Comet CA-2x4SR VHF/UHF Mobile Antenna Installation & On Air Test
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- Installing the Comet CA-2x4SR VHF/UHF Mobile Antenna along with the Comet CP-5M Antenna Mount. We also sweep the SWR with the RigExpert Stick Pro and talk On Air to a repeater very far away. This is by far the best mobile VHF/UHF antenna I have ever had.
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#hamradio #pota #parksontheair
This is one of the best antennas out there! AE5DW.
That seems to be what everyone is saying in the comments too.
Excellent choice. This is my favorite mobile antenna because of the public service coverage for SAR. I've had this model on my car for about 10 years now and we'll over 200k miles. Still works great!
Same here. I also use this antenna for my SAR team’s frequencies and couldn’t recommend it more highly.
Damn! I just liked the Jetsons curl on it lol! Good to know it's worked so well and for so long.
I’ve been running this one in the NMO configuration for about 10 years now. It’s by far, hands down one of the best if not the best mobile antennas you can get for your vehicle. I’m a FT Paramedic and have been doing SAR for almost as long (15 years) and we use this Comet on all of our trucks and mobile command unit. That’s how I got introduced to it and put one on my POV. I don’t think I’ll ever use anything else. I finally replaced it with another one earlier this year after all the years of service. I’m sure it would have given me 10+ more years but it was starting to show its age appearance wise. Other than that… solid solid solid.
Comet also makes an optional spring for this antenna. CA-SPR. If you were to hit any low-hanging branches or forget about lowering before pulling into the garage the spring will save the antenna from breaking.
I've seen that. Could save you a couple bucks in the long run.
Mike, Fantastic antenna. Bought one from GigaParts a year ago intending to put it on my mobile. I live in a super hilly area and even though I'm 15 miles from a repeater, I have to do the spaz dance inside my house to find a spot for my HT to hit it. Just for S&G's I got a couple pieces of 10" angle iron and sandwiched the CA-2x4SR mount between them and put it up in the 1st floor of my house in a room with zero reception. SWR 1:1.05 2cm and 1:08 on 440. THEN I got the bright idea to add a couple 19"radials to the angle iron since I'm on 2cm most of the time. POW! I hit everything rock solid with 5W inside my house. Couldn't be happier but now I need one for my mobile (hi-hi) and I need to pop this puppy up on a pole outside. Thanks for another great video.
Holy crap! If that's not a testament I don't know what is. Everyone has been saying really good things about this antenna.
I have 3 of them. Being a captain on the water it allows me to transmit Ham and VHF marine on one antenna from the mobile. I have also used it when working construction zones in roadways. They fit great for me, jack of all trades, master of none.
Good to know. I assume they also stand up to the salt as well?
@@hamradiotube Well, I do not have one on the boat, they are on my trucks, so I can communicate with other captains on the water. But, as you know, we spread heavy road salt all winter so they get a huge amount of road spray. I have had one on a pickup for 6 years. I do wish I had installed the spring option on that one. Its high on a headboard and I have smacked it hard on limbs. I use them from 144 to past 157 with good results.
Thank you. Was getting tired of knocking the antenna over when entering my garage.
A lot of the Sky Warn guys in my area love the base and mobile Comet antennas. They must be really good and I'm impressed with your video showing your new comet antenna hit a repeater your other antenna couldn't.
Good to know I picked a the brand trusted by Sky Warn! That's good to know.
I have the CA 2X4 SR in the NMO mount. It sits in a Comet mag base in the middle of the roof of my Tacoma. I did add the optional spring to it. That spring has saved me a couple times driving under brush. The antenna works great on 2 meters and 70 centimeters, SWR runs 1.2 to 1.5 for me across both bands. Propagation seems good. I get good signal reports on it.
First and only VHF/UHF mobile antenna on my 1999 Suburban. I bought the NMO version and routed the coax down the A-pillar.
I like that the antenna folds down flat when necessary (parking garages). The optional spring is handy if you are ever off road and might encounter occasional branches across the trail but want to leave the antenna up instead of folding it down.
