UHF Spring Based Aerial - Which is better; fibreglass or Stainless Steel Whip?

[winniliss]

The ZCG ZN3-77-11 black (6.6dbi 1.2m) antenna has really good reception. I was travelling through small hills and flat ground and was listening to a grader driver 50km away that had a standard metal whip about 600mm long. The main thing you need to ensure is the antenna is above the roof line and clear of any metal obstruction. The icom Pro 400 is of commercial quality and as a result has good transmit and receive properties.

Winston.

[rob_macca67]

Guys....

What's the best "allround" Tuned aerial to get..... 4.5Db or 6Db, etc ? I know the the bigger the better, but for allround (flat terrain; hilly, etc) would the 4.5Db be the best overall one to get ?

Rob

[wooley]

I've broken a number of 4705/6 whips, but they're still the longest lasting aerials I've owned.
I find the aerial cable inside the fiberglass detaches and causes problems.
Still don't think you could find a better aerial though.

[AJ120]

I must say I am pretty happy with my 2 GME 4705 antennas, they don't vibrate nearly as much as the old thin fiberglass one. They took a real pounding down a horribly overgrown track to Hanging Rock in Rudall River NP, and both stood up to that. Not to mention the 4000kms of dirt outback roads including the Gunbarrel hwy.

Cheers Andrew

[winniliss]

I got mine from ARTC (Amateur transceiver radio center) in Syd but they have since closed down due to Les having poor health. I saved about $100 with the radio and the 2 antenna's and the shipping compared to Prestige.

[D4D]

$314 including shipping from Prestige
http://www.prestigecom.net.au/ZCG-66...ullbar-Antenna
http://www.prestigecom.net.au/ZCG-Hi...te-Antenna-Top

From memory the Stinger is $350-400

[rob_macca67]

Once you buy the spring, the dipole and the stubby antenna it works out about the same price as the Bushcomm.

OK.... I was thinking that the Bushcomm would work alot more expensive than what u suggested

[D4D]

Once you buy the spring, the dipole and the stubby antenna it works out about the same price as the Bushcomm.

[rob_macca67]

Thanks, this is going to be my next upgrade. I would prefer the Bushcomm Stinger but the ZCG allows you to fit the stubby antenna around town.

Plus there would be a fairly big price difference I would assume ???

[D4D]

106cm without spring, 118cm with spring.

Thanks, this is going to be my next upgrade. I would prefer the Bushcomm Stinger but the ZCG allows you to fit the stubby antenna around town.

[winniliss]

Winston
I noted you are using the side wing on the ARB bar to mount the aerial.( My ARB bar vibrates a fair bit)
How much vibration do you get on the 1.2metre aerial with that ZCG spring mount?
Cheers
Robert

Stuff all. Even at 130km with road trains passing. The 2m antenna I get some oscillation.

Hey Winston, what's the total height of the 1.2m with the spring base included?

106cm without spring, 118cm with spring.

The longer one is 197cm without spring, 209cm with spring.

Winston.

[D4D]

Hey Winston, what's the total height of the 1.2m with the spring base included?

[gumboot]

I use an Icom Pro 400 (up to 25w output) and I use 2 antenna's - a ZCG ZN3-77-12 black (8.1dbi 2.1m) and ZN3-77-11 black (6.6dbi 1.2m).



Winston

Winston
I noted you are using the side wing on the ARB bar to mount the aerial.( My ARB bar vibrates a fair bit)
How much vibration do you get on the 1.2metre aerial with that ZCG spring mount?
Cheers
Robert

[rob_macca67]

External wire around flexable whip ive noticed works...
Internal tends to rattle if treated hard
Stainless snap at the base...

These are my experience only

Unfortunately, this didn't work for me.....

[baggs71]

External wire around flexable whip ive noticed works...
Internal tends to rattle if treated hard
Stainless snap at the base...

These are my experience only