Confused by mag mount antenna

NCLivingBrit

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So, my antenna replacements arrived. Both in Nagoya branded packaging with QR codes and holograms. But that doesn't mean much these days and they are likely knockoffs.

The "Nagoya NA771" works great, although it does want to poke me in the eye. I've been testing with NOAA weather stations since there doesn't seem to be a lot else broadcasting near me that I can find with a Boafeng UV5R HT and my experience level. I was able to get two or three before, now I can hear several more loud and clear so it must be doing something better than the factory one.

The problem is the mag mount, a "Nagoya UT108". I hooked it up to the HT and inside the car it works about as well as the factory antenna does inside the car. Literally the moment I reach out the window with it no signal at all. Place it on the steel roof, no signal at all. Move it around, no signal at all. Bring it back inside the car, signal. I've tried every spot down the middle, the not middle and edges and I even stuck it on the door horizontally. It's like I turned off the radio.

Isn't this the exact opposite of what should be happening?
 
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This might help to explain your results: https://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/8636?page=1

Basically, what most of these people are saying is that the antenna, if it is tuned at all, is tuned well outside of the 2 meter band. While proper tuning is critical for transmitting, it also helps on the receive side.
 
Thanks for the info. I was just surprised that it worked so much better inside the car....

I wonder if it's any better for 70cm? I was mainly using the 2m NOAA signals to test withwbecause it's the only consistent thing I've picked up so far.
 
try 147.315 weekdays 2:30-4:00pm.

I have listened to the Vagabond ragchew a little. I have it programmed but usually miss most of it. Thanks for the reminder I'm tuned in now.
 
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The wilksboro machine is another good one for picking up some traffic on occasion. Usually seems to be older fellas shooting the breeze.
 
The wilksboro machine is another good one for picking up some traffic on occasion. Usually seems to be older fellas shooting the breeze.

Cool thanks.

And I put in a return ticket for the mag mount. When I'm done moving and such I'll come back here and find out how much one that works is gonna cost me :)
 
Apparently they know it's crap because they refunded me and soft soaped me with no problems at all. The knockoff Nagoya 771 is working fine for receiving and is a bit better than the rubber ducky.
 
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