WorldwideDX Amateur Radio Forums

Is anyone using one of these here? There's not much about them on eham.net. I was given a brand new one by a neighbour whose husband passed away.

It doesn't seem as robust as my old Larsen NMO.

Steve

This isn't worth much so don't take it for 'granted'.
I haven't used an 'Tram' antenna and quite frankly, seriously doubt if I ever will. Not exactly a 'hi-end' company, other than maybe for CB stuff, maybe. I have doubts about them and their claims for their antennas. Sorry.
- 'Doc

I really don't know that much about their equipment. Like a lot of things these days, they are outsourced to China. Regardless, it was free. If it can handle 25 watts and not melt, I'll be happy.

I'll know more in the coming weeks.

Steve

... All things considered, doesn't sound like a bad deal. Especially at that price! I think your precaution of 25 watts is smart after reading some of the reviews on 'eHam'. Checking the thing every once in a while also seems like a fairly good idea. Oh well, like you never thought of doing that, right?
- 'Doc

I don't know how junk accumulates. I have at least 10 mobile HF & VHF antennas in the basement and two vertical HF base antennas in the shed. All were broken, thrown away and I rescued them from the dumpster. The trouble is, I've never had any of them apart.

Why bother fussing with a broken antenna when a "new" one comes along? The Tram is a perfect case in point.

I should throw out these "project antennas" or pass them on to the club. It sounds like the perfect project for any interested new amateur operators. They can get on the air cheaper and tinker with equipment at the same time.

Steve

The Tram 1180 is a good antenna. About 37 inches tall, it covers both 2m and 70cm. The manufacturer claims 3dB on 2m and 6dB on 70cm. It is well built with a protective metal cap and a gasket sealed metal base ring. The best part is that it uses a gold plunger center pin contact, not those flaky silver leaf springs that corrode and loose their tension. Rated at 50 watts but will withstand greater power if the SWR is low. High SWR will produce enough heat to melt the phasing coil housing.(as reported on eHam.) Other antennas I have used from a well known manufacturer of gray base antennas have always developed a crack at the base of the matching coil and let in water and caused corrosion. The rubber sealed metal ring at the bottom of these antennas prevents that from happening.

TRAM-Browning is the old company that used to make CB radios. They have now branched out into antennas and other radio accessories. I've been running one of these on my Subaru Forrester and one on my motorhome for several years now with no problems.

Use a good NMO base adapter mount or a mag mount and it will make a great base or mobile antenna with gain.

Art - KC7GF
www.rfstuff.com

i like the ones i have too. the opek 1180 is the same thing. they seem pretty good i have 2 of them. i would recommend them for an affordable dual band mobile.

I notice you don't have much good to say about anything if you think it is connected to cb somewhere along the line.

To the OP...I know this is late in the game, but this is one of the best antennas I have used yet for my 2 meter rig, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else. I was not a Tram man myself, but after trying this 1180 I'll buy another if anything happens to it.

Besides, this particular model # antenna holds some sort of world record for transmitting distance...

"
Tram 1180, Dual Band NMO Antenna, $35.00 ea. NOTE: This antenna set a Transmit Record of 715 Miles in a Earth/Balloon/Earth Transmit Record. "We are Proud to say that we were the Antenna Dealer that sold N5PAX "Bob" this Antenna"! Darryl, NX5W"


You can google this for more info also.


Ron --- Cat Driver
Lake of The Ozarks

__________________
Ronnie-The Toolman
CB Handle--Six Pack
Lake of The Ozarks