| Author |
Message |
    
Crackshot
Intermediate Member
Username: Crackshot
Post Number: 215
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, October 23, 2006 - 4:41 pm: | 
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What is better? 5/8 or 1/4 wave 2 meter vertical base antennas?
I know it is a dumb question, but can someone explain the difference.
Thanks |
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 583
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 9:53 am: |
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In most cases a 5/8 would be better - slight gain (about 1.3db over the 1/4) and a lower angle of radiation. However, as I stated in another post, there are times when a 1/4 is better.
The example I gave was when I lived on the East Coast of Australia using any gain antenna (5/8, yagi etc) I was not able to get out (home was in a slight bowl - hills on 3 sides, ocena on the fourth)but going back to the 1/4 wave I was not only now able to work the local repeaters (10 & 15 miles away)but also the ones 50 and 80 miles away south, and the one 100 miles away to the north.
It is the old story of just because and antenna works for Bill down the street, doesn't mean it will work from your location.
Hope this helps you a little.
Tech237 |
Crackshot
Intermediate Member
Username: Crackshot
Post Number: 217
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 9:07 pm: |
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Thanks. That does help. |
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 985
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 10:39 pm: |
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Another thing, the 5/8's is so long it can lay back in the wind and cause flutter in the signal. The 1/4 stands straight and tall and keeps a more stable signal even at fast highway speeds. Some of the more experienced hams around here swear by the 1/4 wave and they do just as good as the 5/8's based on what I hear from the mobiles out there.
Mikefromms |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 13109
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 1:32 am: |
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Crackshot,
Look at the Anttron 5/8 wave A90-00008 Anttron 2-MB-PLUS Base Antenna
$ 39.99
Anttron 2-MB-PLUS Base Antenna
This 5/8 wave 2 Meter Antenna WILL NOT BEND in the WIND and works GREAT!!!!!!!. 
Lon ~ Tech808 ~ N9CEF
CEF#808 ~ CEF HAM#33 ~ CVC#002
10-10 #61493 ~ 10-10 VP#2688
Tech808@copperelectronics.com
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Mikefromms
Senior Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 1013
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 8:30 pm: |
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I'd bet this one would stand up just fine in the wind. I need to check that one out myself!
Mikefromms |
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 966
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 16, 2008 - 12:15 pm: |
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"Another thing, the 5/8's is so long it can lay back in the wind and cause flutter in the signal. The 1/4 stands straight and tall and keeps a more stable signal even at fast highway speeds."
Mike I have more flutter problems running the roof mounted 1/4wave on my car than I do if I use the 5/8 wave (same base), during my 50 mile each way commute. The reason has more to do with radiation angles than antenna length. The lower radiation angle of the 5/8 helps to fill in those gaps.
Simon
Tech237
N7AUS
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Rid0617
Member
Username: Rid0617
Post Number: 99
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, February 18, 2008 - 12:45 am: |
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I use the tram #1151 on both of my mobiles. Very strong 5/8 wave antenna that barely folds back going down the interstate. My base antenna is a 2 section tram 1480 mounted on a tower 45 feet up. My mobile has talked to my base on simplex 40 miles away and the mobile hits repeaters 60 miles away |
