Link to the inexpensive SWR meter we use: amzn.to/2GSzOqH Link to the Browning BR-450 GMRS / UHF antenna we use: amzn.to/3lp4WwL Link for the smaller, Tram GMRS antenna: amzn.to/3naC5g8
Quick tip. After setting the bolt cutter where you want to cut the antenna, throw a small rag over the top of the bolt cutters and antenna end so you don't shoot those little suckers all over the place. They'll drop right at your feet.
I hope you realize that, in addition to your work here being very engaging (I like watching “some people” getting their chops busted), it is truly very informative. Particularly for someone like me who up to a few months ago thought the only part of a radio you had to know about was the O-N/O-F-F switch. Thanks!
It's hard for men to get over the longer is better mentality, I would have guys ask me "why are you cutting my antenna, it won't talk as far". Good job on the no bs explanation of swr and the need to tune an antenna.
A note to newbies, when he says grounding your antenna, he doesn't mean the negative of the battery or black wire from a black and red pair. Antenna grounding is a reflector to the main whip. If you attach your antenna to your roof and your roof is fiberglass, it wont be grounded because fiberglass isn't conductive and wont help to balance your whips energy. Be sure your antenna is mounted to a metal surface that it's going to be operating in and when checking SWR, dont stand next to the antenna. This will affect SWR because your body will absorb some signal throwing off the meters results. Don't touch the antenna while transmitting either as an RF burn is possible. 73
I really love the topics your covering! Great intro for 4x4 folks who are looking for more out of their comms. I'll add there are plenty of antennas out there that come pre tuned. But don't think I'm suggesting to ever do any antenna install without at least measuring SWR just as you stated. Comet 2x4 is one of my personal favorites.
Perfect! Thanks for the link! The whole Ohm's Law Vs RF boost Vs SWR is just....confusing. But as long as I can just plug in a meter and figure the SWR, I don't care. LOL
I just wanted to thank you for all of your video's and the information you share. I have learned a lot for you. I look forward to each new video your produce. Thanks again!
Pro-tip: @ Randy Notarubicon Productions For tuning replace the Stainless Stinger (SS) with a piece of wire that is about the same diameter, & length as the SS one. Trim or lengthen the tip of the wire, until you get the best SWR, then remove it and cut the SS to match. Install the SS, and your done. I've been doing it this way for many years. It saves a lot of time and frustration of pulling the stinger in and out, especially on taller vehicles.
I lucked out , I had a pro that works for public safety doing radios . I have a Motorola cdm 1250 with a team 1480 6.5 db gain with 50' lmr400 .he got 1:1:1 match .wow does it get out too .our club has 3 large repeaters . We all check out not a these videos great tips for our new people and us ole timers as well . Great videos keep em coming .73s nysgmr
I found your channel a few months back and can relate to your sense of humor, but the visual of a toe nail flying into you eye... hahahaha, sorry, that's just funny
First let me thank you for all the information you have made available. It has helped tremendously. I am a total noob. I have 3 radios on order from (affiliate link below). And have been researching, but I can’t find much on antennas, mounts, wire, connectors ect.. Any suggestions on where to look? I’m thinking of contacting we’re I purchased my mobile unit for my truck to ask for suggestions. But I thought I’d ask you first. And maybe give you video(s) idea(s).
All the comments from sad hams over the years must of changed your entire personality because in this old video you almost seem like an entirely different person 🤣
I was wondering if you should tune using 465.1437 as your center frequency to account for the higher frequencies that the repeaters use? (low ch. 1 at 462.5625 and high of 467.7250 for highest repeater freq)? Considering the higher repeater frequencies are the frequencies that allow up to 50 watts, would it be better to make sure these have the lower swr readings? Oh, and thank you for posting this video. I know its a little bit dated, but i just discovered it and it shows how easy it is to tune your antennas.... hopefully it will encourage others to tune without being afraid of destroying their antennas. Great video.
Great instructional video. One question. I used your link to purchase the SWR meter and it arrived a few days ago and I'm finally getting a chance to use it but the adaptors it came with dont fit onto my antenna nor the back of my GMRS unit. What other adaptors do I need to buy? Thanks
Depends on what radio you have. Amazon and ebay have a ton of kits for different adapters, or you can search specific. Some common connectors are PL-259, BNC, SMA male, and SMA Female. I have the same little meter, or one like it and it had everything I needed except for one to go to PL-259. What model radio do you have?
Do you stop once you get below 1.5:1 or keep going until you get closer to 1.1:1? How do you know when to stop cutting, or more importantly, what if you go too short looking for the best ratio?
