Centerfire VHF/UHF Multi Band Base Antenna (Review)

[joeuser]

After continued use - It's clear that the Centerfire is one of the best wideband antennas I have. The ST2 seems to do slightly better on the VHF esp. air bands but otherwise the Centerfire does fine there also. My results are far from scientific just based on experience & use. I suppose if all you wanted was VHF the ST2 would be the way to go but if you want overall great performance without paying a bunch of money - get this: Centerfire VHF/UHF Multi Band Base Antenna.

 

[Oriley]

Interesting review, thanks. Good to hear they are well made and in the USA. At first I was going to order their Deluxe Discone for my garage but now I'm not so sure. Like you I listen to a little bit of everything but mostly 800.

I see they have a "new" version, not sure how new new is?


VHF-Hi/UHF Multi-Band | Centerfire Antenna


Anyone have thoughts on their new version?

Thanks

 

[kevin2525]

Good review. A job well done.
The pic in the driveway looks like a big spider.

 

[joeuser]

Interesting review, thanks. Good to hear they are well made and in the USA. At first I was going to order their Deluxe Discone for my garage but now I'm not so sure. Like you I listen to a little bit of everything but mostly 800.

I see they have a "new" version, not sure how new new is?


VHF-Hi/UHF Multi-Band | Centerfire Antenna


Anyone have thoughts on their new version?

Thanks

Thank you!

I'm actually considering that antenna - I bought a ProComm Spider (which i also reviewed here on RR) & because of the lack of performance I am wanting to replace it. I have a backup Discone that I probably should use - so I can save the $ but I am so happy with my CenterFire, that I want to get the one you linked above. This weekend I put my GRE PSR 800 on the Centerfire I currently have - I've been getting signals like crazy - granted most are so weak they just break squelch or so staticy that you can't understand anything but still it shows me how good the radio & antenna are as a team. It's not that Centerfire is asking to much or anything - I think the prices are great for the quality & performance - it's just money is tight & it would be better to use something I already paid for & collecting dust as a stand-by rather than just buying YET ANOTHER antenna. If I do buy one, I'll be sure to review it!

 

[joeuser]

Good review. A job well done.
The pic in the driveway looks like a big spider.

Yeah, it's very springy & bouncy when it's set like that.

Thank you very much for the compliment. I appreciate it.
I just want to help others here - the way they've helped me.

 

[PACNWDude]

That sealant should work pretty well. Have used self vulcanizing tape for connections for years, usually 3M brand.

Where I am, saltwater corrosion at the joints is the main problem.

Good luck on that install. Looks like a nice antenna.

 

[joeuser]

Yeah, based off what I've read here & my experience, I'm completely sold on CoAx seal. Plan to use it on my CCTV Security Camera/DVR system's connections that I installed this spring. I didn't do it sooner because I wanted to make sure everything was good to go - now that I got a few months into it & its all squared away - its time! CoAx seal or bust!

 

[popnokick]

CoaxSeal is fine IF you never plan to disconnect the antenna / coax and reuse the connection. It's a nasty mess to get off the connectors, requiring some solvent like Goof-Off or other noxious solution. It will get into the connector threads and prevent a solid electrical connection when you try to reuse the coax connector, unless you succeed in removing it all with solvent.
Since I am always disconnecting and reconnecting various antennas and coax (even ones that I planned to leave up "forever") I switched from CoaxSeal to Nashua Stretch & Seal Self-Fusing Silicone Tape. It goes on easily and tightly, leaves no sticky residue during application.... and comes off by simply cutting it. Nothing left behind.

 

[joeuser]

CoaxSeal is fine IF you never plan to disconnect the antenna / coax and reuse the connection. It's a nasty mess to get off the connectors, requiring some solvent like Goof-Off or other noxious solution. It will get into the connector threads and prevent a solid electrical connection when you try to reuse the coax connector, unless you succeed in removing it all with solvent.
Since I am always disconnecting and reconnecting various antennas and coax (even ones that I planned to leave up "forever") I switched from CoaxSeal to Nashua Stretch & Seal Self-Fusing Silicone Tape. It goes on easily and tightly, leaves no sticky residue during application.... and comes off by simply cutting it. Nothing left behind.

You are so right! So, if its a situation that might require me to get back into the connection - I first apply electrical tape & then, apply the CoAx seal. However, your suggestion could prove less hassle & less time - thanks - I'm going to check into it!

 

[joeuser]

Winter storm update

Well... I have to say I am most pleased with this Centerfire antenna! As you can see from left to right - in the first picture. My Radio Shark Discone was wrecked. The little 800 below it did fine. The crappy ProComm Spider, excellent Centerfire, & awesome / fantastic ADS-B / ST2 all did fine.

We had about 4 to 8 of uncharacteristically wet snow followed by exceedingly strong, but not uncommon, winds of 30 to 40 MPH. The snow stuck to everything and the winds froze it hard. You can see from the lollipop like effect on the second picture. That's one of the elements from the Rat Shack that fell down to the ground. I actually chipped the ice away so you can see the black plastic/rubber end cap tip.

I have a spare Discone in the basement that's brand new so when I get a shot of warm weather I can go ahead & replace it. After that though, it's Centerfire from here on out.

 

[georged4997]

antenna

You did a wonderful report. I just ordered one. Thankyou.

 

[SouthernRoller]

How does the Centerfire compare to say a Workman T601 discone as far as reception?

 

[joeuser]

You did a wonderful report. I just ordered one. Thankyou.

Thank you, I don't believe you'll be disappointed!

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[joeuser]

How does the Centerfire compare to say a Workman T601 discone as far as reception?

I cannot say for certain as I don't have one to compare with. However, it does surpass my RS DisCone from my NON scientific research.

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