Digital Antenna for VHF Radio

[reel pleasure]

I am considering changeing my antenna. What are the benefits?

[edk]

reel pleasure - 2/8/2009 9:24 AM

I am considering changeing my antenna. What are the benefits?

Digital is a brand name - there is no digital VHF Antenna. They all work the same way.

Ed

[SEEG]

Some are better than others. Digital is high quality.

[Auburn1]

Digital is in Fort Lauderdale and has very good support for individual customers.

[edk]

Auburn1 - 2/8/2009 12:37 PM

Digital is in Fort Lauderdale and has very good support for individual customers.

My experience with their customer support a few years ago was not very good. It's about to be tested again (probably at the Miami Boat Show) so I will report back on that experience.

Ed

[rwidman]

edk - 2/8/2009 11:30 AM

Digital is a brand name - there is no digital VHF Antenna. They all work the same way.

Ed

edk is correct. "Digital" is a brand name. A brand name cleverly chosen to make consumers believe they are getting something better than some other brand of antenna.

That said, they are a quality product, arguably as good as the same level Shakespeare antenna.

In many markets, it's easier to find a Shakespeare brand antenna than a Digital brand antenna. There are a couple other antenna manufacturers around but their products can be hard to find.

[CaptWill]

The Digital brand 8' VHF antenna is a very high quality built antenna, which perfoms so much better than Shakespeare's mediocre junk. The SWR is perfect, and the radio receives signals that were never heard on 2 different Shakespeare 5225's. BTW, I have been installing marine electronics since the 60's, and I used to like Shakespeare, but their build quality has dropped to what I consider unacceptable. Digital brand is good stuff. I have no affiliation, and never have, with either company, or it's distributors.

[boats02]

Capt Will hit the nail on the head. I've had the same experience.

I've tried all sorts of different VHF setups... and have finally come down to this:
Digital Antenna and Standard Horizon equipment.

Good luck.

[reel pleasure]

Thanks to all for your help.I went ahead and bought the Digital .Put Shakespeare back on shelf.

[Capt.Matt]

At the Grady dealer I worked at, most New boats got a Digital Brand antenna. I've seen a cut-away section of there 8' model and it is one beefy built antenna. Personally, I have Shakespeare Galaxys on my rig. No problerms with them. Capt.Matt