I bought mine from The Antenna Farm and the first one was damaged by the shipper and Antenna Farm sent me a replacement. I found out that parts are available from Comet at reasonable prices if you ever need to repair or replace any of antenna components.
Hi Mike,
I like the way you went into great detail for the install and a fine radio check. Looks like you have a winner. Stay safe.
Hey thanks Don. You'll like it even more when I tell you I had to do the entire thing twice. I forgot to turn my mic on and didn't realize it until the end. Took everything out, put the old antenna back on, and did it all over again. It's ok. All we can do is laugh it off.
I need a VHF/UHF antenna for my Jeep. Your evaluation (and the confirmation of quality by others in the comments whose opinion I respect) have put this at the top of my list. Thanks
@45 Auto, it does require a decent ground plane. If you are planning to mount on the jeep in a location where the ground plane is marginal, consider a half-wave design that doesn't require much of a ground. But if you're sticking it to a bumper, metal hood, or tire rack, go for it!
@@K6ARK Thanks for the additional information, sir!
There has been an overwhelming amount of positive comments on this antenna! Good to know I picked a good one. And Adam is right. It needs a ground plane so make sure you scrape all the paint off your car. Better safe than sorry lol!
I’ll have to keep that antenna in mind whenever I get around to putting a mobile radio in my car. Nice review! 73
It's legit.
One of the best that I have found... I have 4 of them 2 on one Truck, 1 on my other truck & 1 on my RV.... I Also got the Comet CASPR Spring for 3 of them.. The Best! !
Awesome! Great to hear.
I've had one of these bad boys for about 8 and 1/2 years almost 9 now best damn antenna I've ever had still going on my car today thinking about doing a video about it and giving a 8-year review definitely going to pick up a new one of these here and put it on my other car anyways just went on here to see if they were still relevant and see what other people are saying thank you for your video
Well done. Thanks for making this. So useful to new or aspiring operators.
Had a friend that had one of those and he could talk further than any of us with other mobile antennas, if I ever replace mine I plan to get that comet 👍
I bet he got all the hottest chicks too.
I have two of these. They're very good antennas and as a member of the local ARES the broadband coverage is great.
Awesome!
I’m just about to put this exact setup on my jeep. Came here to review the install. Thanks!
Hey that's awesome. You're gonna love it.
Good to hear, I've been considering to change out my 1/4 wave to this one👍
Now you have an excuse to do so.
Video quality is way better! Love the overlays and rapid cuts. 👍👍👍👍
Awesome, thank you!
Love my 2x4sr. Paired with a yaesu ftm300 and mine is roof mounted on my truck. I get full bars recieve in C4fm at 90km from the repeater. I usually can TX about 80 km from the repeater with no issues. Absolute gem of an antenna! Great video! De VE9EUV 🇨🇦
I've been running that same antenna on the fender of my Suburban for a few years. I'm quite pleased with its performance.
Sweet. Seems like anyone who has this antenna is really happy with it.
Love the dog fashion disco in the back. Extra points for the taste in music.
Nice antenna. I have the comet SBB-5NMO which is almost the same size and db gain and it works amazing. Same mount also but the NMO version. I've driven 120kph into 40kph cross winds on the highway and other than the antenna bending temporarily, it all held up great.
I was just driving 100MPH and it didn't even bat an eye.
Great video Mike! The editing is noticeably better. Also, the audio sounded fine to me. (I was wearing headphones when I watched it) Looking forward to more videos!
Thanks Jay. I'm starting to get a hang of the new software. The credits still look like garbage. I'm trying to figure out a better way to do them.
Thanks for the explanation, a hug from Brazil.
You can use a piece of Heat Shrink on spring section that way the antenna will not collapse at higher speeds ... Had to do that with a Diamond Supergainer ... Works great.
Nice video and install Mike.
