Austin Ferret Antenna

[stevebpp]

I am thinking about placing an outdoor antenna on a TV mast that I have that is not being used. I live in the desert in an area that often has strong winds. I came across this Austin antenna "The Ferret" that looks pretty durable. Here is the link: http://www.austinantenna.net/scanner.htm. I would really appreciate any information from anyone who has seen or used one, or any other antenna recommendations for a windy, high desert climate. Thanks! Steve

 

[AG4WI]

Check this out from last week.

http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44810

http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44342

 

[KT4HX]

Hi Steve. I personally have not used the Ferret, but I have included some links with other's opinions. I had thought about it myself, but have kinda shyed away from it based on other's opinions. I know there are differing opinions about the Ferret, and most any antenna out there. Just thought I would offer some other's comments on it for your perusal:

http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38837&highlight=ferret

http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29068&highlight=ferret

http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15718&highlight=ferret

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5793

 

[AG4WI]

Hi Steve
I wonder about all the people that talk about how bad the ferret antenna is has owned one? my guess is NOT MANY! They hear someone else Badmouth it and then they tell everone how bad it is without ever seeing one. I have been in Radio sinse 1962 and used lots of antenna in the Military and civilian life! The people that say a antenna for the band is correct But to cover all the bands that most of us listen to you would have to put up 6 or 7 antennas. The best discussion about them is this one. http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5793

 

[kf4lne]

Looks to me likes electrically a good antenna, since I haven't had my hands on one i don't know if its going to fall apart or not, but it looks to be a well designed product and it looks like the designers put a lot of thought into its specifications. if I ever need a scanner antenna this would be on the list of potentials.

 

[Declared_Hostile]

I was looking into the Ferret several years ago and was told by a dealer that if you request it, the company will custom cut the antenna to peak it's performance to your particular band of interest or alter the antenna otherwise to your specifications. Seems like there was an active version of it too.

 

[KT4HX]

I agree with AG4WI, that most of the people that made comments in the RR threads I posted seemed not to own one. So I did some more digging and found a thread on Strongsignals that included comments from those that had actually owned it, and were not so glowing. So as you see, as with any antenna, there are varying opinions amongst users. Again, just providing this info, good or bad, for your edification.

http://www.strongsignals.net/access/boards/viewpost.cgi?board=antenna&num=4254&archive=0904

 

[stevebpp]

Thanks for all the help!

Thank you for all the input. In the end, after reading your replies, doing some research and talking to some folks I eneded up purchaseing the PAR MON-3 antenna. Although I am pretty deep in a desert valley my elevation is over 5000 feet and it is common to get winds of 30-60 miles an hour. Because of this I decided on the smaller, lower profile antenna which also meant I did not have to use guy wires on my 14 foot mast. I am delighted with reception and my scanner really came to life as soon as I hooked up the antenna! It has made an enormous improvement on the VHF high band and even though the antenna is not designed for it, it does a nice job on the VHF low band. I really did not think an outdoor antenna would make such a difference since, as I mentioned, I am in a valley completely surrounded by 6000 - 10,000 foot plus mountains. Again, thank you to everyone who responded to my question! Steve