What If You Don't Have A Good Ground Plane? Do Ground Plane Kits Work? Use A Mobile Antenna At Home!

You can get your very own Nagoya Ground Plane Kit for only $35 here: amzn.to/3HbC4V6
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In this video I show you how you can use a Ground Plane Kit to use a mobile antenna when you don't have a good groundplane - such as a poor location on your vehicle or even using a mobile antenna in your house. I show you how simple a ground plane kit is and how a groundplane kit can improve the SWR on your antenna. The Nagoya Ground Plane kit works with Ham Radio antennas, CB antennas and GMRS antennas.
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#GMRS

[@John-cj3ve]

I just passed my ham technician exam Saturday. Now I can finally tell Randy what he is doing wrong...

[@andybonneau9209]

That's a big negatory on the diminished popularity of CB good buddy. Can I get a big 10-4?

[@acidreign8551]

Yeah, as i said above in another comment, it is hoppin', always has been here in Vegas. DX has been great, and is going to be hot over the next 4 or 5 years. My stryker 995 hp backed up with about 600 watts rolling of my Sirio 827 be a talkin' many many FARS. Breaka breaka!! 910 in Vegas 😄

[@TomRolfson]

I am hearing of a massive increase of traffic on I-94 & I-43. Enough for me to tune a new antenna and monitor it. If it's very active and not junk, I'll leave it on around home. Otherwise just use it for traveling.

[@mmcnew1]

I think Randy is referring to off-road 4x4 use. Although he doesn’t say that here. But that is primarily where he uses radio. GMRS is really gaining popularity among off-roaders just because the antennas are so much shorter, FM sound quality is better than AM (that most CB’ers use) and the range of GMRS, at least on the trail not relying fickle on ‘skip’ conditions or an amplifier is as good or better than CB. But lots of off-roaders are hedging their bets and using both.

[@TomRolfson]

@@mmcnew1 Re: The ground planes, he says using a mobile at home in the title. But my finding and understanding with CBs is for the road. As for deep off-roading here in WI, it's either ATV/UTV for most part (I'll run my 4x4 on loggers trails) where portable GMRS repeaters would be very valuable. I've got a cottage WAY up north at the WI/UP MI state line. While a public lake it's almost exclusively private usage and a national forest is the backyard. A guy at the other end of the lake had the juice to get Verizon to bring a tower to reach the lake. (He'd land his sea plane to reach his cottage.) So while I still keep a HAM rig with me (Happy Ham :) ) I'm still thinking of leaving a GMRS repeater (solar powered) for year-round operation. I just had to chuckle, if nothing maybe this will break the image that WI is nothing but cheese and cows. We've got some great rafting, off-roading, long-range shooting and for those who do winter sports the skiing and snowmobiling is great. Happy HAM: W4MMO GMRS: WRVL515

[@MrStanwyck]

@@mmcnew1 I would agree. I don’t think CB is as popular with the off-roading enthusiasts as it is with the truckers..

[@andrewscharbarth2099]

I ultimately solved the ground plane issue in my wrangler by sticking foil flue tape to the underside of the hard top, and ran a short ground strap from that to the roll bar. The dealer asked me about it when I traded it in and just told him I didn't like to wear my tinfoil hat while I was driving.

[@Inkling777]

Another option, with perhaps better conductivity than the aluminum tape used in HVAC, is the copper tape often sold to create a barrier that slugs don't like to cross. Search for "copper foil tape slug."

[@TomRolfson]

Randy, could you humor us and attach the second length of pieces and see if there's any further (Induction?) into the ether for the advantage if we have space? I'm going to suggest there may be a skosh more and particularly those of us mounting in an attic. Likewise for viewers who may be using attics, they may wish to make sure they are not directly above fluorescent light fixtures, x-ray equipment or leftovers from Sandia or Los Alamos National Labs.

[@RandellReeder]

Was the dark of the moon on the sixth of Jun In a Kenworth pullin' logs Cab-over Pete with a reefer on And a Jimmy haulin' hogs We is headin' for bear on I-one-oh 'Bout a mile outta Shaky Town I says, "Pig Pen, this here's the Rubber Duck" "And I'm about to put the hammer down"

[@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome]

Oh god I remember seeing that film at the cinema when I was a little kid. I didn't understand a bloody thing they were saying ahahaha

[@3henry214]

Best t-shirt yet! I just bought one of those Nagoya kits a few days ago, my TRAM 1180 mobile antenna is now doing double duty as my base station antenna, and it works great.

