I have the MXT275 and both the 3db Ghost and the 6db antenna from Midland. And I use the same hood lip mount as demonstrated in this video. With the ghost antenna I get reasonable reception; I'm able to hit a repeater 14 miles away pretty easily. But when I switched out with the longer 6db antenna the quality of the sound coming through that repeater was much better; less background noise relative to my voice. Less static wafting through the transmission. And I was able to hit it more reliably, from places where I typically find it more challenging. The shorter one is fine for closer communications, and adequate for longer ranges if there's not much obstruction. But the longer one definitely sounds better as you get further from the receiver. I'm glad I have both, though, because the long one, at 31", affixed to the hood of my '95 Bronco, measures 7' off the ground at its tip, and taps my garage door on the way into the garage. So for "day to day" use, I'll stick with the ghost, and then when I head out for longer drives, camping trips, and so on, I'll swap to the long one.
I was impressed with the little 3db ghost antenna. It would be even better up higher on a light bar and blend in nicely. I'm just having fun with this GMRS stuff.
Thats the same spot I put mine. The only thing I would tell you is that make sure where those two mounting screws are you scrape a little bit of the paint away so it makes it better ground for the antenna
Thanks for the tip Sir! I'm enjoying these GMRS radios. Still a novice and its pretty stress free. My wife still thinks I'm crazy but thats normal. lol
Loved the review, I got this exact same system because of your results. So newbie question, say your communicating with your family on the other end, will someone with the same system be able to hear your comms, granted they were on the same channel as you? Trying to do my research as I'm new to the GMRS world. I already applied for my license, should have that going in a few days.
Hi this is an awesome review. Did the mount do anything to the paint job? Also did you notice any noise with either antenna? Thank you and again excellent video.
I have two of these the Chinese ones from wish they work mint we have them on the transit roofs had some 40+miles copy mobile depends on terrane but great I'd recommend one for ya truck😎
Using an NMO hole mount would yield a vast improvement on transmission and reception. It’s easier than you would imagine and, if installed correctly, is completely waterproof. All that’s needed is remove either the dome light or, the third brake light, so you can see where to drill. Use the correct tool also, they can be found online easily. Routing the coax is a breeze and a lot easier, IMO, than routing it through the firewall. That 3dB antenna would be low profile and, be more efficient. The current mounting location, you’re using, degrades the signal pattern so much.
Hey there @TheRealCobraBurnout, did you by chance happen to test the SWR on the 3db Ghost antenna? I just received mine and the SWR tested high on GMRS channel 1 and on channel 16. Both were 2.1 to 1.9. Just curious as to what yours or anyone else's may be. From what I have found from searching the interwebs, these Ghost antennas can not be tuned...
Hey bud. How do u rank the 3db ghost antenna? I just installed my MXT115 on my Nissan and I'm please with the stock baby antenna it came with but I'm *sure* the mini 3Db antenna would be better amyway.
@@TheRealCobraBurnout I'm planning on getting Midlands lip mount and this 3db antenna. Really my GMRS setup is for family convoys on the interstate for car to car so I think that'll do. Thank you for the help!!!
I have the MXT275 MicroMobile GMRS Radio and the Midland 3db Ghost Antenna. I plan to use a powder coated stainless steel hood bracket to mount my antenna (bracket attaches to the passenger side hood hinge). Do you know if the Ghost Antenna would require a ground? I am thinking the powder coat may affect this and I would need to sand off some powder coating and run a ground strap from the sanded off area to the body inside the engine bay. What are your thoughts? Thanks.
I have the 3db host antenna on my MXT275. I'm using it with the magnetic mounth from Midland. That magnet works awesome.. and it has the cable already attached. I literally go thru the car wash with my truck and the high powered dryer doesn't even budge it. I like the 3db antenna. Works much better than the stock antenna. But I'm debating on getting the 6db whip antenna too.
No way I see to adjust the Ghost antenna but I could be wrong. The 6db "whip" should be adjustable but I didn't mess with it because Midland tries to simplify their GMRS antenna/radio set ups. They pre-tune them. Obviously some variables like where you locate the antenna on the vehicle will still factor it. I do have an old cheapo SWR meter. Maybe worth checking out.
