This video was my introduction to KB9VBR antennas. I had no idea about any of this, especially what a J pole was haa. I am new to GMRS. I watched your video twice, a few more videos on the same antenna on UA-cam and then made purchase myself. I had a custom made LMR240 Ultraflex 50 ohm 35 foot cable made by MPD Digital with a 259 connector and a SMA female on the other end. This works great with my handhelds. This J pole works SO well that I am able to connect to 2 repeaters now, when before I couldn't reach any. Thanks for the video, it was a massive help and is very much appreciated! I am regularly talking to people 40-50ish or more miles away now, as we are on opposite ends of the range of the repeater that's 30 miles away from me.
Quick way to feed the cable through the window, no holes to drill in wall and keeps wind and water out. Get the grey round tube foam they sell in 6 foot lengths for water pipe insulation. Looks like a pool noodle, lol. Cut it to fit the width of the window opening snugly. Punch a hole through the foam where you want the cable to pass through, small enough to fit around cable tightly. Don’t worry, the larger PL259 connector will push through, even though hole is smaller than cable portion.. Feed the coaxial cable through the foam. Lay the foam in the open window channel. Close window fairly tight on foam. Voila. Works really well. Cheap too. Don’t use pool noodle though, it’s too firm and usually really brightly colored.
Jeremiah thanks for posting your J-pole antenna setup. Even though it's been awhile I got a lot out of it. Old news is good news, thanks for your time and effort to help others.
Jeremiah... Thank you for posting your setup. You and I appear to be approximately at the same level of radio experience and knowledge. Your video demonstrates exactly the same setup I've been gathering gear for, even the coax and swr meter. Though your radio is probably better than my Baotech GM-15. All to say, I've learned some tips through your experiment and reading the helpful tips contributed by viewers comments. Thank you again and good luck.
The manufacturer of this antenna makes some excellent antennas and contributes a lot to the amateur community with his youtube channel. Also, coiling the coax as shown is unnecessary, but it won't "choke" the signal as others have suggested...the signal between your radio and antenna is inside the coax, and winding the coax causes the undesirable signal on the outside of the coax to "choke". You will see a loop on professionally installed antennas- that is either a drip loop at the point where it enters a structure, or a service loop at the antenna to allow for maintenance. Good luck!
Yes you are the second person who told me about coiling the antenna. I emailed the manufacturer and he did tell me it wasn’t necessarily to coil the antenna but it also won’t hurt anything either. I do plan to go out and uncoil it once the snow on the roof melts. With the coil up top and the amount I still have inside of the house it will give me another 6 feet of height with a longer pvc tube. It will happen.
We have this Antenna at our base in Orlando. Average 5 to 10 miles on Simplex and it is a bit directional. Hear a bunch of traffic every day. I can transmit to my job and back. Very happy with it. Move it about 90 degrees each turn to test the signal. I had to do this to get the local repeater. Very happy with it.
I have returned from a temporary restricted lifestyle. I look forward to more of your radio videos. I am now set up with a Wouxun KG-935 plus radio and a GMRS license. I thank you for what you share with us. Keep the videos coming when you can. Thank you for your time.
Jeremiah, I just saw your video on the j-pole you installed for you HT. What I see is that if you place a coil at the base of your antenna, it is not needed as it enters the window and connected to the radio. What you can do instead, is to get a butt connector and a three foot RG-58 and use the jumper to come through the window. The LMR400 cable that you are using is very low loss and it is great for your needs. I would suggest that you get a speaker mike for your radio, thus minimizing the wear and tear you might place on the radio antenna connector.. you could replace the handheld with a mobile radio and power supply, and keep the handheld as you move about your neighborhood to communicate with family back home. Keep up the good work. WQXB701.
Thanks again for another great video. Just keep them coming please I enjoy them very much. I am newer at this than you and I have not transmitted yet due to no license. Thanks for keeping it real And have a great day.
i have the 2m/70cm jpole dipole from same company, and like you and very satisfied. i can hit an amateur radio repeater about 27 miles (repeaterbook) from me with no problem. these are both very nice looking (even though USPS bent mine) and work great.
Nice setup for a little ht. I'd recommend, if you haven't already pick up, a small (12 in) antenna extension cable. They help relieve the stress of the large cable going directly into the ht. Thanks for posting.
I am using the same antenna on my uv5r and it is going out about 40 miles . Mine is at ground level on my front porch . I made it so no. One could see it . Good video !
I haven’t done a real distance test with mine in simplex yet. But I can hit the Williamsport pa repeater about 90 miles from me Using my kg-935g connected to the Jpole when it’s fully charged. That’s impressive for me.
