CompacTenna VHF/UHF Stealth But EFFECTIVE antenna, Review and On-Air Test, Ham Radio Antenna

[@doncoker]

I have been running one for the past 6 months. Replaced a 13" Comet in the same location and gives me just enough clearance to get in the garage now. I have a 2020 Expedition with an aluminum roof. Attached to the driver's side rear corner of the steel luggage rack and ground the antenna to it. Have seen no performance difference between the two. It is a keeper !!! 73 de KM6TRZ

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, Don.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Vehicle & NMO mounts - Types and Styles SWR, and Performance Vehicle specifics can make a difference. Generally where there is contiguous and continuous metal projecting from the mount at least ~20" and in overall 3(+)

[@cokeswigga]

I bought this because I needed a shorter antenna. I was happily surprised to find out this thing OUTPERFORMED my Larsen 270 by a LOT the difference was night and day.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, David.

[@damonschaefer1773]

I have the original CompacTenna for HF-UHF (the predecessor to the HAMR-7) and it is amazing. I disassembled it and took photos of the inside to see how it's really made and then I reassembled it and it still works great. The inside looks like a 'tree' of aluminum strips cut to very specific size and shape wrapped in RF absorption 'felt' then rolled to fit inside or the 3 inch x 24 inch tube. It works for the exact Ham bands and you must use a tuner when you stray from those bands.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

NMO Magnet Mounts. Experiences are showing that the 'flat style' NMO magnet mounts rated to 2500MHz (without removable flat-topped-center-pin) such as the Laird Technologies GB8PI work particularly well, for both VHF and UHF SWR and performance. [Also, as good as magnet mounts can be, permanent style through-hole, and even L-bracket/adjustable mounts with screws into the metal of the vehicle, are often optimum.]

[@samallan6616]

I have both the 2m/440 model and the scanner model. They look similar and are hard-mounted to the roof of my F150. My truck looks like it has a pair of skinny black smoke stacks! They both work ok. People ask what they are for. I tell them one is for my ham radio and the other is for my silent alarm system. They came with gaskets but not with the grease. A little pricey but I enjoy trying new things. 73!

[@ryankc9oza118]

Have a buddy that has one and loves it

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, Ryan.

[@granitebuilt5836]

Thanks for doing this video. I recently switched to an 18" diamond because during storm season, low hanging trees in the city kept catching my old one which was about 45". Nice to see another shorter option. What's more, a lot of the shorter antennas specify that they should not be used with a magmount so it's nice to see one that can be used with a mount type I already have.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, granitebuilt.

[@greenrefrigerator]

If you're talking about 2-meters it sounds like you were using a base loaded 5/8 wave antenna and switched to a 1/4 wave antenna. If so, most 5/8 wave antennas typically offer 3dB gain while a typical 18-19" 1/4 wave is a unity gain antenna (NO gain). Normally a 5/8 wave will always outperform a 1/4 wave antenna but depending on where it's mounted a 1/4 wave can work every bit as well as a 5/8 wave. I used to have a 5/8 wave antenna mounted in the center of my trunk lid but I changed to a shorter 1/4 wave and relocated it to the center of the roof of my vehicle where it worked every bit as good as the trunk-mounted 5/8 wave. WHERE you mount it means everything.

[@Sys-Edit0r-1995]

Maybe I'll use that for my APRS setup in the truck, it'll still have 5+ antennas on it though

[@BR20276]

Also that was not a Corvette in the picture. It was a Fisker Karma electric car.

[@chrissewell1608]

Oh, well... we all have that car!

[@stevehorvat69]

Yes, what Corvette that you know has 4 doors? 😂

[@troyyoungman7167]

I use the compactenna on my Honda CRV with a Yaesu ftm400xdr and the antenna performs great. I've compared it my Diamond SG7500 and the compactenna might be 1 or 2 db down from the bigger SG7500. The compactenna uses resonators that utilize the magnetic field and some of the electric field. It's a very efficient antenna. DE K6PA

[@timothyarmstrong2314]

May I ask what year CRV and how & where are you mounting it on the vehicle? 73 de KD2OGN

