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Is there a way to ID the antenna?

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D

dimada

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2010
Messages
2
Location
California
I bought what I thought was a Kenwood KRA-17M UHF stubby antenna. But when I received it, it was not the KRA-17M. It looks like the KRA-23. Kenwood has 3 KRA-23's:
KRA-23M (450-490 MHz)
KRA-23M2 (470-512 MHz)
KRA-23M3 (403-430 MHz)

Is there a way I can determine which of the 3 do I actually have? I do not see any markings on the antenna.

BTW, this was an eBay purchase so returning it is not an option. It was totally my fault for being careless - there was a picture and I missed the rounded tip. I just focused on the KRA-17M Kenwood packaging.

Thanks in advance for your help.
 
L

LTR

Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2003
Messages
144
Location
Ohio
I believe Kenwood uses a color code that is on the bottom (threaded end) of the antenna. I have a brand new in the package KRA-23M3 that I am looking at right now, and the color is green. I also have a TK-3140, 450-470 MHz radio that has a KRA-23 antenna on it, and it's color is white, (so I assume that is the KRA-23M).
 
D

dimada

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2010
Messages
2
Location
California
Color coded? Thanks for that info because I didn't notice it. The stock antenna that came with my TK-3212L (450-490MHz) is color coded red. I replaced the stock antenna with a KRA-17M that came from a sealed bag and it has red bands at the tip.

My "eBay" antenna was for a second radio and has a black rounded tip; the bands near the top are also black. So I'm guessing that my "eBay" antenna is not a genuine Kenwood antenna. Another lesson in life.

Thanks for your help!
 
R

radiofan1

Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
190
stubbys stink

I seriously doubt there is measurable performance difference across those 3 antennas, as the performance on a stubby versus a regular 6" is poor to begin with. My recommendation is to not sacrifice performance for convenience. And when it DOES suck and you aren't heard, don't blame the radio.

$.03 :cool:
 
G

glatts17

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2011
Messages
13
Location
Lethbridge AB
They are color coded and the KRA-23M is white on the bottom but I would have to agree that you would find little difference between the antenna and I would definitely use the regular length antenna for way better operation.
 
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