Best "Long Range" 2 Meter Telescopic Ham Radio Antenna?

[@isaacs1646]

omg that first few seconds was defanitly dank pods inspired

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

OH MAN. YOU NAILED IT! Hahah I was wondering who would notice that!

[@oldms]

Caught the egg bag at the end too.@@HamRadioCrashCourse

[@johnkeo358]

I lole the 5/8, i have it on my motorola XTS5000 on occasion, i was able to hit and hear clearly on repeaters 90 ,iles away and have a good crystal clear conversation

[@alanslade2319]

See this is why I love your show, up there for thinking down there for dancing ,great work again and very interesting, thanks again Alan from the other side of the pond in little old England.💯🇬🇧🍻👍

[@nine7295]

I have bought many of these antennas. I bought 9 Smiley from them directly years ago. 1 had a defect, and 1 was the wrong model. The company refused to ship me the replacements without charging me extra shipping..it was a $300 USD order, not small. And then they got very defensive and rude to me. Good products but terrible customer service. Also, the resonant frequencies on some models are away from the ham band (I only ordered 1 not in the ham band), so they aren't perfectly tuned. I tested them with and without a counterpoise.

[@applejacks971]

:(

[@TheOutdoorFun]

Thanks for the video. I live in the UK and and here we can only buy the MFJ-1714. We can’t buy the smiley antennas. I ordered 1/2 wave smiley antennas directly from them. The reason I ordered 1/2 wave smiley antennas was the flex part at the bottom. I already broke couple of MFJ-1714 I also have Diamond RH-770 2/70 antennas which has similar performance with good build quality. Another note, after i watched your HT antenna shootout, I bought Diamond RH77CA and signal stick (which I had to order them from the US because we can’t buy them here) Thanks again for your videos!

[@AZREDFERN]

I’m kind of looking in to the Icom IC-V86 as my first Japanese HT. It’s a 2M only workhorse that’s still Chirp compatible and affordable. Definitely need to pair it with a good single band antenna.

[@ozy311]

Smiley Antenna is amazing. I have had their antennas for years. They will also make custom frequency antennas. We were very active in Search & Rescue, and they had no problem making us some resonant antennas for those radios in the 150-160Mhz and 450+ ranges.

[@longrider42]

Got contact info for Smiley Antenna's? I'm looking at getting a Wouxun KG-UV7D, its a 2m/6m radio. But comes with a stubby antenna. Hope to hear from you soon.

[@JaronActual]

I've been rocking the Smiley 27000 for years on my 5X3. Great antenna. It's very convenient as a daily carry without being cumbersome, but can extend when you need it for some extra range. Works great on my dual band DMR-6X2 too. I like that the base can be changed to different connectors, even though I use BNC too.

[@Jake.7X]

Appreciate the great videos! You’re helping a noob like me learn more and more every day! Thanks!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@rstiosejo]

Awesome video Josh. You recorded my friend RON KN6APO talking with Cliff. I have the SMILEY 2m bought at HRO in 1990 and the SMILEY Dual Band 2m/70cm bought at HRO in1990. Just a recall on those Telescopic Antenna. As always Stay Safe and God Bless. Ruben KD6CWI

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nice.

[@DonzLockz]

Good timing, I wanted to find out more on those telescopic antennas. I'm ordering adaptors like you said about using BNC if you swap antennas alot.👍🤓🇦🇺

[@Craig77777]

Thanks for the test enjoyed watching

[@skaramicke]

To test ht antennas, connect via coax and connect the center to the center connector of the antenna base and then the shield to the ground of the antenna and to the ground part of an HT radio. When scanning a range, hold the HT close to your head as if you were using it.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nah. I’ll keep do it how I’m doing it. Feel free to make your own videos your way.

[@Image-X]

@@HamRadioCrashCourseWhy so rude?

