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Reviews For: Diamond SRH77CA Dual Band (2 m /70 CM) HT Antenna

Category: Antennas: VHF/UHF+ Omnidirectional: verticals, mobile, etc

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Review Summary For : Diamond SRH77CA Dual Band (2 m /70 CM) HT Antenna
Reviews: 63MSRP: 29.95
Description:
15" long, male SMA connector, flexible dual-band antenna for handheld transceivers. 1/4 wave on 2 meters, 2.15 dbi gain on 70 cm (Mfgr claim).
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
11633.9
2E0TKT Rating: 2022-11-20
RH771 BNC Version Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Used on the FT5D.
RH771 BNC version with adapter.
VHF: Same performance as the stock antenna.
UHF: Useless. Standard antenna picks up a repeater 24 miles away indoors, any room. This one I'm waving around trying to get a better signal as though my life depends on it.
Save your money. Use the standard FT5D antenna with a counterpoise to further increase performance.
N7NIT Rating: 2021-10-24
A lot better than the rubber ducky on my HT Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I run a pest control route and drive a 2016 Ford F150 truck. There is no real metal on the truck body to affix a magmount antenna, and I cannot have a semi-permanent antenna install. I take my Yaesu FT-70D with me on my route. I work in an area with hills and some rolling terrain, so it can be a challenge for me to hit local repeaters with my HT and the rubber ducky antenna. I recently purchased the MFJ 310s window mount and the Diamond SRH77CA antenna. This antenna setup works a LOT better than my handheld and rubber ducky antenna--partly because the antenna is outside the vehicle. Also, the antenna is fairly discreet, so it doesn't draw unwanted attention to my vehicle. For someone in my situation, this antenna system is a winner!
WB2KSP Rating: 2021-02-04
Comments Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've just unpacked the SRH77CA antenna and mounted it on my VX5. For many years I used a RH77CA with a BNC base. When I purchased that antenna over ten to fifteen years ago the antenna was not available with a SMA mount and so I used a SMA to BNC adapter. Mechanically, the adapter seemed fine but over time it started developing electrical problems causing signal dropouts. After reading multiple reviews I decided to purchase the SRH77CA. One of the items that caught my eye was the report that the antenna did not seat firmly on the radio even after being fully screwed down.I noticed a small washer in the bag along with the antenna. I was able to retrieve the washer and fit it on the SMA base between the radio and the antenna. There is no gap between the top of the HT and the antenna with the added washer and the signals received with this antenna are far superior to what I receive with the stock antenna (which isn't all that bad,by the way). I gave this antenna a five star rating but I really haven't had it long enough to make that sort of comment. My rating is based on my experience with the RH77CA. I am certain that I will find this antenna to be an excellent purchase and will serve me for many years. I had to add this addendum to my comment. I can't say where the reviewers who report faulty antennas with high SWR got their antennas from. I've owned the RH77CA for over 15 years and have used it on multiple radios and never once did I experience anything but superb performance from the antenna. I did have trouble with the BNC to SMA adapter eventually but the antenna still works well on my Standard HT. The new Diamond antenna also is doing really well with my VX-5. I am easily able to join my local net (The repeater is about 20 to 25 miles away from my QTH) and join in the discussion while walking around my neighborhood. If you have a antenna that either breaks or has very high SWR, I think that you should check the source from which you purchased the antenna. As a previous review said, there may be some questionable antennas out there. I can only report that my antennas have been working fine and my friend also has a SRH77CA and his is also performing as expected. I purchased mine from HRO in Delaware.
W7LDG Rating: 2021-01-29
Junk, Bad for your Radio Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Well it looks nice. Tried a few of them and the SWR is HIGH to say the least (6+). Perfect way to ruin a $500.00 dollar radio. Switched to Signal Sticks. Perfect SWR and it works like a dream compared to others and factory crap.
You don't have to worry about breaking the Signal Sticks either.
KB5ZSM Rating: 2021-01-28
Watch out for cheap reproductions Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had nothing but great luck with mine yet a friend of mine had just the reverse. We compared the antennas and it was appearant they were not made by the same manufacturer but did have the same markings. Different materials and even the feel was differant. SWRs were no comparison. Watch out for counterfeits.....
KB8JYC Rating: 2020-04-17
Purchased both SRH77CA & RH77CA and neither is worth a toot. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I purchased two of these Diamond dual band antenna deals on eBay, thinking that I was getting a good deal on what I believed would be same good ht upgrades. Not to be. I did not notice any increase in performance from my radio or my scanner. So I figured maybe see what the trusty old MFJ-259B had to say about it. The very best match I could even get on either antenna was 2.5 to 1 on ANY frequency. And I can tell you that it was nowhere within the 2 meter band.
At the same time I also purchased a pair of TWAYRDIO RH771 super flex antenna's for my doomsday BAOFENG talkies. The RH771 is also a dual band ht duckie. I figured maybe I better see what the MFJ had to say about them as well. Particularly since they were less than half the price of the Diamond's.
Well what a surprise when I got a 1.2 to 1 on both of the TWAYRDIO duckie's. And right where the best match should be.
My advise...save your money. In my mind, I wasted about $50.00 on the Diamond duds. For a little over $20.00 invested in the other two, I do get better reception and tx out of my scanner and ht now.
And that is the truth,
KI5ICP Rating: 2020-02-20
Very Poor VHF Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Got this antenna from Gigaparts. Works well on VHF 1:1 SWR. UHF was 7:1, terrible. Trying to return. GP said to call manufacturer.
N9ABC Rating: 2019-08-09
Diamond's SRH77CA vs Signal Stuff Super Elastic & Comet SMA-24 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Diamond's SRH77CA vs Signal Stuff Super Elastic & Comet SMA-24

