HFU HF Underground

Technical Topics => Equipment => Topic started by: Matt285 on December 16, 2019, 2359 UTC

Title: Discone antennas
Post by: Matt285 on December 16, 2019, 2359 UTC
I'm looking forward to purchasing an RSP Dx SDR receiver and want to utilize the 3 antenna ports. I plan to use one with my 135' OCF dipole, One with a small loop and another for VHF/UHF frequencies. It seems so far like a Discone would be logical for this. I don't know if I will be able to shell out the money for a Diamond discone, but also want to know what a decent compromise discone such has a Tram model would be. My main focus will be HF, but I want to make use of as much spectrum as possible.
Title: Re: Discone antennas
Post by: pinto vortando on December 17, 2019, 0416 UTC
The Diamond D130J is a nice antenna, well built stainless construction.
Title: Re: Discone antennas
Post by: Josh on December 17, 2019, 0434 UTC
They're all going to perform about the same if they have a vertical element. The diff will be in construction materials, some use cheap hollow aluminium tubing that the wind will eventually break. Pick one and use good coax, lmr, 9913, etc.
Title: Re: Discone antennas
Post by: ChrisSmolinski on December 17, 2019, 1138 UTC
I bought a Sirio Antenna SD2000N Discone antenna a year and a half ago, very pleased with it. I wrote a review here: https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,42993.0.html

It's mounted up at the top of a tree, that was the easiest way to get it as high as possible. I used the Big Shot to launch the rope straight up along the side of the tree, so I could have a clear path to pull the antenna up.

Big Shot review: https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,60415.0.html

(https://i.imgur.com/mt9TuUF.png)
Title: Re: Discone antennas
Post by: chanito on December 17, 2019, 2329 UTC
https://www.mpantenna.com/product/uhf-vhf-antenna-08-ant-0861/ (https://www.mpantenna.com/product/uhf-vhf-antenna-08-ant-0861/)


I have the mobile one on my car. It picks up Fltsatcom like a champ. And, it looks goofy as heck.