What are the natural features of a Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA) antenna? Most every antenna that you might build or purchase is designed, cut, built and tuned to be resonant on a single frequency. As you tune away from that central frequency, your SWR goes up and your gain diminishes. Log Periodic antennas are very different. They are not designed to be resonant on a single, central frequency, but rather on a range of frequencies, a band, or several bands! Log Periodic antennas are actually several dipole antennas that are related to each other, and work together to accomplish this otherwise amazing feat of radio frequency magic to provide a flat SWR and gain over a wide frequency range.
To be intellectually honest, if you wish to have an antenna that is required to only operate on a single frequency, you might well be better off by cutting a piece of wire or creating a Yagi to be resonate on the precise single channel that you are looking to use. However, in the real world of radio communications, we often find it necessary to operate all over the band. It is important to know that if you are operating on one side of the band and then find it necessary to operate on the other side of the band – or on another band, that you get exactly the same performance no matter where you go.
Having the flexibility to operate how you want to… how you need to, is critical for any number of applications. If you are direction finding, fox hunting, working satellites, involved in EmComm, public service events, picking up rare grid squares or just rag chewing with your buddy a hundred miles away, you need the correct equipment that will allow you to operate the way you want.
Elk Antennas are carefully designed and crafted to provide the kind of performance that you expect to find in a fine antenna. Whether you are connected to a mobile rig or an HT, permanently mounted or operating hand-held, the Elk is a real performer.
We get a lot of questions from folks that want to know if the Elk can be permanently mounted? The answer is YES! There are many Elk Antennas that have been outside in the weather for 15 years or more. An Elk can be used in portable, mobile, permanent or hand-held operation. You find Elks in some really interesting locations. Many operators are burdened by home owners’ association rules and are compelled to hide their antennas. You find Elks up in the rafters of many homes. You find our models with black powder coated booms (“Black Beauties”) hidden right in plain sight. Elks are used by military and law enforcement for clandestine operations. Elks are used by animal management groups to track elk! They are used by climbing expeditions on Mount Everest. You will find an Elk on EVERY continent of the globe.
Elk Antennas are superior for direction finding. With a difference between front and back on the antenna of 20 dB, they are a favorite amongst many fox hunters. The beamwidth on our dual-band antenna is about 70 degrees, and you will find an amazing amount of attenuation right at 90 degrees on each side of the antenna.
Hams that like to work satellites really enjoy the Elk dual-band 2M/440L5. They do not have to use a duplexer to their radio, and are not burdened by the power limits of some duplexers. Elks are light and portable, and can be taken just about anywhere. Quick to get setup (in under three minutes) and easy to operate. They are an ideal companion on all your adventures!
Whether you choose our 2M/440L5, 220L6 or 440L8, you operate with the knowledge that you have a winning piece of gear on your side.