Abbree Foldable CS Tactical Antenna - Ham Radio Q&A
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- Опубліковано 22 вер 2020
- I was looking for an antenna to throw in my camping kit to give the portable radio a little more range. Typically campsites and backwoods locations tend to be RF challenged, so I wanted something for my Yaesu FT-3DR to pick up area repeaters and APRS traffic without having to hoist up a larger base antenna. With that in mind, enter the Abbree foldable CS tactical antenna.
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Abbree Foldable CS Tactical Antenna SMA-Male (For Yaesu/Kenwood/Icom): amzn.to/3iStsW4
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#Abbree #antenna #handheldradio - Наука та технологія
I use a 42" Abbree antenna outside as a base station antenna and a 20 foot cable to my UV5R. 2 years later it's still working great.
Nicely done. And well said as always.
I purchased this antenna based on your video and it was exactly as you described. It receives great when used. Worth the money.
thanks for posting in your The Top 10 Amateur Radio Videos of 2020 . Not sure how I missed this and THANK YOU for your review.
This has been sitting in my Amazon wish list for a while now. Sounds like a new toy to play with when I get tired of my Signal Stuff antenna. Thanks!
I've heard good things about the Signal Stuff antennas and I've got them on my list to check out.
Love the signal stick on my ft3dr
How do you like your signal stick? I've got one on a baofeng, and it made the difference hitting the repeater closest to me from my front yard. If this abbree works good for more people, I'll probably buy one too.
KB9VBR Antennas ....The Signal Stuff is a great general use / go kit antenna. I’ve run it 2m/70cm in FM and DMR with good results.
I have the 18.8” version and love it!
Thanks! I have 2 of these and didn't know about the power limitation.
Thank you Michael. I have heard about this antenna many times but never seen it in action or any reviews.73 de KG7LOI
I purchased 2 of these online. Can't wait to try it out.
Let's go back to the future doc! 🤩 Thanks
Great review! The performance of this antenna is exceptional...but, you're right, it's too big to use as a walk-around antenna. But, for a radio which will remain stationary, it is excellent!
Abbree antenna's come in many sizes. 13, 15.35, 18.8 inch . I would recommend these shorter ones for walking around with.
First off, its a "Tape Measure" antenna and not plastic coated, but encased in Shrink Wrap, so if you get wrinkles where you fold it, just hit it with a hair drier and it will smooth out. I've been using the 18.8 inch version on my TYT UV8000E HT. and on a frequency of 146.775, a local repeater, I have an SWR of 1.03, and output of 9.97 watts, oh the TYT is a 10 watt HT. I also have the 42.2 inch version, and I strap that too a backpack and use a cable from the antenna to the radio, very useful. Are they good antenna's, yes, very good. I too was worried about a cheap chinese antenna, but was very surprised at how well it worked. As for the gap, go get a good rubber O ring from a hardware store, will fix that problem. I had to do that with mine. I would honestly recommend not using the Abbree antenna over 18.8 inches long directly screwed onto your radio. the 28 inch and bigger, attach that too your pack or tent and use a cable. I think thats all I have. 73's.
I seriously bought the ABBREE expecting it would be horrible and be a funny video. I was very wrong. I never run it on the FT3. I think I would need to run a Dremel to it to get it to seat OK.
It's not a bad antenna. Not my first choice, but something I'd use if I'm in a tough spot.
@cody austin the internet was a mistake, everyone thinks they're so clever and funny but it's just a bunch of attention seeking adult children who aren't funny. If you have nothing of value to add, don't say anything because your r*ddit tier smug one liners you think are cute, are not at all. Grow up
I had to modify the base of the Abbree I use on my TYT UV8000E. The dremel did a great job. Oh, I have the 18.8 inch model. Have had it for 2 years and it is a very nice antenna.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Which would be your first choice then?
I have 1 and like it a lot. It does the job. Not bad did for the price. Will run it in my plate carrier
Does this help with range on all frequencies like frs/gmrs and murs?
A good, sensible look at this antenna. A couple of years on, I wonder how the antenna wore... did it split the outer covering at the bending point? Thanks, as always, for the work you put into your videos.
I have the 42.5 inch one and I got a rubber washer that helps with the gap and between the radio and the antenna I also have the ft3dr
I have two of these. They turned a Baofeng from junk to good and a VX-6R into an amazing performer
Where do I get that Arial or Antenna
@@johnbelcher7164 I got mine from Amazon.
