PART 2 GMRS antenna distance test! Smiley, Signal Stick, Nagoya, Wouxun, TIDradio all tested!

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

My actual Amazon Storefront is HERE! amzn.to/49uAefw As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which helps me buy more toys to review for all of you! I'm constantly updating the page. Here are most of the radios and antennas we test for all of you, and as always, I take requests!

[@RandellReeder]

Again .... Thanks for all the work and time you did on this Real World Test. Really do appreciate this.

[@bulldogbrower6732]

Thank goodness, somebody that knows how to test radio range. Thank you sir. You have answered many questions all in one testing session. I hope you do a similar test in a wooded area. Your work is appreciated.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Yes I will definitely be doing a more realistic test very soon!

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Hey bud, I accidentally deleted your comment about the antenna. It is sometimes glued "lightly" and sometimes glued strong. I did a lot of research online, and even Reddit says they are glued on, but people are able to unscrew them with ease sometimes. Mine came right off, and I have also read that as well.

[@cuzofsloth]

Great video on the antenna "fars" test. You've earned my subscription.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Thanks so much Cuz! We all know the "fars" king! I just try to help out as much as possible, because the things I want to know are hard, if not impossible to find on KZbin.

[@nats50]

Hehehe, I have both the Wouxun KG-Q10G and the TidRadio H3 and H8. Those stock antennas perform unexpectedly well on my range tests as well

[@jonathanaldana4941]

Which radio & antenna combo is your favorite?

[@DeepBlueWaves]

Thanks dude, really appreciate you

[@NathanChilton]

Thank you for continuing with part 2!

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Oh man it was fun. Well, I guess Part 3 is in the making now. I have two new antennas (15.5") and I will be doing a more realistic test, with trees and stuff this time.

[@michaelbattin]

@@FirstUnitedTactical so whats your choice

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@@michaelbattin For the long 15"..... definitely Nagoya 771g or Abbree 771 GMRS. (They perform equally) for the short, definitely the Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck. This video is much better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn6viaeVmc5kgJI

[@_RadioMadeEasy]

Very interesting data. You may have better reception on many of them if you hold the radio still and upright for the return trip.

[@NathanChilton]

I was thinking the same thing. At the edge, holding the antenna vertical is important for reception, as well as transmission.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

You're right. I realized it as I was editing the video....

[@_RadioMadeEasy]

@@FirstUnitedTactical always learning, keep on rockin!

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Counterpoise testing next!

[@chrispierce2942]

In the grand scheme of things, the way he's doing it is the way most everyone would use it so that's more of a "real world" test. Kudos

[@robertmeyer4744]

nice part 2. I had the best luck with the Nagoya 771G GMRS . antenna's .The only antenna I found that did better is the 42 in Abbree super long antenna. which is also a dual band and worked great VHF on MURS radios. was hard to use being so long. Nagoya does have a MURS VHF version as well. great for MURS radios. they are VHF 2 watt max. but work great . about the same as FRS radios. I tried many different antenna's . like MFJ as well. for the money Nagoya wins. I use them HAM as well . their is a dule HAM and tri band version of the long 771 . even in wooded area 771G still gets great range. the 42 in Abbree was better but so long and hard to use . for hiking which we do 771G wins.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Awesome! Thanks for letting us know. There are a lot of comments on the 42 Abbree, and I haven't gotten one yet, only because it's not practical around here.

[@gplustree]

I've been very happy with a Nagoya NA-701C for a couple years I spent developing SHTF channel presets ... got a NA-771G and while the performance was excellent, there wasn't enough glue between the connector & housing and it separated within a couple weeks of light use. Right now I have the Abbree 155/462 15" whip on order, as well as the Nagoya tri-band model. I will be testing both. There are a lot of manufacturing tolerance / fit & finish issues with Baofeng, some antennas don't fit some radios etc etc.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

You should check out Part 3 with the orange Abbree 771g! That's a video!

[@gplustree]

@@FirstUnitedTactical I have a tab opened waiting for later, seeing as I have that one in the mail to me now! 😁

[@houseofstylz]

Robert, thanks for the reporting on the 42”…I’m less concerned about practicality & more about distance covered.

