TESTED! TWAYRDIO Loop, Nagoya, Diamond, Signal Stick Ham Radio Antennas

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

YES!! I already tested the #ABBREE Your Favorite HT Radio Antennas Transmit Tested & QuirkQRP ZipTenna! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep7JZ2qurpxqeMU

[@Ardren]

Gah, how did I miss that. Watching now 🙂

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for the shout out. I love this style of video!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nicely done checking out that loop!

[@59radio22]

Yea tried out that loop, also had bad swr on antenna analyzer.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@59radio22 I saw your video on it. Great Job checking it out. Its good to have some backup when something like this happens.

[@59radio22]

@@temporarilyoffline yea, it's a conversation starter that's for sure. Hopefully get a chance to test another one of their antennas soon

[@alanslade2319]

Still find myself going back to watch these vids you put out, because I find them so interesting to watch and see the difference between other people shows, great stuff again , Alan from England 🇬🇧💯🍻👍

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Glad you like them! And thanks for watching!

[@zac_in_ak]

Can't wait for the roll up tests

[@frequencywatchers]

This Video Is So Good, Detailed, Everything Is Shown, The Receiving End Is CLearly Shown In Audio Format, GREAT VIDEO OVER ALL! Good To Know Things About These Antennas Because I Tried To Do It Myself Some Antennas Similar To These, Interesting To Watch How Real Ones Perform, Would Be Cool To Know Exact Distance From And Where And The reception Antennas Setup Too :)

[@Henviggdbgjt]

I bought two Super-elastic Signal Stick antennas last month. They work so well that I just bought 5 more. I feel very sticky. 🤪

[@mertklck]

Hello, which antenna did you buy?

[@Ardren]

Fantastic video. Practical tests like this are really great, nothing beats real world data. If you are doing a round two, one of those ABREE tacticals would be interesting. As for the NA771, there can be a big difference in performance between real & counterfeit models. But I'm not sure how you even identify them without an antenna tester.

[@fancyfeast1001]

I suspect I have a counterfeit 771. It barely gets better reception than the stock one on my F8HP, and on my local noaa station I have to tilt it to the side to even receive it. I really want to know if mine is counterfeit but I think I would have to take it apart to know for sure.

[@bobgerzoff5072]

@@fancyfeast1001 So how does one avoid getting a counterfeit model? 73, Bob WK2Y

[@fancyfeast1001]

@@bobgerzoff5072 I do not know

[@imeprezime1069]

@@fancyfeast1001 if came in orange plastic package it's fake, real nagoya only comes in bright green plastic package and MUST have a spacer inside, if it does it's original, if it doesn't than it's fake.

[@jhutch1470]

@@bobgerzoff5072 Buy from a reputable place like Gigaparts, or Power Werx. That's just how I do it. That way I know that I'm buying once, crying once.

[@ki4rex]

Can you publish your table for all antennas that you've test in one place? If you have and I missed it, I apologize.

[@nwcanuck5069]

Would be cool to see the stock antenna when doing these comparisons. Cheers!

[@angelscomputers]

Please post the links for the telescopic masts, I can't find them anywhere. And if you can post the link for the one you are using even better . Thanks!!!

[@user-fp3mn3dw7x]

I think it is a fishing pole, judging from the layout, it looks like aliexpress

[@BrianConklin]

Great video! A suggested antenna test for 2M/70cm would be roll up J pole compared with a jungle antenna. I made a jungle antenna I carry when I'm camping in the mountains and would love to see how it would compare to a roll up J pole.

[@MarcLerchs]

Thank You soo much, this is really interresting. Now, I know exactely what I need for my UHF field operations. Thanks from Belgium ! 73 from ON3 IBZ .

[@asherael]

I've had great results with that ring antenna for receiving, especially on 2m

[@nelsonln]

I love these antenna comparison videos are my favorite. really helps my purchasing decision thank you! could you possibly test a stubby antenna ? i walk my dog around my neighborhood. but other than that i think you covered most antennas people would be buying. great content ! :)

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

They are generally worse than stock rubber duck antennas.

