Tram 1486 upgrade to Commscope DB408-B

[wqpn591]

Anyone have experience with the Commscope Dipole antennas?

I'm looking at upgrading my Tram 1486 to the Commscope DB408-B.

One thing I like about the Dipole is the vertical beam width is 14degrees (HPBW). This is closer to 30 degrees in an Omni antenna (although the Tram does not specify, so judging from a Laird antenna spec with similar gain).  So more signal in more useful places and not so much shooting into the sky (cloud warming as they call it).

Any thoughts?

 

[BoxCar]

This is for your home base station? Are you having problems hearing with the Tram? The biggest factor on improving the quality of the signal is antenna placement. Changing antenaas without changing where it is located does very little to providing any improvements except in the area you already cover.

[wqpn591]

it is for a repeater site. My location is good. nice and high, just would like to get a bit more distance by directing energy in more appropriate places.

I do alot of work in Multi-gigahertz wireless data systems and radiation pattern is everything.

But somewhat new to UHF.

[BoxCar]

Fattening the radiation pattern is a double-edge sword as it may impact your coverage closer to the antenna.

[wqpn591]

2 hours ago, BoxCar said:

Fattening the radiation pattern is a double-edge sword as it may impact your coverage closer to the antenna.

yeah, ran some cals on that and seems to be ok in the areas I'm worried about.  But that is a concern.

[gortex2]

The DB404 and 408 is a rock solid repeater antenna or home antenna. If this is a true repeater site that's the only antenna I'd use. I run the DB404 and 408 on all my repeaters except on my Motorhome. With the proper hardline to the antenna you will see a noticeable difference. 

[tweiss3]

I know a handful of guys running both DB404 and DB411. Both will be a step up from the "hobby grade" tram. The considerations above do apply.