DPD Productions Mil UHF 1/4 wave mobile mag mount

[2k1typeSH]

Has anybody used this antenna? I am thinking of getting one to put on the roof atop a metal chimney. Would like to know how it performs. I currently have a Radio Shack mag mount on the roof, but was wonerdering if this would be an improvement.

DPD Productions - MilTenna VHF & UHF Military Air Band Antennas

 

[cmdrwill]

That is a mobile antenna and needs a ground plane, AKA counterpoise, which is the other half on the antenna. That antenna is nothing special,

 

[prcguy]

The antenna as shipped only covers a portion of the 225-400MHz band, you have to tune it where you want the best performance. I suspect it covers maybe 50Mhz with a reasonable match when tuned.
prcguy

 

[KG4NEL]

If you already have a mag mount, I wouldn't bother.

DPD's log periodic, however, looks interesting...

 

[iMONITOR]

If you already have a mag mount, I wouldn't bother.

DPD's log periodic, however, looks interesting...

I think he stopped selling the MilTenna LP antenna. Consider the MilTenna Omni VHF/UHF antenna:

DPD Productions - MilTenna VHF & UHF Military Air Band Antennas

Or the Diamond D-130J discone.

 

[popnokick]

In addition to needing a ground plane since you're using an antenna designed for mobile use on a building rooftop, the mobile antenna offers no gain ("unity" gain) versus the DPD Omni-X... a much better choice for use on a roof and certain to be a better performer than misplacing a mobile antenna on the roof with no ground plane.

 

[KG4NEL]

Does Radio Shack still sell their little Sputnik-looking ground plane?

I had one of those for years...tried to roast it with 50 watts of FM, couldn't...

 

[2k1typeSH]

Thanks for the responses guys. I looked at the OmniX but was concerned about having to mount it while I can simply stick the mag mount on the metal chimney without needing mounting hardware.

 

[737mech]

Don't worry about mounting hardware. You will be so happy you made the decision to do this. It will open your ears to the hobby you should be enjoying until then you are not getting the full experience. Get some good feed coax LMR-400 and the Omni X and enjoy what your scanner was meant to do. (You don't buy a Corvette to cruise through school zones at 25mph) Feed your scanner FEED IT!!