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, Troy.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Response to a couple inquiries about power rating. [Specifications: Maximum Power Rating: 85 Watts 2 Meter Band; 30 Watts 220 Band; 50 Watts 440 Band Maximum Duty Cycle at max. power rating: Maximum total transmit time of 1 minute in any 2 minute period. Maximum Ambient temperature rating 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Hotter conditions such as higher ambient temperature, sun exposure, lesser air flow, etc. decrease duty cycle.] There are cases where if another manufacturer was as technically specific/thorough as COMPACtenna in its power ratings, it may well give you pause. Yet you have used those other antennas 'without concern' because their specifications were less detailed. ("Ignorance is bliss".) But note that here the 50% duty cycle is at maximum power rating of 85 watts (2 meters). So let's continue to cogitate... With decreased wattage (below 85 watts) the duty cycle/parameters increase/improve. This matter is not entirely unlike power supply and amplifier specifications. The ratings are for the power AT the antenna. With e.g. only 1 dB total loss of coaxial cable plus connectors, often (substantially) greater, there is ~ 80% power at the antenna. For a dual band radio with 50 watts for 2 meters, that calculates to only 40 watts at the antenna. [And there are other factors, but I am keeping it straightforward here.] And even for a 80 watt radio/amplifier that actually does transmit 80 watts, there is ~ 64 watts at the antenna.

[@greenrefrigerator]

I had one of these "covert" antennas for APRS operation, only mine was the single band model for the 2-meter band. It performed very well in this capacity but it was EXTREMELY narrow banded, and by that I mean I couldn't go more 250 KHz up or down from the center turned frequency, which was set at 144.390 MHz. It would not go more than 500 KHz without the SWR going too high. Compare that to a conventional 19" 1/4 wave whip antenna which can easily cover the entire 2-meter band (4 MHz with room to spare). That said, I can't tell you how many times people stopped to tell me I left my "coffee cup" on the roof... lol

[@pghhdvideo]

I have the triband version of this antenna. I tested it with a brand new Larsen NMO mag mount. SWR on 2m is 1.9-2.1 across the band. 70cm is about 1.7:1. Mag mount is on the utmost rear left corner of the vehicle as they suggest. It hears well and the nulls are noticeably smaller than my half wave Diamond antenna. The Diamond half wave antenna has SWR well below 1.5:1 on both bands with the antenna mount in the same position. I don’t consider 2:1 SWR as usable. Be sure you buy it from a company that will allow you to return it if you can’t quickly get good SWR with it. It’s easy to buy into Dr Jack’s excitement and sort of mad scientist nervousness that he posses in his videos but this antenna isn’t for every vehicle. You may get lucky and you find that it works well on your vehicle but it did not on mine. I should have stuck to my initial suspicions but now I’m stuck with an antenna that is a cool concept but it’s on a shelf in the shack as a reminder to me to trust my first instinct when making a purchase. Trust yours.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hello 'pghhdvideo'. I am glad you witnessed the 'smoothing' effect of peaks and nulls in signals, reduced flutter. But I am sorry you are not overall pleased. That is actually proportionately quite rare. Perhaps some thoughts here may be of help to you. You are correct that the vehicle can make a difference. So can the mount. For years NMO mounts were rated up to ~1,000MHz. Then, with WiFi, higher frequency Cell communications, etc. newer NMO mounts were designed with higher frequency, microwave capabilities up to 3 and 6GHz. Such is like the one you are using with a flat-top center pin that removes to convert it from a VHF/UHF (~1GHz) to a high frequency mount. They work very well at microwave frequencies. Extensive experience has shown that some of this style work fairly well below 1,000MHz with the flat-top center pin in place, but sometimes not as well (SWR, etc.) as the 'standard' style made for VHF/UHF up to ~1GHz. [They are designed for specially made microwave NMO base connector antennas with a 'tiny' diameter center pin with the flat-top center pin of the NMO mount removed. If one tries this style NMO mount with its center flat-top center pin removed, SWR and performance will worsen, because the leaf-spring style center lead of the antenna base connector will not make direct contact with the tiny recessed-in-the inner dielectric hole of the NMO mount!] Even more recently were developed NMO mounts that are rated to 3GHz//6GHz where there is a smaller diameter center connection than the old style ones that is not removable, but is designed for VHF/UHF and up to microwave frequencies as is. They are quite good. Also, as good as magnet mounts can be, permanent style through-hole, L-bracket/adjustable mounts with screws into the metal of the vehicle are often optimum. If you are thinking about going that route regardless of what antenna you use, try the COMPACtenna again and see if you then indeed have very good SWR's. See: compactenna.com/installations/

[@pghhdvideo]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 I have ordered the the exact same mount shown in this video that has the center pin and not a flat top connector like the Larsen mount. It should be here tomorrow. We will see if that makes a difference. I will post the results.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

@@pghhdvideo Thank you Sir. I hope it makes at least enough difference for you to be happy overall. :-)

