Multi-Band Stubbie Ducks... Your expierences PLEASE?

[Dave13]

I've just been playing with a trio of new "Stubbies" on my 3 HH's (RS Pro-31, Pro-25, and Pro-83).
The antennas are the RS NASCAR Track "Stubbie, the MFJ 1719, and Pryme RD-2.
Naturally, few clainms are made for the RS unit, but it preforms pretty darn well on the local SO band and also throughout the Air and 2m/440 HAM bands! I am suprised!
The MFJ seems to be a fine HAM reciever.
The Pryme is way more open banded than expected, capturingAir Ham and local SO 158MHz just fine!
I haven't had much time to test the RD-2 and MFJ 1719 a lot yet, since they just came UPS today.
Obviousllu the next few weeks are going to include a lot of antenna swaps checking this trio out!
** AES is NOT fooling about their shipping times! I ordered from their Nevada Store and both antennas got here in Central Calif in TWO Days! What service!!!
Anyone else expiremented with this type of antenna and had similar good results?
No the signal collection does NOT match a longer length Duck,or base antenna, but IS suprising out of such short, handy, aftermarket units!
Dave 13

 

[K5MAR]

No offense, but any comparison of this type is going to be extremely subjective. Simplex or duplex, transmitter frequency, power, antenna height and gain, terrain type, your location and height compared to the system, distance to transmitter(s), interferring transmitters, their type of system and frequency, etc. You can say one antenna is better or worse than another, for you, but the rest of us are going to have a problem drawing any meaningful conclusions from that. I can say that I tried the RS racing antenna and was not satisfied with it's performance, but unless I tell you that I monitor a large number of VHF-highband systems 20-30 miles away, many of which are simplex systems with the mobiles running 35-40 watts, and that the terrain is somwhat uneven, there's not much you can make of that statement. Not picking on you, but I hope you see my point.

Mark S.

 

[MacombMonitor]

The only one I've had any luck with is a Comet CH-32 Miracle Baby. It has a BNC mount. If you need the smaller SMA mount, you want to order the SMA-501. Universal Radio sells them:
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamantht/3938.html

I found it to work really well in the 450MHz, and 850MHz bands. Not good for VHF, even though they claim is works for 2-meter Ham (144~148MHz).
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[Dave13]

Subjective? You BET!

I TOTALLY agree!
I am in a very flat and wide valley here in Central Calif, the units I hear DO run GOOD power, and little is in the way of signals. The Repeaters are high and within 40-60 miles, with GOOD power outputs!
Most Hams run H/P mobile's and HT's, their bases seem to have good antennas and decent power!
I know the reads will be much lower for these Mini-Ducks, and expected much less than what I am getting. Actually, I a really got my moneysworth, for MY uses from them.
Now when we go to Disneyland with the Grandkids soon, this whole "recieve' story may prove put miserable!
Hey Scanning is s fun hobby, and I am having a ball since I returned a couple weeks ago! A mere $40 mistake on antennas in a large metropolitan enviornment is nothin, cause I only "visit". For here where I live, they are pretty suprising!
Next I'm ordering some Multi-band 6" to 14" wire and see what it does?
Its all for FUN!
Thanks for the inputs!
I really like learning about Antennas from you guys!
Dave 13

 

[N_Jay]

My experience (and education) tells me that multiband antennas work worse that single band antennas, and shorter antennas work worse than longer antennas (assuming both are properly designed).

 

[Al42]

My experience (and education) tells me that multiband antennas work worse that single band antennas

Except that well-designed helicals tend to work pretty well quite a way above the design frequency.

and shorter antennas work worse than longer antennas (assuming both are properly designed).

No question about that. Capture area does matter.

 

[N_Jay]

My experience (and education) tells me that multiband antennas work worse that single band antennas

Except that well-designed helicals tend to work pretty well quite a way above the design frequency.

BETTER than an antenna designed for the frequency?

Or just not as bad as some designs of the same physical size?

 

[Al42]

My experience (and education) tells me that multiband antennas work worse that single band antennas

Except that well-designed helicals tend to work pretty well quite a way above the design frequency.

BETTER than an antenna designed for the frequency?

Nowhere near as well - assuming one can apply "well" to a very short antenna.

Or just not as bad as some designs of the same physical size?

Not as bad as an antenna with a lumped loading coil. Not as well as an antenna shortened by a capacity hat.

But if one needs a single, small antenna that will work (not well, just work) over a wide range of frequencies, sometimes a helical is the only thing that can be used that's even a little bit better than a #47 bulb.

 

[MacombMonitor]

Wow...#47 bulb! Now that brings back old memories!

 

[Dave13]

I didn't mean to start anything between you guys.
I was just experimenting with a type of antenna "I'd" never tested or tried before. I'd always wondered about their capibilities and found out for myself.
Actually, I am pretty impressed with what the 3 different ones I got will do!
My area is relativelly flat for long distances in every direction and the statione I monitor use decent power (even simplex HH's come in from commuters over fairlly good distances!)
These three little guys (Yes the RS NASCAR short Duck is in last place) work pretty well for me! The $50 or so invested in them was well worth it.
Next I'm trying the 6" to maybe 14", Multi-band Ham Ducks with extended recieve. Gotta find out about those for 'round here too!
Please guys, don't argue over the topic, OK?
Dave 13

 

[MacombMonitor]

I didn't mean to start anything between you guys.
Please guys, don't argue over the topic, OK?
Dave 13

I don't think anyone is arguing (as in being mad). Sometimes that's half the fun of these forums, bouncing ideas, and opinions back and fourth. It's all in the fun of the hobby (I hope?). :?

 

[Al42]

Wow...#47 bulb! Now that brings back old memories!

Heath twoer dummy load? Or did you use them as a "squelch" on a super-regen?

 

[MacombMonitor]

Wow...#47 bulb! Now that brings back old memories!

Heath twoer dummy load? Or did you use them as a "squelch" on a super-regen?

I've used them as dummy loads, and replaced countless ones in old radio dials!