[@jevasjunkbox]

Curious to know what type of SWR you achieved when you bent the radials down. Thanks for the great wealth of knowledge you share with the YT community!

[@jdmarsee]

I’m new to ham radio, but have 20+ years in the communication field and understand how everything works…. I have to say I absolutely love your videos man. You are amazing and hilarious…. Thank you so much for all that you do…. Don’t change a thing. Dude, you’re freaking awesome. ✌️😎✌️

[@darthtater4844]

I appreciate the info. Although I don’t consider myself a radio hobbyist, I do want my equipment to perform efficiently. Your videos help me do that. Thanks.

[@chrissewell1608]

As a graduate of the Betty Crocker University of half baked Hams, I can testify that the mag mounted cookie sheet antenna, works very well. I use one inside my home office, for my mobile base station rig. I just DO NOT run it on 25 to 50 watts. It tends to fry all the other wifi and bluetooth electronics, in the house! I have also built a camera tripod mounted, ground plane antenna (similar to yours), using the TRAM ground plane (NMO) base, with a mobile dual band antenna. I had to Jerry rig, a metal plate between the NMO antenna and the base, but it works. Actualy adding about 20 feet of coax to the radio, seems to help lower the SWR, even more. I suppose the coax is acting as a radial too? But with my 25 watt, mini mobile radio. I am hitting repeaters 40 - 60 miles away! Not to bad for cheap, portable, and 5 feet off the ground.

[@PPNStudio]

I hear ya.. when I fire up and xmit on 2m (~25w) it drops my audio device (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) off the pc.. fun times.🤣

[@DanielQwerty]

I love your videos, the fact you're able to explain complicated topics in a simple way and keep it entertaining is crazy.

[@brucel399]

I've got two of these that MFJ puts out. Use them for camping on a painter's pole or for emergency communications when things happen. They work very well and are compact enough to just keep in my vehicles. Worth the price to get a couple. CHEERS from Colorado

[@Countrypeople-ld8mg]

Hey Randy thanks for calling me back and helping me I am grateful for your help and all the advice you gave me.

[@davidchamlee3907]

That was the 1st video you've did in awhile that actually helped me lol. And I watch them all. Thanks

[@markronck3415]

So glad you brought this out to your public watchers. Thanks

[@beatrixjones2982]

I’m so happy I subscribed to this channel. Always informative and always fun to watch. I enjoy your humor 😊

[@kellyblack4897]

I love CB! I have a converted DX 47HP that I’ve talked as many fars as Nova Scotia from East Texas! But you’re right! Ground plane is a significant issue on 27Mhz

[@billredding2000]

I have a CB also. That makes 2 of us who use CB, so "no one uses CB anymore" isn't QUITE true. ;-) -- BR

[@Deerhunter360]

I also use CB since a ton of people around my area use it still

[@dennislee505]

Thanks for taking time to make the videos, very helpful.

[@marssurvival8673]

Bro, I love your videos. Even though I am a Amateur Radio operator, your videos do correlate with ham radios. When all else fails for me looking for ham radio crap on here, your videos always seem to give me the clue or information im looking for.

[@shawnbergin8479]

Love the content and the attitude on the subjects, thank you for the uploads.

[@TheCaptFuzzy]

So many questions answered on this video. Thank you!

[@kb6lcw99]

Always good info !

[@USAF-SF]

Absolutely loved the background photo for this video, excellent!!!

[@TwitchRadio]

Ty for the video as always man 😁✌️

[@ronlujan7095]

Thanks Randy, mucho appreciation for the recommendation!

[@urizon41]

This explains my SWR issues! Thanks a ton!!

[@jerrypolverino6025]

CB radio is still rocking, especially on the road.

[@chrisseidel8999]

Great information as always. Thanks!

[@roycewilkins6192]

Thank you for this review, saw the part on the mygmrs site and thought it might be my fix for a golf cart plastic roof and you covered that answer.

[@donalddodson7365]

Thanks, Randy. The more I listen, the more I appreciate your channel. Your vocabules are perfectly matched to the harmonics of my brain waves, and increasing my SWR's between my ears has become a way of increasing my wave lengths 👋 for the 4th of Huly parade. 😂🤣🤠

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thank you!

