2m Antenna shortening

[Se7en]

Have a Tram 1150 5/8 2m antenna on my mobile its just too darn long for my likes. performance is great. here is the antenna: Tram 1150 [1150] - $16.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!

Is there anyway i can slice the antenna "cut it down" to a shorter length?​

 

[RatsoW8]

Why not just buy a 1/4 wave version with an 18"(+-) whip and be done with it? if you cut this one down and "re-tap" the loading coil it's probably going to perform like a 1/4 wave antenna or worse anyway.

With a 2m antenna you always sacrifice performance for size.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Have a Tram 1150 5/8 2m antenna on my mobile its just too darn long for my likes. performance is great. here is the antenna: Tram 1150 [1150] - $16.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!

Is there anyway i can slice the antenna "cut it down" to a shorter length?​

I`m beginning to think you should stick the the bands above 1 GHz where antenna size is more to your liking.

 

[Se7en]

I`m beginning to think you should stick the the bands above 1 GHz where antenna size is more to your liking.

Iv yet to hear anyone in the ghz range

Sent from Outerspace, on the DarkSide of X.

 

[gamegetter]

Put the antenna in the trunk of the car...if your repeaters are nearby you should still hit them.

 

[RatsoW8]

Iv yet to hear anyone in the ghz range

Sent from Outerspace, on the DarkSide of X.

That's because you have to see them first!

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Iv yet to hear anyone in the ghz range

Sent from Outerspace, on the DarkSide of X.

See? You could be a trend setter and an inspiration to others. :laugh:

 

[Se7en]

See? You could be a trend setter and an inspiration to others. :laugh:

Lmao well I just found 14.313 and I like it.as for the antenna in the trunk don't have one in a suv ill just order a smaller 2m antenna.
What is the Crisco for ? Do I really want to know.....

Sent from Outerspace, on the DarkSide of X.

 

[W5LZ]

I'm still confused. Did you really mean 14.313 Mhz, as in 20 meters, or 143.130 as in 2 meters?
No trunk on that SUV? Okay, why not on the hood? (hood/fender gap?)
- 'Doc

 

[Se7en]

I'm still confused. Did you really mean 14.313 Mhz, as in 20 meters, or 143.130 as in 2 meters?
No trunk on that SUV? Okay, why not on the hood? (hood/fender gap?)
- 'Doc

yes 20 meters

 

[Se7en]

That's because you have to see them first!

I really like this but I can't find the db spec

http://www.wpsantennas.com/trabt142...leantennablackwithpatentedfielddiversity.aspx

Sent from Outerspace, on the DarkSide of X.

 

[gamegetter]

save your time and money, and frustration, get a 1/4 wave vertical.

or keep the 5/8, look at mag mounting it underneath the vehicle (securely of course)

 

[W5LZ]

The 'dB' specs for that antenna are given in the page referenced by the link. It says it is a 'unity' gain antenna. That means that it has no gain. Basically just like a 1/4 wave antenna. That antenna is also only for UHF and higher frequencies. There are also some made for 2 meters, but, they exhibit a negative gain. That means they are worse than a typical 1/4 wave antenna.
If you are looking for a really unnoticeable antenna for anything lower than UHF with decent gain, you stick with it! You'll have something in common with those other people still looking for the holy grail. At least you'll have company...
- 'Doc

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

I really like this but I can't find the db spec

TRABT1420 - Antenex Phantom Low Profile 142-160MHz VHF Unity Gain Tunable Antenna (Black) with Patented Field Diversity

Sent from Outerspace, on the DarkSide of X.

It says right in the description, unity gain. That means zero gain. They are fine for covert communications or a bitchy domineering wife that hates any antennas on any car she is to be seen in but that's all.

 

[Se7en]

It says right in the description, unity gain. That means zero gain. They are fine for covert communications or a bitchy domineering wife that hates any antennas on any car she is to be seen in but that's all.

Oh okay cool wasn't sure want unity gain ment

Sent from Outerspace, on the DarkSide of X.