Question 1

Antenna newbie here. It says "Grounded" metal plane, does that mean metal has to be touching the ground (earth) or is a metal object on  roof ok?

Accepted Answer

"Grounded" metal plane depends on what band antenna you are talking about. For 2 meter and higher frequencies with mobile applications on vehicles, the metallic vehicle body serves as the ground plane. The antenna needs a 1/4 wavelength radius circle of metal at the base of the antenna to serve as a ground plane. This is easily accomplished on most vehicles. HOWEVER, the lower in frequency you go, the more difficult this is to obtain. As a result, antenna tuners may be needed to tune the radio to the antenna.

Base station antennas are either of a vertical or horizontal design/polarization. Most HF verticals need a ground plane under them, usually buried under ground. Horizontal  HF antennas do not usually use a ground plane if they are mounted at least 40 feet above ground. VHF/UHF antennas, both horizontal and vertical, usually use the metal mast it is mounted to as a ground plane. Horizontal beam antennas also have their own builtin "ground plane" in the antenna design.. Height above ground for these antennas is not important, EXCEPT if you are trying for more coverage area.

Question 2

The title says "144/430" but the description says it will go up to 520mhz?

Accepted Answer

It will work there, but not at top efficiency.. Most likely the antenna is tuned for the middle of the 440 band (430), and the middle of the 2 meter band (144)..

Question 3

Will this work as a base station antenna?

Accepted Answer

I don't see why it would not work. It's better than the small 'rubber duck'. However you may wish to consider a physically longer unit 1-2 meters (3-6ft) antenna that can be permanently secured.

Question 4

Is this antenna waterproof and can it take the hot sun during the summer time?

Accepted Answer

I live in extreme Northern Maine on the Canadian border on the US side. We get temperature extremes -50 in the winter and we can certainly get up to 95 in the summer. Mine has served me well in all weather extremes, and I am about to purchase another one, not that mine is broken, but to add a second radio for APRS use.

ASIN	B01B8OXDJ6
AntennaDescription	Radio
Best Sellers Rank	#20 in Two-Way Radio Antennas
Brand	BTECH
Color	Black
Customer Reviews	4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (289)
Global Trade Identification Number	00722589229565
Impedance	50 Ohms
Item Weight	10.4 Ounces
Manufacturer	BTECH
Maximum Range	2 Meters
Mfr Part Number	TB-320A
Model Number	TB-320A
Number of Channels	3
Number of Items	2
UPC	722589229565
Unit Count	1.0 Count

Authentic Genuine Nagoya TB-320A Fold-Over 39-Inch PL-259 Mount Tri-Band 2m/1.25m/70cm (144/220/440 MHz) Antenna, Includes NMO to UHF (SO-239) Adapter

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