Austin Condor 12" Flex Antenna, 100~1300MHz?

[MacombMonitor]

In another post, talking about the Austin Ferret antenna, it brought back memories of their "Condor" antenna for hand-held scanners. I see Grove Enterprises is still selling them, with this claim:

"Try this one which has become the standard of the industry. Made for the two-way communications community, the 12" Austin Condor is guaranteed to improve weak signal scanner reception throughout the 100-1300 MHz frequency ranges compared to your original scanner antenna."

http://www.grove-ent.com/ANT14.html

Has anyone here used one, and if so, what was your impression?

Thanks!

 

[BiGtRuNk]

I purchased one earlier this year and put it on a bc256d, it works as good as the factory rubber ducky but no real improvement.
Its made up of a single copper wire with three coils twisted in it coated in red.

 

[BiGtRuNk]

I forgot to mention it's a bit bulky in diameter.

 

[funtimeguy]

I've had one for a couple of years I've used on various radios. It works better than a stock rubber ducky, but is awkward because of how long it is.

 

[K2KOH]

I've got one on my Pro 96...it does actually improve reception. When I bought it, I tested it in Lentini's parking lot and we picked up NOAA Vermont on my R10. On my Pro 96. it VASTLY improves VHF Hi reception.
Take note on the frequency range...low band it will NOT work that well. The size of the antenna is like a shortened VHF low band antenna.
Worth the thirty bucks, IMHO

 

[gg750]

The condor didn't do much for either VHF or 800 on my 296D. It looks kinda silly on a portable radio because if it's size. I also think it looks more like something you'd find at an "adult toy store" than an antenna...at least thats whay my friends thought when I first opened the package.

 

[MacombMonitor]

The condor didn't do much for either VHF or 800 on my 296D. It looks kinda silly on a portable radio because if it's size. I also think it looks more like something you'd find at an "adult toy store" than an antenna...at least thats whay my friends thought when I first opened the package.

Hum...must explain why the wife has been bugging me to order one!

 

[mkewman]

I also think it looks more like something you'd find at an "adult toy store" than an antenna...at least thats whay my friends thought when I first opened the package.

Hum...must explain why the wife has been bugging me to order one!

:roll: i knew my girlfriend was up to something when she started talking about that antenna! she doesn't know a CB from a CD. :roll:

 

[wesct]

notice the frequency range- 100-1300 mhz. it doesnt have a resonant point on low band. most antennas dont unless your talking triband amateur antennas. of course, their resonant point is much higher 50 mhz.

the austin is bulky- not much you can do about that. but its durable. and it does improve reception.

i talked with barbra at austin 2 weeks ago and asked if they could come out with a version for the 396 with a sma connector. she said she would look into it and see what they can do.

wesct

 

[dward42586]

I've had a Condor for a couple of years. I use it on my RS Pro 95.
It is a huge imporvement on the supplied rubber ducky.
I monitor Tulsa Trunk system about 35 miles away. It performs very well on VHF high and low band. Highway Patrol is on 44.70 and 44.90, I hear them loud and clear. I have tried two or three other hand held antennas and the Condor outperformed them all.