Can I separate a DB 420 and make two DB 408’s?

[Cowley639]

Hey everyone,

I recently acquired a used DB420 antenna. I’m looking to upgrade my current repeater antenna atop a building. My current antenna is a Comet CA-712EFC. It’s been of the roof going on 8 years now, and it’s seen better days.

So my question is this; Can I separate the DB420 and make a single DB408 out of one of the sections of it?
Only reason im asking is; I’m not sure my non-penetrating roof mount will support the added weight of both sections of the DB420. It’s a massive antenna.

I don’t really need the added performance of the DB420. I have really good range with my current Comet. Just looking to upgrade the durability of the antenna if at all possible.

 

[buddrousa]

If you separate it at the center point it will not be a true 50 ohm load as the harness is designed it should work for a receive antenna but I would not TRANSMIT on it with out sweeping the antenna and backing it up with a watt meter.

 

[prcguy]

I agree and the way DB products puts the harness together you would never be able to put it back stock. Plus they use a grease injected coax that is a nasty mess to work with. Its not that hard to make a phasing harness for four dipoles out of RG-6 or even RG-11 coax. You might consider a home made harness and keep the stock one in case you want to put it back stock or sell it.

If you separate it at the center point it will not be a true 50 ohm load as the harness is designed it should work for a receive antenna but I would not TRANSMIT on it with out sweeping the antenna and backing it up with a watt meter.