Best Base Antenna

[emt_116]

I have read many post on here in regards to base antennas but everyone has a different outlook on them as would be expected. right now i have an old came over on the ark discone antenna that i got from radio shack i am going to replace it with a newer one or a different type but i am not for sure if i need to go back with the discone or with a different type. now i am able to RX stations from about 50 to 60 miles away (yea reapaters!) and i have old coax which i know i am getting alot of line loss there, here is my setup 8500XLT scanner and antenna 50feet up on my tower (with Standoff) i monitor everything across the band from 25 to 1200 MHZ and everything in between i have seen alot of reviews about the dimond discone antenna and the scantenna i really like how the scantenna is able to mount but i dont know much about the reception so i just wanted some more input on these two types thanks for you time and help

 

[Al42]

Examine the antenna. If it's not broken or corroded just replace the cable - which you should anyway, whether you replace the antenna or not. Why replace a working antenna? If you have money you have to get rid of you could just send it to me.

 

[kb2vxa]

Hi all,

Al42, you're a man after my own fart, er, heart. (;->) Quite, an old antenna cleaned up works as well as a new one and for that reason we take them down for inspection and maintenence periodically. Round about that time is as good as any to inspect the cable and replace if any signs of deterioration are noted. It should be replaced about every 10 years as a matter of course.

FYI guys, both used and new antennas and cable can be had at a hamfest, used is of course cheap but naturally should be thoroughly inspected. The season is winding down now but keep them in mind, you'd be surprised what goodies you can pick up dirt cheap, just avoid the vultures and those sellers who think their sh** is made of gold (like the jerks on eBay).

"If you have money you have to get rid of you could just send it to me."
If you're a registered charity all contributions are tax deductable. (;->)

BTW, considering where you live I wonder if you're familiar with LIMARC. I get a kick out of a certain repeater ID, "High over Long I Land, you're listening to the POWER EIGHT FIVE repeater." which makes me wonder if it's a rock station run by a bunch of hippies with long eyes. Paul KC2OOA and I tend to goof on it but that's another story.

 

[Al42]

BTW, considering where you live I wonder if you're familiar with LIMARC.

Very - since about 1971, when I moved to their area. I still go to their hamfests when I get the chance.

I get a kick out of a certain repeater ID, "High over Long I Land, you're listening to the POWER EIGHT FIVE repeater." which makes me wonder if it's a rock station run by a bunch of hippies with long eyes.

I don't know about that, but from the middle of Suffolk county (there's a nice obstruction between me and 85) I can still copy them on the HT - and even sometimes get into it. Pretty good repeater for a W2A and stock ducky.