I have the same mount for my SOTA Scion xB and Comet has been very reliable for me, I also run a Comet vertical at the shack up about 20' and it does very well with my Yeasu FT-8800R at 35W chasing SOTA and POTA. 🤘😎👍
Right on
Looks like a great antenna and the audio was great on the video. Stay safe! 73
Thanks 👍
Have one of these on top of my truck, the performance far exceeds my old Nagoya NMO-200.
I also love the look of it, jetsons lol
Have had one for awhile. Great antenna
Nice!
Thanks Mike, great tag along video as always!
I'm definitely plan on adding one of these to my dodge 1500 and in my travel trailer
I have three of these antennas on my trucks with the nmo. Great antenna.
Putting the antenna a little more forward towards the body of the car, gives you a little more directional receive gain from the where the most metal is.
We gonna get a video, maybe a short about whats going on on the other side of the truck lid there?
I already did that. ua-cam.com/video/s0k2jLTJ-vA/v-deo.html
I just purchased this antenna , haven't installed it yet on my F-250 PU. Will soon, heard a lot of great comments about it for GMRS also. Ordered mine from Ham Radio Outlet they had it 5.00 cheaper than DX Engineering.
If you use this to hit GMRS repeaters, the SWR will be to high.
@nypigskin which antena is best for gmrs thanks!
i bought this antenna to put on my Tesla Model Y SWR 3.5+ switched back to an old Diamond NR770HAB and tuned fine maybe I got a Bad One....73 from AC4KW 1st 500 Watt Tesla Mobile IC7100 ALS500M and Tarheel 200....
That looks like a real nice antenna! Good performer!
I absolutely love it.
thanks for the review! I'm just getting into ham radio!
Awesome. Welcome to the hobby.
Great video man, I dig your style.
Looks like I need to get one.
Thanks for the upload mate
You should!
@@hamradiotube
"Hey hon, the POTA Daddy told me too, so I must"
wink.
Just came across your video, I was trying to figure out how to put an antenna on F150, mag mount won't work of course. I'll be going this route for the mobile setup! Thanks.
Awesome. I hope it works. Oh, do check out Breedlove. breedlovemounts.com They make super solid mounts for trucks. I'm not affiliated, never used one, but I've heard great reviews from people. One of them goes inside one of the holes on the top of the truck bed if that makes sense. Prob one of the better designs I've seen.
Went ahead with the CP-5M mount. This antenna works great. I use a 5 watt handheld for vhf and diplexer for GMRS. Great solution!!!!
Dielectric grease is a insulator, instead use "no ox id" promote conductivity and prevent oxidation.
Great video!! One of my friends has that antenna and really likes it.
Very cool!
I have the NMO version. Great antenna! --de N3TS
I have it with the sping kit, very wide banded and I'd definitely buy it again,
Right on
jsyk, your 5% off code didn't work for me, no biggie $ wise, but since I learned of this set-up thru your video, I thought I'd order with your code. Anyway, parts ordered, looking forward to their arrival!
Good video Mike❗️I thought you might be at the Skywarn Class last night in Huntsvill and I would get to meet you financially but I guess you couldn’t make it. It was a rest glass and their were 41 that attended. Keep up the great videos👍 73 KV5P
Well nobody told me. I saw the Walker County Mobile Comms trailer at Huntsville State Park yesterday though so that was cool.
@@hamradiotube I wished I had given you a heads up, I just thought you would know about it, a good friend wanted to go so I rode with him. One of the best Skywarn short classes I attended over the past 40+ years. 73. KV5P
i have the same Comet with the matching Comet Magna Mount. I use it for everything including MURS and GMRS.
A few people have posted they are using it for Murs/GMRS/SAR as well as ham radio. Looks like its as versatile as they advertise.
If you use this to hit GMRS repeaters, the SWR will be to high.
its a great antenna I have one on my mobile and it also works well for a attic antenna if you have a lower profile attic.
Glad to hear its working well for you.
Thanks, Really wanted to know how to install and how well it worked.
Glad it helped
Looks like a neat antenna Mike. I might give it a try myself.
You need one.
@@hamradiotube I went ahead and bought one. 😂
Just got my CA-2x4SR today. SWR on VFIRE1 was below 1.4. GMRS, MURS, 2M, 70CM, FRS all below 1.5
If you use this to hit GMRS repeaters, the SWR will be to high.