Look into making a "window pass-through" and you can add a short piece of thin cable to make life nicer when talking on the HT. They also make a "hand microphone" you can connect to the radio.
You've got the exact same setup that I have except that I'm using a KG-1000G, my antenna has a N-adapter on it and it's not mounted the same or up as high. I solved the window problem by putting a piece of 2x4 across the window that I drilled a hole in for the antenna wire to fit through. I cut the wood down across the hole so I could put the cable in it and not have the hole be too big and let air through.
I was going to use a 2x4 just like you did. But I ended up ordering a skinnier 3 foot coax and now the window closes just fine. I still haven’t done anything for lighting protection yet. Every time it storms I have my fingers crossed.
Amazon has a flat cable for your window so you can close it, but you still need to ground and bond the antenna. I have that SW meter, I can assure you that those adapters also make loss so take that reading plus or minus. I have the same LMR400 cable, but 50 foot. I have my jpole (same company) on my chimney mount, so around 30 foot in the air with PVC. You have a great start, am I noob myself.
Thanks for that piece of info. I hope to get the Jpole up on the chimney on my house soon also. Do you have a model I can look for on that flat cable for the window. I definitely need this window closed
Thanks for the videos. Just recently found your channel. I live in Lebanon county, south of you. I can sometimes hear an Allentown area repeater depending on conditions. You may want to get a hand microphone for your radio. That will stop the pressure on your antenna connector and help it from breaking. Also the coax you are using at 25 feet has low loss. Thanks and Happy New Year. WRCW237
Thanks for the comment. Someone else In My area also recommended getting microphone to connect to the radio. I definitely like the idea and will be getting one within the next few week’s. I wrote your call sign Down and I will look out for it. Do you know the name of the repeater your hearing.
@@rickbuffenmeyer6886 that’s the blue mountain 650 repeater. That’s the best repeater in the area in my opinion. That’s the one I always mention in my videos. The reading repeater will be up and running soon. Look out for it. I spoke to the owner. It’s up and running now but with only a very small mobile antenna. He has an antenna coming sent to him soon that will get you guys in reading something good to talk on.
@@jeremiahtorres6297 I'm also in the Reading area, I can hit the repeater but never hear any traffic. I was able to key the repeater from up close to trexlertown last week but got nothing back. I've tried a few radio checks but no one ever on. I have the baofeng uv-9g and am happy but I think I like some of the featured of the wouxun 935g better. Im still working on the programming and don't have the blue mountain in yet.
Good video....sound good as always ...dont sound too bad myself!! ...the best way to check swrs is hold that thing next to your head and cook your brain... seriously good video
Hey Jeremiah when it comes to uhf frequencies, and the tendencies for high loss, never coil the coax cable at any end or point in the cable run. It can “choke” your transmit signal. The “400” cable you bought is excellent (probably top end) for uhf frequencies.
Thanks for that advise. I’m the first to admit I’m a newcomer. I coiled the cable because I seen it done in another video. I thought it was the right thing to do. I do know that I get the full power out of my kg-935g out of this Jpole. With the stock antenna I only get 3.8 watts out of the radio. Maybe I will test it out with the cable uncoiled to see what happens.
@@jeremiahtorres6297 The signal travels over the center conductor of a coax cable. The "ground" return should travel on the inside of the shield. However, coax isn't balanced, and neither is the antenna (that's ok), so some power travels on the outside of the shield as well. That's not good. The coil chokes the stray RF on the outside of the shield so it stays at the antenna and doesn't travel back to the radio. With that short of a run and the high quality of the cable, you'll have negligible loss, so now worries on the choke you created. You can use ferrites as well as Dominic suggested, but I wouldn't bother with this setup. If you go to 50-100 ft, and you notice a reduction in signal, you can switch...but the shorter the cable the better. As for being faint, handhelds are designed to be talked into. You were too far from the mic and your voice doesn't have a lot of "power". Project a little more and use a handheld microphone to increase your talk power. Good luck!
Yes the antenna works great. Hopefully soon I can get it attached to the chimney. I also have plans for future videos testing it on simplex channels using the antenna. Thanks for the comment.
How long did it take for you to receive your Antenna? I ordered one on April 12 and today is April 22, seems its been shipped all around the Usa from WI to Portland Oregon... once again on this past Saturday said its still stilling in the UPS Facility in Fort Worth, TX... seems the Delivery Systems are going down the Chit Hole. Also, have you done a continuity test on the PL-259 Connecter after installing - does it show a Short when testing? Also what type Cable are you using from the Antenna to inside?
Good info, thanks. I plan to get one from same source, but the cable is kinda thick. What would be the minimun size cable to use, that would be thinner cable? I understand that it would not be as effiecient but don't need to set a distance record. There is a railroad yard about 2 miles away that may be interesting to listen to, and a couple of US hwys intersecting about same distance, in a different direction.