[@pghhdvideo]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 So I received the exact same mag mount that’s used in this video today and tested SWR on all three bands against the Larsen mag mount that I was using. It is noticeably worse on all bands with the Diamond mag mount used in this video than the Larsen mount that I was using which was still not acceptable. My vehicle is a 2019 Chevy Blazer. The entire roof is steel and the sides of the vehicle are also steel. The mag mount is located on the leftmost rear corner of the steel roof. I tried moving the mag mount around and at no point was the SWR acceptable on any band except for a few spots in the 220 band which I do not use. So at this point I’ve spent $99 on the antenna and another $50 on an additional mount only to find out that nothing has improved. I can only report my findings and have the data to prove it from my RigExpert AA-600 antenna analyzer. I had high hopes for my purchase but also felt like maybe my suspicions wold be correct. I hate to be a nay sayer but I get to be because I paid for the antenna. If you think something is wrong with my antenna then I would welcome trying a replacement but I this point I feel like it was a waste of money for my application. I would be the first to post praise about this antenna if it worked. It’s an interesting concept and Dr. Jack’s enthusiasm can be infectious. I’ve written a lot of reviews for many products most of which have been favorable but this is one product I just can’t get behind. I’d really like to try some of his other products but it’s obvious why this is probably my first and last Compactenna purchase.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

@@pghhdvideo I'm sorry for your experience, 'pghhdvideo'. Your original SWR of 1.7 at UHF (440 band) is good with this COMPACtenna, and the 2 meter band SWR's of 1.9-2.1 are very close to desirable. It is always good to check SWR specifications per the radio used, which often is recommended at

[@ComputerLearning0]

Year's ago I bought the VHF version of this antenna for my mobile APRS setup and it's a good thing it would only be used on a single frequency because, unlike a conventional 2 meter quarter-wave whip that easily covers the entire 2 meter band, the quarter-wave "covert" antenna as it was called, could only operate roughly 250 KHz up or down from the center tuned frequency. Depending on where it was mounted would significantly affect the SWR. The VHF-only version of this antenna was about the size of a coffee mug and I can't tell you how many times people ran up to my car in parking lots or at traffic lights telling me I left my coffee cup on the roof.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hi Mikel, I think you're talking about another manufacturer's antenna. You are correct about 'standard technology' loaded antennas, they are very narrow in bandwidth. COMPACtenna is different.

[@chiparnerette5294]

Great video, can't wait to see more about this antenna. A lot of people who don't own this antenna bash it and call it snake oil, but the people who own it swear by it. For its compact size, it seems to perform very well. By the way. that car is the polar opposite of a Corvette. It is the gorgeous but failed Fisker Karma.

[@ProFriend]

And that antenna probably won't work well on an all-fiberglass Corvette. No counterpoise/ground plane.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, Chip. Have a Great Day!

[@davidpatrick1813]

I ORERED ONE OF THESE AND SHOULD GET IT NEXT WEEK. THE ONLINE INSTRUCTION SAYS NOT TO USE DIE-ELECTRIC ON THE CONTACT AND ONLY ON THE THREADS. IF I AM IN ERROR PLEASE LET ME KNOW, I SOMETIMES READ INSTRUCTIONS INPROPERLY. PB

[@old-timeangler5356]

Is it me or does it seem like it transmit adequate, but receive comes with scrambled eggs. As with most antennas of a shorten length comes compromised. Adequate for repeater work of a reasonable distance, but for simplex communication must be limited. Thanks Eric great video.

[@chrissewell1608]

WTH? No more of grand pa's 20 footer antennas, mounted to the delta 88? And it still works just as good! What? Take my money! 😲💰

[@BrekMartin]

@Rogeball PB Gimmick antennas have been around just as long, and are nonsense.

[@jacksuske6416]

Have three and they work great ! I even had one stolen off the roof of my car,

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, Jack

[@richarde735]

why wouldn’t you want it in the center of the roof for Omni directional coverage? does it need to be on the corner of the house at home? the ground plane radial kit would imply otherwise.

[@Chris-Ould]

Any antenna that has been made short in relevance to a full 1/4 wave by a loading coil, will have a narrow bandwidth and less gain regardless of how you describe it with "fancy wording" For 2M, I don't mind having 19" stinger or taller for a 5/8 wave. Always remember, your radio is only as good as it's antenna.

[@ewicky]

Ya the marketing wank is strong in the literature for this product.

[@jpb5385]

"That person has an antenna on a corvette and you don't!" Love it!

[@ronwolenski-n8wcr]

But that's not a Corvette

[@vne2328]

The Fiskar sedan has that low Corvette look.

