R.S.Discone Antenna

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hdrock

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Mar 4, 2008
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Flint,MI,Grand Blanc Township
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?
 
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n4yek

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Apr 20, 2004
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Newport, Tennessee
I have never owned that model, but I have heard the ground radials break off easily and it is hard to get replacements. The Diamond D-130j antenna has had good reviews, cost around $80 - $100 bucks.
Here is a link that has a bunch of reviews on it: http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2777
 
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hoser147

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Dec 17, 2005
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Grand Lake St. Marys Ohio
I have the same antenna its fine for most but weak on the 800mhz side. I also have the Scantenna which works well on all bands and at 1/2 the price..........Hoser
 

nyquiljunkie

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I have on outside on a pole.... I dont monitor 800s but anything else it works fine.. I pick up all kinds of stuff from everywhere
its never broken in winds on storms
 

N1SQB

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HDROCK;
Personaly, I would recomend you return it and get this one;

http://www.grove-ent.com/ANT7.html

It will cost you much less,comes with cable,and you will not have as bad a problem with the radials coming off. I live in a very high wind area. I had an overnight severe rain/wind storm recently do some serious damage to my pool and other parts of my yard. This antenna stood up to the wind/rain and is still there 2 years after being put up in this new home and 4 years at my old home.. It picks up very well on all the major bands including 800 MHZ. The Ratshack discone is made with very cheap rods that can break with the slightest jerk. I had that one once too which is what made me switch to the scantenna. I have never looked back since I made the switch. I highly recomend it. In fact, I may be getting another one. I'm sure a few other folks on here who have it can say the same thing. It may not be the beat-all-to-end-all as far as antennas, but I can tell you that you will NOT be disappointed and you are certainly doing better with this one when compared to the ratshack discone.

Manny
 

N1SQB

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Thanks Dubbin!
I dont know how I missed that. Im on the universal web site all the time too.......Anyway, Its a great antenna. I cant say enough good things about it.

Manny
 

hdrock

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Mar 4, 2008
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Location
Flint,MI,Grand Blanc Township
Thanks for the input everyone .
I took the Radio Shack back today got my $75.00 bucks back.
Found A local dealer, about 8 miles. picked up the Scantenna
for $39.00
I got excited!! pulled the old tenna. down put up the Scantenna
That was a snap unfold ,(matching transformer, and coax,in box)
,bolt on,run cable,push mast back up .turn on radio.
Scanned, searched, Lo, Mid,and upper bands.
I think this antenna is doing a great job.
Once I get some guying, I Will jack it up from 25ft to 40.

Thanks Again
 
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