DPD Antennas

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Eugene

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Greetings. Does anyone out there have any experience with DPD antennas. Specifically the LP semi-directional 118-1000 model or the VHF/UHF Air omni. They are a bit pricey but I don't mind paying the scratch IF they perform as advertised (which products seldom do). I am specifically interested in VHF/UHF aero. Thanks in advance for any reply.

Eugene Hileman KG4AVE
 

737mech

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DPD LP 118-1000

I have one and wrote a review on it on the DPD webpage. I don't know if they still sell that model anymore? Glad I have one I really like it. Alot of users have good results with the Omni X model as well.
 

NYRHKY94

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Good timing on this thread. I just took the plunge and purchased the OmniX model from Dave at DPD. I currently run 4 of my RR feeds with a Scantenna, but the winter weather in New England has finally taken it's toll and the thing is barely hanging on the mast right now. I plan to have the OmniX up and running on January 3rd and will post my results at that time. Based on the reviews, I think I'm going to be happy I made the switch. We shall see.
 

signal500

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Greetings. Does anyone out there have any experience with DPD antennas. Specifically the LP semi-directional 118-1000 model or the VHF/UHF Air omni. They are a bit pricey but I don't mind paying the scratch IF they perform as advertised (which products seldom do). I am specifically interested in VHF/UHF aero. Thanks in advance for any reply.

Eugene Hileman KG4AVE

I own both the 118-1000 MHz Scanner LP and the OmniX antennas. They are mounted on 35 foot poles and fed with LMR400 coax. Both perform extremely well. You will not be disappointed.
 

LIScanner101

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I own both the 118-1000 MHz Scanner LP and the OmniX antennas. They are mounted on 35 foot poles and fed with LMR400 coax. Both perform extremely well. You will not be disappointed.

Do you monitor any VHF low band? I know the OmniX is not designed for low band but I'm sure it "hears" something in that range, question is, how much? It certainly seems MUCH stronger than the Scantenna (which has a good edge on low band due to its sheer length).
 

signal500

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Do you monitor any VHF low band? I know the OmniX is not designed for low band but I'm sure it "hears" something in that range, question is, how much? It certainly seems MUCH stronger than the Scantenna (which has a good edge on low band due to its sheer length).

Yes, I monitor VHF low band 47 MHz (Florida DOT) and I also have another scanner dedicated to low band Public Safety on 33,39,42,44,45,46 MHz (for band openings) and the OmniX does a good job receiving.

I use LMR400 to feed the OmniX and the scanners used are the Sony WaveHawk ICF-SC1 and the Uniden Bearcat BC780XLT.

I noticed that you use my all time favorite antennas (Antenna Specialists). The OmniX isn't the best antenna for VHF low band, but it does receive it. Compared to the Antenna Specialists, I would give it a 7 out of 10 on low band.

I have owned two Scantenna's over the years, but have given them both away. Good antenna, but there are better ones.

I hope that helps.
 

LIScanner101

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Doug,

Thanks for the good info. Yes, I consider myself to be pretty lucky to have so many vintage A/S antennas - there really is nothing like them out there. Plus the MONITENNA - how lucky can one get :D ?

However, the OmniX is built like a tank so it should last you a long time.

So, you have a SONY scanner? I had no idea Sony was/is in the scanner business. What do you scan with it (dedicated to a specific band or do you use it broadband)?
 

signal500

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Doug,

Thanks for the good info. Yes, I consider myself to be pretty lucky to have so many vintage A/S antennas - there really is nothing like them out there. Plus the MONITENNA - how lucky can one get :D ?

However, the OmniX is built like a tank so it should last you a long time.

So, you have a SONY scanner? I had no idea Sony was/is in the scanner business. What do you scan with it (dedicated to a specific band or do you use it broadband)?

The Sony is solely dedicated for VHF low band public safety monitoring. It has one of the best low band receivers of any of my scanners. It is usually quiet because the southeast doesn't use much low band, but when the band opens up, I monitor the northeast FD/EMS dispatch. During the summer months, it stays fairly active. I enjoy low band just for the fact of you never know who you will be able to receive. The CHP comes in on a regular bases mid mornings during the summer.

Here is what it looks like: http://forums.radioreference.com/old-classifieds-archives/54743-sony-wavehawk-pc-version.html

I still use the MON-R31 and the MON-R51 I purchased years ago. I really wish PCTel who took over the Antenna Specialist brand would go back to producing the scanner line of antennas. They really are the best. Currently, PCTel just sells the VHF and UHF commercial A/S antennas.

I also have been very happy with the performance of my DPD antennas and would recommend them to anyone.
 

LIScanner101

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The Sony is solely dedicated for VHF low band public safety monitoring. It has one of the best low band receivers of any of my scanners. It is usually quiet because the southeast doesn't use much low band, but when the band opens up, I monitor the northeast FD/EMS dispatch. During the summer months, it stays fairly active. I enjoy low band just for the fact of you never know who you will be able to receive. The CHP comes in on a regular bases mid mornings during the summer.

