to test. At your one mile stop you had that large building, which is fine if your home is off to the right. But if it's in the direction of that building, ouch. So please point to about the direction of your home. Or better, just give us your home address and we'll come by when you're not there and steal your Ed Fong antenna (you know you've been wanting to order his tri-band antenna anyway). Oh, and if you can, I'd like to see a side-by-side comparison between the 1) Diamond Signal Stick; 2) Nagoya NA-24J; 3) Nagoya NA-771; 4) Nagoya NA-320A tri-band; 5) el cheapo 15-inch and 6) Retevis RHD-771.
    As for radios, do you have any actual 10Ws like the TYT UV8000, Baofeng H6 or Radtel 6-band RT-470 (which I clocked at 13/14Ws on VHS and 11Ws on UHF)? The latter has a color display and I checked _four_ different models (from AliExpress), and all easily hit 13W/11W**, so I keep the antennas pointed _away from my head_ unless I want it to explode. Pundits say the power of a handheld isn't all that important, but I'd like to see someone actually test that theory.
    You've probably got a bunch of el cheapo 15-inchers in a drawer, and I've never actually seen any of them field tested. Retevis claims its antennas are made to exacting standards and the RHD-771 is a 20W, thick gauge antenna that seems built like a battleship.
    I also would like to see how the tri-band Nagoya stacks up against the standard NA-771 on 2m/70cm.
    **
    Freq. HIGH MED LOW
    -------------------
    140.000 13.02W 7.91W 6.58W
    142.725 12.77W 9.38W 4.37W
    143.500 12.91W 9.01W 4.35W
    146.355 13.92W 7.61W 4.09W
    440.525 10.77W 5.12W 2.22W
    442.000 10.75W 5.06W 2.27W
    446.252 10.75W 5.08W 2.13W
    __

  • @1OTDM
    @1OTDM 3 роки тому +1

    The cheap tactical antennas get a lot of shit on reddit (accusations of "tacticool") but honestly for hiking I've found it to be the ideal form factor. A "wound up" signal stick is still an awkward and odd size/shape, plus it comes undone easily. The folding antenna folds completely in half and is very easy to secure a backpack.
    Frankly, I wish I could find a way to fit one onto my FT3DR since the GPS "hump" makes it impossible to use the ABBREEs right now without modifying the antenna (probably not a big deal)

  • @ChadHaviland
    @ChadHaviland 2 роки тому +1

    I would love to see these comparisons done on both bands at 1 watt and 5 watts. Some of my antennas perform worse at 5 watts than 1 watt for a given band.

    • @DDDSSDDDSSDDDSS
      @DDDSSDDDSSDDDSS 8 місяців тому

      Damn you juat gave me an avenue of research. 😢😢

  • @WJ6FRadio
    @WJ6FRadio 4 роки тому

    Cool video! I have been debating on getting a Signal Stick and this video has sole me on it. I did have a similar tactical antenna before called the abbree. I found it to be a bit directional, but they do work. Subscribed!!

  • @mabo4848
    @mabo4848 4 роки тому

    Tnx , great i like those Tests

  • @Sophistry0001
    @Sophistry0001 Рік тому +1

    I figured the tactical antenna would be junk because of how inexpensive it is, the performance really surprised me.

  • @davidp73
    @davidp73 3 роки тому

    Good practical review

  • @kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695
    @kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695 4 роки тому

    Never seen the Signal Stick have look into one to try

  • @davidenglund
    @davidenglund 3 роки тому +1

    Nice work. Very informative. :-)

  • @MikesPOV
    @MikesPOV Рік тому

    Should have included the ole standard, Diamond (Original) SRH77CA antenna.

  • @annoying.solicitations8319
    @annoying.solicitations8319 3 роки тому

    .
    Definitely
    Mirkit Tactical and
    Signal Stick
    Maybe if there's a hill
    two plus miles out
    those two antennas
    may come through
    Thank you sir
    God Bless
    Be Well ~
    ...

  • @longrider42
    @longrider42 3 роки тому

    If you can, you need to test the swr's of the Signal Stick, the NA 771 and your Mirkit. Find out what frequency you get the lowest SWR's and try again. Yes I know I'm being picky, but its all about how well the antenna is paired to the radio and the lowest SWR's you can get. But a good video none the less I was surprised at hos bad the Mirkit did at 2.5 miles. Very odd.