[@PPNStudio]

Good stuff this.. I use 2 of them, one set up as you did for GMRS and the other using all the ground plane radial extenstions for my 2M, 220, 450Mhz tri-bander rig all mounted inside on a modded ex-coat rack.

[@chriscutrara6313]

COOL GROUND PLATE!!! THANKS FOR THE EDUCATION ON THIS!

[@LarryMassey]

Very informative. Very informative.

[@robertdecarlo9827]

Great video i use a Firestik II 4 feet on a magnet mount on a 12x12 piece of sheet metal in my attic works good Low Swr

[@markdupontsr1507]

Thank you for your time I have learned a lot in a little while

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Wow the swr dropped dramatically from the 4.4 to the 1.94 just by adding 4 small ground plane radials rods impressive little kit Randy thanks for the informative Video 7:54 @NotaRubicon Productions

[@tommyleddy8728]

Freagin awesome dude. Thanks

[@DanielHallmark]

I have used that same kit for portable (non-mobile) setups of a Comet CA2X4SRNMO antenna for field use. I bolted the ground plane to the mounting plate of a camera tripod. Works great.

[@kchaney56]

I literally just put one of these on my antenna and it is wonderful.

[@earlsmithers8987]

Just getting back into two-way and your videos are helping scrap off the barnacles of my old brain cells.

[@ogiejii7885]

Excellent 2torial.

[@mississippishepherd2703]

Your videos are a "gateway drug" into the exciting "GMRS Lifestyle".. Just ordered a set of Retevis (Reeteevas?) RT29 waterproof 10 watt UHF radios.. (for emergency use only).. I'm waiting eagerly with bated breath for a "how-to" video on programming radios.. Good Stuff Brother!

[@richardcorwin1828]

Thank you!

[@guysteel]

your sound quality is excellent

[@certinstructorron4050]

Good video. You made a Happy Ham 🙏

[@ai5gu]

Good review. I need one of those for my 2m/70cm for my attic. 😊

[@jonpg1jsf118]

Coming from 'across the Pond', I really do appreciate the correct pronunciation of the word 'aluminium'. It warms the cockles 😁

[@archmasterone]

Oh man! I've been wanting an answer on that exact subject. It's as though you read my mind, everyone need a hero in life. Thank You Mr. Rubba. I'm going to drill a hole in my Brown Jeeps roof today.

[@FrJohnBrownSJ]

Thanks for the video. Would installing only two or three attachments do any good? Suppose I'm trying not to have those things poking out toward the eyes of friends about to climb aboard my vehicle, and I've already mounted the antenna close to the edge of the roof near the door.

[@jamescopeland5358]

Good video Randy

[@thecookiechannel7083]

Didn’t even watch this one but I STILL hit the like button!

[@edgarcornette6387]

super sweet .. thanks for the raw data on ground planes. my skull mounted ocular fluid sacks enjoyed it very much. processing data now. please deposit 25c for the first minute .. click

[@arlenewolf5260]

Great Video!!!! I have been watching your videos with great interest. I am familiar with these Ground Plane Kits and I was planning on using one of these kits for the GMRS radio I want to put in my garage. I was planning on using a 6DB gain Midland NMO mobile antenna with the kit on a 18' push up pole. I was hoping that you would have additionally repeated the test with the ground radial extensions just to see if there was a remarkable difference. I am less confident now regarding the Ground Plane Kit with your results. I am OCD regarding low SWR's and 1.5:1 would probably be as high as I would accept (or I would just choose another antenna option, antennas to me are like holsters, you just need to get the best option). Can you re do the test with the longer ground radials. The other antenna I was considering was the "ED FONG" GMRS 5 DB GMRS antenna. I like your videos and subscribed. I am also considering installing a GMRS Motorola repeater with a gain antenna on a small tower at the home QTH. "73"

[@baconsledge]

Cool, I didn't really know these existed.

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

I added one of these UNDER the fiberglass top. It works ok. I added a metal disk later and that works a little better.

[@bangzoom8180]

I'm just getting back into the CB world...these types of videos are helpful and useful. 👍

[@metaphysics584]

Not when he shits on CB users.

[@saraha5746]

i guess it pretty normal for cbrs and hamers to fight @@metaphysics584

[@AZREDFERN]

I’m mounting a BTech20v2 to my bike (Honda ST1300). The rear case is a 20x15” Apache case for storage, an auxiliary battery, and the radio. Fortunately, they make 21x15” baking sheets that should match the lid perfectly. No real need. Just because.

