Anyone using a Comet SBB-5 antenna?

[Dan2722]

I passed my tech license test a few months ago and now am about ready to pull the trigger on a radio set-up. I'm thinking of getting the Yaesu FT-7900R, a Diamond K-400 mount and the Comet SBB-5 antenna.

Is anyone running the SBB-5 and if so how does it perform and is there anything you do not like about it?

I know a lot of guys use the SBB-1 with great results but I want something that will give a little more range and not have to buy two antennas right now.

Thanks
Dan

 

[e9999]

IIRC I have it.
No indication so far that it's lacking. But obviously, bigger is better, rangewise.

 

[Brentbba]

Dan,

One of the gang that was at the last SoCal80's get together when we ran Holy Jim had the SBB-5. Wish I could remember who it was. Post in our section and you may get an answer. I think it was one of the SD guys too!

I run the SBB-1 for trail use and daily on my commuter Miata. SBB-7 for daily street use on the cruiser. the SBB-5 being right between the two! I've been considering upgrading the Miata to the SBB-5.

There is a noticable difference, for all the obvious reasons, in range/performance between the SBB-1 and SBB-7. The 7 is just too damn tall, even on the short trunk lid of the Miata to be able to drive into the garage! The 5 would be perfect.

You'll like the Diamond mount on the rear hatch. I use one for both the ham and the CB. Running the 4' firestik for the CB with a heavy duty spring and it's taken some pretty good whacks on the trail and the Diamond mount has held up real well so far. The SBB-1 is short and flexible enough that I don't worry about it on trails.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

x2 on the Diamond mount. Another nice thing with the Diamond is you can rotate the antenna down if you need to. Every once in a while, I get out and drop my SSB-1 for a low limb section of trail.

 

[rusty_tlc]

In my FJ40 I use the FT2800 with the SBB-1 and SBB-25. The SBB-1 is used in heavy brush etc. The SBB-25 is used on the highway, or in open country. It is tall but it is a fold down antenna so you can lower it when you go into a parking garage. The SBB-25 is a 5/8 wave antenna so it has a horizontal radiation pattern, good for simplex between vehicles, and a good impedance match with no ground plane so it works well as a hatch mount.

If you have a good ground plane the SBB-1 works well. It is a 1/4 wave antenna and it needs a ground plane to achieve a 50 impedance match. It's radiation pattern is more vertical than the 5/8 wave antenna so it is good for hitting those repeaters located on high points like mountain tops or tall buildings.

I've found that the SBB-1 works well enough without a ground plane on the trail for all practical purposes. Most times you stay within a few miles of each other on tight trails and that is well within the range of the antenna.

 

[rusty_tlc]

..... But obviously, bigger is better, rangewise.

This is not always true. I suggest you purchase the ARRL antenna design book and study it before you make such broad statements.

 

[Kofoed]

The SSB-5 looks to be a 1/2 wave antenna. I have the Diamond version. The 1/2 wave does not need a counterpoise/ground/ground plane to get a decent SWR like the 1/4 or 5/8 wave varieties. It allows greater mounting options.

The 1/2 wave a has a more gain at the horizon than the 1/4 wave.