Abbree 42.5 Inch Baofeng Antenna Reviewed HAM Radio - TheSmokinApe
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- Опубліковано 17 лис 2024
- Abbree Antenna Reviewed - TheSmokinApe
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Just a quick video review of the Abbree 42.5" HAM Radio Antenna.
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It is not a “Loading” coil, that’s cb lingo and that term does not belong in the Ham lexicon. It is a matching network, or more specifically an impedance matching network. In all likelihood it is probably not a true inductor/capacitor conjugate matching network, but rather a low wattage 50 to 300 ohm resistor with a leaky strap of metal tied to one side. This is done in order to broadband the ‘antenna’ for vswr purposes and somewhat radiate with a hunk of metal off one side. This is a popular technique for emergency broadband HF antennas such as folded dipoles. The folded end of the non-resonant dipole is terminated in a resistor to keep the impedance appearing low across the 1.8-30 MHz spectrum. This makes for a quiet HF receive antenna and gives an inefficient and skewed radiation pattern when transmitting (all the while maintaining a ‘broadband’ characteristic.) Nothing more than a gimmick antenna to appeal to the unwashed masses.
Thanks for that info! 10-4 👍
Fair comment, thanks DX Commander. When I wrote it I was not hearing it as you or others might have read or interpreted it. I was simply coming from the angle that it is a term used by cb’ers to physically shorten an antenna with an inductor (or to ‘Load’ the antenna) by electrically making up for its lack of length. Here we have the reverse, an antenna that is far beyond the length needed to resonate it at a quarter wavelength. There is nothing to ‘load’ for. There is however, plenty to ‘unload’ or remove as it is overly long at its lowest intended frequency. My apologies if it came out sounding abrasive,
I quite fancied the word “lexicon,” I didn’t want to sound redundant and reuse the word “lingo.” I thought the Op took it in fun and gave him a thumbs up. Sorry to all that took offence, I was trying to keep amateur radio at a technically higher spoken level than at the CB appliance operator level. I didn’t want to see Ham terminology devolving into simplistic CB lingo (lexicon?)
DX Commander, you’ve come in tree top tall and wall to wall. Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down, we’ll catch you again on the flip-flop, ‘3’s, we gone now, bye-bye.... ;)
That is true.
Brian, what you say is true and I have no disagreement in that, but it doesn’t deselect the fact that these antennas are mismatched and inefficient. If people want to buy them for their visual or psychological appeal, so be it. But it certainly isn’t a dual band antenna who’s claim is to work in the HAM bands.
tami stone fair enough Tami, I bow to your experience on this one.
I’m awaiting delivery and will see how it functions 👍
These types of “tactical” antenna do work really well. It’s why the soldiers have been using a similar style antenna for a while.
Yeah, I was surprised at how well it worked, thanks for the comment 👍
It might be useful to research "similar style antennas" in use for military field radios. In short: the AT-892/PRL-24 3-ft semi-rigid steel tape "bush-whip" antenna was one of two deployed as part of the AN/PRC-10, PRC-25, and PRC-77 (Vietnam vintage and perhaps later radios) VHF 30-76 MHz field man-pack radios. The accompanying AT-271A/PRC 10-ft antenna improved range but also gave better visibility of radio operator location to the 'bad guys'. The AT-892 was a compromise antenna and to characterize it as working really well in their military application is inaccurate. My military experience was communications equipment repair. I'll admit to not having had the opportunity to sweep the AT-892 and therefore cannot attest to its VSWR across the range of 30-76MHz. In all likelihood VSWR was abyssmal. But the final stage of the radios were designed the horrible mismatch of the antennas. It's noteworthy that the length of the AT-892 is a 1/4-wavelength at 77MHz.
A reference with which to start:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN%2FPRC-77_Portable_Transceiver
@@jimpiper5297 ...what about the Comrod antennas? Rami Antennas?
the reason it's marked like that at the base is: those are the markings at the base of a Harris/Thales AN/PRC 148 or -152. it's purely cosmetic for the airsofters
You prnounce it "AAAAAABBBBBBBBRRREEEEEEEE" and you yell it.
Lol, I should go back and re-edit the video 👍
REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
I've got the 33.5" version and it outperforms the Nagoya NA-771R on my cheap little BF-F8HP on both bands.
Yeah, I have been pretty happy with the Abbree's! Thanks for the comment!
KI7PCX With a baofeng uv-5r I was unable to reach the local repeater. With the 42.5 in abbree I now can. Thank you for your video. To each as to their need.
Glad to hear it worked out for you 👍
From each, according to their ability?
look up on ebay you can get them for 15$.
Hey Paul, have you noticed a difference when you installed your new antenna?
Same here Paul, with this I can get my local repeater 20+ miles away day and night.
