In-Depth Review: Laser Engraved GRA-7350TC 3/8-24 3/8" x24 CB HF 3.5MHz 7-30MHz/50MHz Broadband Telescopic Portable Ham Amateur Mobile Radio Antenna
The world of amateur radio is filled with a variety of antennas that serve different purposes, but few manage to strike the perfect balance between portability, performance, and frequency versatility quite like the Laser Engraved GRA-7350TC. This telescopic antenna is designed with both functionality and durability in mind, making it an attractive choice for mobile operators and field users who demand efficiency without sacrificing performance. Let's explore this antenna in depth to see what it really has to offer.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things that stands out about the GRA-7350TC is its telescopic design. Made from stainless steel and anodized aluminum, this antenna has a solid, premium feel. The laser engraving adds a professional touch and improves visibility for frequency band markers, which is especially useful for quick tuning during field operations.
The build is compact when collapsed, making it easy to carry in a backpack or gear bag. When extended, it becomes a full-sized HF/VHF antenna capable of handling a broad spectrum of frequencies. The threaded 3/8-24 mount is a widely compatible connector in the ham radio world, ensuring ease of installation on most mobile and portable setups.
Frequency Range and Performance
The GRA-7350TC is designed to cover an exceptionally wide frequency range. It operates on HF bands from 3.5 MHz to 30 MHz and includes 50 MHz VHF coverage. This makes it an ideal candidate for general coverage receivers, multi-band mobile radios, and field day operations where versatility is a must.
This antenna is broadband, meaning it does not require a tuner for most of its operating range when matched properly. Users report that with the correct counterpoise or ground system, the GRA-7350TC can achieve a low standing wave ratio (SWR) on a wide variety of bands, providing solid transmission and reception capabilities.
For operators who frequently jump between bands, such as during contesting or emergency operations, the ability to easily adjust the length of the antenna by pulling or pushing the telescopic elements is a significant advantage. The graduated markings on the shaft assist in repeatable settings for different frequencies.
Portability and Mounting
Portability is one of the strongest points of this antenna. When collapsed, it is small enough to store in tight spaces, making it highly suitable for emergency communication kits, go-bags, or outdoor expeditions. Its light weight also means it can be mounted on a magnetic base, a tripod, or directly to a vehicle without placing stress on the mount.
The 3/8-24 threaded base ensures broad compatibility with mobile antenna mounts, including lip mounts, bumper mounts, and portable vertical mounts commonly used in parks on the air (POTA) or summits on the air (SOTA) setups.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Outdoor use often subjects antennas to various environmental conditions, and the GRA-7350TC holds up well in this regard. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion, while the anodized aluminum sections provide added weather protection. While it is always recommended to bring equipment indoors during extreme weather, this antenna can easily endure regular exposure to sun, moisture, and wind.
The telescopic sections are smooth to extend and collapse but tight enough to remain in place during operation, even under light wind load. However, like all telescopic antennas, care must be taken not to overextend or force the sections to avoid damage.
Application Scenarios
The versatility of this antenna lends itself well to several amateur radio use cases:
Mobile Operation: It’s an excellent companion for vehicle-mounted HF and 6-meter setups, especially for users who travel across different bands frequently.
Portable and Field Use: Ideal for portable field activities such as POTA, SOTA, or emergency field communications.
Base Station Use: When paired with an appropriate ground plane or radial system, it can function as a compact HF vertical for limited-space home installations.
Scanning and Receiving: Because of its broadband capability, the antenna can be used effectively with wideband receivers for shortwave and VHF listening.
Limitations
Despite its strengths, the GRA-7350TC has a few limitations. It is not intended for high-power operations beyond the manufacturer’s rating. Operators using amplifiers will need to ensure they stay within safe power limits to avoid damaging the antenna. Additionally, because it is a telescopic design, it may not be as rugged as fixed-length antennas under physically demanding conditions or frequent mechanical stress.
Also, while broadband, tuning performance can still vary depending on the specific band and the environment it is used in. The use of a proper ground or counterpoise system is essential for optimal performance.
Final Thoughts
The Laser Engraved GRA-7350TC is a thoughtfully designed, highly portable antenna that delivers impressive frequency coverage and reliable performance for its class. It stands out in the market for operators who need a flexible solution that can handle multiple bands without carrying multiple antennas.
Its portability, ease of tuning, and rugged yet lightweight construction make it a smart choice for mobile and field operators alike. While it may not replace a full-sized base antenna system for serious DX work, it fills a unique niche where compact size and wide frequency flexibility are required.
For amateur radio enthusiasts who value convenience without sacrificing too much performance, the GRA-7350TC proves to be a strong, dependable companion.