[@mattcarolina]

Picked up the h3 it receives better than my h8 with the h3 having a 701g and the h8 having 771g, I don't have a way to tell about transmitting but this is what I have noticed. I figured since it's cheap and small it would work for my kid to play with, he's only 7 so we have a repeater and another channel for him to call me on if we got separated but he's learning and so am i...I guess I'd have to get that Lil unit you have to test them? I do have a roll up wire antenna I can throw up on the side of the garage with it maybe the n9tax it seems to receive great when hung from the edge of the garage roof.. any ideas on me testing other than calling for radio check on our local repeater which fortunately is up on the highest hill anywhere around being we are just outside of uptown Charlotte NC . We sort of have the airport between us and that repeater but we get through. I guess it's pretty flat . I'm thinking the h3 may just be picking up more interference here in the city as the h8 isn't picking some of this noise

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

The H3 is an awesome radio for what you need. I am still shocked at what performance it shows. I keep a Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck on it, and I'm very happy with the setup. If your repeater is on top of a hill, you should be loud and clear with the Smiley, even if there's an airport in between you. It also picks up Air pretty well too. But, I'm honestly shocked at how well the factory TID short antenna does. If it's giving you a little noise, go for the Smiley. Take a look at Part 2 description for the link if you need it! Good luck!!

[@mattcarolina]

@FirstUnitedTactical I've ordered a hyshika 771 gmrs 462-467 mhz .. it's 14.5" according to the listing on amazon .. seems that would be closer to half wave of 70cm not that I know much about it but I have a nagoya 771 and a 771g both being about the same length. So I'm wondering if they may have tuned the generic 771 to gmrs rather than just calling it that but who knows seems your test shows the Nagoya and kn9ck off working about the same.. I dunno other than just talking to someone on the repeater and asking them which sounds better is about as much as I can test it.. seems kinda fishy to me baufeng making the " authentic" and the knock off or abree or whichever Chinese company markets them.. so maybe the 14.5" is closer but hey it's 12$ to try it

[@UnlimitedOptions86]

My Wouxun kg-q10g is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. Looking forward to doing some testing myself after seeing its performance in this vid! Great video!

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Thanks! The q10 is amazing for sure.

[@MissingLinkMTB]

8 months late to this, but other videos I've seen, have the folding antenna folded for GMRS. For whatever reason it seems to help. I keep mine folded in half.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@@MissingLinkMTB I'm not a fan of any tactical folded. The 42" has its height advantage, but watch this video. The Nagoya 771g performs just as well.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aF7MqoVsaLmEhtEsi=93vbCZwP9ScUiAqD

[@elmametzloff3017]

The testing was great. As an engineer, I would like to see the results better summarized at the end. Which is the best antenna (range) for a handheld GMRS?

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Take a look at some of the newer videos, which are more accurate. This one is my favorite and most descriptive: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn6viaeVmc5kgJI But, there are more, including the newest uploaded yesterday. I tell the best of the best in this past video just before the field footage. When it comes to which is the best for gmrs, I love the Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck 465 as a short antenna and the Nagoya 771g for a long. Can't go wrong with those. Get the Smiley antennas here: bettersaferadio.com/smiley-antennas/pro/first and the Nagoya 771g here: Nagoya NA 771G amzn.to/3UjymRw In this last video I uploaded yesterday, the Signal Stuff 440 came out the winner, but it has actually done poorly in the past. It all depends on atmosphere conditions and your terrain. But, I can tell you that Smiley and Nagoya make an awesome antenna, specifically tuned for GMRS, which is what your best bet is!

[@djchenlu9221]

Good morning I have been following your channel for a while now,I would love to see you test out the btech gmrs pro

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Ya know, I almost bought it a while back but didn't because there is no direct channel buttons. You have to hold channel up or down to get to scan through the channels till you find the one you want. I've heard it's a great radio, so, why not! I will get one in and do a solid review and testing on it!

[@stevenkleitsch2038]

I appreciate your work. Thank you

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@stevenkleitsch2038 Thanks Steven! This was an old video also! There's a lot newer antennas and radios in my more current videos!