I have this antenna but in the 13 inch version for when I am out and about in the hills. It does give a bit more antenna to receive and transmit on. I like it and have them on all 4 of my Baofengs.
I’m thinking about trying a shorter version.
Same
I'm a little.late to the party, but thanx for the review and thanx to the commenters clearing up some of the misinformation I just ordered two of the "made by Abbree" 42.5" ones. Very green and very new to Ham but I am fine ding it crazy interesting and fun! Thanx again guys!
Glad you liked it 👍
We use a very similar antenna with the Harris 152 Radio's in Defence. Obviously the Harris radios are designed to take these long flexible antenna's and they are great if you require that little bit extra range over the standard antenna supplied. That said if we can't reach our contact we always end up throwing a dipole and connecting that to the 152. I have 5 Baofeng UV-5R's and plan to carry two with these antenna's as well as the standard antenna when going on long treks. The fact they fold up and easy to store in a pack make them very convenient. I'm hoping to gain just a little extra distance should the trekking group be separated by any chance.
They do perform well, just too big for me. I did end up getting a smaller one to try out 👍
I purchased the 18.8 inch Abbree for my TYT UV8000E back in July of this year, and the improvement on transmitting and receiving went up considerably. As for SWRs, on 146.775 a local repeater here in Cheyenne, I had a SWR of 1.03, and on 449.300, another local repeater I had SWR of 1.08, and this was on my TYT at 10 watts, no problems. I was amazed. If I where to get the 42 inch version I would not actually attach it too the radio. I'd attach it too my back pack or bike and use a short piece of coax, between the antenna and HT. Yes I was very surprised at how good the antenna preformed.
Glad it worked out for you, thanks for the comment!
Hello from Norfolk UK, I have been using this antenna on a uv5r with repeater GB3NB which for me is about 20miles away. Works great in the open countryside and in wooded areas. The connection to the radio is horrendous, so I have made a few changes which work well. I have since found out that this antenna is not supposed to go on top of the radio, there is a coaxial cable for it and it is supposed to be used on a backpack tied into the webbing. There is also a tactical telephone speaker external mic for use with this that I haven't got yet because it costs more then the radio and I think I've spent enough money on this already, but it works very well indeed.
Thanks for sharing that!
If you expand the spectrum display on the SDR radio to 1 or 2 Db steps, you can measure the gain difference between different antennas by keying up different repeaters. Adjust the gain or pad it to stay in the upper third of the display. Also, would make a good portable base antenna mounted on a pole with 20 or so feet of good coax.
That’s a great tip, thanks 👍
Abbree makes a 48" version now. Attached to a kayak, you dont have to paddle anymore when the wind blows.
Appreciate this review. I just ordered one. I like to carry my Baufeng when I'm out hiking. Also,,, you just got another subscriber.
Thanks for the sub! I picked up a shorter Abbree and will be testing on a video soon 👍
The cut off on the JT rig is the feedback into the power supply .
Yuesu FT817 has a similar problem, you just need to keep the aerial away from the power supply unit and ferrite rings on the power cable.
Makes sense, that would explain why it didn’t happen with the dummy load. That said I used a battery for power.
Good review. I still want one to test. I think it would work well as a bigger antenna for my motorcycle when I do setups in the park. Been in my amazon cart for a bit, just haven’t pulled the trigger.
It performs well but doesn’t seem practical for my uses, good luck with whatever you decide. 👍
Just ordered one, we'll test it and see how it goes..although i have no clue if it's an original one or a fake
Fingers crossed, they work really well.
How’d it work out?
@@lcm7541 Well shit happens..it isn't an original one and it doesn't work very well so there's 20$ wasted in garbage
@@Cr3dibleThreat awe damn sorry to hear! I bought one from Amazon so fingers crossed 🤞
Just ordered mine, going to take it camping with me this weekend
👍 nice, let us know how it turns out
How did it work for you and could you give a short description of location of camp site? (hill/valley/etc).
It worked well! I’d say it doesn’t wear out very well over time but I’m actually taking the 42 inch antenna with me for a second camping trip this weekend, it survived one season so for the money spent I’d say go ahead and pull the trigger. It doesn’t break or anything, just gets a little bent over time, idk if you had the same experience @TheSmokinApe but that was my experience
@@dutchman55 thank you for this info. Mine should be in today or tomorow. I cant wait to out it to use.
I have the 18.5 inch models, one for a Baofeng and one for a Yaesu VX8. They work fine.
I’ve thought about picking up a shorter version. Thanks for the comment 👍
With regard to the differences in antenna power handling...I've found the "specs" provided by vendors on amazon, ebay, etc to be OFTEN wrong, and even self-contradictory on the same page. For example, an LED array spec'd in the vendor's "Description" as operating from 9V-32V and then in "Product Description" it shows 10V-60V on the same webpage! Same sort of problem as the 8W v. 20W...the specs are incompatible and can result in damage to the item if you use the wrong one.
