Anyone tried a GME AE4006 whip on a GE AE4018K1 base?

Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 09:40

ThreadID: 73335 Views:6935 Replies:5 FollowUps:6

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UHF Radio

If you are considering a trip into Australia’s vast outback, then a UHF Radio is an important communications device to have. Besides the entertainment value, such as chatting with other travellers,

stark

I have recently put a new UHF on my navara and I have got the GME AE 4018K1 antenna. It is a good 4.5db antenna but I was looking to put a 6db one on it for when I am out in the open a little more. It looks like the AE 4006 will fit on the same base.

I have spoken to GME on this and they have confirmed (after a bit of running around) that the AE 4006 whip will fit on the AE 4018K1 base, however it will void any warranty. They say that the base is not designed for that length whip.

I can totally understand their position. They said it may last quite well on that base for 12 months.

For me I would only be putting the larger whip on when I am heading out in the open. Usually only for day trips, but every now and again it will be a longer trip.

I was just wondering if anyone else has interchanged the AE 4006 whip on the AE 4018K1 base? If so, was the range a lot better in the open and have you found any problems with the base not being up to it?

Thanks for your help!

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Reply By: Member -Signman - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 10:05

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 10:05

Hiya,

I'm not up to speed with all those numbers, but I assume the AE4018K1 is the 4.5db co-linear with the liitle tube type elevated base ??That whip is about 600mm long ?? And the 6db whip is about 1200mm long with (Ithink) 3 obvious coils on it??

If that is the case the 6db whip is NOT suitable for the 'elevated base' type antenna setup. !! It will dramaticcaly affect the matching with the radio- and will eventually, damage your radio.

The 6db whip can be used on the 'standard' dome type base- so long as it has a good earth plain...

Just my threepence worth !!!!

AnswerID: 388915

Follow Up By: trainslux - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 12:01

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 12:01

Hiya Signman.

Could you explain more as to why you cant fit a 6db whip to replace the 4.5db whip??

I was under the understanding that you could with no ill effect.

Just want to see why, not questioning your tec experience level or anything like that, would just like to learn why.

Trains

FollowupID: 656650

Follow Up By: stark - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 12:25

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 12:25

Hi Signman, thanks for your reply.

GME said nothing about it affecting the radio, they were just concerned with the extra length on the antenna.

The details of the antenna is as follows;

This is the link to the AE 4018K1 - http://www.gme.net.au/products/antennas/land-477-mhz/AE4018K1

This is the link to the AE 4006 http://www.gme.net.au/products/antennas/land-477-mhz/AE4006

They are both fibreglass whips.

FollowupID: 656653

Follow Up By: Member -Signman - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 13:00

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 13:00

Hiya Trains,
I must have hit the wrong REPLY button...see below !!

FollowupID: 656662

Reply By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 12:30

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 12:30

The AE4018K1 is a Ground Independent system where as the AE 4006 is a Ground Dependent system therefore they are NOT compatible IMO

Cheers Kev

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

Lifetime Member
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AnswerID: 388938

Follow Up By: Member -Signman - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 13:03

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 13:03

Geez Kev-
you answered in a one liner..that took me 1/2 a page !!!!!

FollowupID: 656663

Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 13:34

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 13:34

Just calling it as I see it.

I have had some good chats to GME reps in the past at 4WD Shows and this topic has been discussed with them as I have an AE4018K1 antenna on Darkie.

Cheers Kev

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog Send Message

FollowupID: 656669

Reply By: Member -Signman - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 12:49

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 12:49

The co-linear whip (the one about 600mm long) when mounted on a ground plane only is rated at about 4.5db.
When that whip is mounted onto the ground independant raised feed, that 'assembly' will yield about 6.5db gain. The ground independant 'tube' is made to match the 4.5db whip and give the correct impedance to the transceiver.
Yes, it is mechanically possible to mount the 6db multi-element whip (the one about 1200mm long) onto the ground independant base- but it will not provide a suitable SWR to the radio- and more than likely will damage the radio in the long term. And will not necessarily be that much more efficient.
The 6db whip is better mounted on a good ground plane base only.

That's about as simple as I can describe it !!

AnswerID: 388941

Reply By: stark - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 13:12

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 13:12

Very informative. Thanks guys!

AnswerID: 388946

Reply By: trainslux - Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 14:12

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 14:12

Thanks chaps.

I too have the ae 4018k1, and was given a 4006 whip later.
Spoke to the gme rep, and was informed that it would be fine to use on the 4.5db base.

I get good performance the way it is, so wont bother with putting the larger whip on when out and about.

T

AnswerID: 388955