Needing to know what antenna to buy for a new radio setup for the rail. Will be using a yaesu ft-2900 radio. I have read/ seen about a 5/8 wave antenna. Does it matter which brand or way of it mounting? Thanks. What do most of you use?

i think pm'ing socaldmax would be your best bet , he is pretty sharp and knows the radio thing very well . tim

X1000

Okwill do thanks

x3 on Socal and also make sure to run a ground wire to the mount. It will increase your distance greatly.

? Do you still need the ground wire if you mount it to metel?

depends if the metal is powder coated. Just like any ground, as long as it has good contact I think it would be enough.

SoCal, help me out on this.

What about the ones they sell that are built into the lighted whip? I bought a couple of those back when we used a cb, but I've never tried it with my race radio. Any thoughts?

not sure about those.

The 5/8 wave will work perfectly if your mounting it on a large metal roof. If your mounting it on a whip tab I would go witht he 1/2 wave antenna.


We have an antenna tuner that can dial in your antenna to the frequency you use the most

5/8's will get ya better range. Scrape some powdercoat off where the mount mounts to the roof for a good ground. Ideally mount it in a spot that has 12" of open metal around it. I mounted mine a little closer to the back but still have 40+ mile range.