[@daveclark1904]

Skull mounted ocular fluid sacks...😂😂😂 I'm new and getting things setup so thanks for all your videos and humor!

[@nemobuscaptain3245]

I'd love to see you test the old pie pan trick.

[@mgoben6499]

Hammer Time!

[@blairsmith201]

Will be moving soon and will have a few attic antenna, you may have just solved my ground plane dilemma. I was going to get a piece of sheet metal but this looks a lot cleaner and easier.

[@Eaglefan96]

Did it work?

[@apar1560]

👍👍👍 Thanks. ...Alan in 🇨🇱

[@BorisEkner]

Love the T-shirt! 😂

[@sweed7777]

I just got done with doing a install that was having problems with a bad ground plane. I ended up ordering a antenna designed for no ground plane. It dropped the SWR from 4.2 down to 1.4

[@GRFD702]

I'm using a magnetic NMO mount stuck to a $6.00 pizza pan from Wally World, and it works perfectly! I'm getting an SWR of 1.12:1 The antenna is a Midland MXTA26. I set the nanoVNA parameters from 100-500MHz and at 462.0000 I'm getting the 1.2 SWR. I'm seriously considering bolting one of these pizza pans to the top of a mast and using the same setup to get it up higher for temporary outdoor use.

[@Eaglefan96]

Where do you have it inside your house? I was thinking of doing this in my attic because of HOA where I love

[@mrwdpkr5851]

Noob question here : Could I mount an 8" metal plate on a home made pvc or wooden mast get a similar effect ? Thanks Randy !

[@tommyleddy8728]

Mr Randy, I live in an HOA. Heck I just gut on the board😊. It looks like I could mount that little black antenna with the 4 wire gizmo and put that up on my chimney. That I might get away with having an antenna up on the roof. We are actually 5 townhomes one story then a two story, then a one story, you get that I’m sure. I’m explaining all of this because I may have to sneak it up the wall to free airspace. Yep, I live in a one story between a valley of two stories. If that’s hard to imagine I could send a snapshot. Cheers

[@Eaglefan96]

I’m in an HOA and have trouble reaching all the repeaters that surround me because of all the townhouses. How did you make out? What did you come up with. I either was thinking about something in my attic (I’m two stories as are the rest) or have to hide something out side in the roof somehow and then figure how to run the coax.

[@charliereyes1093]

Happy ham here.

[@DonzLockz]

You are now an "expert " with that fancy "Rig Expert"!😆

[@thomasdunaway2573]

did you know that gear is made in the ukraine

[@DrewCrabb1231]

I'm not sure which made me happier, this video, or a Sad Ham realizing and calling themselves a Sad Ham on Xenu's air waves on the drive home last night.

[@John-cj3ve]

Now, to be serious. I bought this same kit earlier this month. I am using an Hys mobile antenna, stuck on the end of a 2x4 next to my recliner. I didn't take any tests, I was just told I needed a ground plane, so I bought this kit. It goes together as easy as it looks.

[@rabbi6225]

And you transmit that way?

[@donalddodson7365]

@John-cj3ve: if you had enough FARS coming out of the antenna above your recliner, could you make toast without getting up? 😂🤣🤠👋

[@CrowBar225NKY-kx8rg]

Should've compared it to the cookie sheet, I'd like to have seen the difference... if any. Great Video!

[@markkoehler5110]

What was the cookie sheet reading for SWR?

[@michelst-jacques9555]

Hi,i am one of schlubs and nobodie that was going to subscribe to your channel before i heard your comments.that was my first time watching one of your videos and the last.FU

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Oh my goodness you poor thing! I am sooo sorry you had to go through this! Please let us know if you need any help getting through what must be a very difficult time for you. We all hope and pray that your comment gets you all the attention that you require.

[@applesbighatranch6906]

Well, dagnabbit! if this'n ain't just one more OUTSTANDING preeezentation. * many applauses * If I may split one hair just a wee bit moar fine, I wish to attach a mobile antennae base to the aluminum roof of my rig and in my case I would wish to try using 3M's VHB tape to attach said base to said ro0f... but this additional THICKNESS may be a barrier to many fars! even though I did! hear Our Esteemed Leadership speak from his own noise hole the words "the RF electricities will easily ooze... right through the rubber coating and the paint on the car, and the antenna will COUPLE... with the metal to make baby electricities... also known as the ground plane". I would also like to try the new Midland Stub Master (or whatever it's called) in this location centered on the roof of this crew cab 1/2 ton. Remember, it's not in the length, it's in the roundth.

