VHF low profile antenna

jim · Post by **jim** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 7:06 pm

In the past, I have experienced problems with the Antenex Phantom VHF low profile antenna. Comtelco makes one that looks similar and claims 200W power capactity. Did anyone try these yet? How do they compare to a 1/4 wave unity? Do they last?

Will · Post by **Will** » Mon Apr 08, 2002 11:49 pm

Antenx is still having very big problems with the Phantom and Genisis antennas. The Comtelco antennas we have used are working just fine, no damage from tx power.

As with any physically shortened antenna, there is a loss in receive for sure. A tuned coil and capacitor (Phantom antenna) that resonates does not radiate too well even tho it presents near a 50 ohm load to the transmitter. In a "saturated system" this may not be too much of a problem.

You need "iron in the air" to get the radio wave "connected" into or coupled out of the air or skywave, and this shows up in receive the most. It also has to do with "capture area" of an antenna.