usbroway TW-771FR camouflage foldable antenna 15.3 inch SMA Male two-way radio

What this antenna is and who uses it

The usbroway TW-771FR is a foldable dual-band antenna covering 136-174MHz and 400-470MHz with an SMA Male connector. It handles up to 20W input and presents a 50 Ohm impedance with VSWR below 1.5. The 15.3 inch radiator folds via hook-and-loop fastener for pocket carry. It targets operators using compatible Yaesu handhelds such as the FT-60, FT-70 and VX-6R who need a compact tactical whip for field use.

What it replaces and when the upgrade makes sense

This whip replaces shorter stock rubber-duck antennas on supported Yaesu and Kenwood portables. The 2.15 and 3.2 dBi gain figures indicate measurable improvement over unity-gain stubs on both VHF and UHF. The jump is worth it when operating from a backpack or chest rig where a 39cm extended length is acceptable but a rigid whip would snag. Users staying with the factory antenna on a belt clip will not see the same benefit.

Practical limits of the SMA interface

The SMA Male thread mates only with radios fitted with an SMA Female jack; reverse-SMA or BNC ports require an adapter not included. Repeated folding stresses the internal conductor and the hook-and-loop strap, so inspect for fatigue before critical outings. The 50 Ohm match and sub-1.5 VSWR are specified across the stated bands; performance outside 136-174MHz or 400-470MHz is not characterised. Vertical polarisation and omni radiation suit line-of-sight work but do not overcome terrain masking.