Can’t find the best antenna for Yaesu FT-3DR? We gathered all the essential information to help you.
The Yaesu FT-3DR is a performance-driven 2m/70cm dual-band digital handheld transceiver used extensively for bidirectional voice communication with other individuals.
The FT-3DR works as a transmitter, receiver, and transceiver in one neat compact package and finds widespread application as a handheld unit, mobile unit in vehicles and base stations. If you’re looking to replace the OEM antenna or upgrade to a superior one with a higher gain, then you’ll find numerous top-notch aftermarket pieces.
When selecting a suitable antenna for the FT-3DR transceiver, it’s the aerial’s span that matters the most. The purpose or purposes you usually use the Yaesu FT-3DR will determine the type that’ll suit you best.
The 3 Best Antennas for FT-3DR
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Diamond SRH77CA (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Diamond SRH320A | Check Price |
 | ABBREE AR-152A | Check Price |
Diamond SRH77CA (Editor’s Choice)
The SRH77CA is another top-quality 144/440MHz. dual-band high-gain handheld transmitter from Diamond extending up to 15” with a maximum 10W power. With this performance-oriented HT antenna, you can tune in to all radio stations up to 900MHz. So no matter whatever wideband scanner – or the handheld mobile unit you use, you bet you’ll be able to enhance your transceiver’s output with the Diamond SRH77CA.
This dual-band high-gain antenna by Diamond comes reinforced with a host of versatile features and has an SMA male connector. Therefore if you’re looking to boost up the radiating range and effectiveness of your HT or upgrade to a better antenna, you don’t need to look farther. You can pick and choose from a model that features an SMA-female, SMA, or BNC connector type and also from a range of sizes.
This 15-inches long adaptable dual-band antenna featuring a male SMA connector should fit easily on your handheld transceiver. The Diamond SRH77CA offers a gain of 2.15dBi on 440MHz with a maximum gain of 6dB and max power of 10-watts. If the antenna doesn’t fit firmly on your handheld radio, you can use the washer supplied with the aerial.
Slip-on the washer between the antenna and your radio across the SMA base, and you’re fine. Once you fit the washer, you’ll see that the signal reception quality is much better than your stock or OEM antenna. In addition, via this HT antenna, you’ll find it easy to connect with your local networks and repeaters within a radius of 20-25 miles.
Nevertheless, the 2m band also offers effective cross-town connectivity throughout smaller counties even without repeaters rendering the SRH77CA indispensable for emergency communications.
Pros
- 144/440MHz dual-band high-gain handheld antenna
- Extensible up to 15 inches for better reception
- It comes with a male SMA connector
- VHF: 144/440MHz, UHF: 120-900 MHz
- Excellent reception and coverage
Cons
- The antenna’s overall weight, base area, and the radiating wire’s thickness might cause issues with the SMA connector.
Diamond SRH320A
The Diamond SRH320A is a tri-band handheld SMA antenna that helps boost up the performance of your wideband scanner or portable handheld scanner. A premium high-gain HT antenna, the SRH320A features a 13.75” long transmitter and a male SMA connector, making it compatible with a wide variety of mobile radio models. In addition, a heavy-duty mobile radio unit or a ham radio is convenient during a natural disaster such as an earthquake, hurricane, or another emergency.
More often than not, when a natural calamity strikes, emergency communication becomes extremely difficult as cellphone towers get damaged, and broadband connectivity takes a hit. In such a scenario, a ham radio or a transceiver comes to your aid, enabling you to communicate effectively with others. However, if you don’t have a high-quality antenna, you won’t be able to make the most of your mobile unit.
So a premium antenna is something indispensable during such exigencies and emergencies. So putting things in perspective, the Diamond SRH320A lets you access all local radio stations in your vicinity, including police & fire station scanning, local and country repeaters, etc. So the best reason to choose this antenna is that the SRH320A will let you easily and quickly scan these radio stations and frequencies when outdoors.
The SRH320A effortlessly dials in the 144/220/440MHz bands for 2 meters as a tri-band antenna. This is a semi-flexible antenna with a black base and center-loading coils, and as a 50ῼ transmitter is capable of handling up to 10-watts. The SRH320A from Diamond functions as a ½ wave on 430MHz and as a ¼ wave on 220MHz at 2m.
