Review NMO-HD Antennas

General Description

Nagoya now has a complete line of Base Station antennas specifically tuned for Amateur, Commercial and GMRS frequencies. These antennas do not require a ground plane and can be side mounted to a tower or on a vertical mast.


The Shipment includes

Base Station Antenna
Mounting Clamps
Connection Adapter (NMO / SO239)
Instruction Sheet

Frequency Range

There are 3 antenna configurations
   NMO-HDA - 144 / 430 MHz Amateur Radio Base / Mobile
   NMO-HDC - 155 / 455 MHz Commercial Base / Mobile
   NMO-HDG - 462 / 467 MHz GMRS Repeater / Base / Bullbar

Antenna Gain (db)

   NMO-HDA - 144 3.0 db / 430 MHz 6.5 db
   NMO-HDC - 155 3.0 db / 455 MHz 6.5 db
   NMO-HDG - 462 > 467 MHz 6.6 db

Power Rating

   200W and built to withstand 135 MPH winds

Dimensions

The fiberglass enclosure measures 47.2" (120cm) in length and 1" (2.5cm) in diameter.

Configuration

The antenna base supports an NMO connection with a preinstalled NMO to SO239 adapter. If the antenna is to be used with an NMO mount, simply remove the adapter.

Hardware

Along with the connector adapter, the NMO-HD series antennas include a pair of 2" x 3" mounting U-Bolts and clamps.

Performance

I used the NMO-HDA mounted to a 20' mast for testing purposes and the results were excellent on both VHF and UHF. I would not hesitate to use these at our repeater site.

Sweeps

This is where the rubber meets the road. The antenna sweeps were exactly where they should be. SWR was less than 1.7:1 on all specified frequencies.

Amateur Radio 144 450 MHz

Commercial 156 460 MHz

GMRS 462-467 MHz

Conclusion

These antennas are rigidly constructed and suitable for Base, Repeater and Bullbar installation. The fiberglass wall will keep the antenna waterproof and safe from the weather.

Although these antennas do not require a ground plane, the GPK-01 can be used as a mounting option.