Updating my VHF Radio, any reason to update the antenna to a "Digital" Antenna?

[barryg]

My new Standard Horizon VHF from BOE is due to arrive the middle of the week, and I was wondering if there is any reason at all to also change out my fixed VHF antenna? I haven't noticed any problems, but it's now 7 years old and I was wondering if the so called digital ones do anything different and better.

Thanks

Barry

 

[chandalen]

Unless your planning on some HDTV....

There is really NO difference other than price. Digital antenna's claim they are higher gain.. but its all relative to the transmission test ran as to the results. From a transmission standpoint... given perfect conditions all around, and the same equipment, a digital antenna MIGHT get about 200 FEET more transmission.

Some people swear buy them... but they are usually the same people that think that a 6' Monster gold plated elite platinum HDMI+ cable (list $125) creates a better picture than a standard HDMI cable ($15)

I have an FCC license to operate and repair.

 

[mistercomputerman]

Buy one of these and check the antenna

http://www.amazon.com/SWR-Power-METER-VHF-Radio/dp/B002KYE190

 

[slugo4449]

Digital is not an update but just a name brand of antenna. Digital, Sideband, AM, FM, CW are all modes of operation, but, they can all be used on the same antenna (not at the same time). The Frequency is what makes the difference on an antenna. So does the power rating. 25 watts for VHF Marine is max and that is very low power.
If you have a VHF marine antenna already in place, that works, I would leave it alone.

Don't fix somethin that ain't broke!

73,
Marty
KG6QKJ