Sigma Venom High Gain Silver Rod CB Radio Base Antenna

Mrs. Mower Junkie, and Kate in England helped Me test a new antenna.
stick around until the end of the video, I had a lot of fun testing this one.
Check out Kate's KZbin channel, She has a lot of great skip videos.
/ @kateceradiodx

[@redogman67]

This is so cool that CB can reach so far, I think if more people knew about it, it would be more popular. working on getting my setup so I can join in!

[@dan4315]

It’s called propagation nothing really to do with the radio itself. Without it range would be within 20 miles.

[@KATECERadioDX]

What an awesome video John ..💥⚡️ Was so cool to talk with Barbara she has an awesome Radio voice…🎙🎶 So lucky to catch you on the test run, vertical aerial to vertical was quite impressive, and not forgetting the old school Washington’s meeting on the air for the first time… 🇺🇸💥🥂💥🇬🇧 Also forgot to mention there is quite a lot of Coax from the aerial to the house roughly about 150 foot .. ⚡️😄 Will be listening out for you guys.. your friend, Kate in Canterbury 🇬🇧

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks Kate, We enjoyed the contact with You. And the videos that You sent Me were absolutely perfect. Take care Kate, 73's from 268 + 151 SC.

[@electricbloke]

I came for the antenna, but I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed the copy with Kate, a fellow Brit, it was really nice, and had me smiling like a Cheshire cat 😊 Well done, the pair of you!

[@bigchief9129]

I love your videos. They're wholesome, concise and no gimmicks. As real as a video can be. Thanks to you and the Mrs.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks so much

[@cbradioghosttalk1986]

Great Video John, I don't have one but thought about it. Nice radio also. Thanks for sharing as always. I am in the process of taking down my Siro 5/8th ground plane and putting up a new Siro Astro Plane. Most of the skip contacts are on my Siro A-400 so I will have two of my favorite on the poles. CB and 11 meters are dead in my area but the skip isn't. Talked to Austria and Slovakia yesterday and a few others. Great contact with Kate. Best wishes John and family. 73s NY202 Drew

[@jarhead420WNC]

I just put up a new one today myself I put up the sirio vector 4000 7/8 wave using Andrews 1/2 inch heliax coax and tested my swrs and the needle wouldn't even move after calibration and man what a set of ears hope it works as good as yours did now to get it up 60 ft on the tower tomorrow before any rain comes

[@ericdee6802]

I agree, the Silver Rod sounded much clearer. Great video, ill take an aluminum built base antenna over a anything else on the market. Thanks for sharing MJ!🇺🇸👍✌

[@DK5ONV]

This Antenna is 59.-bucks here in Germany. Seems to work well for you, John. Happy Easter into SC de YFUG in southwest Germany 💯🍻🙋‍♂

[@spaceflight1019]

I have a genuine Hy-Gain catalog from 1976. The SilverRod (that's how the catalog spells it) was rated at 3.8 dB of gain and 500 watts power capability. It also has a DC ground to drain static off. I use an A/S Super Magnum 1/2 wave. Nothing beats aluminum.

[@MowerJunkie]

very cool, Thanks for the info. this new version is rated at 4.2 db gain, and 1000 watt power handling. Hang onto that A/S super Magnum, You'll probably never find another like it. Thanks for watching, Take care.

[@727Md-The-Eastside-Duck]

@Jeremy Nottingham I just bought a 5/8 on eBay via the United Kingdom for $98.44 or roughly 75 1/2 quid for anyone from that side of the Atlantic 😂

[@spaceflight1019]

@@MowerJunkie , I actually have two of them. Here's a little antenna history...the first-generation Super Magnum M-117 was an upgrade to the original M-81 Magnum 27, which itself was derived from the ASP-350 commercial base antenna, often seen on fire houses. The M-81 was a 1/2 wave with 54" radials. When the M-117 was introduced, it featured the famous "Stati-Lite Ball" static dissipator and one-piece 102" radials. It also came with a design flaw: no drain holes in the coil cover. A year later they made the radials two-piece which reduced the stress on the mounting bracket and enabled shipping of the entire antenna in one box. They also redesigned the coil cover and included a drain hole. They sold an upgrade kit to change your Magnum into a Super Magnum that consists of the new radials and top section. They are rated for 350 watts max. In 1971 we drove to Florida for vacation. It seemed like Super Magnums were everywhere. Here in Pittsburgh the CLR2 was king. I used to rescue abandoned antennas but they're all gone now.