[@bodazaphfa]

Great video! I was hoping the Diamond would’ve done better, as that’s what I run. Guess I’ll be getting a 717🤣

[@sleeve8651]

It would be interesting to add a counter poise under these antennas ! Something similar to the old , " Tiger Tail " ! I believe you would increase performance with all, excepting the loop !

[@Yozimbo]

Thank you for the very interesting comparison! Would love to get my hands on a Signal Stick, but the shipping costs to Europe (plus the uncertainty of it, being lost in the mail) is prohibitive.... 73s Athens, Greece

[@yungsmile7546]

I've tested my N9TAX roll up J-pole hung at 15' at the top against my Diamond X200A 8.3' base at same height but about 10 feet between. With both I'm able to connect with the Brookings, OR repeater 107 miles from my QTH in Rio Dell, CA and QSO at full quieting. This is at 50 watts on VHF on my TYT TH9800. With a Retevis RT85 5 watts and N9TAX I can open our club repeaters 39 miles N and 32 miles S in the Northern California coast hills. The N9TAX is leagues above the Long Ranger and a bargain at $30. For my HTs I use band specific 771 copies that I tune with tinyVNA by trimming length with a cable cutter before replacing the end cap that cost me $5 each and I consistently get VSWRs of 1.01-1.17. I have yet to find a "dual band" that is any good on VHF and UHF, Hihi. I also bought a N9TAX GMRS/MURS to use for cross band repeat with the TYT TH9800 and TYT 8000D. There are a few China made radios that are worth owning. IMHO, the above models and the TYT UV88, Retevis RT85 and RT95. They and the Anytone variants are clean performers with reliable quality at bargain prices.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The N9TAX being dual band is great. But my test disagrees that it is leagues above the Long Ranger. Sounds like you're getting great range though with your setup, to enjoy that. 👍

[@jeffguthridge]

Enjoyed the video, though the glare on the Icom screen made it too difficult to see receive readings. As for antennas to test, How low profile trunk dome and highly suspect/proven counterfeit antennas.

[@Civilian_AF]

I’ve had the same experience with the long ranger, it isn’t the best for portability but it dominates any other handheld vertical I have tried. I get decent reports on repeaters I have never thought my handheld would hit.

[@Blake-W8LB]

Great video. Could you do a video on vhf/uhf antennas for the Ic-705? Just to see if that makes a difference. Maybe being back that retractable counterpoise

[@Dirty_D_VBCE]

That loop is dope. I would def get it for my daughter radio if it performed better. Great comparison/review and very much appreciated.

[@aa3konthego]

Going to be looking for a new antenna for my Baofeng at Dayton this year.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

See you there!

[@ronleblanc9832]

I watched a video with the rpund directional they had it on a antenna aniliser by adjusting the enter ring was able to adjust to a lower swr within the band ???

[@AC9DJ]

I watched this as well and was very surprised to see such a big change in awe with minor little tweaks to the center “element”.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’m guessing it’s the length of the center wire that is controlling the tune.

[@Screamingtut]

Josh, where did you get that Tactical Mini Compact Ultra-Portable Telescopic Mast? you had no link in the notes

[@pnwgeek]

Can usually get them direct from SOTABeams or from DX Engineering.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yep SOTABeams

[@forgetyourlife]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse The threaded end caps are pretty fragile. I cracked to of them just snugging it up. Maybe they are using less brittle plastic by now. The larger "5000" version has a much better more rubbery cap.

[@jameski5oeb668]

He wants to spend my money!

[@Sonicgott]

Sucks that the MFJ Long Ranger isn't available anymore.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Get the Smiley 1/2 wave.

[@stevejette2329]

THANK YOU !! As a newbie, I need clear, to the point information without a ton of acronyms and tech talk. I think I will go Signal Stick. You said California. Looks flat. So I am thinking central Cal. Looks green with trees so I am guessing Northern Cal. I am new to low foothills on the way to Reno, 2,500' ridgetop. I can easily see 40 miles down, nothing around or up the hill. Shoutout to HRO Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento, Clyde and Earl.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching! I am in SoCal.

