LCARA HAM Radio: Does the ABBREE 42.5" Antenna Really Work?!

KY4CKP and KY4BDP conduct a non-scientific test to find out if the ABBREE 42.5" antenna is really worth all the hype. Let us know in the comments below what are other tests you would like to see with this antenna.
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[@dwaynerobertson383]

Excellent video, lads! That is so cool you guys put the time and effort in to creating this to share on youtube. A big THANKS for that! Very practical field review. I'm real green, but about to start with a Baofeng. I've ordered the Nagoya 771 with it, but it also included one of those Abbree 'tactical' antennas (they called it). I don't think it's the 42.5" version...but 18" or 24" is fine, it comes as part of the package. Who wants to walk around looking like they are about to fall off the end of an HT??!! Great video, guys.

[@Swede4Trump]

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[@TradeWithTraderIQ]

Great video guys!

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

Thanks so much!

[@helraiser666painkil]

I've just got the ABBREE antenna about 2 weeks ago and I have done a few tests on the 2/70 indoors and the antenna works really good and I've had 5-9 reports from a lot of local amateurs and they've all said it sounds really good and I've tested my Baofeng UV-9R plus with the antenna on the 3 different power levels and I've had really good reports so these antennas do work great and anybody who's got a Baofeng radio then I'd highly recommend them to anyone who's just starting the amateur radio. Thanks and best 73's for now cheers. Stephen M3SNV 73's.

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

That's great to hear! We are doing a follow-up video soon on the shorter version of the ABBREE antenna and comparing it to the other antennas. Stay tuned.

[@BorisEkner]

I have both of these antennas (and 4 more…😊). The 42.5” Abbree is a hassle to use on the HT. But if you put it on the roof of your vehicle with an extension cable to the HT/mobile radio I think it, hands down, will be the best on as long as you’re not driving with it.

[@chiphungerford]

Haven’t tried a lot of them yet but do like this signal stick, thanks for showing us the results

[@joecraft4409]

I would like to see a comparison between the "Abree original" in the green packaging versus the " Abree" copy in the yellow packaging.

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

Hey Joe, not sure we'll spend any more time on the ABREE, but you never know.

[@LordGryllwotth]

I saw one image where a fake didn't have any coil at the bottom of the antenna, but just a straight copper up to the tape measure.

[@BorisEkner]

When I tested the 6 antennas I have for SWR & PWR both my rubber duckies performed very well. As short as they are they should perform less on distance but part from that they are really good. - When it comes to distance antenna height is key. Meaning, if your distance is short don’t discard the 1/4 wave rubber duck as it might be way better than its reputation.

[@longrider42]

I have the Abbree 18.8 inch and the 42.2 inch, and I like them both. Much better then the 771. You guys did a good test. I use a 18.8 inch Abbree antenna directly onto my TYT UV8000E, and I use the 42.2 inch, attached to the radio via a cable, and the antenna mounted on a backpack. I believe there is a 13 inch Abbree, but I dont have one.

[@wisteela]

I have the 13, and it performs well. I find it the ideal size.

[@bulldogbrower6732]

Great testing technique. I assume that the one gentleman was standing outside on the porch. In your next test would you compare the range to the stock antenna. Would you also test all antennas to the limit of their range. I would suspect their limits are in the 7-8 mile range. Thanks for a great job.

[@leftright4450]

Good and detailed video. The Final Result is Nagoya Is Best

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

Thanks for watching

[@BorisEkner]

I did a SWR test of all 6 antennas I have. The 42.5” Abbree folded 3 times gives an SWR above 1:5.0. That’s way higher than acceptable and might harm the radio.

[@lands1459]

bought the 42.5 inch, gonna be interesting trying it out. currently using an NA771

[@ephjaymusic]

how's it working out for you?

[@lands1459]

@@ephjaymusic pretty well, though now i use my own homebrew 3 element yagi when i'm at home

[@ephjaymusic]

@@lands1459 I'm still wondering if due to its length when extended, it performs better on VHF?

[@lands1459]

@@ephjaymusic yeah it works better on VHF when unfolded and it works better on UHF when its either completely folded or folded in half

[@ephjaymusic]

@@lands1459 that's good to know thanks!

