Product Review
DBJ-2
Dual Band Roll-Up Antenna
2.1 dBi gain (VHF and UHF)
Featured in: QST Mar 2007
Reprinted with Permission of both
Edison Fong and the ARRL
Review by: John 'Miklor'
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What's in the Package The DBJ-2 package includes the pre tuned antenna, ready to unroll and install. The package includes: - Roll-Up J-Pole, terminated with a BNC-M connector. - 6 foot RG58 jumper, with BNC-M and BNC-F connectors. - BNC-F to SMA-M adapter - SMA-F to SMA-F adapter This combination of connectors should attach this antenna to virtually any handheld transceiver.
Assembly There is no assembly necessary. I simply unrolled the antenna and hung in place. The power rating is 50 W, which is more than sufficient for a handheld or mobile transceiver. Individually Pre-Tuned The ham version that I received is tuned to 144-148 MHz and 440-450 MHz. There's also a Commercial/MURS/GMRS version tuned for 152-157 MHz and 460-470 MHz. Performance The specifications state a 1.3 to 1 SWR on both bands. When tested with a commercial meter (Bird 43 Thru-line), the antenna held true to its specifications. These are the same confirmed parameters as the DBJ-1 base Station antenna.
BTW: I mentioned a commercial SWR meter, as many small VHF/UHF meters tend to add currents to the antenna line that can impact the readings. They can come close, but I wanted total accuracy for this test. Installation The antenna has a loop on the top end allowing me to easily hoist into a tree for field operation. I recommend Installing the DBJ-2 as far from metal objects as possible, such as an antenna or tower. The antenna can also be used inside the house or apartment. Temporarily. I have one located in my computer room/office with the top looped around a curtain rod. The window frame is vinyl so there is no interaction with the antennas tuning. So where do I get one? You can get a DBJ1 from Ed directly. Model descriptions and pricing link can be found below. He can be contacted directly at: edsantennas@gmail.com 1163 Quince Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94087 408-245-8210 Conclusion The antenna is lightweight, efficient, and comes with everything you need to rapid deployment from your Go Box or for Field Day operation.
From Ed's Desk More info about the antenna from the developer, Ed Fong WB6IQN
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