@@nypigskin Maybe a little high but with a 435-465 MHz MFG range, not much. I use it on the local GMRS repeater.
@CyberCowboy7777 so works good for gmrs ?
@@mclovengarcia2883 I use mine for HAM, GMRS and Public Safety frequencies.
I have this same antenna on my FJ and I easly hit my local repeater 68 miles away.
My favorite antenna very wide banded.
It is now my favorite antenna too.
I have the exact same antenna on a mag mount on the roof of my truck. Its been great!!
73 from VE6GCM
Greetings,
I bought this same antenna to use it with a magnetic base, in my case I had to adjust it by lengthening it about 3cm so that the swr in 146MHz would remain in 1.0: 1 very well built
73, HJ4AVG
Oh by the way when you coil it up like that you're actually adding a RF choke and it's better to have it as linear as you can or spread the love and routed back and forth kind of thing.. anyways thought I'd give you a pro tip that way all your RF is getting to the antenna.. but honestly probably wouldn't hurt it too much anyway just thought I would mention it
Try you a diamond sg-7000a. It’s about 22” longer than that guy, but has more gain on 2m & 70cm. I use mine for gmrs too.
Great antenna. I got the optional spring for it
Do you like having the spring? On my shopping list, but just don't know if it is that necessary. Thanks. 73 de ki5gx
A few people have said that. What is the benefit of the spring. I was going 100 MPH today and it handled it like a champ.
@@hamradiotube From what little I could gather it was to help with when you pulled into the garage or some other low overhang scenario.
those back seats come off relatively easy. you could have " yanked " up on the seat bottom, and it will come off. you could have put all your excess coax under the seat. just food for thought.
Nice video, well done! I had just purchased the exact same mount and antenna and was looking for a bit more info than Comet provided when I came across your video - was funny you bought the exact same items as I did! 73! W7PMR
I'm confused.
Everything I've read says to use a 1/4 wavelength antenna, but now I hear people talking about 1/2 and 5/8???
Thanks for the video. I've been looking for a new antenna. K5ZTX.
thanks, Jaison fantastic job 73 from kb2uew you numero uno
Lol. I’ll let Jason know:)
I've had this antenna since about when it came out 7 years ago. It's great for commercial and gmrs as well. However, it is a bit weak on receive compared to longer HAM radio dual band antennas. You can also get a n optional spring for the bottom for those folks... Like me... That hit things with it. They made the spring because the antenna has next to no flexibility. Also, make sure all the hex nuts are tight. It has four sections, and it one comes loose, you'll have less antenna one time after you get off the freeway.
Nice install Mike! I like the 'Jetson' curl as well...lol! It seems to be a good performer and I especially like the folding capability. My wife hates to hear my current rooftop mag mount scrape the garage door when we pull in. This antenna would get me back in good standing with the wife. Stay well and 73!
Great video. I have this antenna but having issues with it tuning in the repeater input frequencies on GMRS. How did you get the StikPro to go to large numbers? It’s certainly would be a lot quicker than just using the +/- buttons.
Great video. Just ordered one. Quick question. How do you like the TYT 9800 radio? And how did you mount the faceplate? I do like that radio (and its price point) but I’m just wondering about performance, especially during the summer in SC. Thanks.
Good Video, like the Antenna. Stay out of the Ice!
Shoot there's hardly anything here.
wow what a difference!
It's pretty sweet.
Stupid question. From what understand lip mounts are better than mag mounts for the reason you stated in the video. Essentially the grub nuts underneath the lip mount dig into the paint and makes an electrical contact with the sheet metal. For some reason I have a problem with that, but I'm not sure my problem is warranted.
Wouldn't the grub nut contact be a point of corrosion? Being that this is your second antenna (I assume), did you have any rust that developed where the other antenna was mounted? I'm gonna guess that the weather gasket around the trunk seals that area from receiving moisture .
Thanks for the video!