Trim only a very small amount at a time, and only if moving the whip in/out of the base doesn't give you good enough results. If the SWR lowers as you move the whip farther in, but the whip bottoms out, then cut a very small amount and try again. "Rinse and repeat." If the SWR starts to go up - STOP cutting and move the whip back UP just a small amount and the SWR should go back down.
So why go with the UHF antenna you have that you have to trim instead of something like a Midland 6db whip antenna that is supposedly cut at the correct height? What are the gains and losses of either choice?
@@TheNotaRubicon Morning! The Midland 6DB whip vs the short stubby 3DB gain. I am not sure if I am understanding this correctly. Does going from 3DB to 6DB “double” the range and or power?
Could you elaborate on your justification on why its not necessary to use the CB method of comparing SWR's on low and high channels? You state that because the antenna instructions give the recommended length, we can just trim the antenna till we get the lowest SWR. I don't see how that would work because we wouldn't know that it is the lowest achievable SWR until the ratio starts to go back up, but at that point the antenna is already cut too short. Is the method of checking on low and high frequencies still applicable to GMRS the same as CB? Great channel btw. You have a good attitude. Just discovered your videos and also just getting into GMRS after being on CB for a few years. 4x4 club is transition to GMRS so its time to get on the bandwagon.
Hi, thank you for your helpful video about how to tune antennas. While I was using my Sure-Com SW-102 and cutting small segments of antenna off like you showed, I noticed that as the SWR was getting closer to 1.1 the power output was decreasing as well. When I got the SWRs down to 1.01, with a 10" antenna, my power output for my new 45W GMRS mobile radio was only 27W. I kept experimenting with different length antennas and to get the full 45W of power, I needed a 18" antenna that gave me 2.95 SWRs. My question is why cant I get a full 45W of power and low SWRs at the same time? Thank you
I bought the meter in the provided link. Must be doing something unauthorized. The SWR read .62 for a handheld, about the same for a Midland in a SXS. What am I missing? Enjoy your video. Larry
Stupid question, no doubt, but I will ask it anyhow. Let us assume that you have trimmed so that your SWR has dropped from the original 1:8 to 1:4. Now, you are about to proceed to trim again, making sure that you are taking the same size bits from the antenna as you have previously in the process. You are, of course, trying to get to as low an SWR as possible, so you continue. You test after making the last cut, and the SWR begins to proceed back up the scale. You check everything that you have mentioned regarding what could cause this problem but nothing other than the size of the antenna seems to be the problem. Consequently, you are stuck with the higher SWR now. You can't go any lower now, of course. It is at that point in the process that seems to be totally unpredictable. When do you decide that the process needs to stop? Do you settle, say, for instance, on the last measurement of 1:4 or do you take the "leap" so to speak to venture into the land of "damn, I have to buy another antenna!"
Been there and done that more than once. Depending on your particular antenna and its 'style' I have found that Amazon sells stainless steel rods in a 10-pack of varying lengths that have helped me to save a two-part antenna that I over trimmed. It was easy to get the hang of it when I was practicing on disposable rods. My final tune on my expensive antenna was 1.25 on Channel 15 at Low Power. Channel 1 SWR is 1.15 Good enough for me. Thanks Amazon for the 300mm x 3mm 304 Stainless Steel Solid Round Bar Lathe bar Stock- Pack of 10 for $11.00.
Nice layman’s explanation. Many people would benefit by listening to these tidbits. I cringe every time I hear myths about SWR, co-ax lengths, etc. Many radios will reduce power at high SWR, luckily.
I noticed my antenna mount is solid metal. Also my antenna base is metal. Assuming it electrically becomes the same when connected to the mount. Does does the antenna mount need to be chassis grounded?
Thank you for another great video. Questions. The browning antenna you show obviously requires the purchase of a base for it to screw on to? What about the length of the antenna wire does it effect the SWR? I just purchased a UV9G ( and made sure you got credit for the sale) and want to use it at home with an antenna on the roof. What kind of antenna do you recommend for that? I have been told to use a Discone is that the best idea and what about a ground plane? If I use one of the mobile antennas do I have to mount it on a cookie sheet like you did? When the OEM antenna is mounted directly to the radio what is the ground plane then? Thanks for your help.
Thanks for this video. I went out and got the SWR meter you use and I just love it. Works fantastic. On trimming the wire, I bought a Nagoya NMO-200C that they advertise as not needing any tuning for GMRS... Well, I put this up and the SWR without touching it, on channel 1 was 1.9 and 22 at 2.6. So yea, didn't think that was true. So I've taken a half inch off of the top rod and have it down to 1.86 and 2.0 respectfully. So while it is coming down, do you just keep trimming until it comes down? I don't ever recall trimming that much off an antenna but guess so. And I trim using the grinder too. Works fast.