To be honest I would go with the same cable I’m using. I have very minimal loss of power even with 25 feet of cable. I’m able to put out the full five watts from the 935g with this length of cable that the guys at buy two way radios said would not work. They said I would only end up putting out 1 watt. I also bought this cable RG58a.co/d/5T1dA8G on Amazon that connects to the ht then goes out the window attached to the heavier cable and it works great.
Question for anyone who wants to answer me, Would Lightning ⚡️ be an issue since I see no grounding cable on the j-pole antenna? I’m an amateur GRMS radio Operator. Midland 400 in pickup truck and wouxon kg905g + kg935g . Thanks for a response.
I have a Mobile radio antenna then I bought a ground plain then hooked it up to the antenna. I have thought about buying a better base antenna. For a more permanent type. Although the antenna set up i have now i also used hooked to a HT GMRS radio until I could afford a better base radio . If you raise your antenna you might think about getting some steel cable to help secure the antenna.
I’m actually planning to keep the same setup but move it to the front of the house out the attic window. That should put me about a foot higher than the roof. Then I will just get longer cable to reach.
Jeremiah - a SWR under 1.5:1 is fine for a handheld GMRS radio. At 1.05 you're really close to a 50 ohm match. The VBR j-pole is made to have a 1.5:1 SWR across the GMRS band. Look for a pigtail style SMA-SO0239 adapter to take the strain off the antenna connector. Buy two. They're really handy to have. Power loss on coax is measured in dB/ft or specifically dB per 100 ft. As the frequency increases, losses increase, so you need "higher quality" coax to reduce your losses. For CB and Ham HF, you can get away with cheaper RG-58 coax, but for GMRS which is around 460 MHz, you need LMR-400 style (what you have) or better to reduce the loss. Even at 25 feet, you can see some serious power loss. You're right on the antenna mount - that'll pull off the soffit at the first stiff breeze, but the PVC is a good idea to get it up off the roof. Nice video and good luck with the radios!
Thanks for the info. If I’m understanding what your saying correctly, then I should be good with 50 feet of coax and not see a tremendous amount more of power loss. 50 feet should be plenty for me to get the antenna up on the chimney.
You can get yourself one of those retevis RT 91 and turn that HT into a bonofied base station with you getting 5 5 and a half watts out of this HT you should get closer to 40
You can get a 12 to 18 inch lenght of RG58. That will give you some coax that will not be so stiff. SMA ant ports cannot take the stress of RG8/LMR 400 cable.
Nice video I talked to you before, WRKI300. Question how did you put your call sign on the screen ? Must you use software or can you do only using the radio ? KG-935G
Yes how are you doing. It’s in the software. I forget the exact menu. If you can’t figure it out I will talk to you on the radio tonight maybe if I hear you.
Great video. Very new to ham radio myself and kinda have the same setup...can you tell me the brand of that swr meter you used or maybe post a link to it if you get a chance?
Gam3Gear SURECOM SW-33 Mark II 100 W 125-525 Mhz Mini Digital VHF UHF Two-Way Radio Handheld Power & SWR Meter www.amazon.com/dp/B075H8FDDR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_BGJFFQE6TTG39HCV3KNJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks man I really appreciate it. I'm doing almost the exact same setup at my home. Can I trouble you to post or link to the connectors you needed to hook everything up, I don't mean to be a bother.
I've been a radio enthusiest since 1981 The best cable to use is RG 58 or RG 8 they are not as big but it will work with your radio's 1.1:1 is perfect 1.5:1 is good as well just don't go over 2 or you'll fry your radio.I've been a CB'er since 1981 and am still using CB today and I've been into GMRS since 2017 So I may be able to help you if you have any questions.With RG 58 cable you will have your window closed almost all the way.
You should get a Nano VNA! They are just as cheap as your SWR Meter! Your antenna should be very resonant because KB9VBR is a great maker but you just never know.
Your thin cable has twice the loss of the new cable you bought. Have you planned for grounding that antenna to protect from lightning? I like the idea of reusing the mount, beats having to buy a mount. You might want to make a jumper cable from thinner RG58 cable to relieve the stress from the radio connector. I would find a crimp on SO239 connector to mate up with the thick antenna line and use a PL259 male crimp on connector for use with the HT. personally I use LMR 100 low loss cable with the appropriate SMA connector on one end and a SO239 on the other. You might find these cables ready at the big box ham radio shops. Avoid CB shops for these special jumpers.