[@curtisachay8280]

New subscriber here. Been watching the videos and thought the landscape looked like mine. I see you shot this video in McQueeney. I’m out between Marion and McQueeney around Wosnig and Pioneer.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@curtisachay8280 Yeah! I live in McQueeney and most of the field vids I do are at the old dump on 78 and then Santa Clara by the big antennas. My house in the Estates has the base setup 5 and 8 miles away.

[@curtisachay8280]

Dang, we’re neighbors! I used to live across 78 on S. Santa Clara road. Over on two acres now off Wosnig between Swab and Pioneer. I need to get with you on equipment. I’m about to buy radios for my house and my two kids houses over in Seguin in the event something happens to the cell towers. I’d like to be able to reach them and we’re about 9 miles apart. Looking at your set up of H3 and the Nagoya771. What you think?

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@@curtisachay8280 I am working disaster relief in South Carolina for Hurricane Helene for the next month or so, but when I get back we can definately meet up! There's a lot to discuss in person more than "in writing" on what you may need, so I would go easy on purchases until I get back. For now, on a budget, you can't go wrong with a Tidradio H3 and a Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck 465 for the short antenna and also the Nagoya 771g for the extended when you need that extra push and pull. I can guide you on a good base radio also and set up so you can talk way more than 9 miles in our terrain. For now, the Live Oak 550 repeater will be your best communication for approximately 40 miles or so. I can talk on it with a handheld in Mcqueeney and a Smiley 5/8 just fine, and it's roughly 29 miles from my house. Brian (WRKL886) is a genius when it comes to radios, HAM, GMRS, 10m and CB. He is always on 550 (repeater 15, channel 23 on your radio). Make sure your tones are set to 100 ctcss Tx and Rx. There's a ton of new folks jumping on the gmrs bandwagon in SA, so there's always help out there as well. Are you on the SA GMRS fb page? Send me a email and we can communicate that way until I get back: [e-mail] David

[@acjmathis]

Great video. Thanks

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@acjmathis I appreciate it! The more recent ones get better antennas! Thanks again!

[@cHilLy-chEEzdAWg]

MURS or CB video next?

[@rodneytillmon9616]

TIDradio has their own 462-467 GMRS whip antenna that comes in two packs for $12USD, and seems to work amazingly.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Are they actually stamped 462 467 near the base? I haven't seen that! My GMRS H8 came with a "GMRS" antenna, but when flipped over it was stamped 400-470, which isn't exactly tuned for GMRS. It's works well, UT nothing like a Smiley 465...

[@rodneytillmon9616]

@@FirstUnitedTactical No, they have "TIDRADIO TD-771 GMRS" printed around the base (visible when attached to radio) but have nothing on the very bottom, and are actually advertised as 462-468mhz on Amazon.... Though the pictures in the posting show the 144/430 antennas. I have a NanoVNA in transit and will update you with resonance and SWR when I can. You can see from the picture here that they are different than the 144/430's I have multiple of each, and this difference is consistent. drive.google.com/file/d/1GI3DGuJGRsx6vO1mcytmyafekjVHnRbZ/view?usp=drive_link Sent

[@rodneytillmon9616]

@@FirstUnitedTactical I checked their SWR on a NanoVNA-H... I got 4 antennas, and they ranged from 1.2 to 1.5 at 465mhz

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

I have seen them. Let me say that this is an old video and there have been a lot of updates since this one. But, I recently got another H8 GMRS. The short is a 2/70 like normal. The extended ranged that came with it is labeled GMRS, but it's still a 2/70. I guess $12 isn't much to lose, but be aware of that extended GMRS being an actual GMRS tuned antenna. On the underside of yours, near the SMA mount, what is it stamped with? Mine are the normal 136-180 (or so) / 400-440. Does yours say that? I may have gotten a mislabeled antenna, with correct packaging....