[@stevejette2329]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yes, I just saw that in the antenna test video. I am going with Signal Stick. And YOU are thanking ME ?? OK but that's backward ... ?

[@GnarlsGnarlington]

4:41 You said Nagoya Long Ranger but your chart says MFJ. Which is it? What model?

[@bobbyt2788]

Good info Josh. I would like to see you test the Abree folding antennas. I’ve had pretty good luck with those, but I think they are inconsistent in their manufacturing.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I have.

[@bobbyt2788]

I saw your top comment right after I posted that. Found it. Thanks!

[@longrider42]

The 771 was the first antenna I bought for my first HT. I love Signal Sticks. I have three of them. I've been interested in that little loop antenna. I've heard bad things about it.

[@adamlogan8161]

Hi Josh, I have not been able to find a single test video of the signal stick single band 70cm, do you know if this would perform better than the dual band version as the HT I have is 70cm only.

[@krevo81]

The 717 is a weird one but it seems to perform well on 2m. Only problem is I think they only come sma female. Do you have any recommendations for a better sma m to bnc adapter for it. All ones I've found on amazon seem cheap and not very durable.

[@michaelesposito239]

They should make the loop antenna spin that would look cool.

[@charlesriley9426]

will the signal stick work on 220 mhz?

[@danielbarbieri8199]

Hi Thanks for your vids. Finally, what would be the best antenna for long distance? I have a range problem with my baofeng uv9r pro. The environment is far from ideal and I need to communicate over as much distance as possible. Cheers

[@pen25]

need to test out the diy signal stick build

[@M9A1MAN]

Can you please review the Diamond SRHF10? I have a few of these and always wonder how well or bad they work. Especially curious about SWR. Thanks for the great content brother.

[@turtlealberigi]

Thank you for all of your videos, you helped me out quite a bit when I got me license a couple of years ago. One thing this video makes me wonder is how much signal strength relates to transmission range. I have been interested in the the J pole for a while but his makes me less interested. Perhaps the range of the J pole would still reach out the farthest because of the height?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Height is might in most cases. Remember the Jpole is dual band.

[@turtlealberigi]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thank you for the quick response. That is what my intuition told me. I like the idea of getting to camp and throwing the J pole up high.

[@SuperAbel17]

Entonces, cuál es la mejor antena bibanda transportable?. 🤔. Porque para 2m, sí hay una ganadora 🤷. Pwro lo interesante es aue sirva para ambas bandas y funcione muy bien 😁👌

[@59radio22]

What sdr are you using?

[@fyrearm]

What brand or do you have a link to the roll-up j-pole you used, as it is twin lead. I was going to buy the MFJ-1731 and MFJ-1730 to get 2 meter and 70 cm, but looks like you can do both with the twin lead.

[@ChrisinOSMS]

I saw someone using a signal stick w/20” counterpoise, it sounded extremely clear, similar to what the jpole sounded on this video. Have you ever tried using one?

[@BenButler1]

Good stuff Josh. How about testing the factory antenna

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I did in the first video in this series.

[@cowboy6591]

Orientation matters BIG TIME!! You have a dead null in loop antennas going through the hole. The Arrays are directional 180°.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Which is why I rotated it.

[@alanwheelock1460]

does the gear snake have wire inside ? maybe use ziptie

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

There is a zip tie on the antenna. What is what I tied to.

[@psychoaide]

Damn i thought the signal stick was the best. Just got mine. Should i get the mfj long ranger?

[@hikingfish3]

Quick question, I was not able to catch how far away your house is from the park?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

About a mile

[@hikingfish3]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Great video! If you could you something similar, but in a forested area, that would be awesome because buying 2 of every antenna's is starting to get expensive lol

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@hikingfish3 The town I live in is a "Tree City USA" we have a massive amounts of tree and houses between the park and my home, so its a pretty tough environment. But honestly, what does it matter. All the antennas are tested in the same environment, so its a constant.