[@JeffLatimer]

@HamRadioConcepts I must have missed something… did you switch antennas back to the CompacTenna around 18:57 ? I thought the second HAM (Dennis, who you could not hear) said he could hear you on the 5/8 wave Shark Antenna, but not on the CompacTenna. But maybe I misunderstood. Either way the CompacTenna looks cool and seems to work really well for such a small package. I like it a lot. Thanks! Also if you’re up in the Panhandle for your trip, try to hit the local 147.030+ repeater around Tallahassee. 73 -K2FSU

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hello Jeff. Thank you for your comments. I also wasn't sure at first, but when listening again, the 'third' station, "Dennis" was able to hear Eric when Eric transmitted with the 7.5" COMPACtenna, but not with the 48" 5/8 wave antenna. That said, signal strengths with W2JKZ were a little less with the 7.5" antenna than with the 48" antenna. What Eric demonstrated here with just a couple station locations is the fascinating ability of the COMPACtenna technology to "smooth out" signal strengths. Peaks are lower, yet very low/non-existent signals/connections become usable. And this applies also to working the same station while the vehicle is in motion in the dynamically obstructed world we live in. COMPACtenna.com discusses this science, as well as the presentation to The San Antonio Radio Club: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roi6gZWbj5KreZI . Much appreciation to Eric for his outstanding work on his videos. And thank you, Jeff for your interest.

[@JeffLatimer]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 Thanks for the reply. Also, have you ever though about making a marine version of this for Marine radio? I think this sort of antenna would take off for smaller boats that didn't want to have to deal with the larger whips. If it was Marine Band and AM/FM band as well that would be a double bonus. Take care.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hi Jeff, boaters have been very pleased with the model SCAN-III on a base station adapter kit with the radials bent downward to 70° below the horizon. See COMPACtenna.com and the installs page. They realize the benefit of this technology capturing signals that are affected/altered by the waves because of it’s diverse/elliptical polarization. This in addition to not losing signals as with longer “ high gain” antennas with compressed elevation coordinate pattern that ‘shoot signal’ into the sky and down into the water as the vessel rocks in the water.

[@JeffLatimer]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 Just ordered the tri-band antenna for my truck to use with a AnyTone AT-D578UVIIIPlus and can't wait to get it in. I've got another question for you to try and make sure I'm getting the most out of the antenna... I've got a Ford F150 with an aluminum body. Since it's not magnetic should I look to install NMO ground plane radials or a steel plate of some sort at the base?

[@kylefreemason]

Interested to see their Hf offering

[@HamRadio2]

This looks really cool....gotta check it out.

[@coctailer]

That looks like the COOLEST mobile antenna on the market. I'm ready for Part 2video! :-)

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, 'Ortwein International'.

[@DieselRevered]

Wait to see what the other antenna does!

[@ab9kw]

Please try to get hold of one of the HF antennas and try to do a review on it.

[@steveenter553]

Aluminum F-150? Wish it would be good for the mount that attaches over the middle cab rear brake light

[@peterrock2838]

Aluminum Ford does pose a problem for antenna mounts. Someone needs to market some options for Ford owners.

[@JimWeslager]

@@peterrock2838 Model No. Vmp-Mam-F150-2015-Nocam-Wht By Larson Electronics worked very well on my 2017 F-150. Works well with mag mounts or NMO mounts.

[@peterrock2838]

@@JimWeslager I will check that out. Thanks!

[@JeffLatimer]

I’ve been looking at steel plates with 3M VHB tape to stick them to the roof. That’s all that should be needed to stick a mag mount to it.

[@steveenter553]

@@JeffLatimer I found this www.larsonelectronics.com/. Would allow magnetic mount, easy removal for car wash. Getting new F-150 and definitely don’t want hole or scratch. This mount goes over top tail light

[@bobsradio6025]

SWR? I was first licensed in 1977 and learned from the beginning that the best place to put a mobile antenna is the center of the roof, because of the RADIATION PATTERN. Adjusting for SWR is a separate matter, usually done by trimming the length of the antenna. The mag mount shown appears to have a Larsen connector, and I have found that the Larsen 1/4 wave antenni performs well, as do their 5/8 wave antenni. I don't think I would slam a mag mount down on the body of my vehicle, I like to take care of my vehicles, so that they last. I have a 1996 Nissan P/U. The only damage I have had comes from the fact that my car port has an opening that is only 6' high and it will take of the corona ball from a 1/4 wave Larsen cut to 2M. No problem with 220 or 440. The only other potential damage I could possibly get would be a broken window because I live in Silly Con Valley and have a NRA sticker on the back window. The left rear window has stickers for the American Legion, CRPA and NRA; the right rear window has three stickers for the ARRL. I do not believe I could operate a vehicle with a CB antenna on it. I would fear that people would see me just as incompetent as I would be if I were behind he wheel of something with an automatic transmission.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Pretty sad you think CB is incompetent I mean come on guy, I talk to plenty of educated CB operators every day while mobile and unfortunately they are all hams that say the same thing "all the other hams think the bands are dead so we all come to 11 meters to continue our fun"