[@spaceflight1019]

Here's some interesting Hy-Gain history... Until the mid-70s, the FCC antenna height limit was 20 feet "above the supporting structure". For most people this meant their house. Towers were verboten, even if they were physically attached to the house. Pipes were okay, strangely enough. Until the advent of the 22.5' foot Penetrator in 1972, the longest antenna was Hy-Gain's 19' 10" CLR2. The original Colinear was 19' but had design flaws, namely the mounting bracket and lack of a DC ground. This led to the redesigned CLR2 being released in 1964. It featured a much stronger mounting bracket and a "solid-state PC board" matching network. Now... The Colinear and CLR2 both had versions with four radials. The Colinear featured an exposed hairpin matching system. When Hy-Gain designed the Penetrator they combined the original matching network with the new mounting bracket and lengthened the antenna to improve performance. Due to its popularity, the FCC was forced to revise the antenna height regulations to reflect reality. It wasn't possible to mount the antenna three feet lower than the chimney, then the most common place to mount a CB antenna. Hy-Gain revised the Colinear mounting bracket twice and added a DC ground before giving up in 1964.

[@727Md-The-Eastside-Duck]

@@spaceflight1019 I used to have a pretty good hobby/side gig pulling down abandoned cb/hamature antennas,cleaning them up,rebuilding them and reselling on eBay. But like you said they are all gone now. If I’d have known that the supply would have been exhausted I’d had saved a couple of the rarer ones for my own personal collection.

[@hydrocrab74]

Great video . Perfect timing for Katie to be on.

[@hfvhf987]

Funny how your 1st contact with your British aerial was straight into the UK with Kate haha 😀 nice one!

[@timothyjones4950]

Can't believe kate never heard of the silver rod. I live 20 miles from Birmingham where they are made, and have two on my property, not the ones with the radials though. I have used other antennas alsi, but always go back to the sigma venom silver rod. To get the best life from those antennas, you grease the screw in the bottom so it doesn't corrode as they do quite quickly, sometimes necessary to widen the slots so the hose clamps can squeeze the sections properly, and I take the joints up to stop them from filling with water. Often the water has no effect to be honest, but better to be safe. Normally cover around 2 mhz with a sensible swr. The 5/8 version is very temperamental, suffers with common mode current on the feeder unless you choke it off, and only gives a low swr on the right length of poles, but again gives a wide band and maybe a slightly quieter rx. My current ones are half wave. When put together right, they normally last a decade or so. Best regards Tim 26HT 325 Warwickshire England.

[@int4d]

Sigma makes good stuff. When I had my base back in the 70's I had a 5/8 wave up 58 feet to the tip. Left 2 feet to play it safe and stay under the 60 foot max. Didn't want Uncle Charlie knocking on my door. I presume those rules are the same. As far as lightning I never had a problem and I'm in Texas. Lightning central. I had my extension mast 1 ft in the ground plus I drove rebar down 3 ft and connected that to the mast and I also ran some welding cable from the mast to an outside plumbing fixture that was underground so never had a problem. If I knew a big storm was coming through I would disconnect the RG8 cable from my transfer box in the house And let the metal end sit on a concrete floor. Had a five element vertical beam up 30 ft for a while but it was just too much maintenance work for what you got back. Tried it horizontal for a while but that's pointless on CB band. Between you and Wagon Master I'm really getting the bug to build another base station. Do miss those skip days. Had skip cards all over my Radio shack from everywhere. Enjoy your channel buddy. Lot of fun memories. Alpha Delta 8056 North Central Texas we are QRT and standing by. 👍

[@MowerJunkie]

That's awesome! You really should put together another base setup, Skip has really been picking up, and for the next couple of years....it's just going to better and better. Take care 8056, 73's from 151 SC.

