Here's a good video from the builder of these antennas. Good information about performance and mounting solutions. I especially like the ATV-length fiberglass flag mast idea, which would work quite well for use inside a house. If you wonder how that would work for an antenna of this length, watch the video. "Vertical" does not mean that the entire antenna must be vertical.
In addition to the N9TAX slim jim, I ordered a Nagoya UT-72 mobile antenna. One review in particular on Amazon convinced me the antenna is worth getting:
I own two of these antennas. The original was intended to live atop my Subaru Crosstrek, but I had such a positive experience initially testing it with my base rig, that I opted to leave it there and order another for the car. My home station is based in a small office, in a rental apartment with no balcony. My antenna options are thus _very_ limited; use a UT-72 and some DIY Yagis for VHF and UHF ops, and a random-wire/balun/choke for HF and shortwave listening. Everything is set up indoors. With some luck, I'll eventually work out a safe and discreet means of getting the random-wire out a window. I digress.
The UT-72 requires a good ground plane, as mag mounts do. The more conductive surface area underneath the base, the lower SWR and better performance you'll get. My indoor unit is stuck to a large window A/C (of course my landlord has the compressors mounted entirely in our apartments, leaving nothing outside to work with), and my mobile unit is centered behind the sunroof. If you just need a temporary hack, sticking the magnet to an overturned cookie sheet is better than nothing. Mounted as intended, the SWR lives up to vendor claims. I'd be happy to take measurements for a particular frequency/frequencies and post photos of my meter. You can reach me at the address in my profile.
In terms of workmanship, this is a rugged antenna. The base is huge—there's no way it's going anywhere at highway speed—and coated with a heavy layer of protective rubber. The thick coil at the base does double-duty, improving broadband coverage and acting as a protective spring. I take every precaution driving places with a low overhead clearance, but I'm confident in the UT-72s ability to flex upon bumping into things, without sustaining damage. The included cable is long enough to run back through my tailgate and up to my mobile rig, and the SO-239 to SMA-F adapter is a nice bonus that facilitates connection to the majority of HTs.
If you're shopping for a magmount, I highly recommend this antenna.
Am I concerned about getting a knockoff Nagoya, ordering from Amazon? In this instance, no. The antenna ships from Amazon and is sold by BaoFeng Tech.
I got the Nagoya 72G from Amazon, awesome antenna, had mine on a cookie sheet outside my downstairs window. I live in a low lying area and still hit the repeater 12 miles away with it. Its now on my truck since I finally got my Tram Brown 6157 mounted on a 20 foot pole. I like that Nagoya even gives you a little jumper cable for using with a handheld.
Posts: 4005 | Location: FL, GA,HB, and all points beyond | Registered: February 10, 2010
I ordered the UT-72G also for use on my car. Have been quite pleased with it so far! I tried it indoors on a cookie sheet but it didn't outperform the Nagoya 771 whip antenna that I bought, so it will stay in the car from now on.
____________________________ Bill R. North Alabama
_____________________________ I just can't quit grinnin' from all of this winnin'!
Posts: 4912 | Location: Madison, AL | Registered: December 06, 2009
The midland mxta26 mobile antenna is better than that Nagoya. It will cost a little more because they sell the magnet separately though. I’ve owned both and the midland received quite a bit more than the Nagoya.
______________________________
DONT TREAD ON ME
Posts: 2264 | Location: AZ | Registered: January 30, 2003