[@zac_in_ak]

I just got a Yaesu VX-6 this is very helpful. Would love to see you test the tri band on the 440 and 1.25 to see how it performs

[@raymondmartin6737]

Thanks for the reviews! I recently purchased the MFJ half wave one, and it works well. 73 de W2CH

[@jamesmartin5306]

Very good video great content when I pass my tech I'm getting a 878 ht

[@naman2000]

Loved the video, helped me to select the Long Ranger for my HT. Also, I have a pair of Alinco DJ-C5 radios like the one at the beginning of the video. Fun little pocket sized radios.

[@AaronTConner]

March 17. Its SO GREEN there holyyyyy, we still have 18" of snow in the fields here in North Texas (Alberta)!

[@imarat21]

You’ll find the two meter versions are shunt fed, while the other antenna has just a coil. Shunt feeding has a wire tapped a couple of turns up the coil that connects back to ground..

[@OwnGuardSol]

Thanks so much for all your intel and videos!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Glad you like them!

[@lycosa2000]

I know this is an older video, but I noticed that Alinco radio on your desk. I used to have that radio. I think anyway. Alinco marketed it as a 'credit card' radio. It only put out maybe 1 watt if I remember right. I bought it probably in 1998. I never made a contact on it, but I thought it was neatest 'James Bond' amateur radio I'd ever seen. If that's not it on your desk, it is certainly close to it.

[@dougdaniels]

I'm running a Smiley tri-band on my TH-F6A, nice to see someone else still using that radio.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Smart man!

[@texasfrontiersman8245]

Best ht ever imho

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

would be cool if they Color Coded the sections of the Tri-Band antenna maybe anodizing each section so you will know which band you were setup for

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Cost flow down to the consumer. But I like your idea!

[@roxleyldc]

Except for the fact that anodizing is a process used on aluminum and these are either brass or stainless steel…

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

@@roxleyldc nope, other metals can be anodized, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium you just might see it on aluminum more often but it's not the only metal able to take it

[@N7KOM]

Got a 275mi Summit to Summit QSO with the MFJ Longranger and Yaesu FT-60r. Definitely my favorite 2m antenna :) 73 de Tim N7KOM

[@CanadianDrifter777]

That's awesome! I just made a 97 mile contact from Vancouver, Canada to a repeater and net on Vancouver Island with my FT 60 and a Comet 24 with a counterpoise. Am thinking of getting the MFJ now based on your success. Cheers!

[@nickbasinski5371]

I've been admiring Adam's Smiley antenna for a while but wasn't sure which was right for me. Thanks for the thorough reviews, I'll be back at HRO soon to get my own.

[@thuff3207]

Nice they can help if you need range. Thanks for sharing.

[@amtrak1007]

telescopic antennas have been my dad's favorite for years. Great to see a video on this topic! Thanks Josh!

[@number55283]

I hear two antenna got married the other day, apparently the wedding was awful but the reception was amazing!

[@Norseman2]

Hammy dad joke for the win!

[@petrok1rp254]

Good job mate! Thanks for vid. Petr

[@bubbleheadft]

I know it's supposed to be monoband but I'd be interested to see how the 5/8 wave does on 6 meters. Could be cool to pack along with a 705.

[@wild-radio7373]

I am also recently fascinated with these!♡ too cool 🥰 Be well hamFam!

[@wild-radio7373]

Oh...😆flexy!🤣😎 so good!

[@chuckkb8yit859]

Great comparison Josh, nice shirt !!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@glenmo1]

Extendable antennas for CB handheld walkie talkies 11 m work great.. I have an old radio shack cb11 m radio walkie-talkie and I talk to my friend in his pickup truck 15 mi away

[@CanadianDrifter777]

Really good and interesting video! Thanks man!