[@ronaldgrimmig6659]

I got some HYS 771 antennas and they shocked me compared to some I've used. Been using them on the Quansheng UV-k5 (8). These things talk clearly for miles. Even on GMRS. With my other radios of course 😉

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

I will definitely pick a couple up. I also just got that $8 Abbree orange 771 GMRS 15", and it's blowing me away. 1.1 on the swr meter.... that's better than the Nagoya 771g.

[@ronaldgrimmig6659]

@@FirstUnitedTactical the 2 that shocked me are my base sirio CX-455 and my Nagoya NL-R2 155/460 soft whip I put on my sport UTV off road vehicle. Just WOW 🤯

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@ronaldgrimmig6659 I can only find the 134/440 online. Ebay popped up. Where did u get it, if you remember...

[@ronaldgrimmig6659]

@@FirstUnitedTactical I got it from eBay but can only find it in the kit with the bracket and coax. I plan on ordering another one it's in my cart. Guess I should say it doesn't say Nagoya but it is one.

[@allenlark]

ive had great luck with signal sticks. both sizes close to gmrs. i have another super stick coming in to test with my RA89 which I'm interested in because of its noise cancellation. my h3 is very impressive with the 440 SS and i never really tried anything bigger because i figured it didn't have the ground plane to accommodate a longer antenna but maybe I'm wrong

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@@allenlark The 440 is an awesome little antenna. It performs well on all of my radios, but sometimes it's not the best. However, Signal Stick makes a great antenna. Have you seen the newer videos with the better aftermarket antennas?

[@W5KJD]

Good video and an excellent test. Thank you. 👍

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Thanks and I appreciate it! Did you also see the Part 1?

[@georgehackney2557]

Was hoping you could do a video on the Radtel Rt-470x and antennas. I am new to the game and I got a 470x for a great deal and am really pleased so far

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@georgehackney2557 I only have my GMRS license so I cannot transmit on a HAM radio. I get asked a lot to do different radios, but a lot of them are HAM, and you have to have a Tech license at a minimum to transmit. I only video GMRS at this time.

[@georgehackney2557]

Well i have gotten my GRMS license and now looking into other ht's as i have a uv 5r in my truck on a nagoya 72g magnetic antenna to scan my local frequencies and using the rt470x as a mobile scanner. I am trying to decide between the GM 30 plus and the h3 or h8. Its hard because i dont have a very large budget for this as i am a father of two beautiful girls but really want to get good equipment that will do the job well. Got to say you have become my guide into GMRS as you tell it straight and make it easy to understand and actually put the products to use and for that i am truly grateful to have found your channel. Hope you have an amazing day.​@FirstUnitedTactical

[@gplustree]

would love to see a shootout on *exactly* how well these antennas fit on a number of Baofeng models ... there are well-known problems with some antennas not screwing all the way in on some Baofengs, meaning they need to be sanded or filed down or they have a bigger chance of breaking.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

I have 4 UV5R'S and the only one that has an issue is the Abbree tactical. But, that antenna comes with a rubber washer to absorb the gap, which will prevent the corrosion. I have a ton of aftermarket antennas, and these companies know there are different "depths" fir each radio. They provide washers if it's a common problem. People don't see the tiny washer and throw it out with the packaging. All you really need is the Nagoya 771g for distance and the Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck for 5 miles and in.

[@gplustree]

@@FirstUnitedTactical hey thanks for responding so quickly. My NA-701C antennas just baaaarely fit on my UV-5R and 5X3, they do seat into the lip, and the washer does help, but they screw in 2 turns less than the stock rubber duck. However with the GT-3WP radio, the NA-701C won't seat at all. With the GT-3WP, the NA-771G screwed in juuust enough to get an electrical connection (performance was great) but it was absolutely not seating in the GT-3WP's socket. You could physically wobble it in the socket despite it being screwed in enough to function okay. It's just a little too wide, something that's not a problem with the NA-701Cs. I worry about too much strain being passed to the radio's internals without a good seat like that. I ended up returning the NA-771G despite excellent performance bc the glue between base & connector cracked after 5-6 installs on a radio, took a look and there was very little glue. Nagoyas are usually good, I'm guessing I got a bum one, it happens.