[@TomRolfson]

Randy, are you peeking into my shopping cart on multiple websites? I just logged-on to buy a new antenna and ground plane and saw notice of this video. I'll wait 8:50 to place orders... TYVM!

[@TomRolfson]

As your affiliate link is for the precise unit I was going to buy. I deleted it from my cart and re-added via your link. I clear my cookies frequently, hoping you get the credit. For others watching, this same ground plane came as recommendation from several HAPPY HAM friends who also do GMRS.

[@Barracuda48082]

...and what great coax should we choose for that to keep all those electricities heading toward my friend's or your radio ears?

[@frankbowman22]

Wellll yaaaaa it works

[@tomhackett3395]

I want to know how the cookie sheet performed!

[@w4jerham]

Thanks for all your videos. I absolutely love them. Even though I have my general ticket for Ham stuff, I have my GMRS license as well. Plus, I promise I've never been one of those self-proclaimed online experts. Keep up the good work, I find your videos entertaining as well as informative.

[@OnAirVoice]

Hum, may have to order one.

[@mikeo1568]

Love your vids. Bravo Zulu! BTW, Im not a rubicon. (More like a F-150 Parking lot King) LOL

[@PowderMill]

👍🏻. Thanks! I just ordered a pair for my attic antennas. I’ve had mag mounts stuck on HVAC air handlers for years now (1:5.2) but hope to gain improvement. I just wish… REALLY WISH…. Antenna and radio manufacturers (AnyTone 578uv) would change to “N” or BNC connectors! PL-259 / SO-239 connectors really are crap. Especially at UHF and 700/800Mhz..

[@KeithJamesDesigns]

What would work better, a cookie sheet or a ground plane kit? Since I'm putting the antenna in the inside peak of my roof, I could use either as a ground plane.

[@Eaglefan96]

How did you make out? I’m where you were. In an HOA and want to do something stealthy outside or in the attic.

[@KeithJamesDesigns]

@@Eaglefan96 Right now, I'm using an antenna that does not require a ground plane. Which is working well but I still want to use a ground plane antenna and switch it out before it gets too hot.

[@joegrace5818]

Can we get an affiliate link for the cookie sheet?

[@mr.citizen9206]

Randy, I have a problem with Ravens, Crows, hawks, and owls that like to sit on things like these thin ground plane arms. Should I just go ahead and use that cookie sheet? Or is there something like a plastic dome ( like a 5 gallon bucket ) I can put over my antenna to bird proof it? Thanks.

[@ldt_]

Does this ground plane need to be grounded if attached to the roof of a house? Or do mobile antennas in general need to be grounded if they are used as base station antennas?

[@realandrewhatfield]

We've all had to deal with "schitzuations"... but I did miss my referral down to the "affiliate link below" (actually I just missed the dramatic pause)

[@Jeepjones85]

I wonder what your swrs would have been with the extra extentions added on in that test ?

[@robertbob5683]

Hey I use a CB and a GMRS radio in a lot more people are using Cbs

[@KaL_Tero_RET]

Love your vids, Randy! 73 WP4KTF

[@patkonelectric]

Would a cheap aluminum pie pan work?

[@benjsuth]

Do I need a ground plane for listening to a scanner? Will it benefit at all?

[@royceweslowski3730]

Larsen has a similar kit as well

[@seanfoley7097]

I'm going to try attaching a quarter wave counterpoise

[@olegig5166]

Would/could an improper ground plain have more affect on a radio's ability to transmit than receiver?

[@user-ot9ms6vx8h]

Reminds me of laying a diapole on the ridge

[@hdguppies]

Are these radials really long enough for CB?

[@jahyder1]

Forgive me I am a FNG... but do they have shorter radials? I was wondering if I could add this to my ghost antenna on my nmo mount on my hood of my Jeep Gladiator? Could I cut these 21" radials or just purchase some shorter radials and add them to this?

[@Bubba-Fudd-bulletsmith]

I mounted mine to my rv roof and it seems to work OK