Pulling bits off my first 80 series which has a trusty GME TX4200 and ZCG scalar antenna (the fibreglass has always rattled but the set up has been awesome.) After 500k and a cracked head, I now have another 80 series. It has a Omicron UHF280 and crap antenna (which has lost 100mm off the top- still works but not ideal). Will the ZCG scalar antenna work with the Omicron? The Omicron doesn't seem to have squelch control. The GME has a good reputation. I'm wondering which would be the best radio to keep. Should I get an new antenna?
GME TX4200 vs Omicron UHF280
- Thread starter Glennergy
- Start date
LongRoad2Go
Well-Known Member
Was coincidentally choosing UHF radios last week and have since ordered one. During the process of elimination, one thing that was mentioned is NEVER to change the length of the antenna cable (never cut it), so in the same instance, suggest your damaged antenna is cactus.
Generally speaking, probably best to use an antenna from the same manufacturer as the radio, and to keep the ZCG as a spare. Alternatively, and it seems a few people do it, you could install both radio units into the vehicle and have them set on different channels - also as a back-up and on different gains (dBi) = one long and one short antenna.
Generally speaking, probably best to use an antenna from the same manufacturer as the radio, and to keep the ZCG as a spare. Alternatively, and it seems a few people do it, you could install both radio units into the vehicle and have them set on different channels - also as a back-up and on different gains (dBi) = one long and one short antenna.
Batts88
Well-Known Member
When you do some research it says depending on the cable length you can shorten it some said a small amount or up to 1 metre. I suppose there would be a meter that can check the signal strength or a formula that can be used but anyway that would probably be for someone who is after the best they can get out of it.