[@int4d]

@@MowerJunkie Yeah I've got the fever again. I need to find a way to put up a discreet antenna. Maybe in the attic. Not like the old days when you could see three antennas in one direction or another wherever you were. It was just normal.. For security reasons now around here you don't want to advertise. That's the main thing that's stopped me so far. Attic antennas just don't perform. I'm still researching a work around. Those antennas are really solid though. I had mine up for years. Once some kind of a large bird hit my antenna at full speed and bent one of the sections a little bit. My SWR's suddenly changed a little. I went outside to look and the top third of the antenna was leaning over about 30 °. I took it down pulled the section out that was bent and ordered a new one and they shipped me one. Never found the bird but I'm sure it died. Also those sections after a couple of years tend to oxidize at each joint and it starts making a contact problem. You have to take it down take it apart clean everything up with some steel wool put it back together and you're good. I tried putting some thermal paste on it to stop it from oxidizing. If you'd like some advice from the '70s don't do that. After about a year it turns into hard crusty gorilla glue out in the weather and you can't get the sections apart. I just used steel wool after that fiasco. 😂

[@garthwilson231]

Excellent antenna. Awesome trip to England. Congratulations

[@CoHamGuy]

really cool video, lots of fun they caught the recording on their end over in the UK. been enjoying many of your videos. I'm in the market for a CB antenna.

[@jphdg]

Great contact and great video. Glad that antenna is performing really great. Hopefully a great performer for many years to come.

[@johnnorman7708]

Great test and video. Kate sounds like I'm listening to a Dr. Who soundtrack. This was absolutely great.

[@indianachrisUDX1313]

How awesome was that! Getting a Contact from England when trying out the Silver Rod!

[@jasonwoods4811]

Awesome video, nice to hear and see us lot in England getting out to you guys across the pond, I'm only on the UK 40 well soon anyway, once my radio gets looked at, hope you more fun :D

[@technic7762]

The 5/8 wave high gain silver rod was the 1st Homebase antenna i put on the roof back in the early 90s my parents and neighbours were not to pleased when they seen it lol but hay i had a great signal .So many antennas to choose from these days the silver rod and the old thunder pole what was a similar design to the sirio starduster those were two most used back in the day that i could hear on the air .Its great that you can still go into a store or online and but a brand-new silver rod

[@hfvhf987]

Silver rods in both 1/2wl and 5/8wl have been the go-to aerial in the UK for decades. They are immensely popular. I have the 1/2 without radials myself. Didn't see the point in the radials when they're that short.

[@buddhistsympathizer1136]

You are right - In my opinion, those short radials are entirely cosmetic. They don't 'DO' anything. These type of antenna do not have, and do not need radials.

[@ashevillestorys837]

Which ones do better there the half or 5/8 wave and which do you prefer and why

[@timothyjones4950]

I will answer that if that's ok. Used these for years, I have had other antennas, always come back to and recommend these. In particular the sigma venom. It depends on your requirements from the antenna. I find the halfwave immensely reliable, dependable simple to erect and tune, usually no adjustments necessary. The 5/8 suffer with common mode in the feeder, so you have to form a choke under the antenna to stop that, then they often only give an swr of around 1.6 or 1.7 unless they are on the right length of pole. However, should you crack those problems, you are normally rewarded for your efforts with an swr if around 1.3, and they tend to be quieter hash side on RX of you are in an area that suffers with electrical noise. I normally set the length of the 5/8 to 19'6" . And the halfwave as it comes, paying attention to make sure the sections are sufficiently overlapping. I have mentioned other things elswhere regarding installation for long term use. Overall a good value for money antenna with at least as good performance as an antron 99. And the bonus is you can repair the venom. Best regards, Tim HT Warwickshire England.

[@ericdee6802]

If your not using the antenna for skip purposes then radials (artificial ground plane) isnt really necessary, but if your shooting skip, having ground radials will keep your signal low to the Horizon (low take off angle) which is the way to go.

[@mr.stonerUDX714]

short???? lol mine is 17 feet tall

[@rocketc..968roscoeoscarcha5]

They look like a great performer and that Washington one of my favorite radios

[@donl1846]

I always enjoy your antenna test videos 151 and agree the Sigma had a bit more punch to it. Thanks again and to Mrs. Mower Junkie. I hope to see you test a 5/8 ground plane one day. 73 to you both.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks for watching, 73's from 268 + 151 SC.

