Dual-Band NMO 20in Antenna 144/430 MHz - Mobile Trunk L-Mount

In this review the Dual-Band NMO 20in Antenna is assessed as a budget-friendly mobile option for amateur VHF/UHF use. It is best suited to hams and mobile radio operators who need a straightforward dual-band solution for 2m and 70cm with a rugged trunk-lid style L-bracket mount and a long RG-58U coax lead. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of simple NMO installation and usable gain on both bands, making it a practical upgrade for Motorola, Kenwood and similar mobile radios.

Key Features

• Dual-band coverage: Covers 144/430 MHz so the antenna supports both 2m and 70cm operation without swapping antennas.
• Measured gain: Provides 3.0 dBi at 144 MHz and 5.0 dBi at 430 MHz, which improves on stock mobile rubber whips for better range and receive.
• Rugged mount: The stainless steel L-bracket and trunk-lid NMO mount give a solid, low-profile installation for car or truck surfaces.
• Long coax: Includes about 13 ft of RG-58U cable terminated NMO to UHF-male/PL259, allowing flexible routing to the radio inside the vehicle.
• Power handling: Rated to 100 W maximum, suitable for typical mobile transceivers used on the bands listed.

Who It's For

Operators who want a no-frills, dual-band mobile antenna that bolts to a trunk lid or similar surface will find this a useful choice. It is especially appropriate for users of Motorola, Kenwood, Icom, Vertex, HYT and Hytera mobile radios that need an NMO-style mount and a PL259 connection to a SO239 on the radio or a vehicle adapter.

Those who prioritize long-term heavy-duty field use or who require higher performance gain and weather-sealed factory solder joints may want to consider higher-end commercial mobile antennas; some customers reported concerns over bracket longevity and solder connections under stress.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple dual-band operation with useful gain on both 2m and 70cm bands.
• Stainless steel whip and L-bracket provide a tougher feel than plastic mounts.
• Included 13 ft RG-58U coax with NMO to UHF-male/PL259 termination simplifies installation.

Cons

• Some users reported mixed durability of the bracket and fragile solder connections during installation.

Specifications

Centre Frequency	144/430 MHz
VSWR	< 1.5
Gain	144 MHz 3.0 dBi; 430 MHz 5.0 dBi
Maximum Power Input	100 W
Antenna Length	20 in
Cable	About 13 ft RG-58U, NMO to UHF-male/PL259
Mount Type	Stainless steel L-bracket trunk-lid NMO hole mount (3/4 in hole)

Our Verdict

The Dual-Band NMO 20in Antenna is a practical, value-oriented mobile antenna for amateurs and mobile radio users who need dependable dual-band coverage and a long coax lead for flexible installs. It delivers usable gain and a solid mount option for car or truck trunk mounting, though buyers expecting heavy commercial duty should inspect bracket and solder joints during installation. Overall it is a cost-effective upgrade for typical mobile transceivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this antenna work with my Motorola or Kenwood mobile radio?
Yes, it is designed to work with Motorola, Kenwood, Icom, Vertex and similar mobile radios using NMO to UHF-male/PL259 connections.

How large a hole is required for the mount?
The stainless steel L-bracket NMO mount is intended for a 3/4 in NMO hole, and the install typically requires drilling a small 3/8 in to 3/4 in hole through the mounting surface.

Is the included cable long enough for routing to the radio?
The package includes about 13 ft of RG-58U cable, which is sufficient for most vehicle installs from trunk or trunk-lid mounts to a dash-mounted radio.