I just received my GMRS license, what would you recommend for a base station antenna. I plan on using the Btech 50X1 radio. I hope to hear from you. Thank you
I newbie question. For the handheld GMRS radios that have removable antennas - are the antennas that are included with a Baofeng GMRS-9R (Upgrade of the UV-5R) pre-tuned out of box? And, if you buy a longer whip antenna that can screw into the radio, are they pre-tuned? In other words, is it necessary to check their SWR readings the same way you would for roof-top mag mount antenna?
I have a side by side with a plastic roof, if I mount a 12x12 steel plate to the roof, should I install a ground strap to the roll bar? I am going to use the 6db gain midland antenna with magnet mount so it will give me a break away point if it hits low trees. I really appreciate your videos.
Connecting it to the cage with a strap (not a wire) wouldn't hurt, but probably not necessary as long as you have at least 4-6 inches of all around the base of the antenna.
For the most part, yes.. However the SWR could be different on the other vehicle due to a different ground-plane, connections, etc so its always good to check the SWR.
Not very much on a mobile-radio setup as you're only increasing the length of the feed line, not the electrical length of the antenna.. On a hand-held radio though, it can make a significant difference.
"Best" is always highest spot, center.. But any place will work with little noticeable impact.. Mine is mounted in pretty much the worst possible location (low, rear corner) - the experts say it wont work at all - yet i can talk to my wife in her jeep, also with a bad antenna location, over 30 miles away.. So what I have learned from this is that the "experts" are idiots.
First I want to thank you, your videos have been very helpful for me since I just got into GMRS. I have a video suggestion!! Can you make a video where you show and test different antennas, an antenna shootout if you will. Btw I just order me a Wouxun KG-1000G thank you your recommendations.
You will need a short "jumper cable" - You can find them on Amazon, at your local radio shop, or you can even make your own. Just make sure that it has the correct ends/connectors to connect to your specific things that you are connecting to.
@@TheNotaRubicon thanks, I purchased the Wouxun KG-1000 per your recommendation, got it installed and want to check the attenna, i'm having trouble finding the right connections to fit. Can you recommend via Amazon?
Just ordered my first gmrs mobile radio for my truck. It's gmrs repeater capable, and scans uhf and vhf ham. My question is what's the best antenna for this? Should it be dual band in order to pick up the other frequencies? Thanks in advance
If you're going to be talking on GMRS and scanning ham VHF, then yes, a dual band primarily tuned for GMRS (462-467Mhz).. If you're going to be scanning ham 70cm, then a GMRS tuned antenna will be good/close enough
After watching your videos, I'm going to make the swap from CB to GMRS (already have a license for GMRS) in the Jeep. Out of curiosity, are you using an NGP antenna? Any issues with your antenna in terms of the ground plane (or lack thereof)? I have an existing CB antenna mount point on the tailgate and am wanting to re-utilize that point (although I'll have to manufacture something to accommodate NMO). Thanks.
We use Browning BR-450 UHF antennas which require a GP, mounted right where our CB antennas were mounted.. not the best GP on the tail but we still get good SWR and have no issues transmitting 30+ miles, ~75 miles to repeaters.
@@TheNotaRubicon Update: I got the KG-1000G a few weeks ago and got around to installing it last weekend. I couldn't find the BR-450, but ended up trying the Tram 1173 and could not get it down below 1.6 SWR. I ended up getting a Nagoya NL-770G and out of the wrapper was SWR of 1.02 and 1.09 for the 467 and 462 freqs, respectively. I used the same mount my CB antenna used to be on (I sold the Cobra 75 WX ST).
The corner of a flat rat tail file will cut through a stainless steel antenna element in no time If you don’t have a bolt cutter. I found out the hard way when I tuned an old replacement AM car radio whip antenna to work on the ham radio 2 Meter band as a 1/4 wave element with a hacksaw. It took forever and both made the antenna element get hot near the cut so be careful.
Thank you for the video. Great production and clear cut information. I'm just getting into GMRS. My knowledge comes from CB (years ago). Do you have videos regarding grounding antennas? And coax lenth? F150 are all aluminum now (not conducive to magnetic mounts 😂. Thank you.
Technically, on paper, in a book, yes - but in the real world, with human ears, it would be difficult to cut it so much that you would detect any noticeable reduction in reception.
Zero issues, and it is the main antenna I use on both my KG-805G and my BTech GMRSV1 .. I regularly get several miles range with it and easily hit repeaters over 30 miles away using it.