[@gplustree]

And for what it's worth, I'm just gonna carefully sand/file the Nagoyas from here on out and pay close attention to how they fit until they fit just right, they do seem to perform great.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@gplustree I have 5 Nagoya 771g's, and one had horrible SWR's, like in the 4's! Well, the orange Abbree 771 GMRS is the exact same base as the Nagoya 771g. I guess that's questionable. The radios I swap put are the Baofeng UV5R, Greaval UV5R, TIDradio H8 & H3, Wouxun Q10. I don't have any issues with those connections at all. And, other than the Q10, I have at least 2 each of the others. No issues. That's odd because it would be the an issue with the radio base and not the antenna, otherwise a million antennas would have been returned and the issue would have been fixed.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@gplustree may as well! Worst case is you break a $20 antenna... buy another and learn how not to sand the next one!

[@joeschnell5695]

What you should do next is connect one of those portables to your tram 1486 and do those range tests again.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

I was just talking to my wife about the next video being my base station / Surecom repeater with a mobile antenna test. Great minds think alike!

[@agvaquero8361]

I have a variety of these antennas, but not the same radios. What did you find was the best combinations of radio to antenna?

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Well, the Nagoya 771g beats them all. But if you want a shorter antenna, go with the Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck. (Click that link in the description). But, to be honest, if you buy a Wouxun KG-935g, it works awesome out of the box. The Smiley is the best short antenna I have found.

[@agvaquero8361]

I have 3 771g antennas...1 or 2 Smiley versions and I Signal Stick. I "seem to notice" better reception and transmit on the 771g as well. Though for instance, I find that the Signal Stick pulls in the Weather channels best...so I have a radio (cheap UV-5X) set for just the weather station. 771gs on my main HTs (UV5R, Wouxun UV9G and Radioddity GM30). The Smiley's are on my Motorola 1250 and a Wouxun CB HT.

[@Hinman_9124]

30 inch plus tactical whip like we use in the service. im very curious how well they do.

[@jameshall5314]

How high was the other radio antenna at the repeater site?

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@jameshall5314 ground level. It was sitting on top of a truck in a parking lot. Both Part 1 and 2 were that set up. All the others I have done are with a base antenna about 20' higher than me holding the handheld.

[@michaelames6317]

Well done Sir!

[@ccwstraightshooter9761]

Do you know what the Diamond antenna equivalent is to the Nagoya 771G?

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

I don't know from experience. There are some guys on here that do say it's equivalent and a good solid antenna. But you have to make sure you get the correct Diamond, just like anything. Just pay close attention when ordering. Those part numbers are really close.

[@gregorysloat4258]

How come nobody tests Diamond antennas? I find my SRJ77CA (which I bought a long time ago) to be better than the Nagoya, at least for me.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

I keep forgetting about Diamond..... I haven't bought one yet.

[@SterlingStudios]

No link for the baofeng antenna???

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@SterlingStudios It was one of the factory antennas that came in a 5R pack. These first 2 videos were mainly stock antennas I believe. There are many many more videos I've done with different aftermarket antennas. I can tell you that Baofeng and the Abbree 771 "look and sound extremely similar" though! Take a look at the orange Abbree video I did shortly after this one. It says 10.6 miles at the top of the thumbnail and I believe it's an orange colored thumbnail.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@@SterlingStudios (2nd reply). Here's that link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn6viaeVmc5kgJIsi=Ivapy6Fff2XE9pLj

[@DaytonaJim78]

How does the reception compare to the t3 vs the q10

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

The H3 vs the Q10? Barely noticeable difference. I was sitting on the back porch last night with both listening to SAFD. Both radios, same antennas. Both received the same, but there was a very very very minor noise on the H3 compared to the Q10. That FD repeater is almost 30 miles away from me. Both radios were exceptionally clear, and if you didn't have the Q10 to compare it to, you wouldn't hear that minor noise. It's an absolutely unbelievable buy for only $40, and it's a great "truck" or "spare" to throw in a bag because it's so small. If I didn't have the Wouxun and all its glory, the H3 would 100% be my daily carry. (no I do not work for TIDradio, I'm just a normal guy with a channel that likes to play with cool stuff!)

