Mag mount question

[agile_1]

Any thoughts on this mag mount?
Amazon.com: Tram 1185 Amateur Dual-Band Magnet Antenna: Electronics

TRAM-1185

• Transmits 2 Meter Vhf & 70cm UHF (144-148Mhz & 430-450Mhz).
• 3" magnet mount with 12' RG-58 Coaxial Cable & PL-259 connector.
• Antenna unscrews from maget with regular 3/8-24 thread.

I have zero equipment and want to get a mag mount for the car. Have the mag mount ($16) and a BaoFeng *UV-5R Plus* UV 5R+ Dual-Band 136-174/400-480 MHz FM Ham Two-way Radio ($48) in my cart - just waiting on the next pay cycle to place orders.

kb1nkw

 

[chaser001]

You are also going to need an adapter to use that antenna with the baofeng...something like this should work Amazon.com: RF coaxial pigtail cable SMA female to UHF SO239 PL259 female RG58 50CM: Electronics

 

[agile_1]

You are also going to need an adapter to use that antenna with the baofeng...something like this should work Amazon.com: RF coaxial pigtail cable SMA female to UHF SO239 PL259 female RG58 50CM: Electronics

OK - thanks for the info.

 

[FreeWillie]

You may also want this:

Amazon.com: IMAGE USB Programming Cable for BAOFENG UV-5R UV-3R+ Two way Radio With Driver CD: Car Electronics
and CHIRP software to program your UV-5. Whole lot easier than manual programming that beast.

 

[wa1hog]

Just Remember that you get what you pay for, If you use the mag mount on your auto, don't expect it to last more than 12-18 months here in New England.

 

[cockpitbob]

You do get what you pay for. That antenna does have great reviews and you can't beat the price. It is a 1/4wave (no gain) antenna. I have a Hustler MX-270 I got at a hamfest that is a 5/8 wave (3dB gain) that works fabulously, but new it's $60. It's also about twice the length so it's less convenient to take on and off and store.

I guess if I were you I would get the $16 antenna. If you get real serious later you can always upgrade and keep the cheap one as a backup.

 

[n1oty]

I swear by 5/8 wave on an NMO mount drilled in the center of the roof!!

 

[FreeWillie]

Seriously, I have the TRAM 1185 and on the 70 cm band I pick up the Boston Police 30 miles away. While most state that it's a 0 db gain antenna, it's a 2.5 db gain antenna on UHF and 0 db on VHF. For the price it works. I run one on my Jeep. Are there better antenna, yep.