[@powellresident6447]

Within the FM communications mode, the nominally used term for a received signal graded as less than full quieting, and detected “noise” is typically called “white noise” as it is more of a soft hiss or shush than the noise you hear in an AM or SSB transmission mode. Kinda like calling a magazine or mag a “clip” in firearm speak! Just thought I’d pass that along! 73’s DE WB4RJE

[@jasonbrown467]

i am new to all things radio, over the weekend i tested my nagoya na-0771 on a f8hp.... on a straight highway in the flat corn field country that goes for on flat like that for counties. i had one person stand on the highway and i set ou to drive a total of 10 miles straight down the highway in one direction. at about 3 miles i could be heard but barely, i almost stopped the test and returned but i pushed on just in case. i drove about another 100 feet or so and then i came in loud and clear which continued to about 8 miles then all they could hear from me was static. i got out of my vehicle and tried again on the side of the road and at that point i came back in good enough to be understood. i drove about another 2 miles and it was hit or miss weather i could be heard at all, but there was alway static. it should be noted we were on gmrs, low watts (what ever cobra cxt595 can do on 462.5500), on the other end i have no idea what i was using, maybe 8 watts. my point is, had i stopped as soon as it turned into crap i would have had no idea i could reach out 8 miles , and sound clear enough, as it already started to act up at 3.

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

Have yet to try on its on the way but i watched 30+ videos about the abbrees and read all the comments and from what i see the best option is the 18+inche as far a function and practicality combined its the winmer thays what i ordered .will see how it goes soon

[@kenanmammadov7281]

I have a question. I just got a uv5r8w and am wondering how much range I could get with the 42.5 inch. from one handheld to another. I got about 3.5 miles out of the 771 before my bike battery died(could've gone further I guess but I'm not sure) also the abbree is 10 dollars and the nagoya is 22 now

[@bentleys5059]

Fine video. Was the 2 part diamond you were referring to the SRH770S? If so, would love to see a comparison with the 42 inch Abbree. Thanks and 73 de WM1K

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

@Bentley S - Yes, that was the particular Diamond antenna. We don't have the ABBREE on the schedule, but we may revisit this summer.

[@johnroberts6695]

How about range testing some fake 771 antennas, too, one of these days? I'd like you to check out a *Retevis RHD-771* (good) and an *RT-771* (crappy) antennas. The former is a heavier gauge 20W antenna that I've had some good luck with. The *RT-771* is a Nagoya 10W clone that I don't have any real experience with. As much as I love base stations, I love HTs even more. The *Baofeng BF-H6* and the *BF-H7* 10W radios are two of my favorite HTs, period. The Abbree 42.5-inch antenna sure did better than I thunk it could!

[@Danefrak]

What is the appeal of fake antenna? Why not just buy the real one? These are cheap parts

[@scotsmith2361]

Great video , but you did not say if you were working simplex , if you were then that is amazing that either of those antennas would work that far , but if it was thru a repeater then the test is of course useless. But I kinda wished you would have also used the super elastic signal stick , which I believe is better then the NA-771, anyway great video and PLEASE keep testing and comparing different ht antennas. Thanks

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

Hey Scot, we were indeed using simplex mode. We have hilly terrain in Southeastern Kentucky so our tests were done trying a line of sight that was somewhat flat over those several miles. It was a fun test. We are coming out with more antenna tests soon!

[@LordGryllwotth]

What Nagoya was beeing used? That should have been in the description.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

nice job good thanks very much

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

Thank you too!

[@sethjenna2561]

I haven't heard of any of them snapping yet. What if I made a stationary repeater in an ammo box and reinforced everything?

[@scotsmith2361]

Also subbed

[@demonlust75]

Try it from mtn peaks

[@iamsemjaza]

I use Splat to map out where line of site is likely to get interrupted. www.qsl.net/kd2bd/splat.html Example video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6SkaaGqh52piqM

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

@Phillip Rhoades Great tool! Thanks for sharing.

[@iamsemjaza]

@@LCARAHAMRadio Figured you might enjoy it. Takes a bit of work to get setup, but it's nice.

[@benollo6547]

Great video guys.