When in doubt always go to the manufacturer's specs. I usually also search out and download the product's User Manual /Operator's Guide /etc just to be sure...either from the manufacturer's website or a general documentation provider website (preferably free ones).
The inconsistency drives me crazy! Thanks for the comment 👍
I had the ABBREE 33cm for Airsoft purposes in this last 2 years. Very clear and longer range !
The do perform well 👍
I tried this antenna on an MT-AIO (APRS Tracker) with 12 Watts output, and it is amazing! Performs almost as well as the Smiley 5/8th wave "Search and Rescue" telescoping antenna, with much less chance of putting my eye out. I plan to carry one in my pack as a long-range back-up antenna. Of course, its totally worthless when folded.
Sounds like a good use case 👍
@@TheSmokinApe I was a little concerned about the alleged 8 Watts limitation too...As it turns out, not everything CHICOM's say is completely accurate.
Lol 😂
I know it's a cheapy radio, but my UV5R worked flawlessly for 3 years until I put an genuine Abbree 42 on it. Now radio is desensitized and deaf as a door nail, even with the antenna switched back out to a 771
I wonder if something was damaged electrically
The radio cutting out could have been from the antenna being too close to the radio.
I bought one of the 18" Abbree antennas and had to return the first one due to SWR was almost 3:1. The replacement is around 1.6:1 which is perfectly fine and it works well. I check in to a "local" net once a week through a repeater 50 miles away on a mountain using the 18" Abbree and a 5 watt Wouxun hand held from inside my house and it does the job.
Sorry but your check with your sdr doesn't tell me much as it is just too close to give any meaningful information.
I think it was from being too close. The SDR video was to show the performance difference between antennas, which was pretty apparent. Thanks for watching and for the comment 👍
Nice review. I was thinking about trying one of these and you kinda confirmed my fears. It's got a sort of cool factor but I'm sticking with my signal stick. Little pun intended. Lol. Thank you
I wanted to love it... glad you liked the video 👍
Chipper2733
I use an Abree on a UV5RE and by telephone, I arranged to try a QSO to a friend on his main station.
I was to be outside on my back yard lawn. He was to be on his 2m station rig.
What I expected, happened.
I could hear HIM but not in reverse. However a third station joined in and said to # 2 that he could read me and he was farther away still!
I never spoke to #3 but heard him say that he could hear me. Not exactly a 2 way QSO but a
definite link in both directions.
If you go on Google Maps you'll see how far apart we are.
Greater Manchester UK.
Between two towns...Wigan, in the County of Greater Manchester and Stockport in the county of Cheshire.
Some haul for a Baofeng Hand Held on a full sized Abree.?
Gotta be 20 miles plus, across the city
That Abree works! Is it unwieldy...Oh Boy, is it ever? BUT IT WORKS!
I wish you'd do a range test of these antennas from an elevated position. As for the purpose, it seems great as an emergency antenna for a bugout bag. Like a space blanket. Not something you'd wear to the Emmy's, but it's nice to have when needed.
My personal choice would be a J-Pole, but it seems tailor made for my TidRadio H6/Baofeng UV-H7, and when I put it on my Baofeng UV-5R, I don't have a spacing issue at all.
Finally, you said you feared your 5R might be damaged by the Abbree's fit. I wish you'd test that hypothesis because I don't think you could damage it. The male connector is in the 5R pretty good. I've tried to damage mine by whipping mine around, but in all fairness the Abbree fits flush in my 5R+. I've ordered an 8W 5R and will try that with the Abbree when it arrives. If be surprised if anything breaks. If stranded in a snowbank, I'd like to have an Abbree 42-inch in my car. Or a magnetic antenna on my car. Either way it might well come in handy. Cheers!
I've ran one for about a year on a ht that sits in my living room (or whatever room I'm in at the time) while the kids are on on small whip antennas around town. Radio to radio we seen almost 40% increase over quality whip to whip. Now we are reliable at about 2 miles in a havey residential area from ground level.
Antenna is good for camping, again where the radio is NOT being moved around. Antenna is to big for moving.
We dont have 2 antennas but I imagine for 2 fixed position HTC's with these antennas you would would pretty good reports for 4 watts.
Agreed, good for a stationary station 👍
The juintiaaai mobile cut off because rf was getting into it. You DON'T have to have reflected power to have rf on it.
Your name made me chuckle because my mum used to call me "big ape" or "fuckin' ape" when I was in my teens cuz puberty made me hairy as shit
Lol 👍
There's a 42.5-inch Abbree antenna that's a tri-band and a 42.5-inch dual-band. I think they might be the same, but I'd love for you to do a test on it. Also, Signal.Stuff claims its Signal.Stick works very well with GMRS frequencies. That too would be worth knowing, as many antenna makers make specific antennas for GMRS. Anyway, it's a good emergency antenna.