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you for your interest in this new Science & Technology. In an era where we have seen mainly innovation for the past 50 years, please keep an open mind to invention, such as we saw more of in the late 1800's and early 1900's. - - - HF antennas mounted at a corner of a common sized vehicle are indeed somewhat directional, due to the expanse in only one direction (the opposite corner area) being on the order of ¼ wavelength 'pulling' by resonance-interaction as the counterpoise, the signal in that direction. This is seen, for example with 10 meter Ham Radio and 11 meter CB Radio antennas. However, with COMPACtenna models 2M/440, 2M/220/440 and SCAN-III, each with the high-voltage point so close to the ground plane counterpoise, positioning the antenna near one of the corners (multiple options, "a good thing"), improves SWR and performance especially at VHF frequencies. Such a position at the corner utilizes metals 'projecting' in various directions as overall similar to a ground plane adapter kit with the radials bent downward (see COMPACtenna.com …Use of this technology in base station configuration). And because the vehicle downward (~ dipole-like) metal and side-ward metal dimensions are multiple wavelengths in dimension at these frequencies, one sees final/overall results that are substantially omni-directional.

[@bobsradio6025]

@@HamRadioConcepts - I used to have a CB license, and I know that the reason that the FCC gave up on licensing CB was that most people on 11M did not use their callsign. They used a "handle" which was a made up name to conceal their identity. That is how it became known as the "Criminal Band." Originally, the Citizens Band was established for necessary personal and business communications, NOT hobby. When the FCC gave up on it and stopped issuing licenses, they said "It's OK now, you can use if for hobby uses", knowing full well that they were going to do it anyway.

[@jamieb9556]

That antenna would be a good test on an old Icom 2820 with the diversity feature.

[@SammyGill]

I am In Canada - Passed with Basic Certification today. I have a RAM truck which has roof top tent- I live in Condo so underground parking has 7' clearance. I need a HAM radio in TRUCK and one at home so that I can convey family - I am fine when I am up there in valleys and meadows. Please help - what should I install and where ..........

[@chrisjones8741]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing this! I wonder how it would work with my fixed mount center-front ...since I already have that installed. Might go do some reading on their site...

[@adcraziness1501]

"No way my vehicle won't have any antennas" haha I drilled a hole in the middle of my vehicle the day I got my license :)

[@danielhelderman1557]

I just ordered one for my semi today. 😌

[@michaelweber8142]

Would you go thru a car wash wing the antenna in place. Mike W2TFD

[@Rusted_Link]

Hey, that's the guy. That's the guy that trained me to pass my ham test 🤣

[@walteredwards544]

Pretty cool. I'm going to look into one for my little car

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, Walter.

[@isrod3740]

Hi I love you video I like to use this antenna in my Honda Ridgeline what is the cost thanks...

[@donwilbanks2226]

The white sports car is not a Corvette. It's a Fisker Karma. AE5DW.

[@Rusted_Link]

I love that 7100. I'm currently using BaoFeng's. They work okay but I'm ready to make a major leap. I have a BaoFeng 50 watt mobile as a base station. It's connected to a Tram 1486 mounted on a fence post. I can hit repeaters about 15 miles away but I want to connect to repeaters 30 miles away. What do I need?

[@MrFdxdoeboy]

That's a Fisker Karma not a Corvette 😜😜😜😜😜😜😜... Great review btw..

[@russellthompson3201]

The full antenna on the back is somewhat directional toward the front of the van. The small antenna probably has a better radiation pattern.

[@JHunt1009]

How would this manage on the trunk of a sedan with a diamond lip mount? Has Anyone tested this?

[@hithere7382]

Hi do you have any advice for those of us with newer Ford trucks with the aluminum bodies? I have a fiberglass camper shell on the back of mine that I could mount to, or a trailer hitch... Ideas?

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hello, Many have had success with through-hole style mounts on the vehicle (cabin) aluminum metal roof. Also bracket style mounts with screws into the cab (cabin) metal can be very effective...Both near an upper corner of the roof.

[@hithere7382]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 thanks!

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

@@hithere7382 I hope you have many fun and enriching communications with COMPACtenna! :-)

[@NOVEMBER5TH2024]

Would this work for a CB antenna? Just for listening while traveling in a 4 wheeler?