[@DaytonaJim78]

@@FirstUnitedTactical thanks for all the replies I appreciate it! I started Gmrs a few months ago and am hooked lol i have H8 some beofang and a tk-880h and a retivis I can’t help myself but try to find the best receiving mobile and HT antenna combo I live in a heavily 🌲 area and eventually want a repeater I think the wife is going to off me for buying so much stuff! I have also given out 4 h8s to my neighbors! The gmrs community is amazing. Thanks and keep up the amazing work!

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Hey Jim, did you ask me about the Q10g antenna not coming off? I accidentally deleted a comment and I think your name was in there somewhere. Mine came right off, but I have read online that sometimes they are glued on from the factory, and even folks on Reddit say with a strong twist, it will unscrew. Normal SMA M base underneath like every other "normal" radio.

[@DaytonaJim78]

@@FirstUnitedTactical awesome thanks

[@KG-xf9ew]

I know Nagoya is the status symbol antenna to have but at $20 a pop that's pricey when you can by the TidRadio extended range 5 for $15 and get great results. I bought 8 Nagoya's and had to return 4 of them for performance issues and poor tests on the TinySA Ultra.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

If Tid made an extended 15.5 tuned for GMRS it would be perfect. Abbree and Nagoya both make an awesome antenna tuned for GMRS. Take a look at that field video I did. It's only $8.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn6viaeVmc5kgJIsi=7e8oUo4BHMNceFPo

[@KG-xf9ew]

@@FirstUnitedTactical Thank you for your reply and the info!

[@bluenetmarketing]

Which one was the best?

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Nagoya 771g is always a winner, no matter what. But if you want a shorter antenna, then Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck. That was the best that I found in this test. I will be doing one more realistic in a suburban, lightly wooded area soon.

[@garrenacker]

Love to see if 10 watt H8 ‘s improve range vs the 5 watts. And GO TIGERS!!

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

The GMRS version is only 5w, compared to HAM freqs running closer to 10w.

[@michaelbattin]

so you ended up buying a Uv9g can you tell me why? You seem to like Q10g Thank you my name is Michael

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Hey Michael. I love the Q10g, but I'm not a fan of the brick style body it has. Trust me, it will do everything we need it to do, but I wanted a more slimmer body, and the 9GX was the top of the line next to the Q10g.

[@javabeanz8549]

I'm curious, have you tried out different base station antennas? Or can you recommend a video testing them? I have some I want to try, but we have been having high winds as that storm system hit the West Coast, so I am not risking putting any up just yet, and I have a couple more on the way.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

I have to buy all my own gear, and antennas could be upwards to $200 each so I won't be doing that. I can tell you I did a video with a TRAM antenna and it works awesome. Check that one out. I've also heard you can't go wrong with an Ed Fong antenna. Check those out first, because they are good enough for people to brag about. I would stay away from generic antennas for base stations on Amazon. Spend at least $50 and you will be able to talk decently. My Tram 1486 is kick ass.... Watch that video.

[@javabeanz8549]

@@FirstUnitedTactical Thanks! And yes I am having to buy my own as well, and I have a Jet and a Comet that were almost $200, and they were not available on Amazon, had to pick them up on eBay. One of our locals has an Ed Fong antenna, but I am really looking for something with higher gain. I have a Retevis up right now, but again, I want more gain. My brother in law is about 500 yards from me, and his set up has just enough better ears that he can pick out people that are just in the static to me.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@javabeanz8549 if he can pick up better at only 500 yards away, how much taller is his? I bought this mobile antenna for my truck and was absolutely lown away, which can be used as a base also. If it doesn't work well, just send it back! Check out this guy: amzn.to/42ZO1Ys

[@wth_nate]

So I’m a fairly new, I got a baofeng uv5r8 with abree 771 . It’s not doing good at all with my group using midlands from Walmart in under a mile. Suggestions?

