RadioShack Discone Antenna

[hdrock]

I just bought a radio shack ,
outdoor scanner/ham discone antenna,Model 20-043,
for $72.99.
Haven't put it up yet,and I can still return it.
I have a BC296D scanner.
1. Is there a better antenna for the price?
2. Doe's anyone know who actually makes this antenna?
3.What ,in your opinion ,is the best scan antenna,any price?

 

[Highlander_821]

Take it back, then order a Diamond discone from www.randl.com. That RadioShack one is junk, it will shed elements all over your lawn. Seriously, I had one. If I looked at it funny, it would drop an element.

 

[JK_RUBICON]

Take it back, then order a Diamond discone from www.randl.com. That RadioShack one is junk, it will shed elements all over your lawn. Seriously, I had one. If I looked at it funny, it would drop an element.

HAHAHAHAHAHA SAME HERE!!!!!

No doubt it did work well, but it fell apart very easily.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

I have run a RS discone for years without losing an element. The trick is to first install stainless nuts on the element rods before threading them into the hub.When you tighten the nuts it places pressure on the threads and they will not loosen up.I suppose you could also use lock-tite.

 

[74IN]

I just use wire. Same stuff I use for TXing.

 

[JK_RUBICON]

http://gvarc.us/GVARCFrames/Titan/Discone/Discone.htm

 

[W5LZ]

For what it's worth, I didn't have any problems with the one I used to have. I used it primarily as a scanning antenna, but did use it on 2 meters a few times. The 2 meter radio wasn't super thrilled with it, but didn't throw up, or spit either. Can't remember what happened to it.
- 'Doc

 

[rfoverlord]

:thumbdown: take it back! Mine shed elements even using loc tite and the locking nuts. the threads would just snap. i still have it all the bottom elements have been replace by threaded aluminum rods. it sits on a rack disassembled in the garage for the past 6 years.

 

[skipper1]

here is the best discone I have ever used and there have been a few. This one is all stainless steel, no aluminum. It does come with coax but I use a little better grade. http://www.memphisamateur.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=315 This antenna actually performs very well on 2 meters.

 

[Turbo T]

Any new updates on this antenna? I recently spotted one at the Rat Shizzack. Have they improved on it in the last few years?

Also how well does this antenna TX and RX on 2 M and 70 CM?

 

[IMD262]

Any new updates on this antenna? I recently spotted one at the Rat Shizzack. Have they improved on it in the last few years?

Also how well does this antenna TX and RX on 2 M and 70 CM?

Much better choices for amateur use,works decent for a broadbanded scanner antenna, no gain though.

 

[Turbo T]

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[mackmobile43]

Take it back, then order a Diamond discone from R&L Electronics. That RadioShack one is junk, it will shed elements all over your lawn. Seriously, I had one. If I looked at it funny, it would drop an element.

Yup, I pick up my neighbors after a windstorm and return them to him.

 

[Mudfoot]

Put some thread loc on them

 

[W5LZ]

No significant changes that I'm aware of. It will 'work' on 2 meters and 70 cm about like a typical 1/4 wave. Considering it's price, almost any of the commercially available antennas will work 'better'.
- 'Doc