SDL 225-400 mhz antenna

[JackTV]

Hey All, Has anyone bought any of these SDL-225-400 mhz antennas? I have seen thse advertised but just curious if anyone has bought any. I saw the you tube clip and the comparison between 2 other antennas but i wonder what would happen if he did not use a 10db amp. Are they really that good on UHF air band?

Let me know,
Jack

 

[zguy1243]

Hello,

I am the person behind that antenna. I did not plan to mass produce them but I have had a ton of response from guys. I had the antenna custom built for myself after I became discouraged with what was available to me as a hobbyist. The antennas work considerably better than anything you can buy that I am aware of in the 225-400Mhz range. I did the comparisons of the antenna against other antennas on youtube. It shows you the difference in a well thought out and designed antenna vs. a mass produced "scanner" antenna. I have the antenna built to order. The price depends on the how many I order at a time. The antenna are t6061 grade aluminum, heavy duty. They are rear mounted to avoid the problems with mast interaction. There was a good bit of thinking done on this antenna by some guys who really know antennas. I can get you a antenna if you like, contact me via PM.

 

[zguy1243]

In regard to the 10db amp, I used the same 10db bipolar Angle linear amp in all of the tests as a standard. The signal strength on that 269.5 ATIS signal confirms what I have suspected to a extent. The rated gain on most antennas that is advertised is not even close. I consider a discone of sorts to be 0db antenna, in fact the AT-197 discone has numbers with it that show it to be -.3 or 3/10th of a db in the hole. This being said, how can it equal or out perform other hobby log periodics pointed at the same signal when they claim 9DBi of gain. 9 db is a good and noticeable jump, you should see it in the s meter easy. The antenna that I had made claims 8 dbi of gain and it behaves that way. It will add almost 2 S units over the discone or the other logs on anything I point it at in the 225-400Mhz range and compare.

Hey All, Has anyone bought any of these SDL-225-400 mhz antennas? I have seen thse advertised but just curious if anyone has bought any. I saw the you tube clip and the comparison between 2 other antennas but i wonder what would happen if he did not use a 10db amp. Are they really that good on UHF air band?

Let me know,
Jack

 

[CalebATC]

In regard to the 10db amp, I used the same 10db bipolar Angle linear amp in all of the tests as a standard. The signal strength on that 269.5 ATIS signal confirms what I have suspected to a extent. The rated gain on most antennas that is advertised is not even close. I consider a discone of sorts to be 0db antenna, in fact the AT-197 discone has numbers with it that show it to be -.3 or 3/10th of a db in the hole. This being said, how can it equal or out perform other hobby log periodics pointed at the same signal when they claim 9DBi of gain. 9 db is a good and noticeable jump, you should see it in the s meter easy. The antenna that I had made claims 8 dbi of gain and it behaves that way. It will add almost 2 S units over the discone or the other logs on anything I point it at in the 225-400Mhz range and compare.

Hey Zguy, I'm about to move up to Blairsville, Georgia, Not too far from you. If you get a chance, PM me some of the more common frequencies and callsighns if you can. Finally got a ST-2 antenna, getting some amazing stuff from Avon.

Thanks,
Caleb

 

[zguy1243]

Will do Caleb.

Hey Zguy, I'm about to move up to Blairsville, Georgia, Not too far from you. If you get a chance, PM me some of the more common frequencies and callsighns if you can. Finally got a ST-2 antenna, getting some amazing stuff from Avon.

Thanks,
Caleb

 

[Alliance01TX]

Mil-Air Antenna

Howdy

I can you post some photo's of the antenna? I have several different Mil-Air (Discones / blades) and might also have an interest as well....and any specs, etc..?

Thx

Bill

 

[zguy1243]

Antenna Photos: This is a unfinished antenna. The final product is cleaner than this.

 

[zguy1243]

More Photos, the antenna does not have the first set of elements on it in these photos...just so you can make sense of that extra space at the end of the boom...

 

[zguy1243]

A youtube video of the antenna installed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YtQ3YCvQak

 

[Alliance01TX]

ZGUY1243

Thanks & very professional looking Yagi...I saw the (apparent) SATCOM next to it and wonder if you also make the RHC type antenna as well?

Thx

Bill

 

[zguy1243]

ZGUY1243

Thanks & very professional looking Yagi...I saw the (apparent) SATCOM next to it and wonder if you also make the RHC type antenna as well?

Thx

Bill

No that antenna is a Trivec UHF satcom antenna. Only thing that I have done is the 225-400Mhz Log periodics.

I went ahead and had 10 more models sent to me and I have 4 left that are not paid for if anyone wants to get on board. I was thinking with the approval of the Radio Reference crew we could do a group buy for those of you who want to get a antenna, this would lower to price based on volume. So after this 10 is gone we could do a group buy for 10 or better and get better pricing from the manufacturer.

 

[zguy1243]

Some details that were requested by OP:

 

[CalebATC]

Nice antenna's Zguy.


Around how much would you charge to build one? And, are the elements hollow or solid?

Thanks,
Caleb

 

[zguy1243]

Nice antenna's Zguy.


Around how much would you charge to build one? And, are the elements hollow or solid?

Thanks,
Caleb

Caleb,

The antennas are gonna be around 250-270 when all is said and done. The elements are tubular, solid elements are cheaper and the material is not as true as tubular. I am working on a website for the antenna so everyone can see the photos and specification. Right now I am just getting them built as they are ordered.

 

[CalebATC]

Caleb,

The antennas are gonna be around 250-270 when all is said and done. The elements are tubular, solid elements are cheaper and the material is not as true as tubular. I am working on a website for the antenna so everyone can see the photos and specification. Right now I am just getting them built as they are ordered.

Alright, thanks alot. And do you build the AT-197 that's on your website too?

Once I get situated in Georgia, I'll be able to buy one. And will the SDL be capeable of transmitting on the civilan aviation band?

Thanks,
Caleb

 

[zguy1243]

Alright, thanks alot. And do you build the AT-197 that's on your website too?

Once I get situated in Georgia, I'll be able to buy one. And will the SDL be capeable of transmitting on the civilan aviation band?

Thanks,
Caleb

You are looking at the photos there on my site, those are just antennas that l like. The only thing that I ahve had built is the 225-400Mhz log periodics. The antenna will not transmit on the VHF aircraft band, UHF 225-400Mhz only.

 

[CalebATC]

Ok, Thanks

Boy, I need a JOB!!! LOL

 

[zguy1243]

For those that are interested I have purchased a lot of 10 more antennas. These are available now. Please use the contact form on my website if you have technical questions because that comes directly to me.

www.signal-Intelligence.com/-sdl-log-periodic-antennas.html

Thanks

 

[CalebATC]

Man, every time I look at that I want one even more.

About to order a D-130J, I want yours, but I need one for ham!

 

[JackTV]

Hey ZGUY,
How are these antennas on VHF air and other freqs? I like to listen to 118-136,138-146,225-400, and 800mhz trunked local police and fire. I know it is tuned to 225-400 but just curios on other bands.
Also great introduction price. I have to talk to the wife!!!!
Thanx,
Jack