TL;DR

Before you celebrate or panic over your SWR readings, test the antenna in a real-world situation. The SWR you measure on a meter is not necessarily the SWR you’ll get during normal use.

Understanding SWR Readings

The Super-Elastic Signal Stick is a 1/4 wave design for 2 meters, which also happens to function as 3/4 wavelength on 70cm. This makes it a monopole antenna, or in other words, half of a dipole. The other half of the dipole is formed by your radio’s chassis and whatever happens to be around it—meaning your actual SWR will constantly change based on your environment and usage. This variability is typical with nearly all HT antennas, including rubber duck antennas, which are also monopoles with added coils to adjust electrical length.

Why Meter Readings Vary

Every SWR meter or analyzer will give you slightly different readings. Changing the coax, the meter, or even the position of the antenna will result in different measurements. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and think, “These results are awful!” But real-world performance matters far more than the meter reading.

Over many years and in many configurations, the Signal Stick has been carefully designed to perform consistently well in real-world scenarios. This is one of those cases where theory doesn’t always align perfectly with practice. (because in theory they are the same, but in practice they are not!)

Tips for More Consistent Readings

If you want to get more stable SWR readings, here are a couple of things that can help:

• RF Choke: Adding a large ferrite choke below the antenna connector to isolate the feedline and meter from the antenna can provide more consistent results. However, this isn’t usually how antennas are used in practice, so these readings may not reflect real-world performance.
• Counterpoise or Grounding: Adding a counterpoise to the shield or ensuring a solid ground on the shield can also improve readings.
• BNC Mag Mounts: Attaching the Signal Stick to a BNC Mag Mount can often stabilize SWR readings and improve performance by providing a better ground plane.

In summary, don’t get too hung up on SWR readings—especially with portable antennas like the Signal Stick. Use it, test it, and see how it performs in real use—that’s what matters most.

The easiest way is to email orders@signalstuff.com and we’ll answer as soon as we can.

The mag mount itself is waterproof, but the BNC connector is not inherently water-resistant. Over time, rain or moisture could seep into the connector, which might cause temporary issues until it dries out. However, corrosion could build up over time if the mount is left exposed to the elements for too long.

It’s important to remember that “weatherproof” doesn’t really exist—only “weather-resistant.” The BNC mag mount is designed as a temporary solution rather than a long-term outdoor option. If you need a more permanent installation, consider an NMO antenna, which is built for heavier use and greater weather resistance.

The BNC Mag mount includes 16 feet (5 meters) of high-quality RG-58 coax with a BNC male connector.

This information is also listed on the product page, but we’ve added it here to make it easier to find!

The choice between a mag mount and an NMO stalk depends on how you plan to use your antenna. Both options have their pros and cons, so here’s what to consider:

Mag Mount (BNC)

The mag mount is ideal for short-term, “grab-and-go” use. It allows you to reuse your existing Signal Stick by quickly popping it off your radio, attaching it to the mount, and connecting the mag mount’s coax cable to your radio.

Advantages:

• Fast and easy to set up.
• Great for emergencies or temporary use.
• Reuses the same BNC Signal Stick you already own.
  • Signal Sticks can also handle more power than many NMO antennas, believe it or not – though not as much as the Quarter Wave NMO Signal Stalk

Disadvantages:

• Not as durable as a dedicated vehicle antenna—Signal Sticks aren’t designed to withstand weather long-term.
• Magnetic mounts can damage your vehicle’s paint over time if left in place.

NMO Antennas

NMO antennas such as the (Half-Wave)(/products/nmo-half/) or (Quarter-Wave)(/products/nmo-quarter/) Signal Stalk are better suited for permanent installations. They tend to be more durable and weather-resistant, making them a better choice for long-term vehicle use.

Advantages:

• Heavier duty and built to last.
• More installation options with different mounts available.

Disadvantages:

• The NMO antennas we sell don’t come with a mount, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
• NMO antennas are usually more expensive than a Signal Stick
• Requires more effort to install compared to a mag mount.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you need a simple, affordable, and temporary solution, the BNC mag mount with a Signal Stick is hard to beat. However, if you’re looking for a long-term, weather-resistant setup for your vehicle, an NMO antenna is the better choice.

In the end, the right option depends on whether you need quick convenience or long-term durability.