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Wow that amazing out of such a small antenna. But I’m curious if one of the others is interfering. Can you put a watt meter on the non transmitting ant and see if you getting power coming back down ? If so it possible the other ant were robbing power and coupling. Just curious 🧐 thank you Eric. Just got the dx10 so plan to move the 991a into the Jeep. But since my hardtop is fiberglass I m limited. It’s a 18 jeep wrangle 4dr any suggestions for mounting location ? Looking to do both a vhf/uhf and possibly after I win the lotto tickets can get a Tar Heel or HiQ for Mobile Hf.

[@Rusted_Link]

What was the best magnetic base to use? I ordered the 5IN HIFLUX MAGNET MOUNT NMO from DXE.

[@dedugaladedugala5476]

Very nice 4S6DRS

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

Thanks Eric, For doing these antenna test.

[@reidlanham2011]

Thanks, i think I’ll look into getting one of these.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, Reid.

[@hithere7382]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 Hi do you have any advice for those of us with newer Ford trucks with the aluminum bodies? I have a fiberglass camper shell on the back of mine that I could mount to, or a trailer hitch... Ideas?

[@KINGSTONSPRIDE]

Does it have to be on a mag mount?

[@radionutio81ij79]

i have a home made mag mounted quarter wave stainless steel whip on 2 meters approx 20 inches and i can guarentee my whip will out perform that short helical wound antenna by a mile. Thing is a short helical wound antenna, will always be a compremise at best, and any radio amateur would gladly pop a hole in the roof of their vehicle to mount the latest home brew or purchased antenna. 73

[@bobsradio6025]

I believe that a Larsen 1/4 wave whip is initially cut to 19" for 2 M, and then trimmed from there for best SWR. Placing the antenna on the center of the roof would provide the best omnidirectional pattern, then adjusting it's length would fine tune the SWR. To quote an old song: "What's the matter with kids today?"

[@mihneadan1735]

Would this antenna work for a CB radio? Thx!

[@joshuac3058]

Will it work with a baofang uv-5r?

[@yostreamsux]

Would this be applicable if I put it on my Larson electronics 3rd brake light mount?

[@fernandoares8297]

How does it work on 440??

[@patrickmolloy6994]

I wonder how it works on a Jeep Wrangler unlimited hardtop - its fibreglass.

[@TBGaels32]

I would be interested in this antenna if I can use it with a hard mount.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hi Adam. You'll be happy to know that through-hole 'hard' NMO mounts are actually often optimal.

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 Is there a way to mount center roof with NMO hard mount and get 1:1 or close? Just curious before I drill. Thanks

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

@@JaxWatchesandEDC Many have had success with through-hole style mounts on the vehicle (cabin) metal roof. Also bracket style mounts with screws into the cab (cabin) metal can be very effective...Both near an upper corner of the roof.

[@guitstikkustoms4448]

I've been looking for an antenna for my truck that didn't look like it was from a Klingon battle cruiser and could fit into my garage, this may just be it. Checking out the web site it says this is not meant for vehicles in motion, must be for legal reasons.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hello Guitstik. That applies to the HF antennas. With appropriate installation, models 2M/440, 2M/220/440, & SCAN-III are great for vehicles underway.

[@guitstikkustoms4448]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 thank you for correcting me. I'm new to all of this having just passed the Technician test last week and I don't know yet what is a need and what is a want but I think your antenna is a need😁

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you for your kind words, Guitstik.

[@guitstikkustoms4448]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 I bought the 2M/220/440 now I need a radio to go with it 😆.

[@ki5exydanny104]

What would be a good mount for a Tesla Model 3

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hi Danny. There are a number of mounting considerations on the COMPACtenna website INSTALLS page.

[@thebear6751]

Would this work with gmrs

[@dennymagdule4372]

What size mag Mount is required for this?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

4" should be plenty, that's what I have

[@patrickbaer3742]

@@HamRadioConcepts how much is the cost ?

[@truck57us]

@@patrickbaer3742 : Let me Google that for you :) $100. Sorry, not nice. Great antenna, I have the triband version.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

@@truck57us Thank you, truck57us. The 'flat style' NMO magnet mounts rated to 2500MHz such as the Laird Technologies GB8PI work well for many.

[@vacuumfireradio253]

An EH antenna design maybe?

[@Flagrazi]

A regular quarter wave on the back would look and perform better on that Corvette

[@pedromorillas6535]

What mount are you using on the cup holder? Thanks Pedro

[@bobsradio6025]

The mag mount looks like it has a Larsen connector. You would have to actually see it to be sure. The advantage of the Larsen is that they sell rain caps that you can put on in place of the antenna to get through the car wash. No, I don't use a mag mount, I have three Larsen bases in my roof.

