DX Engineering is going all-in on its commitment to being the go-to source for mobile radio equipment. You’ll be able to see this firsthand if you’re heading to the 2025 Dayton Hamvention®, May 16-18. The DX Engineering booth will feature the Roamin’ Gladiator project vehicle—a joint effort between Summit Racing Equipment and DX Engineering to upgrade the off-road and communications capabilities of a 2023 Jeep Gladiator. Summit Racing has been DX Engineering’s parent company since 2000.
DX Engineering is also enhancing its mobile offerings by adding proven manufacturers who make amateur radio operations on four wheels easy, reliable, and affordable. DX Engineering is excited to now carry durable and precision-designed antennas from Arizona-based Firestik Antenna Co.—a veteran-owned business established in 1962 that has sold more than 10 million CB, scanner, and 2M and 10M amateur radio antennas around the world.
Firestik Antennas Feature:
- Solid 3/8-inch fiber-rich fiberglass cores, hand-wound with double-insulated 19-gauge copper wire
- Patented tunable tip design that offers a wide tuning range for optimal performance
- Watertight static-reducing sleeve with UV and pigment stabilizers for durability
- Versatile mounting featuring a 3/8″-24 threaded base that fits all common mounts and accessories
- Resonance from 135-168 MHz with a maximum SWR of 2.0:1; less than 1.5:1 SWR in the 2M 144-148 MHz frequency range
- Vinyl cap for protection of the tuning mechanism
Choose from four Firestik 2M and 10M mobile antennas, a 10M base vertical, adapters, and stud mount at DXEngineering.com.
- 1/4 Wave 2M Tunable Tip Mobile Antennas (FAC-2M15-B/FAC-2M15S-B)
The FAC-2M15-B (15 inches) is the right choice if you don’t require the added protection of a spring at the base of the antenna. For roof mounts or other locations where physical contact with immovable objects is likely, the FAC-2M15S-B is recommended. The FAC-2M15S antenna’s length (17 inches) is factory-adjusted to compensate for the included stainless steel spring. Firestick notes that these antennas, like other Firestik mobile models, perform best when mounted over a sufficient ground plane.
What Do Hams Say About the FAC-2M15-B Firestik Antennas?
“Five Stars: Antennas tuned perfectly. Work great on mirrors of dump trucks for VHF.”
Jesse – DX Engineering Customer
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“Five Stars: Works great. Tuned right up out of the box.”
Robert – DX Engineering Customer
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- Mach-10 10M Tunable Tip Mobile Whip (FAC-TM4-B)
This four-foot antenna’s high-performance coil design enhances power handling and broadens bandwidth to keep SWR lower over a wider frequency range. Compatible with cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, and ATVs in single or dual (co-phased) configurations, it features high-power handling of 900W, a rustproof tunable tip made from brass with a rubber O-ring to hold the adjuster in place after tuning, and base with a tapered contact point for reduced vibration and secure mounting.
Firestik notes that the TM4-B should be fine-tuned in its final mounting location for optimal performance. The tunable tip allows for quick adjustments by simply popping off the tip and turning the adjustment screw up or down as needed.
- 5/8 Wave 2M Mobile Antenna (FAC-2M-4)
This rugged and flexible omnidirectional, ground-plane-dependent antenna for 144 to 148 MHz operation offers a low angle of radiation, a nominal impedance of 50-52 ohms, and an average tuned SWR of 1.5:1 over 4 MHz. The 48.2-inch antenna provides a gain of 6 dB over isotropic antennas and 3 dB gain over 1/4 wave antennas. It’s rated at 400W AM and 800W PEP. Firestik notes that the TM4-B should be fine-tuned in its final mounting location for optimal performance. The tunable tip allows for quick adjustments by simply popping off the tip and turning the adjustment screw up or down as needed.
- 5/8 Wave 2M Mobile Antenna (FAC-2M-4)
This rugged and flexible omnidirectional, ground-plane-dependent antenna for 144 to 148 MHz operation offers a low angle of radiation, a nominal impedance of 50-52 ohms, and an average tuned SWR of 1.5:1 over 4 MHz. The 48.2-inch antenna provides a gain of 6 dB over isotropic antennas and 3 dB gain over 1/4 wave antennas. It’s rated at 400W AM and 800W PEP.
Firestik says this antenna is resistant to static noise and can be tuned to higher frequencies. Test bench results show that the frequency increases by 300 KHz for every 0.125 inches of fiberglass/wire removed from the antenna.
Firestik also notes that this antenna requires a metallic counterpoise to perform properly and is not suitable for use on non-metallic (composite) vehicles or those with insufficient metal. However, it can be used to build a base station antenna if a ground plane is provided.
“Five Stars: Nice sturdy antenna. Great value.”
Edward – DX Engineering Customer
- 5/8 Wave 2M Base Vertical Antenna Kit (FAC-2M-CKB)
Featuring a 5/8 wavelength radiating element, the 2M-CKB model boasts 6 dB gain. The 45-inch element is covered with white, UV-stabilized PVC shrink tubing.
The antenna’s combination angle bracket, U-bolt, hub plate, and antenna stud assembly can be mounted on any mast up to 1.5 inches in diameter (mast not included). The kit includes four structural aluminum radials, each measuring 1/8″ x 1/2″ x 20″. They are pre-drilled for easy mounting to the hub plate. The antenna stud uses a standard SO-239 base for connection with any PL-259 terminated coaxial cable. All mounting and assembly hardware is included.
Also choose from these Firestik accessories:
- Thru Hole Antenna Stud Mount, SO-239 (FAC-K-4A) fits a half inch hole
- Coaxial Adapter (FAC-QD-259) attaches to any PL-259-type terminated cable and features a push-on style PL-259 connector on one end and an SO-239 female connector on the other.
- Coaxial Adapter (FAC-AR-2) allows coaxial cables with PL-259 connectors to be used with an AM/FM radio or scanner that requires pin-plug-style termination. The AR-2 adapter features a SO-239 female connector on one end and a pin-plug-style connector on the opposite end.
