Antenna Question?

[gravel]

Gday - this question stems from the great responses i got from my recent UHF Vs CB post so forgive me for any repetition.

I've decided on the GME TX 3220 UHF but now have a dilemma in choosing an antenna.

I was recommended a 6db (2.1 metre) antenna by the shop assistant today and also looked at a 4.5db (1.2 metre) antenna - both GME's.

I will be operating mainly in flat areas around SA so understand that the 6db will give me best range - only problem being is that the thing is massive - 2.1 metres! I'm basically after something that will be good for convoy work and possibly get me heard when camping in the more remote areas of SA.

The 4.5 db is a much more workable size at 1.2m so i'm curious as to how much reception i could expect to lose if i went with the 4.5db?...

If it were you buying it would you go the 6db or the 4.5db? It's going on an 03 Hilux.

Cheers guys, any opinions would be a massive help as i'm certainly no expert in this field.

[deejay181]

if you go to this page

http://www.gme.net.au/land/antennas/uhf_cb_antennas.php

you will see the selection of gme uhf antennas and their specs as well.....

1.2m for a 4.5db antenna sounds a big largish to me and over 2 meters for a 6 is even worse

personally i would go for the gme "ae409l" antenna as it can be changed between the 6 and the 9db

[V8Patrol]

this is one of those times that big isnt better.....



Tall ariels tend to get broken much easier, hung up on carport roofs, trapped in trees ya drive under, I've even had one crack in high winds with a truck going past

Even the 6' one has lost the top foot to a tree.

Remember to take the height under consideration for your 4x4 driving conditions

[macca81]

from the above link,

AE4011 1.8 metre Spring Based (6 dB Gain) Colinear Mobile Antenna


thats what i have, and its great! i get better range out of it than any of my mates, many of which have much longer ones. the spring base helps heaps coz even if you drive under a log that is only an inch above your bonnet (i had to get further up the track so we could turn around, i was NOT trying to push it with my windscreen....), the antenna just folds down and waits for you to back up again, then she flicks back how it was, no probs

[tj81]

I get fantastic range out of this antenna from Prestige Communications:

http://www.prestigecom.net.au/index.php ... cts_id=639

Im using a GME TX4400 and the antenna is mounted on the bullbar. i havnt had any issues with its height.

[barbz]

Check out the RFI CD900 Rugged 6.5db Antenna - its 90cm long.

works well and comes with a spring base and terminated cable

[plasnart]

Whatever you decide on, make sure it's "Ground Plane Independent" if you intend mounting it anywhere but the centre of your roof (bullbar, etc).