Tim, One of the very important factors is to consider your intended coverage area; do you need 360-degree coverage, or is your repeater site off to one side? It is not good planning to put up an omnidirectional antenna, if your intended coverage area is mostly in one direction. A twin dipole with both loops facing in the same direction will give you a cardioid pattern that provides excellent coverage over nearly 180 degrees, plus has smooth vertical coverage for close-in users that may be "under the beam" of a fiberglass antenna. I have two such VHF antennas in service now, and I would never consider using a fiberglass collinear antenna in those applications. Such dipole antennas are made by Sinclair and Decibel Products, to name two makers.
73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Tim Osborne Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 6:59 PM To: Repeater-Builder Subject: [Repeater-Builder] 2 Meter Repeater Antenna Suggestions OK not to open a can of stinky worms......but....... I need to buy a NEW 2 Meter Repeater Antenna. I am asking for suggestions. I have heard bad things about the now across the border assembled Andrew/DB Prod. Antennas. The 139-150 Split version is available and in stock from Tessco List is $730.00. (and yes I know it can be bought a lot cheaper) And please no suggestions about Diamond or any of the HAM made antennas. These are very poor Repeater Antennas and will not stand up to Mountain top ice and wind. Not to mention their poor performance and noisy Duplex operation. Thanks and 73 Tim K4TDO