I have a radioddity 20 watt that I use as a base station. I have a laird 5db xs 2 1/2 wave ant set up on the second floor of my house. I have not trimmed it and on repeater channels I get a swr of 1.01. on my simplex channels I get 2.58. I only use my repeater channels. SHould I bother adjusting my ant or am I good to go.
Yep - if you keep making it shorter and it starts going back up, stop cutting! You've gotten it as good as it's going to get (and then made it slightly worse).
Very informative. Thanks.👍 Question: I just got finished tuning my new mobile radio and antenna, a KG-1000g & Midland w/magnet mount GMRS antenna. I have my SWR good at 1.02 across the channels on low power, but when I switch to HI power my SWR jumps to 1.6 to 1.75 on all channels. Is this normal or a problem? Thanks
Because SWR is a ratio, it should remain the same, no matter what the power level. 1.6 - 1.75 is fine, and not an issue, but it my guess is your SWR meter is not that great..
@@TheNotaRubicon thanks. My meter is a Surecom SW-102. I don't think I'll make any more adjustments for now. Thanks again for the very informative videos.
Pretty new at this but unfortunately at my workplace you gotta take initiative to get shit done sometimes. Anyways we have kng-m150, with the MWV1365S, permanent mounts on the roof of the vehicle for most and others having a longer antenna from the hood. Having PA VSWR issues some will go into low power others wont allow transmit at all. So try antenna, grounding, and then the coax cable? For example, we swapped antennas and still got vswr fault so thatd rule out antennas. Then a swr meter would help me confirm a coax cable problem is that correct? Also our frequencies range from 154 to 171.5, our most used channel is at 166.9. Thatd put the middle at around 162, but itd be quite a bit of work to change our 171.5 repeater channels. I imagine we could just aim for our 166.9 channel to have the least swr since our 154 channel is hardly used either.
Link to the inexpensive SWR meter we use: amzn.to/2GSzOqH
Link to the Browning BR-450 GMRS / UHF antenna we use: amzn.to/3lp4WwL
Link for the smaller, Tram GMRS antenna: amzn.to/3naC5g8
Just getting into gmrs and this channel is just what I needed. Great content !
Quick tip. After setting the bolt cutter where you want to cut the antenna, throw a small rag over the top of the bolt cutters and antenna end so you don't shoot those little suckers all over the place. They'll drop right at your feet.
I hope you realize that, in addition to your work here being very engaging (I like watching “some people” getting their chops busted), it is truly very informative. Particularly for someone like me who up to a few months ago thought the only part of a radio you had to know about was the O-N/O-F-F switch. Thanks!
It's hard for men to get over the longer is better mentality, I would have guys ask me "why are you cutting my antenna, it won't talk as far". Good job on the no bs explanation of swr and the need to tune an antenna.
LMAO "longer is better mentality". It's not about how longer your antenna is, it's about how you use it.
This was a much better tutorial on tuning than I've seen in the past. Thank you.
What a difference a year has made! I've enjoyed your videos... Keep up the good work annoying SadHams.
Thank you for all the great videos. Takes a real man to use a cute little vice like that in front of everybody, stay strong fellow girl vice user.
A note to newbies, when he says grounding your antenna, he doesn't mean the negative of the battery or black wire from a black and red pair. Antenna grounding is a reflector to the main whip. If you attach your antenna to your roof and your roof is fiberglass, it wont be grounded because fiberglass isn't conductive and wont help to balance your whips energy. Be sure your antenna is mounted to a metal surface that it's going to be operating in and when checking SWR, dont stand next to the antenna. This will affect SWR because your body will absorb some signal throwing off the meters results. Don't touch the antenna while transmitting either as an RF burn is possible. 73
I really love the topics your covering! Great intro for 4x4 folks who are looking for more out of their comms. I'll add there are plenty of antennas out there that come pre tuned. But don't think I'm suggesting to ever do any antenna install without at least measuring SWR just as you stated. Comet 2x4 is one of my personal favorites.
Well done, I appreciate the humor, radio can be monolithic... you must be a teacher, if not, you should be. Thanks for the instruction.
It’s about time someone addresses this issue ,, thank you 👍
Great explanation. (Fun to see your early set up ... and persona.)
A Dremel with a cut off wheel is the easiest and cleanest way to cut the antenna down to size.
Great video Randy, But I missed your normal sarcasm. Best calibration video I have seen to date. Thank you for your always great information.
Perfect! Thanks for the link!
The whole Ohm's Law Vs RF boost Vs SWR is just....confusing. But as long as I can just plug in a meter and figure the SWR, I don't care. LOL
Amazing how better your videos were back then.
Thank you very much for your videos dealing with GMRS radio. I will be tuning my antenna today and your video is informative. Have a great day.