I have three similarly sized HT antennas. The Comet SMA-24, The Diamond SRH77CA each of which I have used for while, and the Signal Stuff Super Elastic signal stick. which I received today. Today I ran an unscientific comparison. The Comet and the Signal Stuff were tied in their ability to hear stations and to hit repeaters, both using the antenna alone and the antenna with a Tiger Tail. The Diamond did not perform as well as either of the above antennas in either hearing or hitting stations.

The Comet appears to be well built. It has the thinest of the radiator wires as well as the smallest of the bases that attach to the HT's female SMA. I actually like that it is thin.

The Signal Stuff has a thicker radiator and is slightly longer than the Comet. The base that attaches to the HT's female SMA is also larger than the Comets. I didn't like its thicker antenna radiator as much as Comets thinner radiator. Several times while talking on the HT and moving the antenna hit me in the face. It hurt more then the Comet who also at times hit me in the face while walking and talking on the HT. The build of the Signal Stuff antenna seems to be very durable and I was impressed. The slightly longer length of the antenna radiator over the Comet, didn't seem to make any difference transmitting or receiving.
In a harsh environment I would guess that the SignalStufff antenna would hold up better, but that's just my impression.

As to the Diamond SRH77CA, I would rate it in third place. It didn't perform as well, (whether with or without a tiger tail) as the Comet or Signal Stuff in receiving stations or hitting repeaters. I also perceived it's base and radiator to be thicker and base that connects to the HT is larger the other two. I have a personal concern that due to the thickness of the antenna's radiating wire, the size of the base, and the overall weight of the antenna, that it might be more likely to cause issues over time with the HT's SMA antenna connector, however I did not test for that possibility, rather it is just my impression.

Using my unscientific testing of listening to stations and trying to communicate via repeaters I would rate the Signal Stuff and Comet SMA-24 better then the Diamond. I would like to point out that the Diamond has many happy users, however in my reviewing the three, I would put it in last place. But again, this is my subjective opinion.

73

Steve
KJ4KKI Rating: 2019-01-14
Fantastic HT Antenna! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I upgraded my stock duck to this antenna when I first bought my FT-60 back around 2009. It performs very good, and is a sturdy antenna. I still keep my original antenna handy, such as when I'm going in stores, etc. Around town, it hits repeaters for the most part. But, it is out-performed by the Diamond antenna by quite a bit.

I participated in a bicycle rally, acting as the roving check-in. While most of the time involved using a 50 watt mobile on very hilly terrain, there were a few times when we were stopped and I was out of the car. I easily hit a repeater about 15-20 miles away (I know...line of sight), but I have had really good luck with repeaters in other areas.

The antenna works well for scanner use, provided the agencies don't go digital. All in all, this antenna would make an excellent addition to your radio equipment. It is very durable, having withstood several instances of "accidents".

A couple of people complained on other sites that they had to shop around for a gasket, so you couldn't see where it screwed on the radio. They were quite upset. Really?

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Earlier 4-star review posted by KJ4KKI on 2009-07-17

I'm hesitant to give it a 5 as I haven't had it that long and I want to try it out some more. I got one for my Yaesu FT-60 HT. Granted, it is a bit long. That gets in the way when carrying it around or on the belt. Coming from a public safety background, I'm used to putting a radio in my back pocket or slid into my trouser side pocket with the clip on the outside. That's a bit awkward with this antenna. Truthfully, I'm more worried about hurting the antenna than the inconvenience. Of course, a long antenna can get inquisitive looks. I actually sort of like having a beefy duck. The extended receive capability is awesome. I was listening to airport traffic from Nashville today, and I live over 70 miles away. I could bore you with more ramblings, but in short...buy one. You'll be glad you did.
KC2FYA Rating: 2018-03-31
Good on FT-2DR Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This is an excellent antenna. I notice the gain on 440 especially and even a bit on 2-meters. I recommend very highly for any Dual-Band radio with an SMA connection.