One of the most critical components of a radio is the antenna that is connected to it. While a radio does need sufficient power and positioning to maximize its range, it is the antenna that determines the ultimate fate of the signal to be sent or received. The choice of antenna cannot be taken lightly, and there are many from which to choose.
This is why we carry so many antennas. We offer a broad selection of antennas and antenna accessories from name brand manufacturers, including Diamond Antenna, Icom, Midland, Nagoya, President, Tram, and others. Now we've added a new manufacturer to our product lineup, the Melowave brand!
Who is Melowave?
Introduced just this year, Melowave is a new brand of two way radio accessories brought to you by the same people who founded Buy Two Way Radios. Melowave products are developed based on feedback from customers of Buy Two Way Radios who use these types of products every single day. This direct relationship with the those who use them in a real world scenario enables the company to respond with products that customers really need.
The customer focused approach to product development ensures that Melowave meets the expectations of consumers with products that are of high quality, deliver value as advertised, and perform better than comparable products from other manufacturers.
What does this mean for the average GMRS user? In short, it translates to greater range, greater parity, and greater performance of their radio.
Antennas
Melowave is initially launching with two mobile antennas, and each are made for the GMRS. To be more specific, these are not commercial or ham radio antennas that merely include the GMRS frequency range. They are designed and tuned specifically for GMRS channels and frequencies.
Shadow
The Shadow is a short, inconspicuous 1/4 wave GMRS antenna with 3dB gain. Designed for mobile GMRS two way radios such as the Wouxun KG-1000G and KG-XS20G, this high performance, low profile antenna is precisely tuned for 462MHz-467MHz frequencies assigned to the 30 channels on the General Mobile Radio Service. It has an NMO connector for compatibility with a wide variety of mobile antenna mounts. An antenna mount is not included.
The Shadow is a great choice for most mobile radio applications. At a mere 3.5 inches (97 cm) high, it provides great performance without getting in the way. Price: $39.99
Overlander
True to its name, the Overlander is targeted for, you guessed it, the off-roading or Overlanding community. This is not your typical mobile radio antenna. It's a heavy duty, four foot long aerial made specifically for vehicles traveling in extreme environments or over rough terrain.
The Overlander is a high gain, 5/8 over 5/8 wave antenna for excellent performance in the field. It is precisely tuned for 462MHz-467MHz frequencies on the GMRS with 6 dBi gain and V.S.W.R. ≦1.2:1. The attached cable is a low loss CFD200 with with FME connector and UHF adapter. At nearly half the loss of the RG58 cable usually provided with mobile radio mounts, the CFD200 adds to the optimal performance of this aerial.
In addition to superior performance, the Overlander is also tough. It is equipped with a massive spring at the base to keep it upright and intact when driving on harsh trails. The included L bracket mount and U bolts that secure the Overlander to the vehicle are also black. Plus its sleek, black appearance looks great on a camper or a 4x4. Price: $159.99
Mounts
Melowave is also launching the brand with an ample selection of popular mount styles. These include NMO magnet mounts in 2 sizes, a trunk lip mount and two NMO hole mounts. The company also offers mount accessories such as Studs (NMO to UHF, NMO to N), brackets and other items.
One important plus that should not be overlooked is the type of cable included with these new products. While it is not uncommon for other manufacturers to use RG-58 A/U with their mobile antennas and mounts, Melowave uses CFD200 type cable, which has nearly half the signal loss of RG58. Also, rather than chrome, Melowave mounts are solid black in color, which seems to be the preferred color based on customer feedback.
Although the initial launch of the Melowave product line is somewhat limited, the selection will grow over time.