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| Reviews Summary for Austin 500C Antenna |
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Reviews: 22
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Average rating: 4.9/5
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MSRP: $35.00
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Description: The 500C Antenna are an adaptation of the popular Metropolitan Mobile Multiband Antenna. The UHF function is handled by the upper whip portion of the antenna. The element is operational as a ground independent 1/2 wave radiator. It is isolated from the feed line by the resonant cavity, which also produces a 50-ohm match. This isolation, combined with the elevation of the feed point, produces a superior radiation pattern that is on the horizon for maximum range and efficiency. The VHF operation is provided by the overall length of the antenna, functioning as a 1/4 wave element while using the vehicle as a ground plane. This patented technique substantially lowers the typically high radiation angle of the 1/4 wave antenna. Relatively short, the antenna will not bend over at highway speeds, distorting the radiation pattern. These two factors combine to provide performance when at speeds exceeding the typical 5/8 wave design. The 500C family of antenna includes single, dual, tri, and quad band versions in many popular frequency splits.
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.austinantenna.net/
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KK4CDT
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 3, 2011 23:09
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A Great Antenna for Your Dual Band Radio
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I bought this antenna after reading several other reviews, and can honestly say that I'm very impressed. I can consistently hit repeaters 40 or so miles away. With mountains all around, that's not an easy task. The 500C also works great in receiving signals as well. I'm able to pick up things I couldn't hear with a 5/8 wave (Larsen NMO150). The 500C's design is different than what we're all used to, but it works and works well. It is, without a doubt, the best mobile antenna I have used.
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W8MPX
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Rating: 3/5
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Mar 14, 2011 20:32
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not what i expect
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I got 1 because the good review but my diamond NR770HBNMO PERFORME BETTER ON 2 METER AND 70cm. I call austin and ask how much db the austin 500C have they said none nada zero because is a ground plane dipole how much db the diamond on 2 meter 3.0db on 70cm 5.5db, but still i test both antenna with the same radio and the Diamond transmit and receive better,but for 18 inches it do a good job.i'm keeping the austin 500C for rental cars and traveling. note the 500C is better on 2 meter on 70cm its ok. try the austin metropolitan you be better ok 73' for everyone
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K2AAU
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 20, 2011 16:18
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Still going strong
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Purchased several of these antennas for users on my machine. Some using it on Magnetic mounts and others using it on mounts permanently mounted on top of the vehicle. Users have stated that they are hearing much better and able to hit distant machines with reduced power compared to using either a 1/4 spike or high gain antenna greater than 40" in height. If you are careful with the install, the antenna will last a long time. It's performance is outstanding equal to or greater than some of the taller high gain antennas and cheaper too.
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W8IAM
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 26, 2010 19:33
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Quit looking. You just found it.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned this little antenna since 1995. Let's see now, it's been on 2 cars, 3 mini vans and 1 truck. All roof mounted (after the second van it got easer drilling the ¾” hole for the nmo). It met its demise going through a car wash on my 2005 Silverado yesterday. Totals 6 vehicle’s in 15 years and who knows how many car wash's without removing the antenna. I’m ordering another one and an extra right now. Then I'm going to look for my old 4’ diamond, comet or cushcraft duel band antennas that I use to use.
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K2AAU
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Rating: 4/5
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Dec 9, 2009 17:14
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Oops
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have owned this antenna for a number of years. The design is great but the mount is undesirable and you really need to be careful. I like the Metropolitan design a lot better since the end terminates in a bolt rather a flimsy clip. Otherwise, if you don't screw the heck out of this antenna, you'll be fine!
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N1FDX
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Rating: 5/5
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May 5, 2009 05:06
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18+year old and still going
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This antenna has been on more cars than I can remember. Fixed and mag mount. Had to re-solder the little contact wiper in the base once but otherwise perfect. Excellent performance also, even 2m SSB contacts in the contest.
http://home.comcast.net/~n1fdx
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KD7YQI
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 1, 2007 20:00
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Superb Quality/Performance
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased this antenna after reading the reviews posted here. I live here in Montana and often drive 70mph into 50mph head/crosswinds. I can't use a big antenna and expect it to survive. I also wanted something I could move to a different vehicle, hence a mag mount. When I recieved the antenna, I was surprise the quality was so nice. This thing is built well. It holds on to the top of my tuna can lid ( '91 Mazda Protege) for sure. I have driven it through some gnarly winds already and I was impressed. Got it hooked up to an Icom 2100. It recieves much better than my 'firestik' type antenna. I pick up all kinds of repeaters I never heard before in these remote areas. I get excellent reports on transmission. Looks killer too. I can't ask for anything more in a little 1/4 wave. It's so quiet, I can't believe the 'lil things even up top. I would reccomend this antenna to anyone, at least anyone with a 2m radio they want to rock!
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KR4JA
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 9, 2007 16:55
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500SC with Yaesu FTM-10R
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have the soft top version of this antenna and I can't add anything to the reviews of the antenna on 2M & 70CM, it's a super antenna. However, in addition, it has wide band receive that is much better than other dual band antennas I've tried. I spend most of my time listening to AM and FM radio on the commute, as well as to police and airband frequencies. This is the main reason I bought the FTM-10R, for is wide-range RX capabilities. Finding a great dual-band antenna which also has wide-range RX with such a short profile was more than I expected. Fantastic antenna.
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NB7I
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 9, 2007 16:46
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Does what it's supposed to..
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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For the price and length, this is a good performer. It claims to be a quarter wave on 2 meters, and an elevated 1/2 wave on 440. Thus, gain figures are minimal. This is not a miracle antenna - simply one that does what it is supposed to. Unlike some so-called high gain dual banders that usually don't have any gain at a usable angle.
Austin has no dealers west of the Mississippi when I bought mine, but direct sales went well. The construction has held up well, but it is clearly a hand made antenna.
It'll fit in the garage, works, and doesn't fall apart on the first road trip.
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WI5O
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 9, 2007 12:41
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500C with Dual Band Yaesu 7800R
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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the Austin Antenna 500C dual band antenna was purchased for my mobile Yaesu FT7800R dual band transciever. I am comparing the Austin 500C to a Diamond NR770HNMO. I bought the soft-top version that gives when you hit something above the antenna.
SWR: I used a Diamond SX40C meter for SWR checks. The Austin Antenna was custom built and came from the factory with the following SWR readings: 2 meter transmit ranged from 1.1-1 SWR at the lower spectrum to 1.15-1 SWR at the higher spectrum. On the 70 centimeter transmit side, the SWR was a little bit higher. It ranged from 1.25-1 SWR on the low side of the spectrum to about 1.45-1 SWR on the higher frequencies. The 500C doesn't appear to have an adjustment stub.
I tried several repeaters as far away as 60 plus miles. I was able to hit repeaters using the Austin 500C that I couldn't even hear with the Diamond Antenna.
Receive:
I was amazed that I could hear several repeaters and even simplex conversations with the Austin 500C that I never heard with the much more expensive Diamond Antenna.
The price was only $34.00 and it arrived in two weeks although the company specified 4-6 weeks delivery. I am very pleased with the Austin Antenna 500C and would recommend one to other hams. Why pay $150.00 for a Diamond or Comet Dual Band Antenna when you can purchase the Austin Antenna 500C and get comparable quality for only $34.00 plus shipping?
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