This antenna is also companionable with wideband receivers, especially those which come with an SMA connector. The SRH320A also supports reception on the 120, 150, 300, 450, and 900 MHz bands. In addition, this tri-band Diamond HT antenna comes equipped with various practical functionalities letting you take advantage of the same from your handheld scanner or transceiver.
The gain rating of this antenna and other Diamond antennas are configured following other standard HT antennas’ gain specifications. This evaluation enables you to figure out how aftermarket replacement aerials perform vis-à-vis the OEM transmitter. In addition, the SRH320 has an outstanding extensible coverage making it ideal for pairing with your scanner.
Pros
- Tri-band (144/220/440MHz) HT antenna
- Length of antenna: 13.75”
- Gain: 2.15dBi. 5/8 wave. 440MHz
- RX: 120— 900MHz SMA
- SMA male connector at antenna tip
- Peak Power: 10W
Cons
- Incompatible with Baofeng radios
- Antenna’s flexible tip slumps consistently
- The black paint on the connector threading comes in the way of making a suitable electrical connection
ABBREE AR-152A
The ABBREE AR -152A Dual-Band 144/440MHz Foldable Tactical Antenna perfectly pairs with Yaesu transceivers, including FT-3DR, FT-70DR, FT-2DR, and FT-270R. At the same time, the AR-152A works with Wouxun TYT MD-380 Two-Way Radio. Thus, this ABBREE AR-152A is an advanced CS tactical antenna with good flexibility and superior signal receptivity capability.
A certified and licensed dual-band antenna from ABBREE, the AR-152A is an updated compact version with a male SMA connector. The SMA connector with a 0.31” threaded hinge fits smoothly on most dual-band two-way radios having a 0.78” SMA connector. Since the ABBREE AR-152A is an upgraded and advanced CS tactical transmitter with superior bending, it enhances your transceiver’s performance.
Being a dual-band (VHF/UHF-144430MHz) connector with a gain of 2.1.5dBi and offering maximum power of 20-watts, the AR-152A optimizes your handheld unit’s signal receptivity. By fitting this HT CS tactical antenna, you can effectively broaden the communication range of your mobile radio by 2-6 miles. At the same time, the antenna is amazingly flexible, meaning that you can fold or straighten the aerial at your convenience.
The ABBREE Foldable AR-152A is compatible with the radio brands mentioned above and with TYT MD-380, MD-390, and MD-2017. In addition, this dual-band antenna works with Kenwood, Radioddity GD-77, and Retevis RT3S models.
Pros
- Efficient upgraded CS tactical antenna for better signal reception
- It can be folded or straightened with ease
- The antenna extends up to 13-inches
- Gain :2.5.1dBi
- Max Power: 20-watts
- Connector type: SMA male connector
Cons
- The antenna base has a noticeable gap at the terminal
- The included rubber washer (for correcting the above flaw) is very loose and flops around
FAQ: Yaesu FT-3DR
The Yaesu FT-3DR is a 2m/70cm dual-band handheld 5W C4FM/FM digital transceiver with a 320 x 240 full-color TFT LCD. The FT-3DR sports a lightweight and compact form factor and furnishes a consistent 5W RF output power. You can make the most of crystal-clear and loud C4FM voice quality through 700mW of audio power, its compactness notwithstanding.
At the same time, you can take advantage of settings for saving battery power for every frequency band with TX power level (5W/2.5W/1W/0.3W) selectable individually. The FT3DR is compatible with real-time C4FM digital monitoring for both A and B bands. Following are some noteworthy features of the FT3DR dual-band antenna:
- Conventional FM mode, Data FR mode, Voice FR mode, and C4FM digital V/D mode
- Integrated Bluetooth unit for hands-free operation
- Band scope functionality facilitates monitoring up to 79 channels hovering around contemporary high-speed VFO frequency bandwidth
- Built-in 66-channel high-sensitivity GPS Receiver
So, The Best Antenna for FT3DR Is…
Though all the aftermarket replacement antennas reviewed above are companionable with the Yaesu FT-3DR, the Diamond SRH 320-A stands out. Being a tri-band antenna, the SRH 320-A tends to be more versatile than the other models.