Because back then I just got into GMRS and didn’t know shit. I think that’s obvious for most people to know. I still had the balls to put a video of what I knew. Thank God 99.9% of the GMRS community is not a dickhead like you 🖕🏻
400 cable is much better then most as far as loss. You should read up on coax loss charts to understand how well your choice was compared to what is available. There is better cable, but your choice is a good one. The radio hobby is about learning, expanding your knowledge. As long as your having fun, that is all that matters. As far as " Faint " you should ask the operator " Do I have a low carrier aka static or hiss, or is the audio low". On FM as long as your carrier is clear your power level is high enough, but when someone says your audio is low you need to talk closer to the mic or on some radios, you can increase the mic gain. Someone with your enthusiasm in the radio hobby would do well as a Ham. We always welcome good operators in the hobby.
Thanks for the comment. I actually am scheduled to take the test for technician on March 18th. So I hope to join you in the hobby soon. About the cable. I really didn’t know what I was buying when I bought it. I was expecting a lot of loss. That’s why I only bought 25 feet. If I knew it would be this good I would have bought 50 feet and put the Jpole up on the chimney. I hope to have it up on the chimney by the spring.
@@jeremiahtorres6297 Unfortunately GMRS is in the 460 MHZ range and the loss at those frequencies are very high compared to lower frequencies. You will see in those frequencies even the 400 cable has about 50% loss per 100 ft of cable. That being said the cheaper coax will have much more loss. Basically there is one step up in coax before you get to what is called " Hard Line ". The LMR 600 is one step better than what you have, but it is expensive so most people get what you have.
You “cant” get a good swr on an Ht normally as people are testing regular rubber duck antennas, doing a base antenna with the meter like you have is perfectly fine.
Dude, It's a 5 watt radio. That's great results. Get a 50 watt radio and you will be heard better. I get boo squat on handy talkies. I need 50 watts to hit a repeater. Michael has plenty of videos out there and is well known.
@@Knarf14 I have been eyeing up the retevis rt97 portable repeater. A lot of guys in my area say it’s not that good. But it already came down 100 in price since it came out. If I find a used one cheap I might snatch it up.
DID YOU SAY $640.00? You got ripped bad! I make those in my garage like they are candy at the store. J-poles are the most simple antenna to make. Please tell me you DID NOT pay someone $640 for that
I don’t know what part of the video you were watching. But it definitely was not $640. I paid about 40 with shipping. And yes I definitely took measurements I will probably make one myself in the future.
This video was my introduction to KB9VBR antennas. I had no idea about any of this, especially what a J pole was haa. I am new to GMRS. I watched your video twice, a few more videos on the same antenna on UA-cam and then made purchase myself.
I had a custom made LMR240 Ultraflex 50 ohm 35 foot cable made by MPD Digital with a 259 connector and a SMA female on the other end. This works great with my handhelds. This J pole works SO well that I am able to connect to 2 repeaters now, when before I couldn't reach any. Thanks for the video, it was a massive help and is very much appreciated! I am regularly talking to people 40-50ish or more miles away now, as we are on opposite ends of the range of the repeater that's 30 miles away from me.
Quick way to feed the cable through the window, no holes to drill in wall and keeps wind and water out. Get the grey round tube foam they sell in 6 foot lengths for water pipe insulation. Looks like a pool noodle, lol. Cut it to fit the width of the window opening snugly. Punch a hole through the foam where you want the cable to pass through, small enough to fit around cable tightly. Don’t worry, the larger PL259 connector will push through, even though hole is smaller than cable portion.. Feed the coaxial cable through the foam. Lay the foam in the open window channel. Close window fairly tight on foam. Voila. Works really well. Cheap too. Don’t use pool noodle though, it’s too firm and usually really brightly colored.
Jeremiah thanks for posting your J-pole antenna setup. Even though it's been awhile I got a lot out of it. Old news is good news, thanks for your time and effort to help others.
Jeremiah... Thank you for posting your setup.
You and I appear to be approximately at the same level of radio experience and knowledge.
Your video demonstrates exactly the same setup I've been gathering gear for, even the coax and swr meter. Though your radio is probably better than my Baotech GM-15.
All to say, I've learned some tips through your experiment and reading the helpful tips contributed by viewers comments.
Thank you again and good luck.
The manufacturer of this antenna makes some excellent antennas and contributes a lot to the amateur community with his youtube channel. Also, coiling the coax as shown is unnecessary, but it won't "choke" the signal as others have suggested...the signal between your radio and antenna is inside the coax, and winding the coax causes the undesirable signal on the outside of the coax to "choke". You will see a loop on professionally installed antennas- that is either a drip loop at the point where it enters a structure, or a service loop at the antenna to allow for maintenance. Good luck!
