As I have previously posted, you can do much better the the DXE
active whip with a cheap homebrew system. Instead of the DXE amplifier,
just use a Mini-circuits transformer, such as T36-1 for $6.55. This saves
hundreds of dollars in a four square system. In case
you don't need the ultrastealthy CB whip, you can get more signal with
a somewhat taller vertical made out of aluminum tubing, irrigation tubing,
conduit, or chainlink fence toprail, etc. Not only do you save money,
but you
avoid the tuning jumpers involved with the DXE design, which makes it
narrowband. You also avoid the possibility of BCB overload, which
the DXE is susceptible to in spite of the tuned front end. The transformer
also has better feedline isolation.
It is also relatively easy to homebrew the combiner box, for that matter.
Rick N6RK
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