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@wth_nate Hmmm. My uv5r8 had a glitch. When I used Chirp to program, I always set the wattage to high, but.... after programming, unplug, and check settings, I saw the the radio would actually get switched to Low! That's huge... the Tidradio H3 is a much better option that Baofeng, and you get many more channels! manually look at your radio wattage settings and make sure they are on high first. If they are, you could have a bad radio, which happens with all these mass produced radios. It happens to me every now and then. But, if you can afford it, get the H3 and you will be happier in the end.

[@mattcarolina]

Did you think the factory tidradio antenna work better than the 701g or as well as?

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

It's better than the 701g.

[@mattcarolina]

My 701 hit the tower clear last night all I have with the h3 is the rubber ducky that came with it... I thought it was picking up a little better but I can't hear what I sound like.. I have the 771g on the h8 but picked up 2 of these h3 to talk to my kid trying to teach him he's only 7 bit knows what channel the repeater is on and we designated a simplex channel to talk on if we can reach each other.. small Lil package for a small guy to carry the 771g is a bit big for him to lug around... is there something better but still small as compared to factory?

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@mattcarolina yes, the Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck. That antenna is shorter than the TID factory and performs great for its size. Keep in mind that the taller antennas will send and receive better. Look at the Part 2 video description for the link.

[@viperchrisz4]

You should try the Abree AR-771C GMRS, seems like it might be a clone of the Nagoya 771G and it's only $8. Be careful though there's another version not for GMRS that has the same model number and is instead for 144/430mhz instead of 155/462mhz

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Dude! I got it a few days ago, and it's the best antenna out of all of them on the swr meter. 1.2 straight out of the package. I can't wait to actually run a range test!

[@viperchrisz4]

@@FirstUnitedTactical awesome! I look forward to seeing your test of it

[@swicked86]

I'm really enjoying my 5RM radio, the quanshang is fun but I'm transmit and receive the 5RM seems much better.

[@ruthlessray2]

So what do you recommend for my baofeng BF-F8HP ? I’m pushing 5watts and I want the best, thank u .

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Nagoya 771G for long distance and a Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck 465 for the short (in town) antenna. I use both religiously! I have a lot of testing videos with different antennas, but I can't video myself using a 8HP because that's a HAM radio, and "not legal" to use that on a GMRS frequency.

[@ruthlessray2]

@@FirstUnitedTactical will the 771g also work in short distance too? Also on my 8hp baofeng ? Thank u for responding

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@ruthlessray2 It works excellent short and long. Some people don't want to run around with a 15" antenna all the time, but it rocks all the way around! This is it: amzn.to/3XFqICa

[@johnanthony6141]

Signal stuff dual band. I find it best on my radios.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

It performs well on GRMS? I talked to the owner at Signal Stuff and he told me if I am strictly GMRS I need the 440. I don't have a dual, but if it works better, I will definitely order one. Let me know! Thanks!

[@johnanthony6141]

@@FirstUnitedTactical I’m not sure if better but works well on my Yaesu’s, unlocked. 😉

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@@johnanthony6141 that's definitely good to hear. I'm still very green and have not bought a Yaesu yet. The way folks talk about them, especially amateur, they are top of the line. Would you say in general they are better than Wouxun?

[@NickWindham]

I doubt the power lines helped in the 7+ mile test

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

You're correct! This was just my second video, and I have learned A LOT since this video! You might find my more recent videos a little more helpful....

[@NickWindham]

@@FirstUnitedTactical Yes sir, I’ve been watching all your recent videos. Thanks for your field testing and for sharing the info with us.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@NickWindham Thanks so much Nick. Within reason I will try to do specific testing requested by viewers, so if there is anything you have a question about, let me know! I'm always up for new challenges!

[@NickWindham]

Tests Cool, I’d really like to see these: 1. Range test for offline text messaging using Btech GMRS Pro with stock antenna vs Nagoya NA-771G 2. Range test for offline text messaging using Digital Mobile Radios. Least expensive DMR vs Most Beginner Friendly DMR 3. Range test for LILYGO T-Echo Meshtastic LoRa using stock antenna vs Amazon listing “915MHz LoRa Antenna Indoor 3dBi Gain Omni SMA Male + IPEX Cable 2 Pcs” 4. If the LILYGO T-Echo has impressive range or if your KZbin view-count is high on the video, do a range test for offline text messaging using RAK Wireless Meshtastic Starter Kit for LoRa

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@NickWindham Hmmmm. Let me start with: I didn't like the GMRS pro, so I sent that back. I don't have my HAM, so I can't do anything cool with a DMR while on video because I would be incriminating myself. I dont have any DMR radios yet anyway because of that. And finally, I don't know what meshtastic is. I've heard of it, but no clue.... I've only been into GMRS since February so I'm still learning myself!

