Site Search
Print Page Setup Profile Login
You have 4 items in your shopping cart
Section Image

What Antenna?

Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 21:34

Hilux03

Gday,

I've decided on buying a 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.
Advertisement
ThreadID: 56220 Replies: 10
Views: 905 FollowUps: 8
This Thread has been Archived
Thread Summary
Thread Watch Back To Forum Alert Moderator FAQ
AnswerID: 296268   Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 21:52

John R (SA) replied:

I'm a fan of the GME AE409 antenna kit - it has a 6dB & 9dB antenna (you construct the antenna to suit . . it's a simple arrangement comprising mainly stainless steel rod. It'll make sense when you see one).

Although I find the 9dB version occasionally breaks the bottom length of stainless steel rod just above the base when used persistently in rough environments (it takes about a minute to fix), this is the antenna I find best.

I also like the fact that the antenna screws off the cable mount, so can easily be replaced with a rubber ducky, or 4.5dB elevated feed.

We presently have about a dozen various machines with mostly 6 or 9 dB antennas on the 4wd's.
Reply 1 of 10
FollowupID: 562373   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 08:58

DIO posted:

Agree with John, AE409L is a good combination. Once fitted it can also be laid down flat (to roof) to enable access to low-roofed buildings. Added benefit allows removal and replacement with rubber duckie for around town. Cost about $100 Check the GME site Link for additional info including tips on choosing the correct antenna. Think you'll find that BIG isn't necessarily better. It's all about performance.
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 296274   Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 22:22

howie replied:

also consider the placement of the antenna.
a well placed small one will outshine many bigger antenna's for your kind of work.
Reply 2 of 10
AnswerID: 296276   Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 22:40

chris_s replied:

Also have alook at the GME AE4006 1.2 metre Fibreglass (6 dB Gain) and the AE4011 1.8 metre Spring Based (6 dB Gain) Colinear Mobile Antenna. Smaller than the 2.1metres but still give good range.
Reply 3 of 10
AnswerID: 296289   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 01:08

Member - Doug T (FNQ) replied:

Check this antenna website
Mobile One

.

Click Image to Enlarge
Doug & Dusty
In the Shade
Gregory National Park
Reply 4 of 10
FollowupID: 562343   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 05:19

psproule posted:

Most of the statements on that site have no grounding in basic RF theory or practice whatsoever.
FollowUp 1 of 6
FollowupID: 562344   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 05:22

psproule posted:

....well, not whatsoever, but some of the claims are a bit much.
FollowUp 2 of 6
FollowupID: 562348   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 06:26

Member - Kiwi Kia posted:

psproule, I agree, they should be writing advertising copy for used car sales or real estate.
FollowUp 3 of 6
FollowupID: 562362   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 07:38

Member - Doug T (FNQ) posted:

psproule / Kiwi Kia
Hmmmm antenna experts I take it, you manufacture antenna's and sell them .


.

Click Image to Enlarge
Doug & Dusty
In the Shade
Gregory National Park
FollowUp 4 of 6
FollowupID: 562364   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 08:14

Member - Kiwi Kia posted:

Hi Doug, Nope, but I rub shoulders with some real experts. One of them designs satellite communication equipment - no not the tv ground receivers, the transmitters that are actually on the satellites. Also I have many years experience with convoy communications where I often see the biggest and most expensive equipment in reality may not be the best. I have seen many spring mount uhf aerials break off but the rubber duck type still working well after many years of service over rough roads. I also have a background in electrical/electronic equipment and know enough transmission theory to know an advertising snow job when I see it. You don't believe all the hype you read in the glossy adds do you ? I would love to know what tests that guy has done to show that a vibrating uhf aerial manages to get the transmission waves out of phase !
FollowUp 5 of 6
FollowupID: 562396   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 10:52

Member -Signman posted:

Know what ya mean Kiwi Kia...

I 'rub shoulders' with a brain surgeon and a gynocologist...so what does that indicate????

