📡 Tram-Browning BR-180-B Dual Band NMO Antenna: Superior Performance and Sleek Black Design at 144MHz–148MHz/430MHz–450MHz Review

I've been using the chrome version for years, when I bought it I didn't know there was a black version. I have 2 of each now and they hold up well against trees every day! They work well and my SWR was 1.1:1 or so on 2m with no adjustment. I've now opted for black to make the antennas a little more unobtrusive, or as unobtrusive as a 37 inch antenna can be.

So far no problems after 2 weeks on the roof of my XJ Cherokee. I was very happy it was the black version of the BR-180 so it goes with most things I ride. I double checked all set screws prior to installation to ensure all is good and secure. An 18" magnetic mount that I used before I built a lot more APRS stations, and was also able to turn off my TM-D710 and still use APRS-IS when commuting.

Bought for my mobile device. First of all, the delivery of the goods was delayed. Second, they sent the wrong antenna that I ordered. Third, the description of the Revain item was wrong. Fourth, the antenna was not correctly pre-configured and fifth, I had to contact Revain for a refund for a defective antenna. My Goods was slow to get an RMA return label so I could send back the defective antenna. I found a much better antenna than the Browning BR-180-B for the same price.

This antenna was highly recommended by a very knowledgeable radio amateur. I had a great performance until it fell apart pulling out of the driveway. It came off on the roll and the top fell off. I'm glad it didn't happen somewhere on the street. I restored the top with no problems, but the cold won't find the spring for life. It might land in the grass or roll down the hill, but an hour's worth of searching disappointed me. The base coil is solid and reliable, and I prefer the vertical spring…

My BR-180-B just arrived, I screwed it to the NMO mount on my car and took the hex key that came with the antenna. and tighten all set screws on the antenna. I tried this on my TM-D710GA mobile phone and it seems to work fine. I had good feedback from other radio amateurs that my transmissions sounded good. Repeaters 25-30 miles away come with strong signals, not full size, but almost full size. I attached it to the metal on the tailgate of my 2013 Prius using an NMO mount on the TRAM trunk…

This antenna is well tuned for both bands and is also adjustable. This works great for my mobile app and I'm generally impressed with the distances I can pick up signals and hit repeaters. My only complaint: low durability and lack of spare parts! In mobile applications, the whip eventually breaks off near the base of the antenna. Especially if you like driving fast or on bumpy roads. I have the fifth antenna in three years. Two failed with the whip just above base. First the set screw on the…

Perfectly angled antenna for 2m and 70cm ham radio bands. I've tightened the set screws to ensure it stays in tune and I suggest doing the same. If adjustment is ever needed, loosen the set screw just enough to allow the lower member to slide with some friction. Set up 2m first, then set the top element to 70cm. Tighten screws. Easy. My first tests consisted of moving the antenna inwards and using a window air conditioner as the ground plane. I did a long simplex QSO with a friend of mine who…