[@patrickbaer3742]

Hey eric how are you?hope all is well,will that work on a my ICOM on a pie pan? Over ki4luy

[@TwitchRadio]

I'll stick with my comet nmo sc 2x4 SR antenna.. Work well and it has lasted 8 1/2 year and still going... Have it on a lip mount on the front hood and is no bigger than my car stereo antenna... I'm able to go through car washes, parking garages and everything in my trailblazer... and it's not too unsightly but you get awesome gain and it's better than this antenna for sure.. just food for thought😎✌️. KG7QIS / WRVF620

[@bayanicruz7311]

Were did you got that buddy?

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Occassionally my resellers run out of stock, and are then replenished. Presently this antenna is available: compactenna.com/#SCANIII

[@W4BIN]

I don't understand how the stump of a tree looks better than a 1/16" stainless steel wire 19 inches long with a tiny ball on the end. (the ball catches wind and holds it back instead of letting it vibrate) Ron W4BIN

[@avrumo]

Very Cool Video - Eric . Thinkin' about installing one on my Old Pickup -(yah it don't matter what it looks like ), lol . That RF company has some gr8 innovation .

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, AJ.

[@biseklita]

is this available nowadays in the market?

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Occassionally my resellers run out of stock, and are then replenished. Presently this antenna is available: compactenna.com/#SCANIII

[@BR20276]

Really neat concept. But!!! 1 minute maximum duty cycle every 2 minutes and 110 degree maximum ambient temperature. Not a good combo for the 110 plus temperatures during the Phoenix Arizona summers! Was really interested in this antenna. Not so sure now.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you Bill. If other manufacturers were as technically specific you may well have similar concerns with those antennas as well in your circumstance.

[@rem700longunner]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970, is it a heat dissipation issue? If so, is there a way to reimplement the housing with some sort of cooling fin design?

[@stevethibodeauxn4sfc257]

Great Video Eric, thanks for the product review and information on the new product.

[@EdwardVanNatta]

I am looking for about your product place leave me a message.When I post this , l am looking for more information no this can find this and looking a I took that test a long time ago for the coronavirus hit that I did not get my hand radio license what is going on with this where I can find your antenna at 2

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hello Edward. Occassionally my resellers run out of stock, and are then replenished. Presently this antenna is available: compactenna.com/#SCANIII

[@buddygonzales8497]

Where can I buy this antenna is it available on ebay

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Occassionally my resellers run out of stock, and are then replenished. Presently this antenna is available: compactenna.com/#SCANIII

[@buddygonzales8497]

How much is it?

[@tangoseal1]

Unity gain antennas are about the best performing antennas hands down. No funky gain patterns, rediculous traps and weird coils, etc..... just power in = exactly same power out with no loss.or gain. Best ive found. For best overall non unity gain ive found is Larsen NMO 2/70 NMO. Magnets are honestly the worst worst, maybe not as bad as glass mount, antennas possibly used in mobile radio. Either drill a hole or expect disappointment. Making contacts is not a measurement of quality or performance.

[@jozefbezan2501]

Danke für das tolle Video.73,von Wien.Österreich.😊😊😊

[@N8JLS]

I like to smack every fast food drive thru with my whip just so everyone around me knows I'm a ham. Haha (kidding) I'll have to put this on my list for sure! Antenna height is always an issue on my daily driver. Sure would be nice to place and forget it! Thanks for the video!

[@johnathanasiou9284]

Thanks Eric for the review!

[@6foot7dad]

Great video! Ty for sharing. I had a mag mount antenna in shopping cart this week. For some reason I didn't end up getting it. Thanks to you and this video and your next, I most likely will be getting this.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Thank you, Corey.

[@ralph9987]

what is the swr when you put it on your oil pan?? 🤣🤣🤣

[@vacuumfireradio253]

Much better receive on the conventional whip. You can't hear em you can't work em.

[@jamescady723]

Really like your reviews, plus love your Ponderosa channel. Thanks and 73. N8JVC

[@s6a6n6d6m6a6n]

What? $90 + shipping for this thing!

[@PoorBoyRider1]

may have just resolved a problem with my off road vehicle, banging tree limbs

[@paulaubuchon2336]

Just got my Hamr-7 HF version and so far great... Paul K1YOU

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hello Paul. Thank you. I hope you continue to have many fun and enriching communications with this COMPACtenna technology!

[@donaldshields2483]

Eric I bought one of these antennas and it’s just a waste of money it works but I got about $140 invested in it and I could use Paul be a $40 rent to meet a vertical and be better off than I am with this very disappointed I thought it was gonna be something good I’m not very happy K1emw

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice.........

[@8vRocco]

But.... But.... All the cool kids have big whips on their diesel trucks :(

[@obtrunco]

$200 for that freaking antenna!