[@Brenda-jf2pe]

John love your videos! I am going to put up a Sigma Comm. 360 HF with the 1 kw un un this spring with Ken wood 520s ,Armstrong 811 amp. Cannot wait to get on 20 meters AND I STILL LOVE 11 Meters. JohnBoyUtah. 11 meters is with IMAX 2000 , with 102 inch Fiberglass whip on top. Will be listening for you on 38 lower WR-038 SLC,Utah . 🎙👍🏻🇺🇸

[@alanchatfield4271]

My 1/2 wave s rod is still in action and is 30 years old, was my 1st antenna, I also have had two 5/8th wave and am still using the one and sold the other,, also have an original k40 on a magnet

[@billmyers262]

Love your videos I got the same antenna heavy duty 5/8 wave last fall still in box putting her up this spring

[@paulshaw4542]

Hi John great seeing the review on the Sigma venom 5/8 ...i Run the sigma Venom 5/8 with no ground radials here in Australia .I'm impressed with mine ....did a comparison with a sirio 2016 ...the sigma 5/8 performed better .... Anyway great video cheers

[@franciscosantos560]

I love your channel. Good job!

[@MM0IMC]

I've had a couple of Sigma-Eurocomm Silver rods. I've found that the soldering inside the transformer coil isn't the best, often needing to be resoldered with good quality lead/tin solder.

[@mancavestudiosnc]

Excellent 151. Good comparison on the antenna’s and I love those Washington radio’s . 73s 406 caveman.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks for watching! Take care 406, 73's

[@foxman362]

Nice setup good radio.

[@albshore8]

It's beautiful...but on the garage a scary lighting rod. It's cool that you talk to Kate again on a radio test. 73 Stay Safe 556 Night raider NJ said that..

[@MowerJunkie]

I know it, but this antenna is a lot less of an attractant than the last antenna I had up there. Take care 556, Thanks for watching.

[@spaceflight1019]

Everything is a lightning rod! Rainwater is conductive, but ice and snow aren't.

[@dobermanguy9437]

Your lucky your wife helps you out my wife never wants to get on the radio sometimes I want to see how my Bass Station sounds when I'm in the car but she will not get on the radio

[@edgarbrown5292]

Awesome antenna mower junkie 73’s

[@benhowe5506]

Hi John my name is Ben im a new subscriber from the east coast of Australia N.S.W about 1hr north of Sydney on the Central Coast, I love your content and I feel very passionate about radios and everything that goes with it. The radio used to be my life and i had a great base station and mobile set up but then life happened and I got married and had a son and unfortunately haven't been on for years now but I still have my old gear and since seeing your channel makes me want to set it up again. I just need a new base antenna.

[@MowerJunkie]

That's great! I hope You get all of Your old gear back up and running soon.

[@JoeR203]

1. You're welcome for the McKinley. 2. That Anytone sure sticks out of your dash. 😉 3. Is the antenna on the Jeep a Predator 10K? I was looking at those antennae with the coils. 4. There's a house for sale in Dalzell. If I get it, I can help with the range tests. You won't have to leave the Mrs. at home. I'll be 13 miles away.

[@MowerJunkie]

lol, Yup the anytone is a little out there. I'm not sure what the make of My mobile antenna is, it does not have any markings on it. Nice, 13 miles would be an awesome distance for testing, I hope You can get it. Send Me an email with the address, so I can take a look at Your potential new home. Take care Joe, 73's

[@JoeR203]

@@MowerJunkie I sent one with a question about an antenna (before I saw this video). I'll send an email with a link to the house. I'm wondering if it has water damage/mold. In the bedroom pics and the living room, there's some discoloration at the top of the wall near the ceiling.

[@ronleblanc9832]

Nice setup good video

[@anthonyeack2510]

Great video John

[@duaneshuster6366]

This a great test along with the U.K. contact video footage. Looks l8ke washington is everyone"s favorite.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks, the Washington has always been my favorite radio. Take care, 73's

[@done7352]

Nice antenna. I’m thinking about getting one. Take care Mower Junkie UDX 151. Ken UDX 133

[@MowerJunkie]

Nice! I've only had this one up for a couple of days, But so far I think it is really worth the $97 it cost Me. Take care UDX-133, 73's from UDX-151 SC.