The Ultimate Hitch-hiker
Click Image to Enlarge
Each morning I seize the day...
but by mid afternoon it has escaped!
Signman- NSW
VKS737 M3364 Selcall3364
Amateur Callsign: VK2EZY
FollowUp 6 of 6
Activities Index
Massage and Body Brushing - 60 Mins Massage and Body Brushing - 60 Mins
Adelaide - SA
Do you feel like a little mindless inactivity?
5 day Sydney to Byron Bay 5 day Sydney to Byron Bay
Coffs / Mid North - NSW
Live the surfers dream learning to Surf and stopping at the best locations from Sydney to Byron Bay
BBQ Christmas Feast Class - Sydney BBQ Christmas Feast Class - Sydney
Sydney - NSW
Do you fancy cooking up a BBQ feast at Christmas? Then this is the class for you.
Ultimate Day in Pamper Paradise Ultimate Day in Pamper Paradise
Cairns and Tropical North QLD - QLD
An all day event that includes a full range of our most popular and unique spa treatments.
Book Now - Things To Do
AnswerID: 296294   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 06:21

Member - Kiwi Kia replied:

Hi Hilux03, In my experience different types of UHF aerials don't really make much difference to the performance of a UHF radio ! UHF has a short range and the little stubby aerials are ok for convoy use or from the top of a sand dune. I doubt you will really get much extra range for all the extra dollars that the fancy aerials cost.

Reply 5 of 10
AnswerID: 296297   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 06:58

Member - JohnR (Vic)&Kath replied:

You have said in your first sentence that you have decided on buying a GME TX3220. Have you looked at the Value Packs that are available? Great way to buy them with a combination antenna as part of the pack at Prestige Communications for $309 delivered to your door
On the way to Gemtree
Click Image to Enlarge
Cheers,
Who?
John
Multi famam, conscientiam pauci verentur
Reply 6 of 10
AnswerID: 296311   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 08:42

Peter H replied:

And from prestige communications there is this one
http://www.prestigecom.net.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36&products_id=97
Reply 7 of 10
AnswerID: 296319   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 09:06

takenbyaliens replied:

I have just bought a GME TX 3440 ( head unit under dash..all you see is the mic ) with the antenna that Peter H indicated - AE4018K1. Nice and happy with it thank you.
Reply 8 of 10
AnswerID: 296337   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 10:12

Member - Jeff H (QLD) replied:

H03,
As John R suggests, consider Prestige Comms.
Our TX 3220 + RFI CD900 unit arrived hassle-free. The first antenna self-destructed within 5,000. (I suspect the whip was over-hardened). RFI replaced it, and 100000km later, it's fine, although I did strengthen the 'waist'.
Non-removable, but slim and relatively unobtrusive @ 910 inc. spring.
Just my 2bob's worth. Good luck eh.
Jeff H.

Click Image to Enlarge
Nature's extravagance, Holland Track.
Oct '08
Reply 9 of 10
FollowupID: 562417   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 12:31

John R (SA) posted:

I was going to wish you more luck with your RFI than I had Jeff, but too late!!

I was never terribly excited by the performance of mine, and broke it after about 12 months. The bit that really annoyed me was the couple of hours spent replacing all the cabling!

FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 296349   Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 10:49

Member -Signman replied:

Keep it simple- probably the most used & usable is 6.5db Raised Ground Independent. Overall height about 900mm. And when your in town, take off the 600mm whip and put a 150mm rubber-ducky on.

The Ultimate Hitch-hiker
Click Image to Enlarge
Each morning I seize the day...
but by mid afternoon it has escaped!
Signman- NSW
VKS737 M3364 Selcall3364
Amateur Callsign: VK2EZY
Reply 10 of 10

 Page Sponsors

WAECO Pacific Pty Ltd WAECO Pacific Pty Ltd Premium Listing
Portable refrigeration provider WAECO, is celebrating 10 years in Australia in 2009. Established in high-technology headquarters in Germany 35 years ago, WAECO has developed a wide range of mobile technology for people on the move.
1 JOHN DUNCAN COURT   VARSITY LAKES, QLD, 4227
Phone: 1800 21 21 21
More info | Website | Driving Directions
ExplorOz ExplorOz
Become a Member of ExplorOz; buy or sell in Trader; buy Maps, Books, DVDs, camping accessories, and ExplorOz wheel covers, shirts, hats and stubby holders from the ExplorOz Shop; and book Activities &Tours or buy someone a gift certificate from our Activities section. Become an ExplorOz Member for just $60 in your first year, and $40 when you renew.
PO BOX 967  HILLARYS, WA, 6923
Phone: (08) 9403 3737
More info | Website