Thanks for the info. I have one of the earlier models of Signal Stick, I should do a test of that. Thanks for watching 👍
Reminds me of the antennas for a PRC-77, I'd agree, that is a lot of torque on an H/T. I always figured that having a good roll up j-pole for those times when you need more antenna is a good option. Good review as always brother!
Thanks man. I’m just not sold on this antenna, I’m surprised they are as popular as they are.
@@TheSmokinApe It's a novelty, check it out, I'm back in 'nam in the damn_Li valley!
I got the genuine abree. Not bad. But save your money and get a uniden Auto antenna for uhf with adapter. I get amazing range. Cheers
Good thing I watched this video. I almost that same antenna
Some people love it, it just doesn’t seem practical to me... thanks for watching 👍
the reason its popular with airsoft guys is cause this is a standard antenna we use on our 152 in the military but we almost always run the antenna through our plate carriers with a antenna relocator (takes away a lot of the awkwardness of it if its on your back and can be extended or folded with a quick reach over the shoulder.. also our radios are significantly heftier. didn't actually know there was a civilian following for these, kind of makes me sad that they are used for airsoft when that is a lot of overkill.
Yeah, these antennas have become very popular. Thanks for the comment / info 👍
I bought one of the Abbree 42 inch just because and my curiosity can get the best of me for a whole whopping 12 dollars but I noticed that in the folding twice position it works better then extended full out and my 18 inch Abbree whip antenna has the same results. I wanna do a distance test and see how far I can go with two baofeng UV-5R using each with the same antennas. Why, because why not!
lol, good luck with the testing!
used an 18.8-inch version on my UV5R 8W version and could reach out 10 miles. Buuuuut I wouldn't say it is the best, but you also shouldn't expect too much for a 10-20 dollar antenna. The funny thing was I had to tilt the antenna and the rig to get the better signal. If I used it vertically like I supposed to do, it wouldn't get a signal even on the hilltop. Now I have this 42-inch version of the antenna and will see how well it performs in the same condition I had with the 18.8-inch version.
What I have found over the years is that HT antennas are a mixed bag, lol. Thanks for watching KTA!
Been looking at these, great video
Thanks man, glad you liked it 👍
Its one of the best antennas out there
Will that antenna work on the Beofeng GMRS V1?
@@tellitlikeitis1828 yes
It would have been nice to see it compared with a more appropriate size for an HT. I notice it comes in a 13" size as well. I wonder how that actually works?
Good point. As mentioned I got this one to use as "mobile whip" for a mobile radio and after seeing it used on so many HTs I decided to do the video. Thanks for watching 👍
I can't speak for the 13 inch, but I have the 18.5 inch and it performs wonderfully. I can place it in my vehicle's door close handle area and it doesn't hit the roof which is good for me. I can also consistenly hit repeaters 70 miles away that I can't even hear with the stock antenna.
It might work fine for the Yaesu FT-817/818
That’s not a bad idea. I should have tested that. 👍
I noticed swr meter goes up and watts go up. Lower swr and watts drop. I'm confused???? But counterpoise makes ultimate range. Easy and cheap
I got one of these antennas at a pallet bin store the other day for $5. Like you, I think it's a bit of overkill for an HT because of the strain it can put on the antenna connector. Also mine has two bent places in it and while I have managed to kind of straighten one of them out, the other one isn't as easy. I think these antennas are made out of "tape measure" metal and that's what makes them bend so easily. I have seen where people have made "tape measure" antennas and I'm guessing these are made by putting 2 tape measures top to top, to give them a "round" look then covered with a long length of heatshrink tubing. Might be good for a little mobile radio like you have there for a go box. I have a similar radio and I was thinking of using it for a go box and this antenna might do good for that. Just have to wait and see. Also I didn't pay attention that the loading coil unscrewed from the antenna. Might come in handy for making a better antenna.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's a tape measure. Thanks for the comment!
@@TheSmokinApe You're welcome.
Wait, where do the gaskets go? I had read somewhere the gaskets weren't necessary.
You need to use them between the gap at the connecters if there is a gap 👍
WRT to your concern of the stresses caused to the HT at the antenna base, would it be feasible to make some kind of coax piece as an extension to remove any possible strain?
I hope my question doesn't sound stupid but as a complete rookie concerning all thing HAM related, but my background in aviation and fixing/fabricating components that endure significant stresses I am curious if an extension as I mentioned would work or if it would cause other problems due to frequencies being "off" or some such technical issues I'm not familiar with.
As some say, I'm asking for a friend and, besides Inquiring minds wanna know.
