When it comes to two-way radios, many people assume that the key to effective communication is to have the highest possible transmit power. However, this isn’t always the case. In fact, when it comes to emergency communications and off-road camping, a higher quality/gain antenna can often be more effective than a higher transmit power.
The reason for this is simple: radios work by transmitting and receiving radio waves. The power of these waves decreases as they travel further away from the source, and this is known as “path loss.” The higher the transmit power, the further the radio waves will travel, but they will also be weaker by the time they reach the receiver.
A high-gain antenna, on the other hand, is designed to focus and amplify the radio waves, which means that they will be stronger at the receiver, even if they have traveled a shorter distance. This can be especially beneficial in areas with rugged terrain, where radio waves can be blocked or reflected by mountains and valleys, making it difficult to communicate over long distances.
In addition, higher gain antennas can also be more directional, which means that they will send and receive signals in a specific direction. This can be useful for communicating with specific individuals or groups, rather than broadcasting to a wide area.
Another factor to consider is that using a high-quality/gain antenna can help to reduce the risk of interference from other radios and electronic devices. A high-quality antenna will be less likely to pick up unwanted signals, and will be better at focusing the desired signals, which means that you can communicate more clearly and with less interference.
When it comes to emergency communications and off-road camping, a higher quality/gain antenna can be a much more effective solution than a higher transmit power. It can allow for better communication over shorter distances, and can also help to reduce the risk of interference. So, if you are planning on using a two-way radio in these situations, it may be worth investing in a higher quality/gain antenna.
On our store we carry a variety of antennas. One in particular is called a Cubical Desk Quad Kit! It is made to be set up at camp, or on your desk to point in the direction you wish to communicate. It is compatible with all GMRS radios. Check it out!