Diamond vs. Niljon

[baybum]

My Niljon significantly out-performs the Diamond on all bands.
The Diamond has 50' of LMR-400. And it 15' higher than the Niljon.
The Niljon has 40' of RG-6.
What could be the reason for this? I thought the discone was a superior antenna.

Refer to the attached picture for installation details.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[TeRayCodA]

That Nil-Jon base antenna has gathered some A+ reviews on other scanning forum boards.

I was sceptical at first,It looks almost like a modified R/S 20-176 antenna,but,from what I have read,this antenna performs well.

 

[KT4HX]

I don't know that I would call a discone a superior antenna per se. But be that as it may, the only experience I have had with Nil-Jon is the mobile version, and I was not overly impressed. I too have read the rave reviews about both the base and mobile versions. All I can say is that it didn't work any better or as well as other mobiles I have used. However, it seems to be doing the job for you, and that is the important thing! So stick with what works for you.

 

[baybum]

Goes without saying that I'll stick with what works the best. Most reviews I've read put the discone above the Niljon.
Is there any possibility the TV antenna is causing a problem?
I'm not an expert on how RF waves bounce and reflect.

Before anyone suggests that I swap them, be advised that it is not an easy endeavor in my case.


Mike

 

[KT4HX]

Well in my view, and in looking at your photo, I don't see the tv antenna causing you any problems. You seem to have decent separation there, and I doubt there is any significant (if any) interaction. Personally, I have never had any problems with interaction between receiving antennas in reasonably close proximity to one another (transmitting yes). Perhaps others have under some circumstances, and will weigh in on that. I don't know that I would swap them anyway. Does the Nil-Jon outperform the Diamond in all frequency ranges, or do they both have their better ranges based on your monitoring habits?

 

[Al42]

Well in my view, and in looking at your photo, I don't see the tv antenna causing you any problems. You seem to have decent separation there, and I doubt there is any significant (if any) interaction.

In any event the TV antenna would form a ground sheet under the discone, so it wouldn't have much more an effect than not mounting the discone in orbit. (The planet forms a pretty good [or not so good] ground sheet.)

 

[rwl48]

I have both mounted about 40 ft,hight and about 60ft apart and one scantenna about 20 ft, hight and the Niljon is the best but the scantenna does almost as good as the Niljon for about 1/3 the price. And the discone in the middle.

Bob

 

[baybum]

Wow, thanks for that post.
Same scenario as me almost.

Mike