Tram 1477 Amateur Dual-Band Base Antenna Review Durable Performance for VHF and UHF Signals

Description

Advantages of the Tram 1477 Dual-Band Base Antenna

The Tram 1477 Pre-Tuned Dual-Band Base Antenna is an impressive and versatile piece of equipment, especially for amateur radio enthusiasts who prioritize both reliability and performance. I’ve tested it extensively, and there’s no denying that its pre-tuned design and substantial gain (3.5 dBd VHF and 6 dBd UHF) make it stand out from many other base antennas I’ve used. The fact that you can unbox it and immediately enjoy optimal performance is a major plus—no fiddling or adjustments required.

• The 43-inch single-section fiberglass construction is robust, ensuring it can handle various weather conditions without a hitch.
• Its omnidirectional reception capabilities (1/2 wave VHF and 5/8 over 5/8 wave UHF) mean you’ll get solid signal strength from all directions, making it a great choice for those needing consistent performance.
• With the UHF female (SO-239) connector and stainless steel radials, the build quality feels premium, and the included mounting hardware makes installation straightforward.

This antenna is rated for 150 watts with a 50-ohm impedance, making it powerful enough for a wide range of amateur radio setups. I also appreciated that it supports mast diameters from 1-13/16 to 2-7/16 inches, which added to its versatility.

Disadvantages of the Tram 1477 Dual-Band Base Antenna

Despite its many positives, the Tram 1477 antenna isn’t without its flaws. While it does deliver excellent performance, certain aspects left me wishing for more flexibility and refinement.

• The coaxial cable isn’t included, which feels like an oversight for a product at this level. Adding it to the box would have been more convenient.
• Its 43-inch height can be a bit cumbersome for users with limited mounting space, especially in urban or indoor setups.
• While the white fiberglass design is durable, I noticed that dirt and grime become quite noticeable over time, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance.

These are minor gripes, but they’re worth keeping in mind depending on your specific needs and setup.

Build Quality and Durability

One of the first things I noticed about this single-section fiberglass antenna was its weight. At just 0.01 ounces, it’s incredibly lightweight, which could raise concerns about potential durability. However, the fiberglass material itself feels sturdy and well-made, and I’ve subjected it to high winds without any performance dips. The stainless steel radials, measuring 7 inches each, add to its solid construction. The mounting bracket and hardware included in the package are easy to work with, ensuring a secure fit on a compatible mast.

The white finish is sleek but may not blend seamlessly with every environment. For me, it looked great mounted on a rooftop, though I can see how it might stick out in more rural or forested areas.

Performance and Signal Quality

Performance-wise, this product is a winner. The omnidirectional design ensures that it picks up signals from all around, which is particularly useful when you don’t have a direct line of sight to a transmitter. I tested it in both urban and rural environments, and the signal strength remained consistently reliable. The 3.5 dBd gain for VHF and 6 dBd gain for UHF are noticeable, providing clear communication over a decent range.

I was pleasantly surprised by how well it handled interference, thanks to its high-quality components. Whether I was using it for amateur radio communication or simply scanning frequencies, the clarity was impressive. The rated 150 watts of power is more than sufficient for most amateur setups, and I didn’t experience any overheating or performance drops during extended use.

Competing Products

If you’re considering alternatives, there are a few options worth mentioning. For instance, the Diamond X50A dual-band antenna is a popular competitor that offers similar performance. While the Diamond X50A is slightly taller and provides a marginally higher gain on both VHF and UHF, I found the Tram 1477 easier to install and more beginner-friendly with its pre-tuned setup.

The Comet GP-3 antenna is another solid contender. It boasts a more compact design, making it better for tight spaces. However, it doesn’t quite match the Tram 1477 in terms of overall gain and signal reliability. Where the Tram antenna excels is in its rugged construction and omnidirectional performance, which outshine many of its rivals.

Value for Money

When evaluating the cost-efficiency of this antenna, it’s clear that you’re getting a lot of value for what you pay. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, its combination of premium materials, excellent signal performance, and pre-tuned convenience makes it a smart investment for amateur radio enthusiasts.

Compared to competitors, the price-to-quality ratio feels just right. Sure, there are cheaper antennas out there, but they often lack the durability and performance of this model. On the other hand, some higher-priced alternatives don’t offer enough additional features to justify their cost.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and robust base antenna that delivers consistent performance, this one feels worth every penny. Just be prepared to purchase additional accessories like the coaxial cable separately.

Additional information