Radio Shack 20-176 vs Antennacraft ST3

thomast77 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2011, 10:07 PM

Does Antennacraft make the Radio Shack 20-176? If not which is the best quality? Which will best stand up to the elements of Florida? I would definitely take it down if a hurricane came through here. Mainly interested in the build quality and which one is built tougher?

Thank You all in advance for your input

Tom

thomast77 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 12:12 AM

Anyone any input?

Rt169Radio · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 8:11 AM

I do not think Antennacraft makes radioshack products.A good strong antenna would be the Diamond D-130J discone,another great antenna would be the Antennacraft ST2,but keep in mind that its made out of tv grade antenna stuff and not stainless steel like the D-130J.

Diamond D-130J D-130NJ Discone Antenna

Antennacraft ST2 Scanner Antenna, Antenna Craft ST-2

What freqs are you looking to listen too?

pdfdems286 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 10:58 AM

the radioshack discone <large one> is a pretty good all around antenna. the build quality suck's. i have one because i have the restriction's of an attic for my antenna space. with that being said, it does not hold up to any harsh wind's or other weather element's. it's made of cheap aluminum.

freqs · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 1:37 PM

I have a scantenna and I love it works well strong built .Picks up well but not on 800 . I have received many skips all summer .Average I get 60 plus mile range .I had the Radio Shack Discone it did pick up well but fell apart in a few years .3 years on old house 1 year on new home still works and no issues and no mod done to it

thomast77 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 1:52 PM

Just thought I would pass on this info. I contacted AntennaCraft and they say that the Radio Shack model is made by Antennacraft. They said it is the exact same antenna.

Rsmims · #7 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 2:33 PM

I will agree that Radio Shack Discones are cheaply made. The radials are Stainless Steel tubing and will break VERY easily. That being said, the antennas receive a very broad spectrum, everything between 25 mhz thru 1.3 ghz, and I have 2 of them sitting atop a 50 foot tower.

The 1st install was stock, out of the package. 2 weeks later, I've got radials laying all over the yard after a big wind. So, I bought enough 1/4 inch solid stainless rod to replace all the radials, cut them to size, threaded the ends, and installed them with blue Locktite.

Those 2 antenna have now been in the air for 3 years, have survived 75 mph winds combined with below 0 temps, and I would put them up against ANY antenna out there. Non standard? Yes, but worth it. I use them to supply the 13 scanners for the feeds I provide here.

Why did I do this? Diamond mades a good antenna but is overpriced.

My 2 cents worth.

GB1952 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 3:14 PM

i have found the best for 800 use is the bs800s-c, comtelco- s- series from (RFWIZ.COM)

gmclam · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 3:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomast77

Does Antennacraft make the Radio Shack 20-176? If not which is the best quality? Which will best stand up to the elements of Florida? I would definitely take it down if a hurricane came through here. Mainly interested in the build quality and which one is built tougher?

I use the RS discone and it works good for me. I agree that it is quite delicate to say the least. I have purchased and installed discones from ScannerMaster for others, and I will say they are a lot more rugged. If I was doing it again, I'd definitely get the more rugged version, especially if in an area with lots of weather. Performance wise, they are the same.

thomast77 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 3:54 PM

Why is everybody talking about discones?? This thread is about the sputnik type antenna Antennacraft ST3 and Radio Shack 20-176. Please keep on topic
Thanks Tom

Rt169Radio · #11 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 4:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomast77

Just thought I would pass on this info. I contacted AntennaCraft and they say that the Radio Shack model is made by Antennacraft. They said it is the exact same antenna.

Interesting to know that.

ermin · #12 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 7:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomast77

Does Antennacraft make the Radio Shack 20-176? If not which is the best quality? Which will best stand up to the elements of Florida? I would definitely take it down if a hurricane came through here. Mainly interested in the build quality and which one is built tougher?

Thank You all in advance for your input

Tom

I had one outside in West Palm Beach and it rusted out in less than 3 years. Have another on in my attic for over 12 years now. Won't last long near the ocean.

73

Ermin

thomast77 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 8:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ermin

I had one outside in West Palm Beach and it rusted out in less than 3 years. Have another on in my attic for over 12 years now. Won't last long near the ocean.

73

Ermin

I think I am far enough inland to avoid this problem. But I may consider painting it.

N8IAA · #14 (**permalink**) 10-13-2011, 9:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomast77

Why is everybody talking about discones?? This thread is about the sputnik type antenna Antennacraft ST3 and Radio Shack 20-176. Please keep on topic
Thanks Tom

ST3/RS sputnik antenna= discone.
Larry

thomast77 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8IAA

ST3/RS sputnik antenna= discone.
Larry

I started this thread as a comparison between the RS 20-176 and Antennacraft ST3 not the ST4 or ST2. The ST3 is more like a Ground Plane not a discone.