Hello I have a UHF antenna with a removable 10 inch spring for a UHF cp200 radio. I just got baofeng radio dual vhf/uhf. Question is can I use that antenna for the baofeng, and if not why so 🤔
@@TheRealCobraBurnout yea I know they are gmrs I'm looking to put in a gmrs radio into my semi but none of the body on these is metal. I'm trying to find a way to mount it and use it atleast decently. Rugged radios sells a kit with a no ground plane antenna and a mount but it is a mag mount which I can't do it won't stick.
Not a good choice for a window. This needs a ground plane which is the car hood in this case which is the “bottom half” of the antenna. Check out roll up j pole antennas such the DBJ-2 from Ed Fong...no ground plane needed. Might be too tall for inside a window...
There are half wave antennas that do not require a ground plane that may work well. They are only about 12" tall. You could use the ghost antenna if you need something as small as possible. Just put something metal under it like a baking sheet.
Midland Radio service reps say it does. I've seen them state it works with their MXTA12 magnet mount amzn.to/3D2rnBO There may be other options out there but that is where I would start.
There is no way that stubby antenna has 3dB gain; it may be as bad as -3dB. A quarter wave whip that's about 6 inches long has unity (0 dB) gain. Definitely go with the longer antenna; it may actually have 3 dB or a little more.
Hey, thanks for the real world review! I bought a couple of Wouxun KG-UV9GXs for ecomms to my daughter about two miles away from Better Safe Radio. Suburban environment. Stock antennas are wide band because these are scanners too. Couldn't reach. Got a couple of 1/4 and 5/8 wave antennas and it was a little better. Was considering a roof set up but the loss on 5 watts will kill me on the 80ish foot run. This might work but with a mag mount. It's all voodoo antenna physics. Thanks again.
@@wonkamywilly2456 is there an issue with the MXT-115 Operator unit? Or do you just no longer need it? I’m asking because I’m looking for customer feedback before deciding to purchase one myself.
Yes I know. But that was the point of this. Moved the magnetic antenna from the roof (because I'm not drilling into it and have no lip to mount anything) to an antenna set up like these. Still got just as good and actually better than my other set up I tested.
Thanks for video! Love your daughter with the assist, reminds me of my projects and recruiting my girls! Considering the 3db version. Can you mount it on same side as radio antenna or will it create interference? Thanks!
I use CB SSB with a good setup and coax and antenna i talk in the city over 20 miles and on open terrain about 60 miles or even more if i bounce my signal i can communicate a few states over! But from what I am seeing 90% of people don't know squat about RF, or radio comunincations for that matter.
So whats your impression on the 6db vs the 3db antenna? I have the 3db ghost antenna on my MXT275. It works pretty good, but I'm wondering if I'll see a significant range increase if I move to the 6db. Do you think its a big enough upgrade.. or is it minimal and not worth the money since I already have the 3db?
Are you able to connect and transmit on repeaters on your Midland mxt275? I have that radio and I turn repeater on. I even checked the CTSS and still not able to transmit onto a repeater. Not sure if I am screwing up or the midland mxt275 is unable to do it
@davidb.turknett4447 congrats. I been having a hard time and finding a detailed video. Able to let me know the video you seen so I can too? Please. Much appreciated
firewall has access hole for cabling. Most firewalls do at least on the drivers side. sometimes they have a little rubber boot cover int it. You can pop the whole boot or cut a slit to feed cable thru.
Yes, I do. WREX542 I got it before I purchased any of these radios. However this is an edited RU-vid vid and FCC doesn't require I broadcast it in the video. Although, I think maybe in future ones, I leave that piece in rather than cut it. So much footage, vids become way too long. But it may give the wrong idea possible. WREX-542
@@TheRealCobraBurnout BUT IN THE SAME MATTER IN THE RULES STATE THAT DURING ANY TRANSMISTION THAT HAS TO BE DONE AT THE BEGING AND EVERY 15 MIN . NOW I AM NOT SURE ABOUT YOUR DAUGHT HAVING TO DO . I BELIVE AS LONG SOME ONE PUTS YOUR CALL SONG OUT THAT U GUYS ARE FINE
Yes...where you just sharing this for everyone's general knowledge or do you believe my edited portions of filming which became this vid where all that was transmitted during testing? Just curious.
