VHF Exposed Single Element Dipole to Replace Celwave 1121?

[Birken Vogt]

It seems RFS/Celwave/Phelps Dodge is only offering the 1121-4 and 1121-5 these days. Sometimes we want one in a different frequency range. They used to have a lot more. We are looking for something in the 151 MHz range, or broadband.

These antennas are great because they are cheap, solid aluminum, clamp to the tower with two hose clamps, and they don't stick out far.

Telewave and Comprod make some but they cost a whole lot more money.

[Will]

I use the Comtelco single VHF folded dipole antenna. Great for event communications. Covers the ham and commercial bands all in one.

http://comtelcoantennas.com/PDF/EDX150.PDF

[Birken Vogt]

Well, it is cheaper than Telewave and broadband but still almost as much as a DB222.

It seems like the close-to-mast ones are less expensive and more omni but narrower bandwidth, and availability seems to be dropping.

The farther-spaced ones seem to be broadband but somewhat directional.

I can't help but think that the close-in ones might be more resistant to snow and ice.

Thoughts?

[Will]

Birken,

Check your PM, I sent more info there.

What we know: The Comtelco works extremely well and cost less than $200.......

[RFguy]

Look at Sinclair.

SD222 and SD224 models for the "close-to-mast" styles and the SD210, SD212 and SD214 for the wideband, ruggedized type.

[psapengineer]

May I suggest:

Telewave ANT150D

Comprod 870

Also as alternatives?

Best Regards, Bob

[Birken Vogt]

I placed an order through my favorite telecom supplier by just sending them a PO with the part number I wanted even though it was not in the catalog. They must have had to mine the aluminum to make the thing as it took forever but it did show up eventually.

For a nice, low cost, compact, easy to install antenna it is pretty good but I suspect not many order them as an ANT150D is much broader bandwidth but much higher price. I guess if it is a government project no one cares.