Garmin Antenna Comparision and Reviews

[Buddyw]

So I've been meaning to Give a General Idea of what antenna's are good and which ones you should get. Here is my Opinion Based Review of them. I personally use the Mag Mount antenna 95% of the time, However I've been forcing myself to use some of the others and Listening to feed back on them.

Antenna's are a Tough Choice because each 220 Get's a different Range and some folks see good results while others don't notice any improvement.

Here is my review and Comments for those who want to study and see the Pro's and Con's Feel free to help add on to these pro's and Con's as you may use certain ones more than me..

http://garminastrodog.com/garmin-astro- ... questions/

[ferjr]

Will a C.B. anteanea work on the garmin magnetic base? It does screw on it but I havnt tried it to see if it will work.

[Buddyw]

No the CB antenna is 27 Mhz you want a 155mhz antenna.

[ferjr]

Ok. Thanks, I was just looking at mine this morning and saw that it will screw on the base. I looked like it would work a lot better but wasnt sure, it sure looks alot better than the little magnetic antanea. I dont know a whole lot about electronics, that is why I figured I best ask someone that did. I thought it probably wouldnt, or someone else would have done it by now.

[Steve White]

Buddy, I have to nit pick that 155 a little. 152.5-153 is a far better choice. Especially if one has the ability to tune the antenna. May not seem like much, but you will have a far better SWR when splitting the band rather than being above or below it. With the first 30 id's being 151, and the last 20 at 154. With a 155 antenna your best performance will be on the 154 channels.

Not saying the 155 antenna will not work. Just that you will maximize the range when more closely tuned. This is why many folks will tune their CB antenna's on channel 19. Also why more serious ham operators use an antenna tuner. Not only is a flat SWR(1.5-1 or less) going to help range, but also prevent damage to the unit. When not tuned properly power gets reflected back to the transmitter. Which will burn it up. Not a problem at the moment with a Garmin handheld because they are only receiving. But why it is important to have properly tuned collar antennas!

This is not intended as any kind of pissing match. Just as an educational thing for all.

[Beardawgs]

Steve and/or Buddy,

I have this magnetic mount antenna for my Astro 220. What frequency is this antenna? Or will it make a difference in performance if I use the higher or lower frequency ID's? For example, IF this antenna is a 155 MHz then wouldn't I get the most performance out of the higher frequency ID numbers?



Thanks