Yes you are the second person who told me about coiling the antenna. I emailed the manufacturer and he did tell me it wasn’t necessarily to coil the antenna but it also won’t hurt anything either. I do plan to go out and uncoil it once the snow on the roof melts. With the coil up top and the amount I still have inside of the house it will give me another 6 feet of height with a longer pvc tube. It will happen.
@@jeremiahtorres6297 I agree. The person who commented here that it will disrupt the signal is wrong- the manufacturer is correct.
@@daveN2MXX thank you
We have this Antenna at our base in Orlando. Average 5 to 10 miles on Simplex and it is a bit directional. Hear a bunch of traffic every day. I can transmit to my job and back. Very happy with it. Move it about 90 degrees each turn to test the signal. I had to do this to get the local repeater. Very happy with it.
I'm the same one years ago. Still going strong after like 5 years plus. Good video
I have returned from a temporary restricted lifestyle. I look forward to more of your radio videos. I am now set up with a Wouxun KG-935 plus radio and a GMRS license. I thank you for what you share with us. Keep the videos coming when you can. Thank you for your time.
Jeremiah, I just saw your video on the j-pole you installed for you HT. What I see is that if you place a coil at the base of your antenna, it is not needed as it enters the window and connected to the radio. What you can do instead, is to get a butt connector and a three foot RG-58 and use the jumper to come through the window. The LMR400 cable that you are using is very low loss and it is great for your needs. I would suggest that you get a speaker mike for your radio, thus minimizing the wear and tear you might place on the radio antenna connector.. you could replace the handheld with a mobile radio and power supply, and keep the handheld as you move about your neighborhood to communicate with family back home. Keep up the good work. WQXB701.
Thanks again for another great video. Just keep them coming please I enjoy them very much. I am newer at this than you and I have not transmitted yet due to no license. Thanks for keeping it real And have a great day.
Interesting rig.. I'm super green about all this. Thanks for sharing 👍
Happy New Years from a newb
Happy new year to you too. I’m a newb also. I’m only a few months into this gmrs stuff. And having fun with it.
Happy New Year 2023!! Ty for making this video! Working with what you have… Sub’d for that 👊
i have the 2m/70cm jpole dipole from same company, and like you and very satisfied. i can hit an amateur radio repeater about 27 miles (repeaterbook) from me with no problem.
these are both very nice looking (even though USPS bent mine) and work great.
Yes, probably the best 35 dollar investment I made for my radios.
Nice setup for a little ht. I'd recommend, if you haven't already pick up, a small (12 in) antenna extension cable. They help relieve the stress of the large cable going directly into the ht. Thanks for posting.
Sweet antenna, radio and coax. Im gonna have to get one of those SWR meters too. :)
I am using the same antenna on my uv5r and it is going out about 40 miles . Mine is at ground level on my front porch . I made it so no. One could see it . Good video !
I haven’t done a real distance test with mine in simplex yet. But I can hit the Williamsport pa repeater about 90 miles from me Using my kg-935g connected to the Jpole when it’s fully charged. That’s impressive for me.
…nice G Shock!…and great video!!,…these are well built antennas!
I've bought one of these and have some lmr400 co-ax in bound. I'll be mounting on a 30' mast for a repeater setup and hope to get similar results.
Nice antenna! I have made a few of these, they work great!!
Thanks for the video. I too use BM650, we’ll have to try simplex sometime
Look into making a "window pass-through" and you can add a short piece of thin cable to make life nicer when talking on the HT. They also make a "hand microphone" you can connect to the radio.
Thank you for the great video
Check to make sure you run your channels in wideband if the radio can support it. Would help with volume level on receiving stations.
You've got the exact same setup that I have except that I'm using a KG-1000G, my antenna has a N-adapter on it and it's not mounted the same or up as high.
I solved the window problem by putting a piece of 2x4 across the window that I drilled a hole in for the antenna wire to fit through. I cut the wood down across the hole so I could put the cable in it and not have the hole be too big and let air through.
I was going to use a 2x4 just like you did. But I ended up ordering a skinnier 3 foot coax and now the window closes just fine. I still haven’t done anything for lighting protection yet. Every time it storms I have my fingers crossed.
Amazon has a flat cable for your window so you can close it, but you still need to ground and bond the antenna. I have that SW meter, I can assure you that those adapters also make loss so take that reading plus or minus. I have the same LMR400 cable, but 50 foot. I have my jpole (same company) on my chimney mount, so around 30 foot in the air with PVC. You have a great start, am I noob myself.
