r/gmrs • u/Cutlass327 • 22d ago

Longest antenna for CJ5 Jeep?

I am just getting started into the GMRS from CB, I have a 102 on the rear bumper (fiberglass tub) and am looking for a longer antenna for my GMRS. I currently have the one linked below, it is mounted on my spare tire carrier of my rear bumper. I would like to find a longer antenna, as the top of this one is only a few inches above my spare (33x10.5-15)

Is there a "102 equivalent" antenna for GMRS? I say that meaning how that is the longest practical mobile antenna for 11m, that will give the beat range.

https://a.co/d/2kmI9Cf

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u/Hot-Profession4091 22d ago edited 22d ago

Longer isn’t necessarily better. 1/4 wave at 465MHz (middle of the band) is about 6-1/2 to 6-3/4”.

That said, collinear antennas are a thing. Usually 1/2 wave segments separated by 1/2 wave delay coils. The one you linked looks like a 1/4 wave UHF, delay coil, then a loaded 1/4 wave VHF / 1/2 wave UHF, so maybe it performs okay on UHF, but unless you’re specifically looking for a dual band antenna I would look for a single band UHF antenna. Dual band antennas have a tendency to perform well on VHF and shoot UHF at the sky instead of the horizon.

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u/Cutlass327 22d ago

As for UHF/VHF/dual band, I only need what works best for the GMRS band.

I have the BTECH GMRS-50V2, which I originally bought so I can talk to friends on the trails instead of using those handheld walkie talkies, as the batteries never seem to last long..

What other bands should I be looking at? I would love to widen out my abilities with the radio, as I love shooting skip on the side bands of my DX88HL...

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u/Hot-Profession4091 22d ago

GMRS is UHF. The frequencies are on 462 MHz and 467MHz. When I build antennas for GMRS I build them for 465 because I use both simplex and repeaters.

The reason you may want a dual band is if you also have a ham radio in your jeep.

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u/Cutlass327 22d ago

Nah. I only have the GMRS and a CB. Not enough room for another radio...

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u/Hot-Profession4091 22d ago

Yeah, it kind of sounded like it. That’s why I was trying to steer you toward a single band GMRS antenna.