@@crispycritterz Thank you Have an awesome day
I used my cousin's 42.5 inches version of the Abbree for an ops of the radio group I am a member of just yesterday. I was able to contact our base station 5 km (2 miles?) away from where I am. Which I could not do with the stock rubber ducky antenna (my code name name for it is "kwack-kwack" )I kept saying "I love this antenna!" Planning to purchase one for myself which I could use for future ops (I am the assigned comspec of the group).
73s.
I run the 18 inch version weaved through my molle on the back of my plate carrier, with an antenna relocation cable. The radio is in a radio pouch with cables running to an FCS V20 PTT, and FCS AMPS headset. The antenna seems to work fine, and I can shoot at the range, and hear the radio well. I might buy another antenna, and relocation cable, for spares.
I really enjoy your videos, and always learn something. I've been looking at this antenna and trying to find some thing like it for our GMRS radios we use on the ranch. Do you know of anything like this that we can use on our Midland MXT400 radios?? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the great work.
Wow, finally had a QSO...interesting fact is that I was using my full wave delta loop which basically is northeast to southwest and you came in 59 almost 10 over!
73
de AC3LZ
I was using the FT-891, 50 watts, with a 40m dipole oriented NE to SW. Certainly not ideal but the ground was really saturated so I guess Lake Superior worked its magic.
Its a two tape measures bolted together at its base
I would like to see a review on the Baofeng AR-152 15W.
I have heard warnings of a heavy antenna damaging the connector but I think for a one time or even a contest this would work well, I believe I will get the 42 inch thanks for the help
I've seen longer antennas damage the antenna connector of a handheld, especially if the unit is handled rough. I recommend taking a bit of care when using antennas longer than the stock unit.
Fill the gap between the radio and antenna with a ground counterpoise "tiger tail" wire.
Hi Michael,
Nice review.
I have only one disagreement; @ 2:07 you stated you believe that all 5 models would share the same base loading coil. However, that would make no sense at all as different length radiators would need different coils; just as a wolf river coil would have to on the hf portion.
By the way, I have had the 42" version for a couple of years now, looks & works as well as when I got it. And that 42" really makes a difference on both my Anytone 868 & Baofeng UV-5R, even over my nagoya 771. I can hit one of my local repeaters at about 65 miles on the Anytone on the low power setting of 1 Watt!
I have found when carrying, walking with the 42", it is better to hold the setup by the coil & top of radio as the weight of the Abbbbreee might put too much strain on the SMA connector.
Good info, thanks for taking the time to produce such useful videos. Curious if you’d be willing to share the elevation profile program you are using?
Good question!♡♡♡
I use the Solwise surface elevation tool. It's a simple page that creates surface elevation plots: www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-elevationtool.html
KB9VBR Antennas Thank you, just what I was looking for. :)
I have heard about the Abree antenna. I have been told that the HYS TC-80N Tactical Antenna is better. Since I don't have both, I cannot confirm that,
It would be good to see the Harris and the equivalent Abbree antenna to go head to head.
I have been curious about these style of antennas so thank you for the review. I do have to wonder how they compare to a Nagoya 771 or similar 15" aftermarket antenna. These do seem to have a bit of extra weight and bulk compared to other choices. Maybe if enough of us ask, you would consider a comparison video with multiple aftermarket antennas?
I have the Nagoya 771 and my 18.8 inch Abbree antenna kicks it butt.
I can say the same as the guy above me, I have a 771 and a 18 inch abbree and the abbree is noticeably better
This antenna lives on my ski backpack
Great video! Can we receive/transmit with the antenna folded?
Thank you.
I'm curious what antennas you would recommend for handhelds. I have a VX-8DR just like your previous primary handheld and I'd like to try an aftermarket antenna, but I''m not sure what to get. The stock antenna is quad band with the extension piece and I'd like to maintain that functionality if possible.
Which one is best for high gain negoya or technical? Thanks
Thanks for the review. One thing you mentioned is 8W power limit. How hard is this limit, i.e. should I expect any noticeable performance decline if I use it with a 10W HT (like Wouxun KG-UV9 series). Thanks.
I just got my Technician for 2nd time since 2001 and also just got a 42.52" Abbree for my Yaesu Ft65r. I suppose the rubber washer goes on the base of radio and not the top and/or would in help to have a rubber washer on top in between spring load and long extendable? Just wondering? Thx for videos 73s!
I have the same yaesu handheld and have bought the 42.5 inch. It screws on tight so I don't know why you have that gap on yours. I will say there are copy cat antennas that are cheaper. Not that these are expensive. There is stuff you can find online on how to tell the difference.
This thing works great.
how/where do you get line of sight info on a map bearing?!?
What if you "Jerry Rigged" a c-clamp or spring clamp, base. Add 20' of antenna wire and use it, slapped to a tent, tree, or table?
