2m1/4 wave or 5/8 wave NMO mount antenna

[MonkeyProof]

is there any benefits in running the taller 5/8 wave. i would assume so, but after testing with some buddy's across town on simplex mode switching between both styles they reported no difference in signal strength or actual audio. i myself didn't notice any benefits with RX their signals either. or maybe the benefits would be noticed out in the open desert?

[N5MUD]

It is possible to get more gain with a 5/8-wave than a 1/4-wave; how much more depends a lot on the installation and the environment. Here is a link that goes through the theory and modelling pretty thoroughly: 5/8th wave mobile antenna vs 1/4 wave

One of my 4WD trucks has an NMO mount on the roof and I switch-out 2m 1/4-wave, 2m 5/8-wave, and a dual-band rubber ducky. I have been surprised by the performance of the 1/4-wave Sti-co Flexiwhip, it is almost identical the Hustler 5/8-wave on the road. I still use the 5/8-wave on back-country trips (as long as there are not a lot of trees), just to try for that incremental increase in gain when I am a long way from a repeater and/or an APRS node. But for everything else, I just leave the 1/4-wave on there and call it good.

[K2ZZQ]

It will be interesting to see the comments coming back on this post. I am very interested in the comments, since I am a newbie and just don't have a lot of experience. I am on the verge of buying a 5/8 nmo for use in supporting a race buggy in an upcoming off road race. The biggest TX advantage is being as high as possible and the use of the 1/4 wave of 5/8 wave may not make much of a difference. My son, kd0fds, recently provided me with some math data relating to what would work best for me on 5 watts (HT) and a 50 watt radio. Based on that I will buy the 5/8 but I understand that the difference may not be that great. I think that the most important thing is....will you knock the 5/8 off more easily, assuming you are mobile.
K2ZZQ

[N5MUD]

This is a lot like the eternal 9mm versus .45 ACP discussion among pistol shooters; both will do the job, but the .45 will never leave a smaller hole than a 9mm. In a similar vein, given the same roof and same mount, etc., a 5/8-wave will never have less gain than a 1/4-wave, so it is a safe choice if maximum performance is your primary goal. The good news is, 2m antennas don't take up any significant space to pack - so just take both, and if your 5/8-wave hits trees and stuff then replace it with the 1/4-wave.

[WB7X]

No love for the 1/2 wave huh?

I run a dual band 1/2 wave on 2m, 2x 5/8 wave on 70cm mag mount.

If you want a monster, there is always the Hustler CG-144, 5/8 over 1/4 on 2M, if you can tolerate a 7' antenna.


BTW: The .45ACP is God's own caliber as revealed to the Prophet John Moses Browning.

[N5MUD]

BTW: The .45ACP is God's own caliber as revealed to the Prophet John Moses Browning.

You and I are in complete agreement. My forum name on most of the other forums I belong to is "1911". And, I run a Larsen 1/2-wave 2m antenna on the truck in my avatar.

[N7NRA]

I have never had issues with the 1/4 wave other than being out in the woods, But that is where the 3/4 wave ground plane comes in handy and I can raise it 20ft up on the truck. I have a 5/8 but am afraid the mag mount wouldn't handle the wind resistance. I really don't want a 2lb magnet and antenna bouncing around on my pavment princess at freeway speed.

BTW: The .45ACP is God's own caliber as revealed to the Prophet John Moses Browning.

.45 - for those who like to shoot once. This can relate to antennas as well but another way to look at it is like horse power vs. torque, there is no substitute for cubic inches.

Jim-N7NRA

[WB7X]

Sectional density for the win!!!

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