[@turinskiboy]

Really good presentation. Thanks.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@mikewalker4134]

Good info!!! I also have been trying multiple types of antennas on my boefeng bf -f8HP. (Luiton dual band and a "tape measure "foldable antenna) Both better than stock. I am going to order the extendable model you recommend. "

[@JP-tl8rr]

Great review Josh, was looking into getting one of those as a back up to have when out in the parks. 73, KX4QV

[@jaksmith6465]

I understand why you used the stock antenna as the base, but I think SignalStick should be what everything else is compared to on HT. Biased I know, Just love my signalstick and always curious what its max range is

[@loctite222ms]

Wish you had included the signal stick in the test. I'm guessing it might land somewhere between the stock antenna and the telescoping ones.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Have no fear. I’ve worked out a process here I can replicate easily.

[@loctite222ms]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I liked the test method. Going back to the same spot and repeating it seems reasonable.

[@realtyrocks1969]

You should have done these tests in both extended and collapsed positions

[@brucemurray2520]

I have the Smiley Halfwave 2m with a built-in, not adapter, BCN for my Icom IC-V86. Since the V86 has a BNC it is a perfect fit. Problem with the Tri-band telescopic is you need to reference the documentation, or remember the position required for each band. An interesting variation is the HYS Dual Band Telescopic 8inch/14inch BNC. I have one but haven't had a chance to test it. Would be interested in your thoughts, it has 4.5 stars on Amazon. Thanks for the comparison vids.

[@TheOutdoorFun]

Please do a video with a counterpoise for the 5/8th

[@tonyridlen]

I love 2 Meters great video with all of these antennas 73 KC9QVE Kokomo,Indiana

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Josh, perfect timing on this video. Thanks for doing this. I’m looking for an optional antenna like this to possibly allow me to hit some repeaters near me. I have mountains in the way on nearly every side and they block the local to me repeaters. Thanks for the work here. Great content, excellent edits, well explained. Larry

[@billgrant6175]

Another great video. Always wondered if the telescoping antennas were cheap or what. And you're rocking a Surface Go 2!!! Was wondering why you hadn't started running one. Seems like the perfect, portable solution to everything!!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s not perfect but it works. I’ll be talking about it in the future.

[@Lkeyhacle1465]

Keep up the great work man.. i appreciate it the videos are helpful I don’t have my license yet lol

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@cerenovideokevlogs6462]

Watching from 🇵🇭

[@JohnSmith-hm9hn]

MFJ-1714, HT TELE ANT., 1/2 W, 2 METER - listed as 1/2 wave on site - out of stock at the moment

[@lpark8]

Great video thanks. The flexible base on Smileys sounds good. I recently had my Long Ranger snap off on a SOTA activation. Antenna was collapsed but must have caught it on a branch. 🙏👍

[@TheOutdoorFun]

Same here I broke couple of MFJ-1714s

[@Sonicgott]

Lesson learned! 1. A good antenna will go a long way - figuratively AND literally! 2. Rubber duck antennas are junk, but better than nothing. 3. Get a GOOD HT, best you can afford. Makes a huge difference.

[@ronleblanc9832]

Very interesting test

[@ColeDedhand]

I would love to see these 1/2 wave 2m telescopic antennas tested on 440 by collapsing them down to 13.5".

[@kcstafford2784]

you know you got a good channel when everyone is copy cating you ....thanks...

[@SOFTAIL4ME]

I have watched several videos of your antenna testing. I have a question that I have not seen addressed on any videos anywhere. Regarding in my case the Boafeng UV-5R now it has to do with the whole rat tail or tiger tail. I have noticed as every one who uses HT hand placement plays a part in how well the radio works now the uv-5r lanyard steel area to attach to is directly connected to the antenna negative side how much difference between putting a rat tail right at the antenna or connected to this lanyard attachment area.. I have no way to test this my self I'm new learning and not able to transmit yet but I'm sure alot of people might benefit from this on any radio's that may have a area other then base of the antenna to connect to. Thank and I truly appreciate and enjoy your videos. Thank you for taking the time to do them....

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

What’s the question?

[@SOFTAIL4ME]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse oh sorry guess I got a bit confusing attaching the rat tag to the lanyard loop on the radios is it as good as directly to the antenna its electrically connected as ground

[@dayat2716]

Amazing radio

[@mikesimpson7748]

I was curious about the patches on you baseball cap when you were testing in the park.?

