Anyone using DPD UHF/VHF Air Omni Model Antenna

[wise871]

Since I live in the heart of the Eglin AFB range complex I have my BC898T dedicated for Mil/Civ air and I wanted a dedicated antenna. I’ve been eyeing the DPD UHF/VHF Air Omni Model Antenna. For the price it can’t be beat. Anyone have any comments on this antenna? Right now there out of stock.

 

[CalebATC]

wise871,

Wow, what a good place to live for Milair, I previously moved from near Avon Park.

The DPD is a great antenna.

Living near Eglin, an antenna should not be a problem.

I would highly reccomend the SDL Log Periodic, or the AT-197, a military discone, which is very hard to find. But, the SDL is a very great antenna. It is the same price as the DPD. I would go with the SDL, from the videos and comments I have heard, it is the best possible antenna for the UHF band. It has very good gain. One person I know said it turned nothing into gold, referring to ARTCC's.

SDL- ->SDL Log Periodic Antennas -                  Airband Antennas   

If you do decide to go with that antenna, you will need a VHF antenna. If you are able to make once centered into the 141 MHz mil-air band, you should be all good.


Good luck!
Caleb

 

[wise871]

Caleb
Thanks for the info. The SDL looks nice but not for $199
Right now with just a DJ130 I pick up all the activity 5 by 5. Even ground, tower and range control for most of the local bases come in. I was just trying to fine tune some of the northern ranges and maybe pick up some of the ground parties.
Thanks

 

[CalebATC]

It is expensive for sure, but you definitely get what you pay for.

How well do you get the aircraft on the ground? With little, or no signal? If you have anywhere from a 1S, stop by Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-Mart or something like that and get a TV amp. They should be about 12-20 db. That did very good for me from a UHF ARTCC barely breaking the squelch, to making it with almost perfect quality.

Caleb

 

[wise871]

CalebATC
Just for the hell of it I went by Wal-Mart and picked up a Philips 18db Amplifier. I installed it on the 898T which is used for Mil/Civil air and I didn’t get the ground traffic like I wanted but the aircraft were coming in nice and clear. I decide to test the amp on another radio. I have a BCT15 that has an 800MHz Yagi used for monitoring Pensacola. Normally I can pick up Pensacola 800 with 2 to 3 bars. After I installed the Amp, I’m getting 5 solid bars and nice clear transmissions. Normally this radio does ok on 800 but sucks on everything else. I decided to monitor the county sheriff freqs which are UHF. Normally with a 800MHz yagi, I get 3 bars with them since there UHF. With the amp I now pull 3-4 bars and just as clear. Now I’m no longer in just using my one radio for 8oo traffic.

 

[CalebATC]

Great! My amp I used didn't add that much for the UHF air band, but the VHF civil, and military was phenomenal. Sorry to hear it didn't work as much as you though!

I do know Angle Linear does have quite a few UHF ones, NASA uses them, but they are about $200... for that price, I would go buy a new radio and antenna! I'm thinking about going and buying the GRE PSR-400. I do have a 155/800 MHz Public Safety antenna up, but It really does no good..... there is no 800 MHz within about 100 miles. I do use it for air band, and public safety though.

Let me know if you have any more questions,
Caleb