I've got the 48 inch (7db of gain), I keep it behind the front seat of my truck for "just in case"
Would you lose effectiveness if you were to route this antenna onto your backpack with coax?
Can you operate these antennas folder. I leave my folder and no problem receiving locally. However I am not sure how if effects transmitting folded as compared to stock antenna. I am using a cheap Baofeng and noticed a huge improvement with distant repeaters
What about on a Magnetic base for JJ car mounting.
Would this help with fm reception on a Baofeng? Thanks...
I didn't see SWR for 220. Is it reasonable in that band?
Hello, does Abbree make a Foldable Tactical Antenna for the President Randy FCC model CB radio?
If so, does anyone have a link to buy one?
Thank you :)
Michael, have you ever done a review of a telescoping antenna like the twayrdio rh770 ? I have one of them, and it definitely works better just like the one you reviewed.
I haven't reviewed a telescoping antenna, but I know of a ham that had one. Extending the antenna made a big difference, especially when he was located in an RF hole.
Sir, what portable back country antenna upgrade do you recommended for the FT3D? Just got mine and was looking at the 19" elastic Signal Stick. Running 2m simplex mostly but APRS on the horizon. Thoughts?
Great video! I recently bought the 18" model to upgrade my stock duckie on my Baofeng. Makes a huge difference when contacting a repeater. Haven't had any simplex comms yet. Y(yes, I'm a newbie!) KE8PFS
Good morning, KC3EOJ from the Frederick, MD area here. I recently purchased a Wouxon 2m/6m hand held radio. I was wondering your thoughts on using the 42" Abbree antenna on this radio with the 6m band. Just getting back into ham radio after retiring from the Fire Departartment, I know the lower the frequency, the bigger/longer the antenna.
Any reason to think it wouldn't work on 6m?
Adaptions for the Yaseu 857d?
I would appreciate comparing this to a ladderline line jpole. The huge antenna screwed into the antenna socket just seems to be begging for a stress fracture of the SMA from the circuit board.
While that is certainly a possibility, there is so little mass that the actual risk of breaking the SMA connector away is pretty small.
nice.........................thanks.
I have been looking for this antenna everywhere and can’t seem to find the “male” version. Please post a link where I can purchase this antenna
I failed to mention this in Tenna needs to be for a GMRS Radio
I'd like to see a 2-antenna operating range test using in the woods and, in a separate test, in a hilly area. Both would be helpful for emergencies where a base camp antenna wouldn't be possible, or if it would be impractical. I'd never use these for standard antennas, but is it worth having it in my bugout bag? I'd also like to know if the 42-inch antenna would be practical when doing scheduled check-ins in wilderness settings.
I have the 19" Super-elastic Signal Stick and the 42" Abree, and can tell you that I get a much better signal inside the apartment with the Abree... I carry both antennas everywhere I take the radio(an AnyTone 878UVII Plus) The first thing I bought for the radio was a BNC adapter that I NEVER(if I can help it) remove... All antennas, cables, and dummy loads I buy are all BNC... I change antennas multiple times a day and do not want to wear out that delicate little SMA connector on the radio. When in the car, I use a triple magnet(I am paranoid) mag-mount with a BNC and use the Signal Stick when moving and swap for the Abree when stopped. The 42" can easily be carried in any paints with reasonably deep pockets(sticking out of course, but I have not had it fall out yet) when folded.
I would say that the Abree, when sitting on the table inside the apartment with no counterpoise, is about as good as the Signal Stick used handheld outside.
I also have a 1M(~3') BNC extention cable that I use if carrying the HT with the Abree attached. You can put the bottom of the antenna in your back pocket with the antenna running under any shoulder strap or whatever to hold it against your back. If you need extra range, with the radio at your mouth, you can hold the antenna in your other hand up as high as you can reach and get extra range(or reach around the side of the building from a second story balcony...).
With the Abree(amoung others), BEWARE of counterfeits! They typically do not even have a coil inside of the base, or sometimes they have a coil but it is not used!!! You can imagine how well they work... Some of the bad reviews of Abree antennas have actually been of the counterfeits.
@@jamesraykenney » Wow, you put in a lot of useful information. I have a lot of Abbree products and I think they're all legit (or they're _all_ fake), as they all have the same Abbree product ID stamped in the black plastic base (the part that screws into the radio).
I recently bought a Baofeng BF-H7 radio that's rated as 10W. There're a bunch of Baofeng radios on eBay rated at 18W by sellers, but when tested they came in just south of 5W. The H6/H7, however, came in at nearly spot on, with some coming in just below or just above 10W.