TIA for any insight you can give me as, like I said I'm a total rookie and tend to over-think and investigate stuff before buying such things.
Thanks for your assistance.
You could do that for sure, I just didn’t want to bother with the hassle. If I was going to use a setup like that I would just use a rollup antenna. 👍
@@TheSmokinApe, again, being a Newb, I'm not familiar with the terminology so can you describe what you mean by a "roll up antenna?"
Thanks in advance.
It’s an antenna made of a flexible wire called ladder line. Google “roll up j-pole”
I’ll take it!🤟🏽
Haha, thanks for watching 👍
Did SWR change when the antenna was folded?
I got that 42in abbree antenna . the real one. keep it in gobag .has great broadband. nice low SWR on VHF MURS and UHF GMRS. have tried it camping and great range but only use it at fixed location .walking with it would break it. I normally use the abbree 771 duel band . has great match GMRS,MURS ,2m ,70 cm. same length as Nagoya NA-771 . which is great as well. but swr is slight higher at GMRS and MURS. I have many abbree and Nagoya Ht antenna's . work great. most GMRS HT radios are SMA-F on radio. UV5-R is SMA-M . and the UV-5X(G) part 95 legal GMRS is a SMA-F on radio. only UV-5R that is different. adapters will break SMA in radio if not the right one that has support. wide base on HT . They have a CB one with BNC as well. got that one and worked better than the stock duck . but CB 27Mhz. not much range on a HT. camping found GMRS/MURS much better . no licence needed MURS/FRS . not all campers are HAMS .73's
Great info Robert, thanks 🙏
Awesome video / review! It seems this antenna is great if your a "wanna be", appear or act like you're tacticool or are a weekend warrior. The only two people using this are a 14 year old air-soft dude or a middle aged rotund "patriot" with a red baseball cap. Thanks again....well done. Great camera work, sound and editing! Great info!
Do y'all notice a difference in audio quality, depending on the configuration? Rubber washers, no washers? Folded, unfolded? I'd read they do better in different configurations, depending on vhf vs uhf. Thanks Kats!
I use an Abree on a UV5RE and by telephone, I arranged to try a QSO to a friend on his main station.
I was to be outside on my back yard lawn. He was to be on his 2m station rig.
What I expected, happened.
I could hear HIM but not in reverse. However a third station joined in and said to # 2 that he could read me and he was farther away still!
I never spoke to #3 but heard him say that he could hear me. Not exactly a 2 way QSO but a
definite link in both directions.
If you go on Google Maps you'll see how far apart we are.
Greater Manchester UK.
Between two towns...Wigan, in the County of Greater Manchester and Stockport in the county of Cheshire.
Some haul for a Baofeng Hand Held on a full sized Abree.?
Gotta be 20 miles plus, across the city
That Abree works! Is it unwieldy...Oh Boy, is it ever? BUT IT WORKS!
That they do, thanks for sharing 👍
Can you do a few more transmits with the 25 W radio and then take apart the loading coil area and check the capacitors?
Nope, I no longer have the antenna. Sorry bro...
Not sure what others have said but it might come in handy in an emergency, stuff it in your fishing pack.
Not a bad idea 👍
this is an old video but its christmas so i cant help myself, they sell a glow in the dark signal stick, im ordering that one, cuz it'll match my glow in the dark 3d printed parts im going to make
Yeah, glow in the dark is cool...
I use a coaxial cable and put in a back pack. Safe and no damage. Perfect Swr too. Try this method and please post results??? Any reply appreciated cheers from Australia . Subbed a while ago. Great video
Tua ks for the idea and for the sub Dragan 👍
@@TheSmokinApe actually I think I should be thanking you man. I watched basically all ur vids. Went jaycar electronics in Australia. Bought connections, coaxial cable. Watched more tutorials. I love it. It's a great hobby on the electronics field. Thank you 🙂👍👍👍. Oh and the counterpoise made a big difference that I can't explain. Clear and with standard Antenna on 4 watt baofeng uv5r iii I got around 2 plus kms line of sight. But that's in dense suburb. With trees( Gumtrees) here in Australia.
@@dragan3290 awesome man, glad you like that me channel!
42.5 inch works good on my UV-5R when on it's base and NOT walking around with it.
Here’s a crazy comment. But first, I really like the one I have. I really worry sometimes that all that [ARM] weight could really crank in so much that it might break the antenna mounting shaft and nut off the radio. But I’ve found that it takes a little TLC to insure that doesn’t happen.
The length and diameter of the antenna base are such that a large hand or a strong twist could break the antenna mount completely off the radio! So just be careful.
I just make sure that doesn’t happen and no problem at all!!!
NOW THAT CRAZY COMMENT I MENTIONED:
I am a Vietnam Era Veteran. Have you ever seen that 6 foot antenna that is seen; so easily as well matter of fact, that the radioman is a sure target ????
