Comet CA-2X4 SRB mobile antenna, 18 year review. GMRS, MURS, 2M and 70cm.

[@markw365]

I just picked up this antenna for the jeep. Did a comparison to the SBB5, way wider bandwidth when I swept it using my rigexpert.

[@romien8wwr414]

You sold me on one. I typically run a quarterwave 2m antenna on my dual bander for it's broadbandedness. It will be the next antenna I buy.

[@TwitchRadio]

I've had this antenna for about 8 and 1/2 years now I was seeing if there are still relevant and being sold so I went on here and looked it up glad to see you got so much use out of yours.. I mean the mount that I had it on kind of went the hell but then tennis still good as the day I bought it maybe a little fading, but going good.. got thousands of miles on this damn thing.

[@Soladaddy]

I guess they will keep making it as long as they sell. It's a beast and glad to see the spring being offered.

[@SK-rj1ti]

Got one from Amazon after watching this video. Still made in Japan (2024). It came fully assembled and pre-tuned. Perfect on MURS (1.01:1). A bit worse on GMRS (~1.7:1), but still okay and within spec. Note that your results may differ depending on where and how you install it. Also, the SWR may go up if you use more power.

[@SK-rj1ti]

Clarification: I got one with an NMO connector and no spring.

[@Soladaddy]

For antenna convenience with good performance, this is pretty good. Also like it's ability to stand straight up at highways speeds. Whips that are leaning back will have different SWR and radiation pattern.

[@Gruuvin1]

1.7:1 is not all that acceptable. Did you try tuning it?

[@SK-rj1ti]

​@@Gruuvin1 I agree, but I avoid trimming antennas until I find a good installation spot. I moved this one a few inches and it gives me ~1.05 on simplex and ~1.3 on repeater channels at 5 watts out. Good enough for now. I don't want to customize it for GMRS only, there are other good monoband antennas for that.

[@Gruuvin1]

@@SK-rj1ti that's about as good as it gets!

[@yankee7664]

I have a small secret...for all of you.....the comet 2x4 antenna also works in the 220 mhz band..🤫.....yes the 220 mhz band....you don't have to believe me....make you own test...🤔.... i live in a island..the sun, rein and the bad weather don't give a brake to this antenna also the salt of the sea that come's whit the wind,,,,😎....I have mine since 2005.... I always keep it clean

[@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921]

Thanks for that. What SWR meter are you using? Thanks...

[@Soladaddy]

It's the Nissei RS-50 which seems unavailable amzn.to/3B7WD2G This one appears to be the same meter amzn.to/3cEqxCk I have a couple of analog meters, but they weren't scaled down very well to read low wattage so this was the solution.

[@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921]

@@Soladaddy Thanks for that! 73's!

[@randykitchleburger2780]

Okay, you made me do it. I have it and I like it.

[@christophergriffin298]

Recently purchased one of these and was getting almost a 3:1 swr on gmrs repeater channels. Any idea what section of the antenna needs to be adjusted for uhf? Love the channel btw!

[@Soladaddy]

Thanks! How is the swr in the 462s? If its lower than 3:1 then shorten the sections at little. All of the sections will affect all frequencies. Myself, I'd try to shorten each section a little a test again. The mount and mounting location will affect SWR as well. If the mount can be moved, try that too.

[@christophergriffin298]

@@Soladaddy thanks I’ll try that out! It’s mag mounted on a comet mount center of the hood. As far as swr goes on the lower frequencies it’s was a little lower but not by much. I’ll start shortening sections and see what happens!

[@Soladaddy]

@@christophergriffin298 Note the direction of the change at 462.500 and 467.700. as long as SWR is dropping, keep shortening. Mine are all bottomed out so as short as can go without trimming (which Comet did not say was needed). Changing coax length can also change SWR. It is odd that yours is so high.

[@christophergriffin298]

@@Soladaddy I was at a bit of a loss myself considering all the reviews I read before I purchased.🤷‍♂️ I have a new truck now so maybe soon I’ll get the radio put back in and I’ll let you know what I figure out. Thanks again! 73’s wrpz890

[@deadlymassacre1]

@@christophergriffin298 did you ever get the SWR down on the comet antenna?

[@TheRayDog]

Something seems wrong with your meter. You have multiple antenna tests up with SWR readings of ~1.0 across ranges. Unlikely.

[@Soladaddy]

Possible. I'll check with other meters and see if they agree. That meter does show other numbers like in this antenna tuning kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGbFeGiegbGtn6M and with this bad mount kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWrOfal-n6xoqc0