    • @ModernHam
      @ModernHam  3 роки тому

      I did in the video prior to this

  • @ridwandwiatmadja3309
    @ridwandwiatmadja3309 2 роки тому

    Rubber Ducky is the best for your head, brain and Healthy

  • @floid33556
    @floid33556 2 роки тому

    It would be great to see this comparison for reception. My signal stuck seems to get worse reception than the stock on 70cm

  • @noveske223
    @noveske223 3 роки тому

    Please try the Diamond SRJ77CA at those same distances. Thank You

  • @Lego-fs2de
    @Lego-fs2de 2 місяці тому

    Test results would differ on UHF versus VHF. Not sure what freq you were testing on.

  • @nad1157
    @nad1157 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks so much for a great real world test. I believe I need to subscribe. ...-.-

    • @ModernHam
      @ModernHam  4 роки тому

      Glad you liked the video!

  • @greg6162
    @greg6162 3 роки тому +2

    For a Ham radio a 2-mile range seems pretty week compared to GMRS/MURS radio’s. Am I missing something? I’m new to radio coms but maybe someone can elaborate as I thought these things could talk for hundreds if not thousands of miles.

    • @ModernHam
      @ModernHam  3 роки тому

      HF you can easily get hundreds or thousands. With a repeater on a handheld 2m, you can get hundreds. But for 2 ground stations like I the example, with lots of mountains, it heavily depends on your location.

  • @wassimmenjah3965
    @wassimmenjah3965 3 роки тому +2

    It's not a nagoya 771 it's a retevis rhd-771

  • @twigglykevin
    @twigglykevin 4 роки тому

    @2:29 like people to see your content... And contacts. Great video 👍

  • @twizz420
    @twizz420 3 роки тому +5

    Grab a lapel mic, bro. You could also try just recording audio on your phone using a mic, and then just sync it up with the video later on.
    Keep up the good work, mang

  • @IndependentVFX
    @IndependentVFX 3 роки тому +1

    Great video!

  • @MrUrrl
    @MrUrrl 3 роки тому +1

    Love the review. I have a VX-6R and the stock antenna reception does not compare with the Tecsun PL-380 radio i have. Wondering if the signal stick will improve reception on the VX-6R. I have seen videos of how indestructible the signal stick is but will reception improve over the stock antenna?

  • @Vichardhara303
    @Vichardhara303 Рік тому

    Please tell us about band you use ..like aVHF or UHF? This is VU3 YWB from India .QSl

  • @walterwilliams268
    @walterwilliams268 2 роки тому +1

    What about those wire tails people install on base of antenna with a ring terminal ?

  • @georgemullin7772
    @georgemullin7772 Рік тому

    Great video good job nice to no

  • @spikezaf906
    @spikezaf906 2 роки тому

    new in the field :)
    what should i choose e,ept of course the length of the anenna for a cb radio for long distance in the city?
    thank you

  • @lordaresthefirst
    @lordaresthefirst Рік тому

    Excellent job thanks I'm new to this and just got the new beech gmrs. Can I use these antennas on the balfang 5r and beech gmrs pro?

  • @explorer8888
    @explorer8888 3 роки тому

    Great video! Very helpful.

  • @bulldogbrower6732
    @bulldogbrower6732 2 роки тому

    Good to see someone using scientific methods for testing. I’m surprised at the poor results. What were you using for an antenna at the base sight ? How is it coupled to the radio ?

    • @ridwandwiatmadja3309
      @ridwandwiatmadja3309 2 роки тому

      Buy better Radios specialy from Japan or Motorola, they are may have expensive but reliable for Your health.

  • @RedPillDosage
    @RedPillDosage 3 роки тому

    Prices should have been added to the video overwise great video

  • @davidshermanlittle919
    @davidshermanlittle919 Місяць тому

    As good of a test as practicable. Why make it difficult when this works.

  • @arupian666
    @arupian666 4 роки тому +1

    Liked and subbed

  • @shawnispoppin
    @shawnispoppin Рік тому

    noice!

  • @offrdk5
    @offrdk5 Рік тому

    What about the na-771G?

  • @Mike-ci6md
    @Mike-ci6md 8 місяців тому

    What frequency was you using???

  • @RINNTY
    @RINNTY 3 роки тому

    Locations were lousy, but the test was good., Thank You.