Diamond X50A
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| Frequency | 144-148 MHz, 430-450 MHz |
| Type | fiberglass collinear |
| Gain | 4.5 dBi (4.5 dBi VHF (3×1/4 wave) / 7.2 dBi UHF (3×5/8 wave). Diamond spec says "dB" — these are dBi.) |
| Polarization | vertical |
| Modes | FM, SSB, CW, digital |
| Length | 170 cm |
| Weight | 800 g (28.2 oz) |
| Connector | SO-239 (X50A) or N Female (X50NA) |
| Mount | mast/pole |
| Year | 2005 |
| feedpoint | SO-239 UHF (X50A) or Type-N Female (X50NA) |
A common starter VHF/UHF base antenna: 4.5 dBi on 2m and 7.2 dBi on 70cm, at only 5.6 feet tall, so it mounts almost anywhere. It handles 200W with a 135 mph wind rating (the highest in Diamond's collinear line), is DC grounded, and is pre-tuned. It is available with SO-239 (X50A) or N (X50NA), and the improvement over an HT antenna is dramatic.
Modest gain for a base antenna (the X300A and X700HNA deliver significantly more). 5.6 ft is compact, but taller antennas perform better at distance. Some reports of water intrusion after several years.
A common first base-station antenna. Mount it on the highest point you can reach and the improvement over an HT antenna is dramatic. The X50A is a frequently recommended starter dual-band base antenna.
The Diamond X50A is one of the most popular entry-level dual-band base antennas in amateur radio — a fiberglass collinear vertical for the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands. At just 5.6 feet tall it is compact enough to mount almost anywhere, yet it gives a real improvement over a handheld's rubber antenna, with around 4.5 dBi of gain on 2 meters and 7.2 dBi on 70 centimeters.
Being end-fed and radialless, it needs only a mast and a coax feed, and it handles 200 watts — far more than any handheld or typical mobile will produce. The standard X50A uses an SO-239 connector; the X50NA variant swaps in a Type-N. Its modest height keeps gain lower than the bigger Diamonds, but it also makes it easy to get up high, which usually matters more than raw gain.
It is a current product and a default first base antenna for new operators. Step up in the same family to the taller Diamond X300A for more gain, or for a vehicle the Diamond SG7900A is the mobile equivalent.