That’s one reason I love mine folks! It serves as a reminder of being 18, on active duty in the ARMY. I mean just a kid! But I loved those radios and that antenna that is an icon today.
My favorite antenna eventually became any type an antenna that was mounted on the tail boom of a Hughes OH6A. Known better as the Loach. Always had the highest antenna anywhere I flew it. (STATESIDE ONLY THOUGH). Sorry to bore you all, my friends.
Thanks for the comment and for your service 👍
I think the Juentai probably went off due to bad shielding. I've had Raspberry PI's reboot when keying my digital pack until I replaced the clamshell with an aluminium one.
You might want to open it up and paste in some foil shielding on the inside of the case, as it can help with the cheaper chinese radios. Even if it's never happened before, the higher output power from the larger antenna could be swamping the digital lines. I've had chinese junk that missed out pull-down/up resistors on lines making them very susceptible to RFI.
The PSU may also need a small choke.
Just a thought.
All great points, thanks for the comments 👍
@@TheSmokinApe No, thanks for taking the time to make the video.. I would never have guessed that an Abbree would ever match so well... and with a Baofeng too. What a lovely little pairing, and so cheap too. How cool is that! :D
Great video. Please post your results table. TU.
I got the 21 inch one, have used it quite a bit for a few months now. It doesn’t feel super well built, feels a little flimsy. Also the velcro strap fell off after a few weeks of use 😂😂 73 and subbed!
Thanks for the sub! I picked up a shorter version, hopefully I can get a video done on it at some point 👍
TheSmokinApe man I’ve been getting into homebrew antennas myself, some of your videos on the Yagi style kinda inspired me to give it a shot and it has been WAY better than anything Abbree is going to sell for 20$, I’ve had a ton of fun with it!
great stuff dude gotta get back into it after we move
Thanks UC! 👍
People say the longer antennas can damage the antenna jack and therefore the radio. Can the strain actually damage the radio connector with regular use? If used for emergencies, it could come in handy, especially if search parties are looking for you and cell phones aren't working.
These obviously aren't for serious use, but I'd like to see if they can be used for emergency use. As for this video, it's only an unboxing video and not much good for anything else. 🔹🌞🌛✨
Yeah, be careful with the longer antennas. You do not want to stress that connector.
Thank you very much for the video, I love it!! "A little bit over kill??" "Say hello to my little friend!!!" LOL 😆
Haha, glad you liked it CTP
@@TheSmokinApe this should fit the anytone 868 reverse female sma, I looks like it in all the photos, what do you think?
@@CinematicTouchProductions I’d check but I don’t have this antenna any more
@@TheSmokinApe it does right after I asked you i found a video that had that antenna to my 868
Hello this antenna is basically made for military use on the back of a plate carrier. Thank you for your time.
Thanks for the info 👍
And this shows why it is impractically long on the hand held directly but one attached with a relocation cable on the back of a soldier it does the job pretty well.
Thanks makes sense, for me it was too cumbersome 👍
Thats what I use mine for...
I wouldn't use this on a mobile rig but in home on the craddle I see this an a great option. THAT or tapping into an antenna thats mounted outside but at that point wouldn't you own a better transceiver?
Yeah, you’d want an antenna that had a higher wattage rating for a mobile 👍
I wonder if you can also use the gooseneck antenna efficiently WITHOUT the gooseneck. Is the gooseneck an integral part of the antenna?
As far as I know, you need both parts, thanks for watching!
@@TheSmokinApe How can I check if the setup works if I don't have another radio here to test?
What would be the effect of sending too much wattage into the antenna if it is only rated for 8w? Will it damage the antenna or the radio?
It could damage either. I’d expect high swr and damage to the radio first.
@@TheSmokinApe if it would just fry the antenna then no biggie, but it's not worth damaging the radio. Thanks for the review!
arnt max power and what its recommend for different anyways?
Can you do a review on ABBREE AR-F8?
I will see if I can get one of these. 👍
Great review, thanks
Thanks for watching!
agree with you i also think it is too heavy for a HT.
Thanks for the comment 👍
So could you use this with a relocation wire? Trying to figure out this stuff, want longer range communication capabilities to run in a plate carrier, which would include my ham license.
People to remote mount these, it's possible.
How heavy is it about?
Thanks for the review! Did you a SWR reading with the Baofang and Signal Stick?
Glad you liked it, the only readings I did were shown in the video 👍
Mine came in the yellow bag
🤭
How does the folded state of the antenna impact transmission and reception? Or must it always be unfolded for use?
It needs to be unfolded for use 👍
@@TheSmokinApe
Thank you for the quick reply!