[@landonmiller6943]

Thanks for the instructive video, great to see someone still enoying their Kenwood TH-F6A! What's the name of the shoulder radio holster/backpack thingy you were wearing in the video? 73s

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s the AMP-3 radio holster.

[@the1spyderryder]

Let me suggest 1. Clean your radio connector. 2. Check all antennas with an active field strength meter close in. You might find some that doesnt work. Look at the antenna conector you might find some long and doesnt make connection to the radio.

[@matthewryan7664]

I swear by Smiley Antenna. Not just for ham radio, but I use them at work and on the Fire Department also.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I read somewhere that a two meter half wave doesnt require a ground plane. I’m not sure if there are any variables that would change that, though.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You’re right. As I mentioned on the video.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse oh, i missed that part. I guess I’m a broken record. Lol.

[@Maskltl]

What about adjusting the length to try and match the exact frequency?

[@ckonthebay1950]

I really wanted one of those MFJ Long Rangers. After a brief hiatus I just found out MFJ is out of business.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Get the Smiley

[@iffykidmn8170]

How did these perform as compared to the foldable antennas?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Wait…. It’s coming soon.

[@HeatR216]

What the case/holder on the backpack that holds the HT as you're walking out?

[@WaschyNumber1]

It's a shame that signal stick antennas and other good ones are not on amazon uk, other ways are to complicate to buy this good antennas.

[@georgemann9370]

Would that gap allow for a 1/2 wave counterpoise ?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Definitely.

[@K5KTM]

It will and it does. Use one with my smiley and it helps.

[@gunneryelton347]

What does full quieting mean

[@GnarlsGnarlington]

Is the ID-52 a worthwhile upgrade from the ID-51... or pretty much the same except for the waterfall?

[@mysteryy234]

How many watts were the high and low power settings on the ht you were using in this video?

[@issaclander]

Really nice! How do they compare to the Abree! Antenna though?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

We shall see soon.

[@issaclander]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse awesome! I can’t wait!

[@1958johndeere620]

If the receive on a HT is at all scratchy from a repeater I suspect getting in would not happen.

[@semperfi978]

I have getting a Cobra HH RT 50 hand held cb radio for home for wife now the range on the one it comes with goes up to 4 miles now what would be the best Telescoping Antenna that I could put on it to get more range as trucker an fairly new to cb radio and wife wanted one to habe at home listen to but not knowledgeable on range she wants a longer range one over 20 miles I not sure what 48 inche one range is or Cobra 27 inch model

[@doesstuffoutside]

Shorts and a T shirt, did you shoot this last summer? Cheers from outside Portland OR.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Last weekend. 🤔

[@b.u.g.a.j]

Hi Josh. Can I connect Smiley ½ flex to Baofeng without adaptor ? 🤝

[@gglee1720]

Do you recommend BNC connector or SMA male for the ID52 radio...just concerned at that gap and wondering if one more secure than other before I buy. Im in Australia so they not cheap. VK6MIL Graeme

[@patrick_into_the_future]

@HamRadioCrashCourse with these higher gain 1/2 wave and 5/8 wave antennas, that you're holding close to your face, is there any RF danger? What sort of duty cycle would you recommend in order to stay safe at 5W or 10W?

[@nashvillelawnmow216]

Where did you get that tshirt you were wearing at the start

[@browntroy101]

Thanks for another great video!! Lmao I think you should stick with your stock antenna! That's the way to go!! Lmao....of course I am kidding! Thanks I got to get one of those and, wear my HT!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Stock antennas have their place. Like when the radio is riding on my backpack.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

And thanks!

[@mclovengarcia2883]

Brother wich of this antennas will work with gmrs i need one for my roof one for my dmr 10 watts radio set and one for my vehicle i live in the middle of the woods i need the best ones!!

