Midland 3 dB Gain Ghost Antenna vs. 6 dB Gain Antenna

[RoarinRow]

Not sure how concerned I should be with SWR readings on my Midland MXT115 GMRS Radio, but on my 6 db antenna I get about 1.5 reading, on average across most channels, on my SWR. With the 3 db antenna, the reading is closer to 3. If it's a concern, performance and safety-wise, what should I do to improve the reading on the 3 db ghost antenna?

In both SWR test, the antenna is right smack in the middle of the roof. I wouldn't want to change the location based on what antenna I use. Another option? Shouldn't matter with GMRS?

I'm thinking my problem is that I used a SWR meter for CBs. Not sure if a SWR meter for Ham radios will also work for GMRS?

 

[Prerunner1982]

Not sure how concerned I should be with SWR readings on my Midland MXT115 GMRS Radio, but on my 6 db antenna I get about 1.5 reading, on average across most channels, on my SWR. With the 3 db antenna, the reading is closer to 3. If it's a concern, performance and safety-wise, what should I do to improve the reading on the 3 db ghost antenna?

In both SWR test, the antenna is right smack in the middle of the roof. I wouldn't want to change the location based on what antenna I use. Another option? Shouldn't matter with GMRS?

I'm thinking my problem is that I used a SWR meter for CBs. Not sure if a SWR meter for Ham radios will also work for GMRS?

I would be concerned with a 3:1+ SWR.
You would need an SWR meter or an Antenna Analyzer capable of UHF. A local ham club may have a club analyzer they would help you with or perhaps a club member would be willing to help.

When I got my analyzer I didn't think I would really need it to go up to UHF as it wasn't really an area I had interest in and it saved a few bucks... now that I have GMRS as well I am wishing I had an analyzer that included UHF.

 

[RoarinRow]

I would be concerned with a 3:1+ SWR.
You would need an SWR meter or an Antenna Analyzer capable of UHF. A local ham club may have a club analyzer they would help you with or perhaps a club member would be willing to help.

Thanks Jon, always appreciate your feedback. I'll keep my eye out for any helpful member as well as YouTube for DIY stuff.

 

[Prerunner1982]

Look up the nanovna analyzer on youtube, I have seen quite a few people mention them. You can get them for about $54 on Amazon.

 

[RoarinRow]

Look up the nanovna analyzer youtube, I have seen quite a few people mention them. You can get them for about $54 on Amazon.

Thank you, checking now...

 

[Downs]

Yeah a CB SWR meter isn't going to work properly. This is what I use on all my VHF/UHF stuff. It gives you a lot of data on top of the SWR readings.

 

[RoarinRow]

Yeah a CB SWR meter isn't going to work properly. This is what I use on all my VHF/UHF stuff. It gives you a lot of data on top of the SWR readings.

Thank you. I just put this model on my Amazon Wish List this afternoon. I'll come back with questions I'm sure.

 

[EBG18T]

Not sure how concerned I should be with SWR readings on my Midland MXT115 GMRS Radio, but on my 6 db antenna I get about 1.5 reading, on average across most channels, on my SWR. With the 3 db antenna, the reading is closer to 3. If it's a concern, performance and safety-wise, what should I do to improve the reading on the 3 db ghost antenna?

have you reached out to midland? I know they claim the ghost is properly tuned..

 

[RoarinRow]

have you reached out to midland? I know they claim the ghost is properly tuned..

I actually bought the appropriate SWR meter. Just pending delivery this week. Then if it's still off then I'll figure out what to do. Hoping this new meter will give me accurate readings. My bad in the first place for using CB rated meter ibstead of one for GMRS and Ham frequencies.

 

[Downs]

I actually bought the appropriate SWR meter. Just pending delivery this week. Then if it's still off then I'll figure out what to do. Hoping this new meter will give me accurate readings. My bad in the first place for using CB rated meter ibstead of one for GMRS and Ham frequencies.

If it's still high I would suspect a bad antenna. Even the ghost antenna shouldn't give SWR readings that high on GMRS.

 

[RoarinRow]

If it's still high I would suspect a bad antenna. Even the ghost antenna shouldn't give SWR readings that high on GMRS.

I have 3 antennas to play with. One of them has to have a good reading.

 

[RoarinRow]

I just got a VHF/UHF SWR meeting today from Amazon - Amazon.com: Youmei RS-50 Digital SWR/Watt Meter VHF/UHF 125-525MHz 120W for Two-Way Radio: Car Electronics

On my 6 db antenna - I got a reading of 1.0 reading at both the low and high channel (Ch 1 and Ch 22).
On my 3 db ghost antenna - I got a reading of 1.57 on the Ch 1 and 1.75 on Ch 22.

Whew that's a relief...thanks all!

 

[Prerunner1982]

Excellent!

 

[RoarinRow]

Excellent!

Thanks Jon, always appreciate your expert comments on comms!

 

[Downs]

I just got a VHF/UHF SWR meeting today from Amazon - Amazon.com: Youmei RS-50 Digital SWR/Watt Meter VHF/UHF 125-525MHz 120W for Two-Way Radio: Car Electronics

On my 6 db antenna - I got a reading of 1.0 reading at both the low and high channel (Ch 1 and Ch 22).
On my 3 db ghost antenna - I got a reading of 1.57 on the Ch 1 and 1.75 on Ch 22.

Whew that's a relief...thanks all!

Pays to have the right tools for the job :)

 

[RoarinRow]

Pays to have the right tools for the job :)

Thanks for helping me steer in the right direction as far as the meter.

 

[nudavinci64]

is there a way to run both or does that just won't work? I randomly thought and came across this thread.

 

[Prerunner1982]

is there a way to run both or does that just won't work? I randomly thought and came across this thread.

I will first ask why you want to run both?

 

[Sparksalot]

is there a way to run both or does that just won't work? I randomly thought and came across this thread.

Both what?

 

[nudavinci64]

I will first ask why you want to run both?

mainly curious they both seem to have different uses short range vs long range etc. I am running a 3db one now but have a 6db but have not had a reason to use it yet. Was thinking if I have both then you would have both uses on hand but may not really made sense.