BigGameHoundsmen.com

What antenas is everyone using with the Garmin Astro? Have you found one to be better than another?

Devin- I have posted this several times before but here it is again. 90% of the time I am using approx a 15" long rubber ducky made by diamond. Model SRH77CA. I prefer this to the few dollars cheaper Jetstream model JT776SMA. Which is essentially the same but more whippy. I feel that with it being more whippy can put more stress on the connector.

After that I use the Portable long range antenna from garmin. I have tried a few other whips that go one the Garmin handle, but they do not seem to perform as well. This is most likely due to them not being tuned as well to the channels. When I get a antenna analyzer can maybe dial one in a bit better. Diamond has one with a higher gain, but does not seem to do any better.

I never use anything mounted to the truck to prevent harming my Garmins.

Folks,

We use the Garmin long range antennae extended about 2/3s of the way out laying on the dashboard. This gets us better range than the roof mount whose coax we kept breaking either with the truck door or the window.

Keeping the connector on the Garmin Unit from breaking is important. We have had it break and not know it till the range went to hell. Why we keep a second unit. Still cheaper than a Blue Box!(which we use as well, I am a guy who wears a belt and suspenders, not unconfrotable, neither is three collars on our Hounds)

The dialog on the other post ref. the Garmin sure produced some good info on the line of sight limitations. Even with our Shorty Mts. here in AR. we get 3 to 5 miles of range. In FL with the biggest hill being 33 feet tall we get up to 9 miles on some collars. Some collars due have more range than others no matter what channel you set then to. Range will go to hell on a collar for no reason and has to be sent back to Garmin.

Good Running to All!

C. John Clay
Dads Dogboy

Doughboy- A bit off topic. Since you mentioned the susppenders It might fit in. I wear a radio chest harness while hunting. This puts both my radio and Garmin up front and secure. It has a large pocket behind the radios. I store the portable longe range antenna in it. I have also a few times kept it connected. This way I can extend the antenna hands free. Normally not all the way, but I have found that the PBLRA even closed out performs the stock antenna. The harness we wear is by Coaxsher.

Mr. Steve,

The suspenders tha I was refering to are worn with my Diamond Cut Jeans and slacks!

When Hunting I am usually wearing a pair of Nite-Light bibs which seem to have apocket for every thing I need and lots of things I don't need but have anyway!

I use the Garmin stock antennae when going to the Hounds...it usually is not over 400yds and the stock works OK for that. Am thinking about ordering one of the After Markets that you mentioned.

Thanks for all the good info that you share with all of us!

CJC

I use a 4' whip external antenna thats tuned at 154 mhz. It works way better then the one garmin sells thats tuned for 148-172 mhz. Which is way better than nothing.

Steve White wrote:Devin- I have posted this several times before but here it is again. 90% of the time I am using approx a 15" long rubber ducky made by diamond. Model SRH77CA.

So do you have an Internet Link on where to buy that 15" long rubber ducky made by Diamond?

ike

Ike- I normally get them from RANDL.com also hamradio.com is a good source.

I am testing another antenna now that in theory should be better yet. Controlled tests have been good so far. Need field testing yet. Today may be the first day if this darn contractor would show up so I can get going. I hate people that can't be on time!!!

I pm'd Ike this info on where I got my 15" diamond antenna but I figured I might as well put it out here. Go to aesham.com, there will be a user defined search box, type in diamond srh77ca then press enter or go, it should be the one on the top of that page for $24.99. I've had this antenna for about six months and it definitely improves your range. Its usually the only long range type antenna I need here in Wisconsin. The antenna I use to get the most range though is my wand/yagi that is for the 150's frequencies beep-beep tracking boxes/collars. Hope this helps someone. Randy

I would not get a thing from AES!!!! They pricing is normally higher. Shipping charges are padded. Then to top it off normally they are very condescending to anyone that is not a ham operator. Even treat me like dirt after spending 10's of thousands of dollars with them!!! The folks at R&L are great to work with and very helpfull!! Hamradio is the same, but I prefer to give my money to the small guys when I can.

Just my opinion based on experience.