[@F4EGX]

Interesting, thank! I used several times the telescopic antennas on the Citizen Band, for portable operations. I find that Telescopic antenna is not durable over time because the elements tend to disassemble after a while, by deploying them (loose crimp). Do we find the same problems with these antenna brands?

[@ssyoumans]

I don’t understand why these antennas have a coil on them. A 1/2 wave of 2 meter would be 1 meter or 39”. The Smiley is 36”, why not just make it 3” longer? Do you really need a coil to go from 36” to 39”. Somebody please explain.

[@BorisEkner]

I have an idea for off-roading… I have 2 triband HT GMRS’s and two FMR’s (ch. 1-14). I want the GMRS I’m using in my car to communicate with the other three units. So I’m thinking (for my GMRS HT) in the car, why not get an external microphone and an external antenna with a magnetic foot attached to my steel roof rack? - If this sounds like a good idea, which 1 or 2 or 3 band antenna do you think would be the better option, would the the Signal Stick be a good option, you think?

[@morganw02]

Would you choose one of these over the abbree?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes. They’re easier to carry around.

[@SPRINCLES6]

so which one was best got confused

[@mitchellmay7391]

I need a good antenna for my police scanner a whistler 1065 and a hand held

[@markusberg2770]

The Discone antenna will typically cover 20Mhz -1300Mhz. 73 from Florida, KO4CES

[@ivanmendoza2704]

Question, Why was you first choice the Smiley flex 2m 1/2 over the MFJ? Is it because it flexes ?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s generally shorter and lighter.

[@ivanmendoza2704]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse ok thanks

[@ivanmendoza2704]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Would you happen to know what it watt cap is?

[@starttofinishpodcasting3721]

Do the Antennas have to be all the way extended or can you take like the 1/2 wave 2M antenna and only extend it to only about 15"?

[@NathanaelPadgett]

None of the links are in the description yet.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes they are 🤣

[@NathanaelPadgett]

My apologies. I see it on YT Mobile and just realized now on desktop, when you click "Show More" in the description, it shows the full description on the right side and not where the "Show More" button is that I clicked on. Not a very good UI in my opinion. Anyways, thanks for the videos Josh, keep up the knowledge sharing.

[@JamesMegaWatt]

Do these kinds of antennas work for shortwave listening on a FT5-D for example? I tried with my abbree antenna but that didn't work (I think there is a series cap inside?). Anyone has some insight?

[@TintagelEmrys]

It would be nice to see how these perform while collapsed. Like they are on your belt while walking.

[@EdwardVanNatta]

I am looking for about your product place lace me a messages . When I post this , I am looking for more information no this . I am booking for all information you did on this and this video where I can find all this for I can do some tests on some independent I live in Barren County an apartment in my antenna on my hand radio is not picking up if I put one outside somewhere else I so so how can I boost my antenna inside a place or anywhere I'm at there's places in Kentucky I cannot pick up anyting all

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Links are in the video description for all the antennas.

[@izmazix2148]

Would you recommend any of these on my vehicle? I'm trying to decide what to do to upgrade the mag-mount duel band I have currently

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

No absolutely not.

[@rrrrrhino]

I have and like my MFJ ...

[@VladimirLadev]

Are these better than a rollup J poll

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I would say the 1/2 wave is as good or better than a jpole. The others are equal or worse.

[@VladimirLadev]

@HamRadioCrashCourse thank you very much!

[@malanalan1]

Dude, Keller Peak repeaters have the largest coverage in Southern California. That's not a very good test.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Uhhh the SDR transmit test isn’t good??

[@malanalan1]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse That was a good one. Anyway I would be afraid to attach any of these antennas to my HT. They all seem top heavy. Have you tested arrow Yagi antennas? I wonder if you could kerchunk W6NUT or K6MWT from your location.

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice................

[@izmazix2148]

Watch2End&Comment

[@503Nick]

Noice!

[@AllanLoveJr]

So much confusion

[@echo-hotel]

This isn’t CW. You cheater! Lol. Try real CW on 2m please

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I could do this with the 705. 👍