[@RecoilOperated]

bro that Q10G is super clear. the TD-h3 puts up a good show, but the Q10 shows why a Super hetrodyne is king

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@SignalJones Yep, and I just got my hands on the newest one with a brighter screen. I'm running field tests tomorrow!!!! Other than the Wouxuns I have, the H3 is still favorite!

[@RecoilOperated]

@FirstUnitedTactical I've got a couple of H3's, and some Midlands slightly better than bubble packs.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@SignalJones Oh yeah Midland will be a much better quality than budget radios. It, it's crazy how many features the H3's come with. Have you kept up with the firmware updates?

[@RecoilOperated]

@@FirstUnitedTactical I just got them, so no. 😂

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@SignalJones Alright, they are probably updated already. Check the Tidradio.com site and click on H3, then find the software tab. It will tell u the latest version.

[@n7kme]

Just a quick aside here, I added a “rat tail” counterpoise wire to all of my HTs and it made a noticeable difference. Just sayin

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Yes sir. I got a comment yesterday about them. I will be doing that as well, but I wanted to keep this as simple as possible. Plus, that gives me one more video to do, which I really enjoy! Thanks!

[@luish19779]

NICE CHANNEL.... KEEP DOING VIDEOS. NEW SUBSCRIBER 73....

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Hey bud! Have you kept up with the new videos? They are getting much more accurate. Just letting you know if you have missed any.

[@jsunhack]

Wouxun kg805. Has the best tuner because it's so simple. Put it up to the expensive 200 wouxun radio. It will beat it. I dare you to show me it won't be the best.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@@jsunhack Sounds like a fun test! I will pit it in the list!

[@double0783]

You are standing right under a huge RF blocking array of power lines! You couldn't ask for a better back rejection system than those power lines above you! C'mon man!

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@double0783 That was my 2nd video ever. I've learned a lot by thousands of comments on the 1st and 2nd. There's videos since then that are much better. In fact, I had to turn off the comments on the 1st one they were so bad! We all learn.

[@double0783]

@@FirstUnitedTactical Yes! We all learn as we go. That's a great attitude. On the positive side. I would not have guessed it was only your 2nd video. You did an amazing job in that regard. Well spoken, well produced. I know it's not easy to make good videos and you nailed it! Just look up next time and you've got this....lol

[@juanbait9670]

In each and every test you did you keep changing the antennas polarity in the middle of the test. And your testing from slightly diffrent positions and directions while testing. Each spot and position change your radios performance, one spot you can have a signal, and one foot away you can loose the signal. The short range tests antenna polarity isnt as big of a problem, but the further you go the more important it is. You cant transmit vertically, and then instantly turn your radio sideways and expect the return signal to work properly. Otherwise decent job.

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

I am aware of the vertical issue, but what do you mean by "different positions"? The base radio was stationary and I was the one moving down the road, therefore I had to be moving positions. Thanks for the advice!

[@juanbait9670]

@@FirstUnitedTactical i already gave you the clue, antenna polarity.... Your transmitting vertically, and then instantly turning the radio horizontal for the reception from back from your vertical base radio...

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@juanbait9670 yes, I've already been made aware, and I honestly didn't realize it until I was editing. Thanks

[@juanbait9670]

@@FirstUnitedTactical a little research goes a long way and should be a priority before creating content that influences people with incorrect methods. 🤡🌎 is getting chaotic and people are trying to prepare for it, they need solid information not some halfassed content that generated you a few clicks. Sorry if i seem like a jerk, but this can get people hurt in a emergency where they may be trying to use a radio incorrectly.