[@PatrickRich]

Have you tested the Radioddity Nagoya 771 (RD-771)? I bought one and I am disappointed with the build quality and I suspect it's worse performing than the Nagoya genuine.

[@BartVanAllen]

Try adding a "tiger tail" - especially for transmit think counter poise or second half of the dipole They work nicely

[@godfree2canada]

HTs are not dipoles, they are end fed / base loaded

[@Henfredemars]

Hi I have a question. Can an antenna that doesn’t have a good SWR still be a good antenna? Similarly, can an antenna with a better SWR actually have worse real world performance?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes and yes. Which is why I focus on having a distant receiver record signal to noise for an objective comparison.

[@YayaOrchid]

What is 15 ft vertical antenna that you have in your house? Brand and model? Thank you. for the comparison.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

MFJ Pulsar.

[@YayaOrchid]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I just got my Tech license yesterday which model MFJ there are several. Working on getting my shack ready. Any suggestion on Radio.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Specifically when I bought the vertical, it was called "Pulsar" its a 17' three section antenna. Radio suggestions are entirely based on your budget and radio goals. I do like simple analog radios to get started though.

[@YayaOrchid]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thank you.

[@shackinggreg346]

Using a floppy antenna is great for most usage. If it is to flimsy for some proposes , just splint it with some popsicle sticks and medical tape. Great video

[@Spike-sk7ql]

If it's too flimsy, you should talk to your doctor. I think they make a pill for that.🤣

[@JohnTarbox]

I really enjoy these test videos. Would it be possible to be slightly more rigorous in the test setup? For example, mount the HT in some sort of holder so that it is in the exact same position and perfectly vertical for every antenna? Thanks. WA1KLI

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

At some point it’s splitting hairs don’t you think?

[@JohnTarbox]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Not really. Think about the difference in polarization between holding the radio straight up or tilting it horizontally. The difference in signal strength is enormous.

[@fancyfeast1001]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Aren't we all here to split hairs. just kidding... kinda. Maybe next time do the test with a car magnetic base. But I agree it would probably be a minor effect.

[@michaelspencer4569]

Josh, could the telescopic mast possibly be negatively affecting the performance of the J-pole? I have no experience with telescopic masts, but perhaps tilt the mast at a slight angle to get the antenna off of the mast?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

We shall try for round two!

[@michaelspencer4569]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Awesome! The reason I am curious about this is because I take one of those roll-up J-pole antennas (N9TAX variety) backpacking with me. I hang it up on a tree limb as high as possible and can routinely TX/RX APRS packets from the beach in Ludington, Michigan across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin. It works extremely well.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@michaelspencer4569 Oh it works great. But it didn't beat the Long Ranger. Keep in mind the roll-up is also 70cm, so I am still goin to pack mine too.

[@godfree2canada]

loop acts as capacitance to the base loadin coil

[@PendejoRyan]

How did you use DTMF codes to make it play the recording? Pretty smart!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s a super secret I’m making a video about. 🤔

[@ulysses_grant]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I'm super secretly waiting.

[@dbailey3024]

Where did you get the loop ant please and thankyou for your vids very helpfull🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🤪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Link in description.

[@OH2EKI]

Hi, what 2m/70cm antenna would you recommend for the Icom id-52e handheld, length about 37-40cm? Oh2eki 73'

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Use the stock one if you might snag it on something, then switch to a Signal Stick, MFJ Long Ranger or Smiley 1/2 Wave if you need to get your signal out.

[@rl2109]

Thanks for posting, Josh! 73... -KN4KZT

[@godfree2canada]

without base coil loading they wont tune for dual band

[@matyf_]

What software have you used with your SDRs to capture the received signal levels?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I just use my SDRPlay and SDRUno

[@matyf_]

​@@HamRadioCrashCoursethanks!