Thanks for that piece of info. I hope to get the Jpole up on the chimney on my house soon also. Do you have a model I can look for on that flat cable for the window. I definitely need this window closed
Thanks for the videos. Just recently found your channel. I live in Lebanon county, south of you. I can sometimes hear an Allentown area repeater depending on conditions. You may want to get a hand microphone for your radio. That will stop the pressure on your antenna connector and help it from breaking. Also the coax you are using at 25 feet has low loss. Thanks and Happy New Year. WRCW237
Thanks for the comment. Someone else In My area also recommended getting microphone to connect to the radio. I definitely like the idea and will be getting one within the next few week’s. I wrote your call sign Down and I will look out for it. Do you know the name of the repeater your hearing.
@@jeremiahtorres6297 462.650
@@rickbuffenmeyer6886 that’s the blue mountain 650 repeater. That’s the best repeater in the area in my opinion. That’s the one I always mention in my videos. The reading repeater will be up and running soon. Look out for it. I spoke to the owner. It’s up and running now but with only a very small mobile antenna. He has an antenna coming sent to him soon that will get you guys in reading something good to talk on.
@@jeremiahtorres6297 I'm also in the Reading area, I can hit the repeater but never hear any traffic. I was able to key the repeater from up close to trexlertown last week but got nothing back. I've tried a few radio checks but no one ever on. I have the baofeng uv-9g and am happy but I think I like some of the featured of the wouxun 935g better. Im still working on the programming and don't have the blue mountain in yet.
Strap It To The Chimney Bro
New Subscriber From Birmingham England 73
Bless Up
Soon, I don’t like heights. So I have to find someone willing to go up there for me. Lol
Good video....sound good as always ...dont sound too bad myself!! ...the best way to check swrs is hold that thing next to your head and cook your brain... seriously good video
Thank you. 🤯lol🤯
And you can also get an external speaker mike that plugs into the right side of the radio so you don’t have to pick up the radio to talk into it!
I would suggest moving the antenna further up the side of the roof so the coax/feed-line isn't creating a rf choke point.
Hey Jeremiah when it comes to uhf frequencies, and the tendencies for high loss, never coil the coax cable at any end or point in the cable run. It can “choke” your transmit signal. The “400” cable you bought is excellent (probably top end) for uhf frequencies.
Thanks for that advise. I’m the first to admit I’m a newcomer. I coiled the cable because I seen it done in another video. I thought it was the right thing to do. I do know that I get the full power out of my kg-935g out of this Jpole. With the stock antenna I only get 3.8 watts out of the radio. Maybe I will test it out with the cable uncoiled to see what happens.
If you need a choke, use snap on filters.
@@DominicMazoch if you don’t mind maybe you can explain to me what a choke is and why I would need one. I never heard of a choke.
@@jeremiahtorres6297 The signal travels over the center conductor of a coax cable. The "ground" return should travel on the inside of the shield. However, coax isn't balanced, and neither is the antenna (that's ok), so some power travels on the outside of the shield as well. That's not good. The coil chokes the stray RF on the outside of the shield so it stays at the antenna and doesn't travel back to the radio. With that short of a run and the high quality of the cable, you'll have negligible loss, so now worries on the choke you created. You can use ferrites as well as Dominic suggested, but I wouldn't bother with this setup. If you go to 50-100 ft, and you notice a reduction in signal, you can switch...but the shorter the cable the better. As for being faint, handhelds are designed to be talked into. You were too far from the mic and your voice doesn't have a lot of "power". Project a little more and use a handheld microphone to increase your talk power. Good luck!
@@roydugger7303 thanks
Thanks for sharing your experience with this antenna. I subscribed hoping to see an update someday. Did you ever get to make it taller?
Thanks for the review. It looks like the antenna is working quite well for you.
Yes the antenna works great. Hopefully soon I can get it attached to the chimney. I also have plans for future videos testing it on simplex channels using the antenna. Thanks for the comment.
How long did it take for you to receive your Antenna? I ordered one on April 12 and today is April 22, seems its been shipped all around the Usa from WI to Portland Oregon... once again on this past Saturday said its still stilling in the UPS Facility in Fort Worth, TX... seems the Delivery Systems are going down the Chit Hole. Also, have you done a continuity test on the PL-259 Connecter after installing - does it show a Short when testing? Also what type Cable are you using from the Antenna to inside?
Good info, thanks. I plan to get one from same source, but the cable is kinda thick. What would be the minimun size cable to use, that would be thinner cable? I understand that it would not be as effiecient but don't need to set a distance record. There is a railroad yard about 2 miles away that may be interesting to listen to, and a couple of US hwys intersecting about same distance, in a different direction.