I just wanted to thank you for all of your video's and the information you share. I have learned a lot for you. I look forward to each new video your produce. Thanks again!
Pro-tip: @ Randy Notarubicon Productions
For tuning replace the Stainless Stinger (SS) with a piece of wire that is about the same diameter, & length as the SS one.
Trim or lengthen the tip of the wire, until you get the best SWR, then remove it and cut the SS to match. Install the SS, and your done.
I've been doing it this way for many years. It saves a lot of time and frustration of pulling the stinger in and out, especially on taller vehicles.
Thank you so much! I was able by following your video to get my SWR down to around 1.2!
The swr meter is out of stock at Amazon until November 24, i hope I remember to come back here and click thru your link when I get ready to buy😊
Put it in your shopping cart anyway,,, when it becomes available it will be there
Great job, a very good description of what needs to be done and how to do it .And you touched on the other stuff that might be wrong, Thank you.
I use a fine triangular file to score the antenna then use pliers to snap off the antenna at the scored mark. I have found that that works very well.
Excellent video. I just ordered the inexpensive SWR meter you linked. Thanks! Once it arrives, obviously I'll check my SWR.
Very informative! Just thinking... shouldn't you check for any bent, or coiled coax cable, and check for proper grounding BEFORE cutting your antenna?
That's exactly what I was thinking when he talked about trouble shooting the adjustment.
Thanks for de-mystifying the closed
World of radio, and love the verbosity and de- pussification of language
Great video thank you so much! Hello from Phoenix
I lucked out , I had a pro that works for public safety doing radios . I have a Motorola cdm 1250 with a team 1480 6.5 db gain with 50' lmr400 .he got 1:1:1 match .wow does it get out too .our club has 3 large repeaters . We all check out not a these videos great tips for our new people and us ole timers as well . Great videos keep em coming .73s nysgmr
I trim mine on a bench grinder. Slow and steady and mark a line where to stop.
Great video. Where did you get the white wire that connects to the GMRS?
I found your channel a few months back and can relate to your sense of humor, but the visual of a toe nail flying into you eye... hahahaha, sorry, that's just funny
Yeah, finally watched a video of yours with no bitching. Thank you! Thumbs up!
People that dont like the bitching are usually who I am bitching about.
Great video thank you so much love from Phoenix Arizona I’ve been enjoying your videos
Thank you for this video. Very informative, helped me set up my GMRS antenna very easily.
First let me thank you for all the information you have made available. It has helped tremendously. I am a total noob. I have 3 radios on order from (affiliate link below). And have been researching, but I can’t find much on antennas, mounts, wire, connectors ect.. Any suggestions on where to look? I’m thinking of contacting we’re I purchased my mobile unit for my truck to ask for suggestions. But I thought I’d ask you first. And maybe give you video(s) idea(s).
When you trim it a little too far you can regain some length by putting the antenna below the set screw but not bottoming it out
Answer to newbie questions I had. Thanks.
Love it thanks for the INFO!
All the comments from sad hams over the years must of changed your entire personality because in this old video you almost seem like an entirely different person 🤣
This was back when i was taking my medications.
It's a great origin story. 😂
Thanks Randy
I was wondering if you should tune using 465.1437 as your center frequency to account for the higher frequencies that the repeaters use? (low ch. 1 at 462.5625 and high of 467.7250 for highest repeater freq)? Considering the higher repeater frequencies are the frequencies that allow up to 50 watts, would it be better to make sure these have the lower swr readings? Oh, and thank you for posting this video. I know its a little bit dated, but i just discovered it and it shows how easy it is to tune your antennas.... hopefully it will encourage others to tune without being afraid of destroying their antennas. Great video.
Awesome video and info for the meter!.. Check the antt grounding, that's the biggest problem
Thanks Randy,very well explained.
Great instructional video. One question. I used your link to purchase the SWR meter and it arrived a few days ago and I'm finally getting a chance to use it but the adaptors it came with dont fit onto my antenna nor the back of my GMRS unit. What other adaptors do I need to buy? Thanks
Depends on what radio you have. Amazon and ebay have a ton of kits for different adapters, or you can search specific. Some common connectors are PL-259, BNC, SMA male, and SMA Female. I have the same little meter, or one like it and it had everything I needed except for one to go to PL-259. What model radio do you have?
Thanks for the video.
Really good video, thanks for explaind clear and easy.....also do you recommend the MIDLAND MXT400? Thanks and have a nice day.
Do you stop once you get below 1.5:1 or keep going until you get closer to 1.1:1? How do you know when to stop cutting, or more importantly, what if you go too short looking for the best ratio?