Can somebody answer my question please I really appreciate it. so my question is I've got a Abbree antenna set for 144/430 MHz so can i fold it in half and still transmit without ruining my dual band ham radio? and if I can do this ( or not)with the antenna what's it do to the frequency if anything or not. Thank you for someone's help appreciate it great show watch you all the time.👍 🇺🇸
No, do not transmit folded
@@TheSmokinApe thank you so much 👍
A design point for HT antennas that, IMHO, should be considered in all tests is their performance when mounted and operated on a portable radio. But for "tactical" (gawd, EVERYTHING is "tactical" these days!!) antennas of this ilk that appear to be aimed at the "I wanna play soldier" market, other antennas from the original OEM rubber duck to 1/4-wavelength like the Diamond RH-77 or the MFJ telescoping 1/2-wave, is that the human body is intended to be part of the overall antenna system. Thus, laying the radio and antenna under test on a table with the antenna connected to a right-angle connector adapter yields a poor representation of antenna performance.
Hey Jim, thanks for the post. I completely agree that most of the tests folks do are not modeled after real world use cases.
Cool video! I had one of these antennas for about a week that I used on my FT-70 and FT-2. I found it to be a bit "directional." Is this something you had noticed?
I didn’t , seems like it’s a tape measure on a loading coil.
@@TheSmokinApe If i wasn't so cheap I would have cut it open and done a video on it. I too figured this was a tape measure and being a blade is what was causing the antenna I had to be directional. I was using the 28.3" one.
I was thinking about cutting it open but figured that it would be better to pass it along
@@TheSmokinApe Good decision. I am not exactly running short on antennas.
I also found it to be a bit directional too. I found that out by keying up one of the repeaters about 30 miles away. Depending where I face, I could hit it but not all the time. Plus it was like that listening to several of the weather channels as well.
I tried to fir the 23" version on my Yaesu FT 60, and the base of the antenna is too thick. It interferes with the operation of the power switch.
That sucks, do you have a different radio you can use it in?
I found that out too with same radio and 28" Abbree antenna. A quick but not heavy duty fix is an sma male to sma female adapter (tons on eBay) to rise just above the thicker part of the on/off/volume knob. But still searching for one that seats flush like the ones I have as sma to bnc adapters, which maybe is also an option...
Yeah, interesting thoughts. I left college my second semester of college in 1972 when I ran across The Mother Earth News. Having been concerned about the environment, it was a natural fit for me to think about "going back the land", as it was commonly referred to. I think the "craziness" you talk about is a combination of an instinctual love of Nature; a rejection of the rat-race of the non-rural areas; and a dash of the adventurous spirit and independent mind. After a couple of years, my love of politics got the better of me, and then other things, so it's only now that I am planning to build that cabin in the woods. Fortunately, I paid off my 50 acres last year and have kept myself in reasonably good shape, so next Spring I will pick up where I left off years ago. It's a good way to keep from turning to "mush".
A cabin on 50 acres sounds great, good luck 👍
@@TheSmokinApe Actually, that comment was supposed to go to a different video (lol).
It did seem a bit odd but I figured I’d let you do you!
I am looking at a sdrplay unit for my apartment do you think this could be an option on my balcony
Sure. I would probably use a mag mount on a cookie sheet in a situation like that though.
Definitely not for me too... Great review
Thanks! 👍
антена 108 лучше или нет?
Great review!
Thanks man! 👍
Would like to see if u could do js8call on HF with this and how far it would reach vs an nvis setup
The radio and the antenna are not HF compatible, so skywave propagation like NVIS isn't possible. I do have a video on propagation that might be helpful 👍
You should try it in a small field box
That was the plan, the whole 8w vs 20w was a deal breaker for me so I passed the antenna along. 👍
Thank you for the video.
👍
Can the antenna be used in its folded position?
No
New to the radio world and know very little. Just wondering
what antenna I could add to Baofeng UV-5R MK5 8 watt to get better range than
the one that came in the box. (suburban environment)
I’d look at an authentic Nagoya 701 or 771, I have a link in the description for the stuff I use 👍
@@TheSmokinApe Thank you!
The stats look the same on the Nagoya NA-24J 16.2-Inch Ultra Whip so may go with that so it is bendable..
crawdaddy203 👍
I need advice, I hit the woods with some friends, what is the best model of Baofeng, and will this antenna give me reach over 3D terrain ? I rather spend the extra $$$ once . My buddies program their handset if that means anything
VHF and UHF are line of sight, any antenna will have trouble with "3D terrain." Check out the BTECH branded Baofengs, that's what I would buy if I was picking one up.
Just use your phone?
Great video!
Thanks 👍
HELP I GOT 2 ANTENNAS Which is best for reccieving! I don’t care bout transmit since I just listen lol. I have NA771 OR NA773 OR THIS ONE IN VIDEO!? Thnaks
I typically use the 771, the one in this video did receive very well but it’s too big and a bit of a pain.
