Combining Two Antennas?
 

Any performance drawbacks to combining two antennas (an AOR MA-500 & Nil-
Jon Super M base) to one radio (an ICOM R8500) input via a simple BNC tee
to PL-259 VHF connector? Each of these antennas seem to offer some
advantage at different frequencies and I'm tired of manually switching back
and forth. Also seems like dedicated mechanical "switches" are expensive
overkill.

"Bob" wrote in message
. 14...
Any performance drawbacks to combining two antennas (an AOR MA-500 & Nil-
Jon Super M base) to one radio (an ICOM R8500) input via a simple BNC tee
to PL-259 VHF connector? Each of these antennas seem to offer some
advantage at different frequencies and I'm tired of manually switching
back
and forth. Also seems like dedicated mechanical "switches" are expensive
overkill.



are there any drawbacks?? probably. you may take a 3db hit on signals from
each antenna because of the parallel path, assuming equal impedances and
lots of other stuff. or you may get complete cancellation if the antennas
are the exact wrong distance apart in a given direction. or you may get 3db
gain if they are the exact right distance apart in a given direction... the
only way to tell is to 'plug it in and try it'... there is just no good way
to predict over a wide range of frequencies and real world conditions.

You run the risk of phase interference from the antennas not to mention
potentially more noise pickup.