DPD Antennas

[fdnybuff18]

How does the OMNI-X work on the Rail Band? Currently have an Austin Ferret, but might be looking to replace.....

 

[thewenk]

How does the OMNI-X work on the Rail Band? Currently have an Austin Ferret, but might be looking to replace.....

While I don't use it to specifically monitor Rail activity, I do use it a lot to monitor Federal frequencies in the 160-170 MHz range and it works fine. It's specified to receive between 148-175 and 225-900 MHz, and believe the specs in this case.

 

[fdnybuff18]

While I don't use it to specifically monitor Rail activity, I do use it a lot to monitor Federal frequencies in the 160-170 MHz range and it works fine. It's specified to receive between 148-175 and 225-900 MHz, and believe the specs in this case.

Thank you sir for the info. Would you say it out performs any of your prior antennas in the 160 to 170 mhz range?

 

[thewenk]

Thank you sir for the info. Would you say it out performs any of your prior antennas in the 160 to 170 mhz range?

Since I've been using this Omni-X for six years, you can see I haven't felt the need to replace it with anything else, but I also don't a very definitive memory of any previous antenna's performance differences.

My previous antenna was an Antenna Specialists all band which was a good antenna, but I liked the compact size and simplicity of the Omni-X. Most of my monitoring of the 160-170 range is done in the summer when I monitor BLM and USFS firefighting activities. I can tell you the Omni-x will receive 160-170 and 460 MHz out to 50-60 miles from mountaintop transmitters, plus or minus depending on weather conditions. It is also a very rugged antenna as I have not had to do any maintenance on the antenna during those six years through all kinds of wind and winter weather.

Dave

 

[LIScanner101]

Dave,

Which model Antenna Specialists base antenna did you use?

 

[LtDoc]

You ready for this?

I don't have one of the specified antennas. But I cantell you this with no 'buts' included. If you have an antenna that's specifically designed for the particular frequency range you are interested in, it will 'do' better than any sort of substitute. That means that you will have a 'porcupine' antenna array, which isn't too likely. Y

 

[LtDoc]

If you want the 'best' antenna possible you are talking about specifically tuned antennas for each band of interest. That means a lot of antennas, not just one. That means that each antenna in some kind of array, and that means doing some impedance matching stuff that isn't simple at all. If you aren't willing to do that, then it means some sort of compromising to get the 'best' that you can get. Oh my... does that get complicated! It's just a fact, you can only get so much 'benefit' without doing a LOT of 'finagaling' if that makes sense. If you are trying to keep all this 'stealthy', or not apparent, then you've got some work cut out for you! It certainly isn't impossible, but it ain't easy, you know?
Good luck!
- 'Doc

 

[thewenk]

Dave,

Which model Antenna Specialists base antenna did you use?

I think it was a MONR31.

Dave

 

[LIScanner101]

I think it was a MONR31.

Dave

I have one in my attic - GREAT antenna!

Did you get rid of yours or did weather/aging do it in?

 

[thewenk]

I have one in my attic - GREAT antenna!

Did you get rid of yours or did weather/aging do it in?

I originally started using it when I lived in Calif. in the 90's since it would receive the CHP Lo Vhf band. When I retired and moved back to Idaho, it came with me, so it got some wear and tear just from moving. When things around here switched to 700 MHz digital I decided to try something new and went with the two DPD antennas and a custom diplexer arrangement which I am using today. I still have the MONR31 stored someplace around here. I never throw any of that stuff away.

Dave

 

[McCroskey]

Ordered the DPD 700-950 MHz Yagi last week, and promptly received an email from Dave saying they were a little bit backed up on these and that mine would ship late this week.

I got the shipping notice on Tuesday, so needless to say I'm impressed with the company thus far, hoping to get it tomorrow or Saturday and be able to install over the weekend.