Radioddity RD-701 antenna

I recently acquired the Radioddity RD-701 dual-band 2M/70cm antenna (SMA-female) that is represented as being compatible with several  radio device models (though not all); including Baofeng, Wouxun TYT and Kenwood. Please consult your manufacturer's device specifications before installation and use. 

Radioddity RD-701

I purchased my Radioddity RD-701 antenna through Amazon. Shipment was initiated through Amazon and handoff delivery was fulfilled by USPS within four days at a total cost of $21.18 (this includes S/H and tax). The package arrived in my mailbox within a bubble-wrapped bag. Included within was the antenna and a small rubber washer (optional fitting adapter) inside the manufacturer's own ziplock product bag.

Straight out of the bag I noticed that the antenna is slightly skewed to one side, even without attaching it to my Baofeng UV-5RTP radio (see attached photos). Both with and without using the included rubber washer did not improve this slant. The round base edge of the antenna does not fit fully down into the body of the antenna coupler. Furthermore, the washer impeded full seating of the antenna when attached to the body and, as such, seems unnecessary to use on the Baofeng UV-5RTP model shown. 

Radioddity RD-701

By all appearances, this particular antenna's slant seems to be a manufacturing issue. The long axis of the antenna is not fully vertically aligned, from the SMA-female connector on through to the antenna's tip, nor does it fully seat into the radio's body itself when attached. While this may not be casually noticeable to other operators, it is bothersome to me. Call it ham-vanity but I like my radio equipment to be well manufactured to tight tolerances and be clean, with minimal wear and scratches, etc. 

So how does the Radioddity RD-701 perform? Overall, it's a slight improvement over the OEM antenna that came with my UV-5RTP model. The RD-701 roughly two inches longer, offering bendable flexibility compared to the OEM antenna's rigid composition. While I've found no documentation that denotes the exact dBi gain of the OEM antenna, the RD-701 is represented as such on the Radioddity website...

Radioddity RD-701 Antenna is upgraded on the basis of Nagoya NA-701. Much more stable and clear. Radioddity RD-701 is a dual band high gain antenna. Frequency: 144/430MHz; Gain: 2.15dBi; Max power: 10  watts. Compatible with most BaoFeng, Wouxun, TYT and Kenwood Handhelds. For example: UV-5R/5RTP (All models), UV6R, GT-1, BF-9700, BF-F9+TP, BF-888S, UV-82.

Radioddity RD-701

Testing through a SWR meter shows comparable ranges with the RD-701 vs OEM antenna. Both pegged in at about 1.2 to 1.3 SWR on mid-frequencies of the 2M and 70CM bands, only slightly higher at band's edge (though did not in excess of 1.6). Transmit output does appear slightly higher on the RD-701, which may denote the manufacturer's stated elevated forward gain compared to it's OEM antenna. The RD-701 seems somewhat better able to contact more distant repeaters, perhaps a three to five miles further away than the OEM. The receive quality and sensitivity of the RD-701 seems no better or worse than the OEM antenna. 

All said and told, the Radioddity RD-701 antenna is an option for operators who may want a slightly higher dBi output compared to most Baofeng OEM radio antennas and/or want a flexible antenna. For myself, the flawed manufacturing of the RD-701 antenna that I received has devalued this purchase. As such, my overall score for this antenna is a 2 (scaled 1 to 5). I would recommend to others to perhaps purchase the Nagoya NA-701 dual-band antenna as a possible alternative to the Radioddity RD-701.

73,
Patrick, K3NYJ

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