Trim only a very small amount at a time, and only if moving the whip in/out of the base doesn't give you good enough results. If the SWR lowers as you move the whip farther in, but the whip bottoms out, then cut a very small amount and try again. "Rinse and repeat." If the SWR starts to go up - STOP cutting and move the whip back UP just a small amount and the SWR should go back down.
So why go with the UHF antenna you have that you have to trim instead of something like a Midland 6db whip antenna that is supposedly cut at the correct height?
What are the gains and losses of either choice?
I went with a UHF antenna that requires manual trimming because the GMRS/no-trimming antenna that I wanted was out of stock.
@@TheNotaRubicon Thank You for the reply. What antenna did you originally want?
@@TheNotaRubicon Morning! The Midland 6DB whip vs the short stubby 3DB gain. I am not sure if I am understanding this correctly. Does going from 3DB to 6DB “double” the range and or power?
Could you elaborate on your justification on why its not necessary to use the CB method of comparing SWR's on low and high channels? You state that because the antenna instructions give the recommended length, we can just trim the antenna till we get the lowest SWR. I don't see how that would work because we wouldn't know that it is the lowest achievable SWR until the ratio starts to go back up, but at that point the antenna is already cut too short. Is the method of checking on low and high frequencies still applicable to GMRS the same as CB?
Great channel btw. You have a good attitude. Just discovered your videos and also just getting into GMRS after being on CB for a few years. 4x4 club is transition to GMRS so its time to get on the bandwagon.
Thanks Randy, good video.
Wow your totally different in this video vs the current videos. The trolls must of really got to you😅. I get it, love the videos.
I stopped taking my medications.
Hi, thank you for your helpful video about how to tune antennas. While I was using my Sure-Com SW-102 and cutting small segments of antenna off like you showed, I noticed that as the SWR was getting closer to 1.1 the power output was decreasing as well. When I got the SWRs down to 1.01, with a 10" antenna, my power output for my new 45W GMRS mobile radio was only 27W.
I kept experimenting with different length antennas and to get the full 45W of power, I needed a 18" antenna that gave me 2.95 SWRs. My question is why cant I get a full 45W of power and low SWRs at the same time? Thank you
Fantastic Video
I bought the meter in the provided link. Must be doing something unauthorized. The SWR read .62 for a handheld, about the same for a Midland in a SXS. What am I missing?
Enjoy your video.
Larry
Stupid question, no doubt, but I will ask it anyhow. Let us assume that you have trimmed so that your SWR has dropped from the original 1:8 to 1:4. Now, you are about to proceed to trim again, making sure that you are taking the same size bits from the antenna as you have previously in the process. You are, of course, trying to get to as low an SWR as possible, so you continue. You test after making the last cut, and the SWR begins to proceed back up the scale. You check everything that you have mentioned regarding what could cause this problem but nothing other than the size of the antenna seems to be the problem. Consequently, you are stuck with the higher SWR now. You can't go any lower now, of course. It is at that point in the process that seems to be totally unpredictable. When do you decide that the process needs to stop? Do you settle, say, for instance, on the last measurement of 1:4 or do you take the "leap" so to speak to venture into the land of "damn, I have to buy another antenna!"
Been there and done that more than once. Depending on your particular antenna and its 'style' I have found that Amazon sells stainless steel rods in a 10-pack of varying lengths that have helped me to save a two-part antenna that I over trimmed. It was easy to get the hang of it when I was practicing on disposable rods. My final tune on my expensive antenna was 1.25 on Channel 15 at Low Power. Channel 1 SWR is 1.15 Good enough for me. Thanks Amazon for the 300mm x 3mm 304 Stainless Steel Solid Round Bar Lathe bar Stock- Pack of 10 for $11.00.
Do you have to check the swr in low power only? Didn’t see you switch it to high power and check swr again.
Are you recommending to not coil, or loop, up the extra antenna coax cable to avoiding unwanted high SWR readings? Thanks!
Nice layman’s explanation. Many people would benefit by listening to these tidbits. I cringe every time I hear myths about SWR, co-ax lengths, etc.
Many radios will reduce power at high SWR, luckily.
I noticed my antenna mount is solid metal. Also my antenna base is metal. Assuming it electrically becomes the same when connected to the mount. Does does the antenna mount need to be chassis grounded?
Thank you for another great video.
Questions. The browning antenna you show obviously requires the purchase of a base for it to screw on to?
What about the length of the antenna wire does it effect the SWR?
I just purchased a UV9G ( and made sure you got credit for the sale) and want to use it at home with an antenna on the roof. What kind of antenna do you recommend for that?
I have been told to use a Discone is that the best idea and what about a ground plane?
