M-Tech Communication Antennas

[iandvl]

I acquired a set of M-Tech's long antennas to evaluate last year, but had some delays in actually getting it installed and tested.

This one to be exact: https://www.mtcomm.co.za/product/m-tech ... enna-long/

In January we were camping at the bush camp at Doorndraai Lodge near Rooiberg. Being on top of the hill, I was able to receive ORRA radio comms of people in Marakele - about 40km aweay as the crow-flies. This was obviously elevated line of sight, and I did not attempt to transmit.

This weekend, I installed the second antenna on my old man's truck, and we did a radio test yesterday. An incredible improvement in terms of range from my previous Zara quarter wave antenna. Reception remained 5/5 for over 10km as the crow flies. In a built up area with hills in between the two vehicles too. I was in Garsfontein, the old-man was heading Westward on Solomon Mahlangu. We ended up losing comms way past Waterkloof airforce base.

I think the biggest drawbacks is the cost (they are super expensive compared to the Zara) and the length of the mast. In my case, the length of the mast does not bother me too much as, being mounted on the bullbar, it is actually the exact height of the RTT. Which makes it nice and easy to see where the truck will fit when there are objects overhead...

In short: I am super impressed.

[jakeslouw]

Your only problem now is that you don't have any friends to talk to.

[iandvl]

Thanks Jakes. You say the nicest things...

[jakeslouw]

You can always come and talk to me over a beer. You don't need a radio for that.

[iandvl]

Jakes - you know I normally do when I am in the area....

[jotto]

I have the same long antenna on the bakkie, work extremely well. was able to maintain comms with swambo in the pajero, all the way travelling from Waterkloof down Solomon M, while she took the N1, N4 to Nelspruit. Had clear comms until she passed SM drive onthe N4, while I made my way down to Silverlakes. They do look mennacing though

[grips]

Thanks Ian nice report.