I haven't had a chance to test it myself, but I'd love to test them with my Abbree antennas. (You can check out my BF-H7 review and photos on Amazon. I uploaded a bunch of photos.) I love the radio. It goes well with the pack and my Abbree mic.
I'm reduced to buying radios I don't need just to have a collection I like. 🗣 📻
P.s if its a real ABBREE antenna you can one the Coil, without damage the antenna.
My deslexia read free tactical antenna
Have you, or anyone reading this, ever tested Nagoya antennas next to knock-offs? I ask this because GMRS sensation *NotARubicon* said in one of his postings that in his experience, with more than a hundred antennas, that there is no appreciable difference in the expensive ones and the others. There are Tidradios, Retevis and others that lack the name recognition, and then there are the Diamonds and Nagoyas. The new trend, of course, are skinny wire antennas, which are a bit more difficult to knock off. He did warn against the no-name or knock-off antennas that might not work at all.
Retevis has two antennas, the RHD-771 (a thick wire 20W antenna, which has worked well for me). It also has the cheaper 10W RT-771. Retevis claims it regularly tests its antennas using sophisticated measuring equipment to ensure a VSWR of less than 1.5. Retevis reps are critical of users who use $60 SWR meters to measure the efficiency of its meters. Said meters, they say, cannot reliably work with any antennas because of the lack of a ground plane. I can vouch for this, as one Surecom meter (even with a steel plate “groun plane”) showed two of my Nagoya antennas to fail miserably. I not only used the steel plate, I also cupped my hands around the HT.
Thanks for the review. Question, what app are you using to produce the elevation graph?
I use the Solwise surface elevation tool. It's a simple page that creates surface elevation plots: www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-elevationtool.html
@@KB9VBRAntennas Very cool, thanks for the reply. Take care
Just found you on UA-cam upgraded to this exact antenna and now my Bell thing walkies won't allow me to make a cop won't make me won't allow me to make a reply
There was a quick shot of a diagram that looked like the cross-section of the ridge between your place and the repeater. (Rib mountain, maybe?) Anyway, I wanted to ask you where one can get an application that could take two geographic points and draw the topography in a straight line between them. What was it? While I'm thinking about it, can you give me a URL for the number designators of parks for the parks on the air activity you enjoy so much? Thanks and 73. Jim, Black RIver Falls.
I use the Solwise elevation tool to make the cross sections: www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-elevationtool.html. Rib mountain is close to my home, but I live on the east side of Wausau and the ridge along the edge of town is what affects a lot of repeater coverage to the east of me.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Thanks, Michael. I seem to live in an RF desert. Nearest repeater is many miles and a couple hills away.
Forgot to ask, can these be operated in the folded position? I see a lot of pics and videos with them folded up and attached to backpacks and various rigs. I would think that would not work out well.
Average Enthusiast I wouldn’t suggest it. The antenna is designed to be used at its full, extended height. The folded position is usually just for transport and so it won’t get hung up on things the RTO is moving thru/past.
You get a cable to connect the antenna to the radio and weave the antenna into your chest rig or rucksack. Yea it degrades range a little but better than just a stock small antenna
I wouldn't
Question…. I have an Abree for both my Yaesu (42”) and my Baofeng (18”). Can I swap the blades out on the different loaded bases to have length options for both radios?
I don't know if those bases are the same from antenna to antenna. I've only got the one antenna so I don't have anything to compare.
It would be very interesting to see a video of you trying to make a homebrew tactical antenna (hint hint lol). Great review!! N0JDE
Rabbit ear dipole: $2.50
Easy to roll up. More compact, and performs better than Abree.
I might give it a shot. I guess a trip to Harbor freight is in order for some cheap tape measures
I am brand new to this! Is it okay to leave these antenna folded indefinitely?
I don't believe that keeping the antenna folded will damage it, but transmitting with it folded will result in sub-par performance.
I purchased two of them that I thought would be useful camping, for a UV-5R. Neither one works. A repeater seven miles from my house, I can bring up with the rubber duck. With the 23” and 42” abbree I can’t hit the same repeater. If it were just one antenna, I’d think it was a bad one but two bad antennas makes me think it’s something else. Has anyone else had issues with these antennas?
I have two Baufeng UV-5R's and two 42" Abbree antennas, works great for me, when communicating between my two radios.
Could be a counterfeit one.
ABreeeeeeeee! Haha :) love it!
🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡
Aname Aname lol
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Hey you! Fabulous to run into you! :)
♡♡♡
I have the 13 amd 28 inch.
On 462 and 467 I have wicked high swr
Is that normal?
13"= 4.8-5
28= = 7.8-7.9
Also I have one of your j poles.