If I use one of the mobile antennas do I have to mount it on a cookie sheet like you did?
When the OEM antenna is mounted directly to the radio what is the ground plane then?
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for this video. I went out and got the SWR meter you use and I just love it. Works fantastic. On trimming the wire, I bought a Nagoya NMO-200C that they advertise as not needing any tuning for GMRS... Well, I put this up and the SWR without touching it, on channel 1 was 1.9 and 22 at 2.6. So yea, didn't think that was true. So I've taken a half inch off of the top rod and have it down to 1.86 and 2.0 respectfully. So while it is coming down, do you just keep trimming until it comes down? I don't ever recall trimming that much off an antenna but guess so.
And I trim using the grinder too. Works fast.
Great Video, Thanks for breaking it down.
I just received my GMRS license, what would you recommend for a base station antenna. I plan on using the Btech 50X1 radio. I hope to hear from you. Thank you
I newbie question. For the handheld GMRS radios that have removable antennas - are the antennas that are included with a Baofeng GMRS-9R (Upgrade of the UV-5R) pre-tuned out of box? And, if you buy a longer whip antenna that can screw into the radio, are they pre-tuned? In other words, is it necessary to check their SWR readings the same way you would for roof-top mag mount antenna?
Great Info. New to GMRS..
I’m new to GMRS. Dose the antenna need to have the spring/coil in/on the antenna?
If the antenna is designed/tuned to work on GMRS with a spring/coil/anything on it, then it is not recommended to take any pieces off.
Great information. Thank you!
Thanks for the great information about the antennas.
I have a side by side with a plastic roof, if I mount a 12x12 steel plate to the roof, should I install a ground strap to the roll bar? I am going to use the 6db gain midland antenna with magnet mount so it will give me a break away point if it hits low trees. I really appreciate your videos.
Connecting it to the cage with a strap (not a wire) wouldn't hurt, but probably not necessary as long as you have at least 4-6 inches of all around the base of the antenna.
I’m going to get one of those SWR power meter but where did u get the tow lp-259 adapters?? Plz let me know
Question: when u tune a gmrs antenna on a vehicle will it work ok when you use it on a diff vehicle?
For the most part, yes.. However the SWR could be different on the other vehicle due to a different ground-plane, connections, etc so its always good to check the SWR.
Wow really good video!
Lmao. “The instructions... that you didn’t throw away.”
Very informative video thanks Randy 6:53 @NotaRubicon Productions
Well said, spot on.
Doesn't adding the SWR meter to the antenna increase the antenna length and hence affect the SWR?
Not very much on a mobile-radio setup as you're only increasing the length of the feed line, not the electrical length of the antenna.. On a hand-held radio though, it can make a significant difference.
What's the best placement on a vehicle? Installing one on a Nissan Frontier and undecided if I should mount on tool box, roof, or hood of vehicle.
"Best" is always highest spot, center.. But any place will work with little noticeable impact.. Mine is mounted in pretty much the worst possible location (low, rear corner) - the experts say it wont work at all - yet i can talk to my wife in her jeep, also with a bad antenna location, over 30 miles away.. So what I have learned from this is that the "experts" are idiots.
First I want to thank you, your videos have been very helpful for me since I just got into GMRS. I have a video suggestion!! Can you make a video where you show and test different antennas, an antenna shootout if you will. Btw I just order me a Wouxun KG-1000G thank you your recommendations.
the SWR meter you recommended shows the use of a "test jumper coax" in the instructions, but not included in the box? Where do I find that coax cable?
You will need a short "jumper cable" - You can find them on Amazon, at your local radio shop, or you can even make your own. Just make sure that it has the correct ends/connectors to connect to your specific things that you are connecting to.
@@TheNotaRubicon thanks, I purchased the Wouxun KG-1000 per your recommendation, got it installed and want to check the attenna, i'm having trouble finding the right connections to fit. Can you recommend via Amazon?
The, best channel!
Great video😃
Where did you get the adapters for the antenna cable and for the radio to meter?
I get all my stuff from either BuyTwoWayRadios.com or Amazon
What happened to the Money Shot of 1.05 = ) Did you cut the antenna too short??? You did, didn't you.
Just ordered my first gmrs mobile radio for my truck. It's gmrs repeater capable, and scans uhf and vhf ham. My question is what's the best antenna for this? Should it be dual band in order to pick up the other frequencies? Thanks in advance
If you're going to be talking on GMRS and scanning ham VHF, then yes, a dual band primarily tuned for GMRS (462-467Mhz).. If you're going to be scanning ham 70cm, then a GMRS tuned antenna will be good/close enough
Thank you. I enjoy your channel. Very informative. I appreciate what you're doing . Much respect.