[@done7352]

Great contact with Kate in England. I give you A baD time with her. Probably I’m jealous. Take care. Hopefully talk to you soon. 133 Pismo Beach California

[@zing913945]

Great video ! How does the silver rod do in a strong wind ?

[@1975adam]

I know this post is a year old bear with me please..I have been out of cbs since the 2000s thinking on a comeback dont wanna do the a 99 fiberglass boooo...this looks like the way to go btw watched all your videos you are really helping with my choices thank you

[@rolfsblog]

Looks like a good antenna! This is the same one i got yesterday (may 24)

[@MowerJunkie]

Awesome! enjoy Your new antenna. 73's from 151 SC.

[@TRIPPLEJAY00]

I have the very same antenna, wonderful bit of kit. Do you know if I could modify the elements to make the antenna better? If so any suggestions. Thank you Brother from across the pond.

[@MowerJunkie]

Honestly, I can't think of anything that needs to be modified. Sigma did an awesome job with both, the design and the build. I'm sure I will be enjoying this antenna for many years to come. Take care, Thanks for watching.

[@creekrunner2078]

Wow thx to Kate for sensitization footage awesome show

[@creekrunner2078]

Sending

[@trackpackgt877]

are them antennas hard to tune for a good swr? How does it tune does it have the tuning rings or how do you tune it I'm buying one of these and just wondering?

[@jasonodette8607]

Love them cb days ! It was my gate to discover Ham Radio. That way every day i can talk across the pond .How much power are you running?

[@godovermoney1124]

GOOD-LOOKING STICK

[@kevinblair191]

Good video Sir! Just got my own home base station up and running. Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB using 2 5ft firestiks. Can hear skip all over the US but not able to get across to anyone. Do you think I need an amp and if so what type would you recommend or do I just need to get one of the antennas in your video? Thanks to you and the Misses for all your videos.

[@MowerJunkie]

A good antenna is the trick to getting a lot of contacts. Thanks for watching, Take care.

[@MM0IMC]

You've got to be careful with the power handling, as I've seen the high gain version of this antenna flash over at about 300W or so. That was from the aluminium tubing, through to the radials via the plastic collar on the bracket.

[@francismcclaughry9851]

god match yEA BUT WHAT WILL IT DO ON AM?

[@wilsonrobertofigueira9047]

Very good mover congratulation

[@americaswayout4489]

how is the metal thickness? I have thought of getting two of them, and co-phase them. The way my home sets would point right into the EU and UK, so they might make a good extra 3 DB gain antenna. It appears to be broad-banded enough so it might work. I have been hesitant to buy the pair not knowing if they would do OK in our Florida winds? If you could compare the metal strength with maybe your old Mag mount you did an earlier video of it might help me decide?

[@MowerJunkie]

They don't compare at all to the old Mighty Magnum antenna, But I think it will do well in a storm.

[@americaswayout4489]

@@MowerJunkie I didn't expect it to be a very heavy gage. Thank for your reply !!

[@DAL1989]

Love watching your videos John.. very informative.. I am thinking strongly about buying one of these antennas.. I was wondering what your thoughts were in comparison to the A99..I am torn between the two.. any advice is greatly appreciated.. Thanks very much 73's.. EC587 Nova Scotia.

[@MowerJunkie]

I would choose an A99.

[@brianjennings5969]

I'm having trouble getting my 1/2 wave sigma venom tuned in. Swr is a little higher than I'd like. Can you tell me what the total length of yours was so I have a reference?

[@OldSgtsMaj52]

Awesome Video! Well worth the watch. Can you offer any advice on the installation of a vertical fiberglass antenna being installed on the leading edge of a metal roof at the peak?

[@MowerJunkie]

Thank You. I can think of a few options for Your install. You could use wall brackets or eave brackets and a 10 foot fence rail pipe. either one would hold it well. Good luck with Your install, Take care.

[@spaceflight1019]

Use black iron pipe to hold your antenna up, long enough to go from the ground to the roof, and use an eave mount to locate the pipe. That way the pipe holds the vertical weight and with the eave mount U bolts left loose the eave mount only has to deal with sideways wind loading.

