GMRS Antennas and Understanding dB

August 01, 2023

Midland Radio has launched its new line of GMRS antennas, Ride the Range.

Understanding GMRS antennas and dB (decibel) can be tricky so Midland Radio is breaking it down to help you find the right antenna.

THE RIDE THE RANGE LINE OF GMRS ANTENNAS

Midland's line of four new GMRS antennas and two bundles were created to take range to new levels while on the trails.

The new GMRS antennas will extend the range of your radio by up to four times. It's key you read on to learn how choosing the right antenna will help you achieve this impressive range extension.

The new GMRS antennas are compatible with GMRS mobile radios- meaning they'll take your Midland MicroMobiles to the next level. Shop Midland MicroMobiles to bring together your communications setup.

Midland's new line of GMRS antennas offers multiple dB (decibel) levels that'll help adventurers level up communication in their specific environment.

When shopping Midland's new line of antenna, get free shipping on all MXAT GMRS antennas.

ABOUT THE NEW GMRS ANTENNAS

MXAT01VP FIBERGLASS ANTENNA (THE GRAND VISTA™)

This antenna will more than quadruple your signal output.

50 inches in height, the MXAT01VP or "The Grand Vista," packs a punch with a gain of 7.5dB.

Midland's new MXAT01VP Fiberglass Antenna also features an NMO adapter for a 1/2 inch hole mount and 19.5 foot COAX cable.

The 1/2 inch hole is commonly used to mount CB antennas, making it easy to switch antennas depending on the type of radio you're planning to use.

MXAT03 BULLBAR ANTENNA (THE CANYON EDGE™)

This 3 db antenna will double your signal output, increasing radio range and clarity.

The MXAT03, also known as, "The Canyon Edge," is 28 inches tall and comes with a 19.5 foot COAX cable.

The bullbar antenna requires a 1/2 inch hole for mounting and is waterproof.

MXAT04VP HEAVY-DUTY BULLBAR ANTENNA WITH SPRING BASE (THE HIGHLAND™ TALL)

The MXAT04VP is the "The Highland Tall," coming in at 47.5 inches in overall height with a 6.6dB gain.

Because of this antenna's height and heavy-duty design, it's fit to take on the toughest of environments. This antenna is also water resistant so it's fit for the outdoors.

The MXAT04 requires a 1/2 inch hole for mounting.

In the box you'll find the antenna and the heavy-duty spring base with a 19.5 foot long COAX cable.

This antenna is also sold by itself as the MXAT04 without the spring base and COAX cable.

MXAT05VP 3dB HEAVY-DUTY BULLBAR ANTENNA WITH SPRING BASE (THE HIGHLAND™)

The MXAT05VP, otherwise known as "The Highland," is a 3dB gain antenna. That means it will double radio output, bringing improved range and clarity to two-way radio communication.

This bullbar antenna is 28.5-inch (over two feet) tall so it won't be an issue with obstructions on the trail.

Like other "Ride the Range" antennas, the MXAT05 requires a 1/2 inch hole to mount.

The bundle includes the antenna and spring base with a 19.5 foot COAX cable.

This antenna is also sold by itself as the MXAT05 without the spring base and COAX cable.

WHAT IS DB?

dB is the difference between two signal levels. dB describes the impact of system devices on signal strength.

Per the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), it is an important measurement because system gains and losses are calculated by adding and subtracting whole numbers. Each time you double (or halve) the power level, you add (or subtract) 3dB to the power level. This correlates with a 50% gain or reduction.

For example, a 10 dB gain/loss corresponds to a ten-fold increase/decrease in signal level. A 20 dB gain/loss corresponds to a hundred-fold increase/decrease in signal level.

UNDERSTANDING DB (DECIBEL) COVERAGE

While you might think the GMRS antenna with highest dB will automatically go farther than an antenna with a lower dB, that isn't necessarily true.

A lower dB casts a taller signal, making communication clearer when encountering heavily obstructed areas such as cities, dense forests, and mountains. For Midland's GMRS antennas, this would include decibels between 2.1-3 db.

Medium dB helps strengthen communication in areas with some obstructions like hills and scattered trees. Midland recommends its antennas with a dB between 3-6.

Higher dB casts a longer signal, better fit for areas with minimal obstructions like wide open plains or highways. The recommendation is that for these environments, you shop Midland's antennas 6.6-7.5 dB.

ANTENNA TIPS AND TRICKS

To maximize range, mount your antenna as high as possible.
Don't install a bullbar antenna with the base near or above the roof line.
Don't install a fiberglass antenna on a lip mount, as it is not secure enough.
The best place to route your cable from the cab to the front of the vehicle is through the firewall. There should be a rubber grommet you can use for access.
When attaching your antenna mount to the coax cable, do not over-tighten.
To properly ground your antenna, ensure the mounting surface is bare metal without powder coating or paint. Additional antenna grounding is not necessary with GMRS, but may help overall performance.
To avoid signal obstruction and interference, keep your antenna away from light bars, GPS antennas, cables, roof racks, air scoops, etc.
When routing the antenna cable always keep it away from power cables, intercom cables, ignition cables/coils, engine electronics, and any other cables.
If radio interference occurs, clip ferrite core beads to the antenna cable to suppress noise.
Always avoid tightly coiling or bundling any excess antenna cable. If the cable is too long, shorten it by cutting the cable and using a PL259 Male Crimp Connector kit. You can also route the cable to use the excess length.
Use hooks and cable wrap to secure the cable. Avoid zip ties if possible.