After watching your videos, I'm going to make the swap from CB to GMRS (already have a license for GMRS) in the Jeep. Out of curiosity, are you using an NGP antenna? Any issues with your antenna in terms of the ground plane (or lack thereof)? I have an existing CB antenna mount point on the tailgate and am wanting to re-utilize that point (although I'll have to manufacture something to accommodate NMO). Thanks.
We use Browning BR-450 UHF antennas which require a GP, mounted right where our CB antennas were mounted.. not the best GP on the tail but we still get good SWR and have no issues transmitting 30+ miles, ~75 miles to repeaters.
@@TheNotaRubicon Update: I got the KG-1000G a few weeks ago and got around to installing it last weekend. I couldn't find the BR-450, but ended up trying the Tram 1173 and could not get it down below 1.6 SWR. I ended up getting a Nagoya NL-770G and out of the wrapper was SWR of 1.02 and 1.09 for the 467 and 462 freqs, respectively. I used the same mount my CB antenna used to be on (I sold the Cobra 75 WX ST).
You can also use a grinder.
Recent facts shows a high swr DOES affect receive..I personally have shown it on a manual tuner on hf or uhf..
The corner of a flat rat tail file will cut through a stainless steel antenna element in no time If you don’t have a bolt cutter. I found out the hard way when I tuned an old replacement AM car radio whip antenna to work on the ham radio 2 Meter band as a 1/4 wave element with a hacksaw. It took forever and both made the antenna element get hot near the cut so be careful.
Good video, thanks!🇺🇸
Are there better antennas then others?
Thank you for the video. Great production and clear cut information.
I'm just getting into GMRS. My knowledge comes from CB (years ago). Do you have videos regarding grounding antennas? And coax lenth? F150 are all aluminum now (not conducive to magnetic mounts 😂.
Thank you.
Does shortening the antenna effect the receiving distance? Thanks Chris
Technically, on paper, in a book, yes - but in the real world, with human ears, it would be difficult to cut it so much that you would detect any noticeable reduction in reception.
@@TheNotaRubicon Thanks, that 771 you cut it extremely short any issues?
Zero issues, and it is the main antenna I use on both my KG-805G and my BTech GMRSV1 .. I regularly get several miles range with it and easily hit repeaters over 30 miles away using it.
@@TheNotaRubicon Great thank you
I have a radioddity 20 watt that I use as a base station. I have a laird 5db xs 2 1/2 wave ant set up on the second floor of my house. I have not trimmed it and on repeater channels I get a swr of 1.01. on my simplex channels I get 2.58. I only use my repeater channels. SHould I bother adjusting my ant or am I good to go.
2.58:1 is not a "great" SWR, but I would not bother messing with it.
Haven't installed it yet but how would you tune a bull antenna
I assume that you will eventually get to the point it will go back up without ever hitting the perfect 1.0/1.1?
Yep - if you keep making it shorter and it starts going back up, stop cutting! You've gotten it as good as it's going to get (and then made it slightly worse).
Good video, but have you made one on a Dual Band Antenna (UHF/VHF)
I have the Browning like you have in the video it's 5/8 ths wave by 5/8ths I don't have the meter or the list to trim it I use gmrs c
Very informative. Thanks.👍
Question: I just got finished tuning my new mobile radio and antenna, a KG-1000g & Midland w/magnet mount GMRS antenna. I have my SWR good at 1.02 across the channels on low power, but when I switch to HI power my SWR jumps to 1.6 to 1.75 on all channels. Is this normal or a problem? Thanks
Because SWR is a ratio, it should remain the same, no matter what the power level. 1.6 - 1.75 is fine, and not an issue, but it my guess is your SWR meter is not that great..
@@TheNotaRubicon thanks. My meter is a Surecom SW-102. I don't think I'll make any more adjustments for now. Thanks again for the very informative videos.
Thank you.
Pretty new at this but unfortunately at my workplace you gotta take initiative to get shit done sometimes.
Anyways we have kng-m150, with the MWV1365S, permanent mounts on the roof of the vehicle for most and others having a longer antenna from the hood. Having PA VSWR issues some will go into low power others wont allow transmit at all.
So try antenna, grounding, and then the coax cable?
For example, we swapped antennas and still got vswr fault so thatd rule out antennas. Then a swr meter would help me confirm a coax cable problem is that correct?
Also our frequencies range from 154 to 171.5, our most used channel is at 166.9. Thatd put the middle at around 162, but itd be quite a bit of work to change our 171.5 repeater channels. I imagine we could just aim for our 166.9 channel to have the least swr since our 154 channel is hardly used either.