To be honest I would go with the same cable I’m using. I have very minimal loss of power even with 25 feet of cable. I’m able to put out the full five watts from the 935g with this length of cable that the guys at buy two way radios said would not work. They said I would only end up putting out 1 watt. I also bought this cable RG58a.co/d/5T1dA8G on Amazon that connects to the ht then goes out the window attached to the heavier cable and it works great.
Make sure you are on the wide band setting
Nice video. Will this work with my Retevis RT97 Repeater?
Question for anyone who wants to answer me, Would Lightning ⚡️ be an issue since I see no grounding cable
on the j-pole antenna? I’m an amateur GRMS radio Operator. Midland 400 in pickup truck and wouxon kg905g + kg935g . Thanks for a response.
I have a Mobile radio antenna then I bought a ground plain then hooked it up to the antenna. I have thought about buying a better base antenna. For a more permanent type. Although the antenna set up i have now i also used hooked to a HT GMRS radio until I could afford a better base radio .
If you raise your antenna you might think about getting some steel cable to help secure the antenna.
I’m actually planning to keep the same setup but move it to the front of the house out the attic window. That should put me about a foot higher than the roof. Then I will just get longer cable to reach.
You could just run the cable right up in the attic. Drill the hole behind the mount up through that siding. Then drop it down into a closet
With that cable, I would use an external microphone. Then you don't have to lift or move the radio.
Piece wood bottom window some caulk to seal the hole good to go
can i ask you why you didn't use a LNA? low noise amplifier
Jeremiah - a SWR under 1.5:1 is fine for a handheld GMRS radio. At 1.05 you're really close to a 50 ohm match. The VBR j-pole is made to have a 1.5:1 SWR across the GMRS band.
Look for a pigtail style SMA-SO0239 adapter to take the strain off the antenna connector. Buy two. They're really handy to have.
Power loss on coax is measured in dB/ft or specifically dB per 100 ft. As the frequency increases, losses increase, so you need "higher quality" coax to reduce your losses. For CB and Ham HF, you can get away with cheaper RG-58 coax, but for GMRS which is around 460 MHz, you need LMR-400 style (what you have) or better to reduce the loss. Even at 25 feet, you can see some serious power loss.
You're right on the antenna mount - that'll pull off the soffit at the first stiff breeze, but the PVC is a good idea to get it up off the roof.
Nice video and good luck with the radios!
Thanks for the info. If I’m understanding what your saying correctly, then I should be good with 50 feet of coax and not see a tremendous amount more of power loss. 50 feet should be plenty for me to get the antenna up on the chimney.
Nice video Mr.Torres…
Thank you
@@jeremiahtorres6297 J pole antenna always are amazing and sturdy antennas...
Maybe consider a handheld mic save yourself from moving the HT around as much. Nice work!
1.05 is excellent!
You can get yourself one of those retevis RT 91 and turn that HT into a bonofied base station with you getting 5 5 and a half watts out of this HT you should get closer to 40
You can get a 12 to 18 inch lenght of RG58. That will give you some coax that will not be so stiff. SMA ant ports cannot take the stress of RG8/LMR 400 cable.
Is this the same Blue Mountain .650 repeater in Pennsylvania, located near the turnpike tunnels? That's a very good repeater! I'm on it a lot also.
@@jasonbrown8944 yes
@@jeremiahtorres6297 Copy. I'll keep an ear out for you! Where are you located?
Nice video I talked to you before, WRKI300. Question how did you put your call sign on the screen ? Must you use software or can you do only using the radio ? KG-935G
Yes how are you doing. It’s in the software. I forget the exact menu. If you can’t figure it out I will talk to you on the radio tonight maybe if I hear you.
In the software go to key settings. You can change it in the interface display edit.
Happy new year
Same to you.
Strap it to the chimney. You can get special strapping for that.
7351super partage cordialement✌
Great video. Very new to ham radio myself and kinda have the same setup...can you tell me the brand of that swr meter you used or maybe post a link to it if you get a chance?
Gam3Gear SURECOM SW-33 Mark II 100 W 125-525 Mhz Mini Digital VHF UHF Two-Way Radio Handheld Power & SWR Meter www.amazon.com/dp/B075H8FDDR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_BGJFFQE6TTG39HCV3KNJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks man I really appreciate it. I'm doing almost the exact same setup at my home. Can I trouble you to post or link to the connectors you needed to hook everything up, I don't mean to be a bother.
@@j.a.w.9467 what kind of radio are you using.
I am using a Baofeng uv82
@@j.a.w.9467 I will get back to you later tonight.
👍👍👍👍
You could have made your own j Paul antenna out of copper tubing lots of calculations on the internet to help you.
Mfj makes a window feed thru.
