In-Depth Review of the Nagoya NA-771 Ham Radio Antenna
The Nagoya NA-771 is a popular and highly regarded handheld antenna for amateur radio operators, particularly those using handheld transceivers (HTs). Known for its durability, performance, and affordability, the NA-771 has become a go-to option for many ham operators looking to enhance their handheld communication capabilities. In this review, we’ll cover its features, performance, build quality, usability, and overall value to help you determine whether it’s the right antenna for your needs.
Key Features
Type: Dual-band (144 MHz / 430 MHz)
Frequency Range:
2m Band (VHF): 144-148 MHz
70cm Band (UHF): 430-450 MHz
Impedance: 50 Ohms
Connector: SMA-F (female), compatible with most handheld radios that use this connector, including popular models like the Baofeng UV-5R, Yaesu FT-60R, and others.
Length: 15.2 inches (38.5 cm)
Weight: Approximately 2.4 oz (68g)
Radiation Pattern: Omni-directional
Material: Primarily aluminum and plastic
Design and Build Quality
The Nagoya NA-771 is an upgrade from the stock antenna that typically comes with most handheld radios. Its design is sleek, with a slightly longer body than the typical rubber duck antennas, which are often around 7-8 inches. The NA-771's extended length at 15.2 inches (38.5 cm) allows for better reception and transmission performance.
Construction: The antenna is composed of an aluminum whip with a strong plastic base. The materials are durable, offering a sturdy and resilient build that can withstand daily use. The aluminum whip provides good strength and flexibility, while the plastic parts are robust enough to handle some rough treatment. The SMA connector is secure and provides a reliable connection without any noticeable wobble or loose fit.
Aesthetic: It’s functional and unpretentious, but the NA-771 is designed to be compact and relatively easy to carry. It’s not a bulky antenna, and while it’s longer than the average stock antenna, its relatively lightweight and simple black finish make it unobtrusive when mounted on a handheld radio.
Performance
The performance of the Nagoya NA-771 is one of the main reasons it’s so popular among amateur radio operators. Here are some key aspects of its performance:
Signal Reception (RX):
VHF and UHF Bands: On both the 2m (144 MHz) and 70cm (430 MHz) bands, the NA-771 provides a noticeable improvement in signal reception compared to most stock antennas. It has a more extended receive range, and users report better reception of distant signals, including weak signal reception.
The antenna’s 15-inch length allows it to achieve a better gain than shorter stock antennas, improving reception for both local and distant communications.
Signal Transmission (TX):
The NA-771 is not just good at receiving; its transmission performance is also a significant improvement over most stock antennas. With an omnidirectional radiation pattern, it offers good all-around coverage. This makes it effective for both local simplex communication and for working repeaters, where you need consistent signal strength in all directions.
Power handling capabilities are decent, and while the NA-771 may not match high-gain directional antennas for long-distance communications, it offers a reliable and solid signal within a local area, even in urban environments where obstruction can affect signal quality.
Gain:
The NA-771 offers about 2.5 dB gain on the VHF (2m) band and 3 dB gain on the UHF (70cm) band. While these numbers are moderate compared to high-gain base station antennas, they are excellent for a handheld antenna of this size and class.
In practice, this translates into noticeably improved reception and transmission compared to a stock rubber duck antenna, making it a solid choice for everyday operations, particularly when you’re outside or in areas with significant interference.
Usability
The Nagoya NA-771 is designed for ease of use. It fits onto the majority of handheld radios that use an SMA-F (female) connector, which includes most budget radios, including the Baofeng UV-5R and similar models. It's extremely easy to install – just screw it onto the radio’s SMA port and you're good to go.
Because of its longer length, the antenna might feel slightly more cumbersome than shorter rubber duck antennas, but it’s still light enough to be portable. For handheld use, it’s not so long that it becomes awkward to carry or use, and its performance improvement makes it well worth the minor increase in size.
The antenna’s durability is another plus – it can handle some rough conditions, whether you're hiking, operating outdoors, or simply tossing your radio into a bag.
Pros
Improved Performance: One of the biggest advantages of the NA-771 is its ability to significantly improve both reception and transmission compared to stock antennas, especially on the 2m and 70cm bands.
Build Quality: The aluminum whip and durable plastic base give it a solid construction. It is designed to be flexible yet tough enough to withstand drops and rough handling.
Affordable: Considering the performance boost it offers, the NA-771 is a very affordable upgrade from the stock antenna that typically comes with most HTs.
Ease of Use: Simple installation and universal compatibility with most handheld radios (with SMA-F connectors).
Lightweight: Despite being longer than stock antennas, the NA-771 is still light and portable, making it easy to carry around during portable operations.
Cons
Size: The extended length of the NA-771 may be slightly cumbersome for users who prefer the smallest possible antenna for portability. While it’s not overly large, some may find it a bit awkward when clipped to a belt or carried in a bag.
Not for Long-Distance DXing: While it’s an excellent upgrade for local communication and urban environments, it doesn’t provide the performance you’d get with high-gain directional antennas for long-distance (DX) communications or specialized operations.
Aesthetic: The simple design may not appeal to users looking for a more sophisticated-looking antenna. It’s purely functional and lacks the sleek, high-tech feel of some more premium antennas.
Who Should Buy the Nagoya NA-771?
The Nagoya NA-771 is ideal for:
Amateur Radio Operators (Hams) looking for a reliable, affordable antenna upgrade for their handheld radios.
Portable Operators who need a compact antenna with better performance than stock models for field operations.
Beginners and Enthusiasts who want to get more out of their handheld radios without breaking the bank. Its performance boost is especially beneficial when operating in areas with interference or in urban environments.
Preppers and Emergency Operators who need a durable and effective antenna for reliable communication in emergency situations.
Conclusion
The Nagoya NA-771 is a well-balanced handheld antenna that offers excellent value for money. It outperforms most stock antennas by a considerable margin, providing improved reception and transmission capabilities in both VHF and UHF bands. Its solid construction, ease of use, and portability make it a great choice for a wide range of amateur radio operators, from beginners to more experienced hams. While its size might be a consideration for some, the improved performance makes it an easy choice for anyone looking to enhance their handheld radio setup.
If you're looking for a simple but effective way to improve your radio’s capabilities without spending a lot, the Nagoya NA-771 is an excellent choice that offers solid performance at an affordable price.