[@OldSgtsMaj52]

@@MowerJunkie Thanks for your response. I am looking at making my Eave bracing with Uni-Strut and 2" Minerlack brackets. I have a ground mount system that will allow me to raise/lower the the 2" Rigid metal conduit pipe that I will be using for a mast. I am looking at a Solarcon Max Optimizer Vertical Antenna. I had read that placing the antenna coax connection with-in 4-6" of the peak of the Tin Roof to create a ground plane but I didn't know if that was accurate or not. I do appreciate the input as you seem to be the Wizard of Antenna Engineering... Even if it is South Carolina Engineering.

[@OldSgtsMaj52]

@@spaceflight1019 I like the idea of the black pipe. I have already purchased three 10' sections of 2" Rigid EMT so I will be picking up another 10' piece.

[@OldSgtsMaj52]

@Jeremy Nottingham I have like 29' from the ground to where the Eave meets the peak of the Tin roof... Would 5' above the peak be sufficient or would 7' be more better?

[@richardsaunders2464]

Another awesome video. What type of coax are you using for your antennas? Keep them coming.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks, I have 50 feet or less of RG-8/X on both of My base antennas.

[@stevevictor1586]

With is an “any tone’ ?

[@waynedoomad2573]

Great setup what size coaxial cable , how much coaxial cable used

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks, I have just under 50 feet of RG-8/X coax on this antenna. Take care, 73's

[@thomaswarmouth2551]

This will be my first base station antenna you have any history on this antenna

[@johnnyphillips9735]

Good video mr and mrs mower junkie hillbilly in the bam waving

[@RT038]

Nice antenna and video do you know what arial Kate is using in the UK

[@MowerJunkie]

I think Kate is running a Sirio 2008. Take care, Thanks for watching.

[@donlankford4315]

??? I bought the sigma silver rod 1/2 wave .. it doesn't have the ground plain radials like the 5/8 has..is it possible to add them to my antenna.. or will it even help.. ? Ty

[@donlankford4315]

My antenna didn't come with them..

[@MowerJunkie]

the high gain model has a different coil at the base of the antenna, if you add the radials to a regular silver rod it most likely will not tune, and the SWR would be high. Thanks for watching, Take care.

[@donlankford4315]

@@MowerJunkie ty vm

[@Iheartmyson]

Did you seal the antenna ? I dont see anyone using self fusing tape over these big cuts at the joints. I just got mine in. And this will catch rain inside very easy. These " jubilee clips" make it very bumpy to put tape around. But here we have lots of rain (Holland) and without sealing this antenna will be filled with rain / moist very quickly. Obviously ruining the swr. Did you seal it? Love your videos .

[@MowerJunkie]

Most of the antennas I put up don't stay up for long, If I was going to keep one in the air for a while, I would seal it.

[@tonyraposo5206]

In your mind what is a better antenna Maco 5/8, 99, Imax 2000, the new maximizer or Sigma Venom 5/8

[@MowerJunkie]

imo the Maco v-58 is definitely the best performing antenna that you listed. but an A-99 or an I-Max are the easiest to setup.

[@apartmentamaturen2dbi176]

Awesome

[@FelixLantiguaCamacho]

Is that antenna any good? I have a Sirio Balcony (same as Sirio Boomerang). I live in an apt. complex, I got apt management permission, in fact my antenna has about 1 year and a half, 40 feet up, I can do talk to Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico right now, can`t go to other us states. I am at North Florida. I want to change my antenna for something better, I don`t want to use fiber glass material because I had one and whips as hell on storms.

[@MowerJunkie]

The Silver rod antenna is okay. in all my testing, it seemed to do about the same as an Antron 99. I don't think you would see any improvement over the sirio you have. Thanks for watching, Enjoy the hobby.

[@FelixLantiguaCamacho]

@@MowerJunkie So, that means, buying the Sigma Venom could be a waste of money? I thought it would not. Interesting

[@leos9865]

Very cool

[@ashevillestorys837]

What made you get the 5/8 wave instead of the half wave tuning or is the 5/8 easier to tune or just bigger is better? Idk please tell me

[@MowerJunkie]

This is a Half wave silver rod. I did not buy the 5/8.