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Actually $119 for Ham Radio model 2M/440. $149 for the SCAN-III, designed for scanner receive radios of I. Civilian, II. Commercial, and III. Government communications. $199 is for model LMR-I, precisely tuned for Land Mobile Radio Transmit/Receive on VHF 136 - 174 MHz, UHF 378 - 512 MHz, and 750 - 960 MHz. USA designed, patented and made. Have a nice day.

[@RobertMacCready]

Review was good but I know you're busy so won't leave a question here.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

What's the question buddy?

[@rem700longunner]

@@HamRadioConcepts, I have one. Is the transmit time limitation a heat-related one, i.e. in hot summer environments it isn't going to be as efficient as it would in colder climes? I specifically have my transceiver for desert trips, so ambient heat definitely plays a factor. Did you feel how warm the antenna housing got after a 60 second transmit?

[@earllizardi6989]

Why in the hell would any ham say that their vehicle would never have an antenna. Get your priorities straight or go back to stamp collecting.

[@zeproo]

interesting

[@mmyr123]

Not a vette

[@3dPrint_and_chill]

So it's a magnetic field antenna or Electric field antenna??? I'm confused. Sounds suspiciously like a lot of woo especially throwing around words like quantum theory without any actual information.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Hello Steamzombie1838. Magnetic and electric fields of the albeit distinctly different quantum aspects/properties of the near and far fields are inter-related. It is my modeled understanding of "instant" vs. (~ per medium) speed-of-light gauge Bosons differentiation and inter-relationships that lead to my creation of the "Magnetic Field Resonator" and EM field diversity that allows such wideband and unexpectant high performance, particularly in the NLOS (Non-Line-Of-Sight) environment with such small antennas. Please keep an open mind to shift from innovation, predominant over the last 50 years, to invention as we saw so much more of in the late 1800's and first part of the 1900's.

[@3dPrint_and_chill]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 I do have an open mind I believe you have to ride the wave of change or get swept below it and drown as a ignorant has been. I just didn't see any real explanation and that sets my woo radar off. Thank you for putting me on a path to research this more as I couldn't find any information relating to the subject with regards to antenna theory.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

Sounds good steamzombie👍🏻

[@mikesradiorepair]

So it's basically unusable for mobile operations. Only has 1 minute transmit time for every 2 minutes. In other words 50% duty cycle at only 50 Watts. Who makes a mobile antenna that isn't rated for at least 100 Watts. Many of my 2 meter mobiles are rated from 65 to 80 watts on high and I need that in mountainous terrain. To make matters worse it's temperature sensitive. Decreased power rating at only 110 degree's. Shoot, a black antenna on a 80 something degree sunny day is probably going to be getting close to that surface temperature. Also, what does mounting the antenna off center on the vehicle do to the radiation pattern. I would think it would make the radiation pattern slightly lopsided. Looks like a nice antenna but it needs MAJOR improvement before I would even consider using one mobile. Increase power handling capacity and temperature operating range.

[@daveN2MXX]

Maybe it wasn't clear...the website says that this antenna uses magnetic and electric diversity science! I also like that it seems impossible to mount, because it only works in certain locations on the vehicle.

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

@@daveN2MXX Allowing installation options at so many corners of the vehicle seems better to many people than other antennas where the urge is for a 'restricted' single location only, namely center of the roof.

[@daveN2MXX]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 Thank you for your response. Please explain how this antenna is omnidirectional if it is mounted at the edge of a ground plane?

[@dr.jacknilsson1970]

If other manufacturers were as technically specific as COMPACtenna in their specifications, you may well have similar concerns with those antennas as well in your circumstance. Yet you have used those other antennas without concern because the specifications were less detailed. ("Ignorance is bliss".) But note that the 50% duty cycle is at maximum power rating of 85 watts. So continue to cogitate... With decreased wattage (below 85 watts) the duty cycle/parameters increase/improve. This is not entirely unlike power supply and amplifier specifications. The ratings are for the power AT the antenna. With e.g. only 1 dB total loss of coaxial cable plus connectors, there is ~ 80% power at the antenna. For a dual band radio with 50 watts for 2 meters, that calculates to only 40 watts at the radio. [And there are other factors, but I am keeping it straightforward here.] And even for a 80 watt radio/amplifier that actually does transmit 80 watts, there is ~ 64 watts at the antenna. I hope this helps you 'MikesRadioRepair'.

[@mikesradiorepair]

@@dr.jacknilsson1970 I have extremely low loss between radios and antennas. I use through the roof drilled hole NMO mounts and 1/2 inch hardline for coax cable.

[@johncranfordpersonal4146]

I sure appreciate all of your videos, I have learned alot from them. Keep up the great work. KG5VKA