*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: God invented the fishing rod to keep the truely gifted from ruling the world.
It may, they are great antennas. But mounting it higher will certainly increase your range. VHF is line of sight so mount your antenna as high as possible for maximum distance.
__________________
1984 Chris Craft 360 Commander
"Priority"
It may, they are great antennas. But mounting it higher will certainly increase your range. VHF is line of sight so mount your antenna as high as possible for maximum distance.
__________________
1984 Chris Craft 360 Commander
"Priority"
The "Digital" brand IS a conventional antenna. The name "Digital" is only the name of the manufacturer and is nothing special when compared to Shakespeare for example. What you need to be looking at INSTEAD OF the manufacturers name is the specifications of each antenna you want to compare. Gain, Construction, Coax, Connector, Radiation Pattern etc...
I just compared the specifications of both the Sheakspeare and Digital 5/8 wave 8' antennas for the marine band. While they don't specify whether the gain is in decibels relative to a dipole radiator (dBd) or decibels relative to isotropic radiator (dBi) they appear to have pretty much the same performance (I care more about dBd than dBi).
At a glance it appears as though the Digital brand has utilizes superior construction techniques which will enhance the life of the antenna, but as far a performance is concerned they are equal.
Rich
__________________ 2005 29 Luhrs Open (Custom) W/ Outboards!
2007 Sea Hunt BX22T - SOLD
The "Digital" brand IS a conventional antenna. The name "Digital" is only the name of the manufacturer and is nothing special when compared to Shakespeare for example. What you need to be looking at INSTEAD OF the manufacturers name is the specifications of each antenna you want to compare. Gain, Construction, Coax, Connector, Radiation Pattern etc...
At a glance it appears as though the Digital brand has utilizes superior construction techniques which will enhance the life of the antenna, ................
The best thing about Digital Antenna IS the name. It causes much confusion and makes people believe they are automatically superior to other brands of antennas. Very misleading...
This is probably true. Another trick they tend to use is not showing the metrics used in the analysis of the antenna performance. One usally has to dig a little deeper to find that data.
I use a Sheakspeare 4' VHF antenna, and it works just fine for what I use it for. Without test equipment most operators would never know the difference between two antennas in the same class.
Just for info purposes, PBR rates Shakespeare higher than Digital in their Feb issue. I use neither....I have a Morad (just in case someone would think I am biased.)
I have both antennas installed on my Whaler. The Shakespeare is connected to an ICOM 504 and the Digital to a SH Phantom 1000. Icommunicatewith Sea TowMorehead Citywhen fishing the Big Rock area (which is located about 45miles SE of Morehead City, NC). I use either radio/antenna configuartion to do this. You just can't go wrong with either antenna. VHF range is directly related to the antenna heights (LOS) of both transmiting/receiving VHF's and the quality of the coax connection to the antenna connector adaptor..
The digital is to port and the Shakespeare to starboard in the picture below.
The Digital antenna is superior because it cures tooth decay. The Shakespeare antenna only cures cancer. Not everyone will get cancer; but everyone will get tooth decay.
Help eradicate tooth decay! Buy a Digital antenna!
The problem with the Shakepeare is the connector. That only, if improperly attached will cause signal loss, sometime signifacant loss. I know how they are supposed to be soldered but I am always second guessing my connection. This is one of the main reasons I use a Digital Antenna. The connector comes attached and the antenna works just as well as the Shakespeare maybe better.
__________________ "I'm suing the THT and the guy that made it."
The problem with the Shakepeare is the connector. That only, if improperly attached will cause signal loss, sometime signifacant loss. I know how they are supposed to be soldered but I am always second guessing my connection. ...............
That problem is not with the antenna, it's with the installer.
digital antenna 
