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This week we received a some of Nagoya UT-102UV mini mag mount antennas purchased to add into the car kits of some of our group, with the intention of improving transmit and receive range of their hand-held emergency transceivers.

This antenna is a very inconspicuous ultra mini mag mount that looks quite similar to some of the first generation mobile phone mag mounts that were sold 15 or so years ago. It has a small black magnetic base less than 1.5” diameter, the antenna itself is a thin black springy wire 12“ long with a small spiral coil in the middle. Coax is also very thin and terminated with an SMA connector that attaches directly to the UV5r antenna socket. Kept in a dust proof plastic bag, the antenna seems ideal for the intended purpose.

We have tested show that the UT-102UV improves both range and clarity of reception and transmission of both car carried and base station radios. Mounted on the centre of the roof, with. coax feeder was dropped into the car through the leading edge of the rear door. ( By dropping the feeder down the door pillar and crossing the door seal low down this is usually prevents water getting into the cabin). At motorway speeds the antenna remained firmly in place. The unusually dry weather means that water tightness of the installation could not be tested.

This antenna could be a useful low cost addition to a base /BOL radio set-up. Especially as it considerably improves reception, so increasing the geographical area monitored. Replacing a roof tile with a galvanised steel plate, the antenna was then positioned inconspicuously on the metal replacement tile high up on the on the house roof. Its coax feed line was slipped under the overhanging tile and dangled into the loft where it attached to the radio. (the coax is only 10ft long and not suitable for extending) This made a huge improvement of the performance of the UV5r radio, especially on its receiver. Using this setup we were clearly able to hear Ham, PMR446 and Broadcast FM stations that were completely undetectable from indoors on either the stock antenna nor even the much liked Nagoya NA774

For transmitting use, it is important to note that like the NA774, this little mag mount is tuned only for the Amateur 145Mhz and 432Mhz bands. It will receive fairly well outside of these bands ( Eg PMR446) but transmission other than on the Amateur bands for which it is tuned will damage and quickly destroy the UV5rs transmitter circuits.

Cost: £ 9.00 from usual HK based e-Bay sellers.

Conclusion:
GOOD:
The UT102UV is value for money emergency antenna that improves performance of the UV5r both in car and at base /BOL. It is visually discreet, and with its direct fit to the UV5r’s antenna jack, is a simple to use. Its small size makes it easy to include in GHBs and car kits. For sure there are far more efficient antennas available on the market, but not at this price and not as discreet as this one.

POOR: The UV102UV is not very robust. We would not expect it to stand up to much abuse. The antenna connector has to be aligned carefully and delicately to prevent damage, a possible drawback in an emergency situation. The antenna can only be mounted upright on steel or iron surfaces, there is no adjustment to alter the angle of antenna at its base (other than by bending the antenna itself). The tuning of the antenna only makes it suitable for transmit use on the Amateur bands. Specifically this antenna will cause damage if used for transmission on the PMR446 frequencies for example.

BEWARE: The antenna connector on this antenna is not compatible with the UV3r ultra compact micro transceiver.