Here is what it looks like: http://forums.radioreference.com/old-classifieds-archives/54743-sony-wavehawk-pc-version.html


Pretty neat little device! I listen to a lot of low band around here. Long Island does a lot of fire dispatch on 46MHz range and Connecticut still uses 33MHz range. I’ve always wanted to get a scanner that was “really good” on low band and just dedicate it to that. I was told the BC125 is good but I like the Sony. Too bad no alpha tags but that’s not a deal breaker for me.

I still use the MON-R31 and the MON-R51 I purchased years ago. I really wish PCTel who took over the Antenna Specialist brand would go back to producing the scanner line of antennas. They really are the best. Currently, PCTel just sells the VHF and UHF commercial A/S antennas.

When I use them on vehicles I NEVER leave them on when I leave the car, I always unscrew them from the NMO mount and toss them in the trunk. Most of this is to protect against theft but I also want to minimize exposure to the elements as much as possible to extend the life out of these.

I also have been very happy with the performance of my DPD antennas and would recommend them to anyone.

Good endorsement! I have Dave’s 800MHz 5/8th wave over 5/8th wave and it does EXCELLENT well on that band, VERY VERY GOOD on UHF and VHF hi and VERY GOOD on low band.
 

Eugene

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I have a scantenna and the weather has taken it's toll. It is the second one I've had in the last 5-6 years. They receive well but unless you live in a desert with no snow/ice and no wind they don't hold up so well. The A/S antennas were the best I've ever had. I did manage to acquire an old A/S whip w/o the base. I am gong to get base and a radial kit and see how it works. The reply's to my question have definitely made up my mind for me. I am going to get the DP antennas. Thanks again to all.

Eugene KG4AVE
 

NYRHKY94

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DPD OmniX Experience:

As posted above, I had my old weather beaten Scantenna replaced with the OmniX model from DPD this weekend. While I was always happy with the Scantenna from a price-value and reception standpoint, I had to replace it twice in the last 5 years due to the tough New England winters. Based on my research and the good reviews posted here and elsewhere, I decided to spend the money and give DPD a try. I am very happy I did.

- The construction of the OmniX is outstanding when compared to the Scantenna and it will no doubt be able to handle anything mother nature can throw at it.
- The OmniX model is much more discrete and compact compared to the somewhat large Scantenna (smaller is better for my needs).
- Installation was simple & straight forward, with only the 4 radials to attach prior to mounting it on the mast (I had an installer do that part for me).
- More importantly, reception is signficantly improved both in terms of distance and clarity on all 3 bands this model is designed for.
- Like many other reviewers have stated, I'm now receiving signals that I could not get before with the Scantenna.
- Weak signals have also been significantly improved as well on all 3 bands.

In conclusion, with 2 days in so far I am very pleased with the quality and performance of the OmniX. I was also pleased with the sale transaction process and communication I received from Dave at DPD. You get what you pay for and my experience with DPD was well worth it. I would not hesitate to recommend doing business with Dave and DPD.

Thanks - Mike
 
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LIScanner101

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Hi Mike,

Thanks for the great report, I'm glad the DPD is working out so well for you.

As you can see from my profile I share much of the same weather you get (maybe not as severe but still we do get some severe winds and snow) so I elected to install my antennas in my attic. I would love to put them outside but I am SOOOOO worried about the weather tearing them apart.

You said you are hearing more than before with the DPD, but you didn't elaborate on the specific bands or frequencies. What bands/frequencies are you picking up better on the DPD that you weren't getting with the Scantenna? NOTE: I have a special fondness for low band but I listen to the entire standard scanner spectrum (I.e., 33MHz up to 800MHz, and NO mil air).
 
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NYRHKY94

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LIScanner101:

I primarily listen to local and state/county Police on VHF high band (almost 100% P25 in NH), local FD's on UHF and two large city 800Mhz trunk systems. The OmniX is working great on all of these so far and much better than the Scantenna (which wasn't bad either). No low band at all here for me.

Thanks
 

Eugene

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NYRHKY94...Thanks for the feedback...I will be definitely be going with the DPD ...the only question now is whether to go with the Omni-X or the Semi-directional. VERY helpful feedback, which is what the forum is all about. I will use this antenna for Civil and Mill-Air only. I will be using and old MON-32 whip on a generic base for VHF and a gain 800 with a radial kit for trunked systems. I can't wait to get it set up. I will post results once done. Thanks again.

Eugene KG4AVE
 

nyair1

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NYRHKY94...Thanks for the feedback...I will be definitely be going with the DPD ...the only question now is whether to go with the Omni-X or the Semi-directional. VERY helpful feedback, which is what the forum is all about. I will use this antenna for Civil and Mill-Air only. I will be using and old MON-32 whip on a generic base for VHF and a gain 800 with a radial kit for trunked systems. I can't wait to get it set up. I will post results once done. Thanks again.

Eugene KG4AVE

Wondering if you got your new antenna yet and how it is working out?? I was thinking of getting one myself. I have been using the radio shack discone/ham antenna #20-043 with pretty good results. I have it mounted outside at about 30ft. I do alot of Milair monitoring but im not sure if i want to give up having a all band and just getting the civil/milair model.
 
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