I've been a radio enthusiest since 1981 The best cable to use is RG 58 or RG 8 they are not as big but it will work with your radio's 1.1:1 is perfect 1.5:1 is good as well just don't go over 2 or you'll fry your radio.I've been a CB'er since 1981 and am still using CB today and I've been into GMRS since 2017 So I may be able to help you if you have any questions.With RG 58 cable you will have your window closed almost all the way.
Hey 👋 there try and put some school bus channels or cop channels near you and see if it picks them up and make a video.
A handheld mic!
You should get a Nano VNA! They are just as cheap as your SWR Meter! Your antenna should be very resonant because KB9VBR is a great maker but you just never know.
RG8X WORKS WELL ENOUGH 400 IS TO HEAVY.
Why didn't you make it yourself
@@WillieMakeit I built mine, and have been using it for ten years, works fine.
2 meter
Your thin cable has twice the loss of the new cable you bought. Have you planned for grounding that antenna to protect from lightning? I like the idea of reusing the mount, beats having to buy a mount. You might want to make a jumper cable from thinner RG58 cable to relieve the stress from the radio connector. I would find a crimp on SO239 connector to mate up with the thick antenna line and use a PL259 male crimp on connector for use with the HT. personally I use LMR 100 low loss cable with the appropriate SMA connector on one end and a SO239 on the other. You might find these cables ready at the big box ham radio shops. Avoid CB shops for these special jumpers.
How do you have a call sign and not know what a good swr reading is….
Because back then I just got into GMRS and didn’t know shit. I think that’s obvious for most people to know. I still had the balls to put a video of what I knew. Thank God 99.9% of the GMRS community is not a dickhead like you 🖕🏻
Strap it to that chimney with chimney straps👍
Guy giving the radio check sounds muffled
Hold the radio about a thumbs length from you as you speak and talk normal and you'll be fine.
That’s a 1/4 wave antenna.. slim Jim is 1/2 wave fyi
You need a hand mic.
400 cable is much better then most as far as loss. You should read up on coax loss charts to understand how well your choice was compared to what is available. There is better cable, but your choice is a good one. The radio hobby is about learning, expanding your knowledge. As long as your having fun, that is all that matters. As far as " Faint " you should ask the operator " Do I have a low carrier aka static or hiss, or is the audio low". On FM as long as your carrier is clear your power level is high enough, but when someone says your audio is low you need to talk closer to the mic or on some radios, you can increase the mic gain. Someone with your enthusiasm in the radio hobby would do well as a Ham. We always welcome good operators in the hobby.
Thanks for the comment. I actually am scheduled to take the test for technician on March 18th. So I hope to join you in the hobby soon. About the cable. I really didn’t know what I was buying when I bought it. I was expecting a lot of loss. That’s why I only bought 25 feet. If I knew it would be this good I would have bought 50 feet and put the Jpole up on the chimney. I hope to have it up on the chimney by the spring.
@@jeremiahtorres6297 Unfortunately GMRS is in the 460 MHZ range and the loss at those frequencies are very high compared to lower frequencies. You will see in those frequencies even the 400 cable has about 50% loss per 100 ft of cable. That being said the cheaper coax will have much more loss. Basically there is one step up in coax before you get to what is called " Hard Line ". The LMR 600 is one step better than what you have, but it is expensive so most people get what you have.
@@1958johndeere620 thanks
You “cant” get a good swr on an Ht normally as people are testing regular rubber duck antennas, doing a base antenna with the meter like you have is perfectly fine.
Dude, It's a 5 watt radio. That's great results. Get a 50 watt radio and you will be heard better. I get boo squat on handy talkies. I need 50 watts to hit a repeater. Michael has plenty of videos out there and is well known.
That’s the plan. I will be getting the Jpole up on the chimney soon and I do hope to get a more power radio soon also.
Just seems like you are talking to far from mic
Exactly
And ill place a bet , with in a year youll want to put up your own repeater , radio hobby gets nuts with the amount of stuff you collect , good luck
@@Knarf14 I have been eyeing up the retevis rt97 portable repeater. A lot of guys in my area say it’s not that good. But it already came down 100 in price since it came out. If I find a used one cheap I might snatch it up.
Coiled up wire...not good.
Get yourself a hand microphone for your radio. it will be a big help and you won't have to move the radio around attached to the big coax.
DID YOU SAY $640.00? You got ripped bad! I make those in my garage like they are candy at the store. J-poles are the most simple antenna to make. Please tell me you DID NOT pay someone $640 for that
I don’t know what part of the video you were watching. But it definitely was not $640. I paid about 40 with shipping. And yes I definitely took measurements I will probably make one myself in the future.
Good idea running the more efficient coax. Losses on UHF frequencies eat efficiency on small cables. 73. WRTN666. WA3WAT.