Maldol AL500H Replacement

[KK4HG]

Since my beloved Maldol AL500H portable airband antenna (for UHF and UHF) Maldol AL-500H Air band Scanner Antenna is no longer available, what is a suitable replacement?

 

[questnz]

I think Watson WSMA 901 will be your closest match, BNC fitting only
https://www.scannermaster.com/W_901_Airband_Portable_Antenna_p/28-541174.htm

 

[nanZor]

The closest I've come to the response of the Maldol was the Diamond SRH-320A. When placed on an analyzer, it actually has a very nice response in civil-air, and at least has some coverage of milair due to 220 mhz band tuning. The trap / loading coil also presents a high reactance / attenuation of FM broadcast signals like the Maldol - at least as compared to other standard whips without any trap/coil setup. Check out the comparison of the RH77 to the SRH320:

http://forums.radioreference.com/aircraft-monitoring-forum/235114-airband-antenna-musings.html

I just wish they made it in a bnc-mount so I wouldn't have to use an adapter for my bnc radios...

Another one to look at is the Maldol MH-610, although I don't own one so I haven't put it on an analyzer or tried one myself. Tempting for sure..

 

[nanZor]

I just picked up a Maldol MH-610, and have to give the nod to the Diamond 320A for vhf air.

Sure enough, the trap/loading coil combo like the 500H and the Diamond helps attenuate the FM band a little bit better than a standard unloaded whip, but the 320A seems to be just a bit better than the 610 for vhf air. Nitpicking maybe. Milair seems the same - that is best at the low end of the band.

It's a shame that the 500H went away - maybe not enough purchasers.

 

[N9JCQ]

There is always thishttp://www.ebay.com/itm/300683180298?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 But geez, the price is insane.