[@ashevillestorys837]

I have the 5/8 wave one and I'm telling you it's the best all directional antenna I've ever had it's about 48-50 to the bottom where the coax hooks to the antenna

[@john411ize]

I’m interested in buying one of these, what do you think the comparison is to the A99 ?

[@MowerJunkie]

it seems to perform about the same as an A-99. both are good basic antennas, and easy to setup too.

[@mattkennedy7504]

My dad and I both have the Tram 1499 a mile apart about 25ft off the ground and flat terrain. We can't seem to reach each other. Any thoughts?

[@amdgamer1990]

Tram 1499 - junk

[@GroundControl204]

They are decent antennas, better off with the SPT 500 though. 73

[@MowerJunkie]

this antenna was not up for long, But I had to try it.

[@GroundControl204]

@@MowerJunkie Nothing wrong with that, it’s all part of the hobby… Test and experiment but number one thing is to have fun while doing so. 73🤙🏻

[@davidchaplin7023]

Sirio 827 all day long

[@walterh7373]

hi i recently installed the Silver rod antenna. as a habbit when ever i run a coax or set up an antenna i check it with a ohm meter. this is the first Base station antenna i ever set up normally i set up basic mobile antennas like firestick's. i never have any ohm reading from the antenna to ground. MY question is with the silver rod are you suposed to read any ohm reading at the so239 connector at the base of the antenna between the center pin to the side of the threads. im reading on my silver rod 0.1 ohms (to me a dead short) or is this normal. i emailed Sigma and i got no reply back. is it possible you can do a ohm reading for me on your silver rod.

[@MowerJunkie]

On antennas like the Silver rod, Antron 99, Imax 2000 and most other vertical Base antennas the element is DC grounded. Only worry if you don't see any resistance at the connector.

[@walterh7373]

ok thank you!!!! @@MowerJunkie

[@scottmull5036]

How do you like this antenna? I just purchased a really nice 2 button President Washington that according to the seller and pictures hasn't been tampered with. No extra switches or anything added that I can tell. By his description, it's 100% stock. I've been wanting a Washington for a long time and, now I need a good antenna to go with it. So, is a Silver Rod a good choice or, do you recommend something else? Also, I noticed in several videos, you run a little power with your Washingtons, did you have to lower the dead key? I really don't want to mess with anything on this radio. What kind of amp would you suggest? I was looking into the Rm Italy amps, they seem fairly decent and affordable but, you can't put a lot of dead key into them. Thanks! Good job on the videos! I really enjoy them. Keep up the good work!

[@MowerJunkie]

This antenna is good and cheap, But I think You could do a lot better, for only little bit more money. if you want a basic antenna, try an antron 99, or a tram 1498, If want better performance try a 5/8 wave ground plane, or a beam. my Washington puts out 5 watts on AM, and 20 watts on SSB and it works very well with my Palomar amps. Good luck with Your station, I hope to hear you on the air. 73's

[@thomaswarmouth2551]

Kate's antenna looks a whole lot like the one I just purchased

[@SoonDumpingAllGmailAccounts]

*_How do you like it's performance compared with a full 22' 2" metal 5/8 wave with full-size ¼ wave radials?_*

[@SoonDumpingAllGmailAccounts]

Did you drive forward and back at least a ½ wave directly in line with the direction toward your base - to find the mobile sweet spot for each antenna?

[@SoonDumpingAllGmailAccounts]

Also, I believe VR-10 is your Uniden Washington transmit meter adjustment.

[@shawnjensen1]

i have the 5/8 version of this antenna, do you think it will work as well as the 1/2 wave ?

[@MowerJunkie]

It should work as well, or better. Thanks for watching.

[@shawnjensen1]

@@MowerJunkie I love your videos thanks for the information.

[@ssautospec]

Hey John first time viewer I just bought up an estate of cb equipment and could use some help with some things is there a way i can get in touch with you better and could maybe need some help with building or getting me a good base antenna.. One of the radios i got was a mint condition Dak X with manuals and all...

[@MowerJunkie]

Send Me an email with Your questions. [e-mail]

[@Romin.777]

And it's not an expensive antenna too. :))

[@mpedward2007]

hhmmm.../would this be better to get rather then an imax? cause i gotta get a new antenna..

