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New Antenna and Feedline for GMRS Repeater


n4gix

Question

I have a new Bridgecom repeater ordered and am now thinking about replacing my existing antenna and feedline with something more efficient for a $1500 repeater!

 

I was initially thinking about 1/4" Superflex heliax, but according to the specs I've found loss is around 4.5db/100' <Yikes!> The one major advantage is the 2" bend radius.

 

Next for consideration is 1/2" Superflex with only 1.4db/100' loss. That's more reasonable I think. Price is $1.69/ft. The 5" bend radius is an issue though. The coax enters through a pass through tube below my desk, but has to make about a 2" bend and travel up the wall about 2' and then make another 2" bend to the back of the repeater's antenna port.

 

What I'm wondering is if I could bring the 1/2" heliax down to my lightning arrestor, then use about 6' of 1/4" Superflex to bring it into my house, and if that would cause any serious issues. Alternatively I could simply use the 6' of LMR400 cable that's already in place.

 

I'm somewhat challenged for height at the moment, so I'm thinking a 6db gain antenna would help compensate for the lower height. Any recommendations for antenna choice?

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Antenna Porn :P

 

Andrew DB408-B

180' of 7/8 Hard line

4' Side arm

 

Now all I need is some good weather, my climber and a few friends!

 

db408.jpg

Kudo's!

 

We moved to a commercial site (I work there and he has an open spot) at 220 feet. I was originally 40 feet and sketchy, now I can hit portable at S3 when mobile was in the noise floor. Even in basements and inside a home with aluminum siding. Coverage is actually better then 2 county PD's have coverage.

 

Love that 408!

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Looks great, I have the same tripod mine peerless and on a flat roof though. Still waiting on permit for my tower. FAA and zoning already passed, but code has had the application for over 3 months. Local Hams have stepped in to help.

Got my permit, they start digging hole for the pad today.

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