TheSmokinApe the one in video is better for receiving? I honestly don’t mind it long as long as it is handheld and fits on radio and not a ground antenna. They also sell a 124cm omg lol. Is it true the longer the better? If so I’ll buy it lol
Generally longer is better
TheSmokinApe so does quality make a difference? If longer is better, does it matter if I get one off eBay which probably is fake? It’s same length though or does the inside effect the receiving distance too
Quality does make a difference, don’t get a fake / knockoff
Testing low power never gets a true SWR. But it will allow you to see how well the antenna can act as a dummy load comparing low to high power results. You have to keep the antenna clear of anything when testing SWR. I'm not saying you are screwing up. Just you aren't testing right. Antenna is okay for popping out of the bottom of a backpack.
Isn’t SWR a ratio of forward vs reflected power? It doesn’t change much at higher levels and both of these antennas are not rated for high power. Further if you operate at these lower levels you should expect similar results... I’m not entirely sure what point you’re making.
@@TheSmokinApe If an antenna attenuates a signal like by energy absorbed by radials into the earth, materials coating the antenna, heat created on the antenna and components, that energy isn't reflected thus not much of a measurable SWR. At low powers a good SWR is deceptive. Good for the radio not having any SWR presented back to it but the antenna might not be radiating what a 1:1 SWR most feel is a sign of a good antenna. Only good measure of an antenna is field strength readings at varying distances not close by the transmitter. Good luck.
@@nightwaves3203 field strength is a measure of your forward power. If your antenna isn’t resonate and reflecting power back to the radio your field strength will be impacted and reflect that mismatch.
@@TheSmokinApe Like mentioned earlier, "energy absorbed by radials into the earth, materials coating the antenna, heat created on the antenna and components, that energy isn't reflected". I've met a lot of other Extra class hams that don't know antennas so eh. The antenna is for communicating and radiating that signal off the antenna is prime to the function not SWR. A bit of an SWR isn't bad. Most transistor rigs start cutting back power when higher SWR's are detected. Believe it or not in the science of antenna development the best field strengths can be found having an antenna a little shorter than the operating freq. Gives a little SWR but better field strength on the same antenna with a 1:1 SWR. Dissimilar ohm's coax's to an antenna and lengths of coax make big differences in SWR perceived. There's always a lot to learn. I'm not teaching anymore. I will leave you with if you can't hear them you can't work them. Resonance is key to that. Like another guy mentioned the impedance is likely off.
How much?
I have the baofeng GM-15Pro, (1 pair), i was wonding if it would be practical to get the proper connectors and coax, put the abree antenna several feet above a house roof or maybe even high up in a tree top or on a pole? anyone?
You could do that 👍
Does it work good on baofeng uv-82 Hp ?
Haven't tried but it sould.
The tests should be done at a large distance. All results are basically the same.
I thought the differences were noticeable. Anyway, thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it 👍
@@TheSmokinApe
For "noticeable" read "ASTOUNDING".
20 miles, Q5 on a Baofeng UVR5RE in flat terrain across city. Me standing on grass to a 2m base station...What more do these folks want? RF burns 20 miles away?
Never found a H/H antenna like this before.
Sorry but I find all this verbal crap about 'tactical' more than a bit POSEUR, Pseud, maybe. A bit
limp-wristed "Oo C'mon Sweetie. Let's play Soldiers!"
This antenna looks preposterous. Anyone got a link for a UK source for signal stick, assuming it is THE best replacement antenna for Baofeng?
Norm McCorkell I actually prefer the Nagoya 👍
@@TheSmokinApe 771?
Any of them... I have the 771 and it works great 👍
@@TheSmokinApe Just purchased a genuine 771 from a reputable ham radio dealer in UK, rather than fleabay. Keep up the great work bro.
It's best used for a tactical antenna on a chest rig using a pig tail connection for amateur tactical operations for modern militia movements and widely used in the 3% community.
Thanks for the info.
Gunpowder Productions.
What does all that lot mean and especially, what is the 3% community?
@@MauriatOttolink Its just wanna be babble. Anytime you see the word tactical disregard whatever comes next as it is usually spoken by people who have no idea what "tactical" means, Mostly the " I was going to join the Army, Marines etc BUT" crowd who own $2000 worth of field gear and an AR with 15 pounds of worthless junk mounted on it and don't know the difference between a stoppage and a malfunction.
Hi,what is that device RS-40 ? Thanks in advance.
Yep, RS-40
Pls make a range test
Sorry bro, I don’t have the antenna anymore
I've got the 15-in version of that antenna I had multiple radios cut off/reset like you were speaking of..... I haven't tested SWR yet but I suspected it was really high.... Either way I had the same problem
I never did figure that one out