[@MowerJunkie]

I would choose this antenna over an I-max. It's a little more work to put together, But it's half the price of an I-max.

[@mpedward2007]

@@MowerJunkie ok kool ill look into then thanx

[@rondellschuyler7074]

I am learning aluminum antennaes are better than copper wound antennaes covered in plastic or fiberglass.

[@zeproo]

What is that mobile antenna ? Never seen that.

[@MowerJunkie]

the antenna is made up of parts I had around my shop, I think the coil was made by Browning antennas.

[@zukispur5493]

For the price (£35 here in the UK) you can't go wrong

[@2e0fjjvlogs32]

On you're 10 Mile test you should of also tried AM and FM as well.

[@MowerJunkie]

I only operate on SSB, So I did not feel the need to test elsewhere. Thanks for watching, Take care.

[@omrodo]

is this antenna dc ground ?

[@MowerJunkie]

Yes. it is DC grounded.

[@stevevictor1586]

What mobile radio is that.

[@MowerJunkie]

The radio in My car is an Anytone 5555n. Thanks for watching, Take care.

[@sleeve8651]

You forgot to show how well your Wife could hear you from the mobile, like you have on your other videos ?

[@markdobek2307]

U need to test on AM for a more accurate test because of a AM carrier ssb is audio plus u moved making a change in ur recieve

[@anamerican481]

Can you still get this antenna 📡

[@MowerJunkie]

Yes, You can. 73's

[@ashevillestorys837]

I know your a lsb man but one day come down to 25.915 when your having some short skip I don't know how far you are from me but I'm in asheville nc I have a sigma 5/8 and to the base of the antenna where the coax hooks up to is 51 feel to the bottom I live in a holler in the mountains so I'm lower that anyone else around here but still get out good but come down to 26.915 sometime I'll be listing all morning holler for me wildman wnc

[@MowerJunkie]

The next time I have a radio setup that will go down to 26.915, I'll give you a shout. I currently only have 40 channel radios setup. Thanks for watching, Take care.

[@thomaswarmouth2551]

John just purchase a siri 827 base station made in Italy waiting for two months

[@MowerJunkie]

Wow, That sucks. I hope You get it soon. I paid for this antenna on a Saturday, and it was here on Tuesday. All the way from England in just 3 days.

[@thomaswarmouth2551]

@@MowerJunkie I don't understand why does why does it suck or because the antenna I have purchased

[@thomaswarmouth2551]

@@MowerJunkie I do have the antenna you in hand now are you saying that I may have purchased the wrong antenna

[@MowerJunkie]

@@thomaswarmouth2551 No, I thought you said your antenna had not arrived yet. I thought you were still waiting for it.

[@thomaswarmouth2551]

@@MowerJunkie I have received the antenna I would like to know what you think about it and what you know about its history

[@VicGreenBitcoin]

The resistance of the antenna seems to be totally wrong

[@snippits75]

He said during the video that the resistance meter was not working right.

[@VicGreenBitcoin]

@@snippits75 Is that so? I missed that part, my bad. However can we be sure the other meter is correct? I suggest replace the meter, cheap replacement seen on eBay

[@snippits75]

@@VicGreenBitcoin Yes right at the first of the video...at the :37 second mark.

[@OldSgtsMaj52]

@Mower Junkie... "My two favorite ladies helped me test it"... Your Spoiled!

[@pzdiv28]

I have the VENOM 1 , put a heater behind your breath and let 's talk across the Atlantic ! between the USA and Hungary, the VENOM can handle 1000 watts of power, get in there old radio operator

[@mr.stonerUDX714]

never ever ever trust the radios swr meter

[@hamster1968]

The mod was better on the silver rod

[@INTHEMIX74]

junk antenna ...made out of thin alumunim bent after 5 months in the air in australia here

[@mr.stonerUDX714]

tram antenna is garbage

[@86casimir]

Hello dear Om I found your videos great so I subscribed. I already have a 1/2 wave VENOM at the QRA and I'm very happy with it. But after your video on the 5/8th, I'm going to buy the same lol and in addition it seems to me a very good value for money. The Good 73's. Joel/14FRS3483