For gmrs got it a couple weeks ago. Got it about 25 feet in the air. Getting great tx and TX and a swr of 1.4 ! Very nice. Thank you.
Sounds like you have one of the counterfeits... There are a LOT of them out there... See if you can check the base and make sure that it has a coil in it... A lot of the counterfeits do not. See my post higher up.
Your antenna has a gap at the base because you forgot to put the rubber washer that comes with the antenna
The real ABBREE 42 inch is the best UHF antenna I have, also the 28 and 18 inch are one of the best antennas. Almost magical. I your video I see the antenna is not 100% fitting the radio, this will cause some loss.
However most Abbree on Ebay and amazon are the fakes! Those are less good.
I`m gonna buy one because i can just throw it in my go box since my antenan right now is jsut tiny (~15cm) and i wouldnt want to use a telescopic one because they are made up of multiple elements that can ben and u goota set the swr with the hight and since my go box is made to be tough (Edit gonna buy the 42.5 inch / 108cm one) and i dont have an swr meter the "tactical" option is more rugget; reliable and safe for me 73
oh and i should note that when using it ill have it on an antenna foot with an adapter
6 bB is an S unit?
The biggest abree, doesn't add an S unit?
Why bother?
I have one. I pick up more chicks when I have it on my HT. Get one!
This thing looks like one of those cheap snap bracelets that were banned from schools in the late 80's early 90's.
why were they banned ?
@@Utfard cuz they'd break out of their sleave and cut you open
the folding must weaken the Antenna
It is just two tape measures top side to top side. I do not think I have ever had one break on me... They used the exact same mechanism on the old Viking Mars lander for it's collection scoop arm...
Abreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Zerocool lol
Another to add to the bad list...doesn't perform well in the wind.
i must say you have a wierd lookin your eyes , but your videos are just great, keep it up.
What do you think of the Nagoya NA-24j antenna? Have you had a chance to use it? Also, if you had to choose between the Nagoya NA-771, NA-24j, the Diamond Signal Stick or the Abbree 18.5-inch antenna in an emergency situation such as a plane crash, snow storm ( ua-cam.com/video/7G8f-AMx9-w/v-deo.html ) or in the aftermath of a hurricane or tornado, or to include in a bugout bag, which would you choose?
You can get ten of the 18.5-inchers for $54 from Amazon. The Nagoya NA-24j is twenty-one bucks, so the price difference is substantial. Still, if one were to use only _performance_ as the consideration, where would the Abbree 18.5-inch fall? (Obviously, if one knew one would be in trouble, the 42.5-incher would be worth having. With a 35-inch extension cable, one could extend the height of the Abbree 42.5, but for now I'm more curious about the 18.5 antenna.) Cheers!
I haven't tested all of the antennas you mentioned, but I have used longer, 18 inch antennas like the NA-771. On a practical usability standpoint, I find all these long antennas to be sort of a pain in the butt. They are wobbly, it's hard to keep the HT on your belt with them installed, and they put stress on the connector. I do carry the 28 Abbree that I reviewed with my kit when I go camping. It certainly excels over what the standard duck can do. But if it's on the radio, the radio is usually sitting on the table and I'm not walking around with it.
But to your larger point, what antenna would I use in an emergency situation. It would depend on if infrastructure is destroyed. If area repeaters are available, I will continue to use the standard antenna. If I need simplex range, then I will rig up something like my J-Pole on a mast or tree. I don't expect an HT to offer much more than short range point to point communication, and even with the most tricked out handheld antenna, you still are only gonna get a mile or so of coverage.
@@KB9VBRAntennas For a long antenna on your belt, try the 19" Super-elastic Signal Stick. Just have it stick up behind your arm and it never gets in the way, and it is SO flexible and tough that you do not have to worry about it. You can even coil it up if you really need to shorten it up, and it CAN receive coiled up, though of course you would never want to transmit that way!
That price sound like one of the counterfeits.
Military Spec Quality? Do you mean the most expensive products made by the lowest bidder using the cheapest parts?
Granted, in some instances, Mil-Spec can be good. 95% of the time, that word scares me.
Military grade? You mean broken? Lol
LOLOLOLOLOL...................Right on.
Mill spec= budget
@@JQ3B94 Not always. I am a veteran. I know what mil spec can be, and what it usually is. Sure, at times it will be budget. If it is being made for military use, it won't be. If it is being made for civilian use, more than likely is will be budget.
$12 on Ebay.
It’s a tape measure.
Like it DW2KFQ 73
Tear it down before you turn it on.
I'm thinking of buying another to do a teardown video with.
bump