Good stuff. Timely too ;)
Right on!
Do you find that the coil of coax in the trunk has changed the performance on the antenna? Clean looking install, always fun to get new stuff!
Edit: I asked the question before the analyzer portion of the video, looks like you don't see any negative impact.
I don't think that's doing anything but it might. I honestly have no idea. Technically it is a choke now. I just wanted to tidy up my trunk.
Nice job sir
Need to find one of these for 900 MHz p25 ham radio here too but nice video
That's out of my element but good luck and thanks for watching.
I just installed the same setup 20 min ago haha but im using the comet SBB7 antenna all good here :P Ke8uhh 73's
How is the spring, the older models would always fold at high speed.
That is funny to me. I have same car same color but 2010. and I have that Comet antenna but the NMO mount and I have in center or trunk. behind FM antenna somewhat. great match and yes GMRS and MURS match good. 30 watt GMRS great range and shocking good range on 2 watt VHF MURS. I put my Baofeng UV-5R on it . havening great range on a 5 watt HT. I have no outher antenna except for the FM one that came on car. 73's
Why not put it in the center of the roof?
Nice set up. Just curious doesn't the trunk pinch the coax?
wow; stick pro is no joke.. 400 plus bucks!!
I have a similar trunk mount on my car with a "ghost" antenna on it. I think that the rain cap has more gain than the ghost does. If you ever break that Comet, you can chuck the top half into a drill and use it to mix paint.
What a bizarre comment.
@@ThatCleanMT Well, I'm a bizarre dude, so...
Mike, how do you like your tyt mobile rig? I am looking for a mobile rig and had narrowed down my search to the ic2730a.
It's great. I have 2 of them. One in the car and one in the shack. Been using them forever.
How’s this antenna treating you these days? Still happy with it? P.S. is that your Weber grill in the background? I have two of those! Lol.
A great antenna, I have the same one. 73 W2DWL
Nice
I have it and love it
Awesome!
Great video! Will be a great choice if I upgrade the mobile to a dual band rig. 73 de KJ5T
How did you get that barrel off at 4:31? I can’t get one off the front for the life of me, only off the back.
Im getting one of these in a NMO Mount. Any issues going down the road at hwy speeds? Thanks
I just ordered one mostly because of this video and the comments. 😊. But your coupon code no longer works.
How wide is the mount? I am looking at the Diamond and this mount. Both look very much the same. I have a 2020 Jeep Cherokee and want to mount on my rear hatch buy there is very limited real estate that I have to deal with. The Diamond I was told is 4" which is pretty much the longest I could install. Hoping this one might be slightly smaller. I don't want to have to step down to the smaller mount, it is not rated for an antenna in this length range. KC8LES
It’s 3 5/16” and yes, the Diamond is 4”
Is there a non folding wide band version ?
The antenna is the last thing you want to cheap out on. Why?
- Antenna gain can make up for cable loss.
-Antenna gain can make up for low power
-Antenna gain can make up for weak signal
And it is something that you will probably keep for decades
144 MHz to 148 MHzSo before I make this purchase of buying the Comet CA-2X4SRNMO antenna I have a question. I was informed that antennas had to be a certain length to obtain certain frequencies. I was told that 1/2 waves antennas should be between 41.5" - 44" in order to obtain frequencies of 144 MHz to 148 MHz. My plan was to purchase the Comet CA-2X4SRNMO antenna however that antenna is only 40". Does this mean this antenna will not be able to obtain 144 MHz to 148 MHz frequencies?
It's that a little weird that the repeater is on the National Simplex frequency? That antenna is slick.
Hey Mike great video as usual 😁. How do you feel about that TYT radio? I see mixed reviews just interested in picking one up. 73
Thanks. I love the radio. It's not the best there is but it works fine for me 99% of the time. Every now and then something will de-sense it but that's about it. I have one in the car and one it the shack.
Can I do this same installation with the same antenna and mount that you have in this video with a HT? Meaning, can I just do the same installation you just did and connect the coax to my HT.
Yep
Any issues with the mount damaging the paint