[@johnmgrigsby3250]

Any specs/brand on the roll up j-pole you were using? Am interested in one but there are so many different variations and wouldnt mind a recommendation.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’m making a follow on video. But the Ed Fong Jpole is good. 👍

[@javiermijares]

That roll-up j-pole is an Ed Fong, right?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’m pretty sure it is, but it’s an older one. I was worried that mine might have issues, so I purchased another and will retest with both. 😬

[@javiermijares]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse LOL, sounds good. See if you can test the N9TAX as well

[@mikew5skk137]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I would like to see a comparison between the Ed Fong and N9TAX antennas as well. I recently purchased the N9TAX dual band, I'm very impressed with it. Of course I'll more than likely end up with a Ed Fong also. I mean why not, right?? 😃

[@grahamsecr3677]

Josh, don’t forget that SMA connectors are only good for 500 connections. Retired industry pro’s in my club have advised me to use extender adapters on my VNA. It’s easier to fit a new adapter than to change the socket on a radio.

[@DDRDK]

Wait so manufactures are putting sma on radios with and its only good for 500 connections? That's quite odd didn't know that

[@GH0ST369]

Should compare the MFJ long ranger to a banana jack dipole...

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Long ranger should wing based on polarization alone. How are you aligning the dipole?

[@Ei2iP]

Where is your tiger tail, every handheld needs one?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Needs? Not really. But they can help. I can make a video on that.

[@BryanTorok]

I'm going to buy one of the loop antennas to try for fox (hidden transmitter) hunting. I'm particularly interested in using it for the last 10 feet where I'm close enough to see the fox but it might be hidden in tall grass, leaves, up a tree, etc.

[@randykitchleburger2780]

Here to see the loop fall on its face, or so I have heard.

[@crewsgiles9499]

Inspiring/motivating video: Unless the Sailor Moon also washes dishes, and prepares dinner, I cannot see myself owning one. The Long Ranger was impressive, and might end up in my small collection. Running tests this month on my two favorites- a week, each, of local driving squawking APRS using Diamond SR77CA and SignalStuff Signal Stick. Each sitting atop FT3D, in cupholder. Signal Stick took a clear lead today. The J-Pole addition, like the Yagi design I am contemplating, simply needs to happen, for no other reason than that I will enjoy the build. None-the-less, my HT goes everywhere with me, usually in a small backpack, and my current two will likely remain my EDC. Then again, my back porch/balcony/fire-escape has recently become my favorite radio play spot, and I can see the practicality of hanging some “contemporary art” from a hook under the eave to extend my coverage.

[@godfree2canada]

717 is not a a fake, good snag

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

Josh I dont see your IPA! Is it hiding in your water bottle? 🤔

[@Bradsyoutube11]

If you’re able, can you put all the antenna stats from your different videos on one discord page so we can reference and compare it? Thanks, 73

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Will do!

[@Bradsyoutube11]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse thanks!

[@garyclark4930]

Maybe the loop antenna might be better for fox hunting antenna, at least that's what it makes me think of. Nice video 73's KF6EWO Gary

[@dtm789]

Interested in the mat/towel in the video ?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s a fishing towel. The pattern is trout.

[@JohnTarbox]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I knew there was something fishy about these tests ;-)

[@UB3RN3RD]

Please redo with the same antenna to radio interface

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nah.

[@357Muzzleblast]

Retevis says its RHD-771 20W is its flagship antenna and I'd love to see it reviewed. Also, the Nagoya NA-24j looks a lot like the Signal Stick, but I've yet to see it field tested. It's one thing to see it attached to a sixty-dollar SWR meter (woo-hoo!); quite another to see it field tested, which I love. Really weird to see the two Nagoyas so far apart. I'd hate to think they are both real Nagoyas! I also don't know how good Tidradio is, but I've got a few in a drawer somewhere. I think all antennas with blue lettering should be used with care. Retevis is an up and coming company and it has two grades of antennas. It claims both are 1.5 or lower. But are they?

[@ik04]

Do a "Will It Ham?"

[@DonzLockz]

Good tests but must be a bit of a pain to film and edit, all for the good of humanhamity. :)

[@kr5neoradiodude641]

Test the ABBREEEE

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I have, in the last video I did on this topic. 😬

[@longrider42]

What, no ABBREE! :)

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’ve already reviewed it in this format.

[@godfree2canada]

771 is fake, untuned coil