Radio Shack 800 MHz Scanner Antenna

[trp2525]

FYI if anyone is interested, Radio Shack currently has their "genuine" BNC 800 MHz scanner antenna available for online purchase for $24.99 with free shipping included. While the Remtronix equivalent 800 MHz antenna is available in both BNC and SMA versions from other retailers, this seems to be a pretty good deal from Radio Shack when you consider the free shipping (currently being offered on any order of $20 or more).

Here's the direct link to the Radio Shack antenna: https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-800mhz-scanner-antenna?variant=20332489477

 

[br0adband]

I'm still amazed at the price ncrease over the years for this antenna - the first one I bought way back in the late 1980s was like $12.95 and now it's pretty much twice that price. I picked up my last one about 14 years ago and I still have it, it's been cross-country with me about a dozen times, used on maybe 40 radios, along with the Diamond RH77CA and they are the best purchases I think I've ever made with respect to my monitoring hobby.

Got an opportunity to get a Pro-668 in the next few days so if I do grab it I'll be putting both antennas back to work soon as I prefer using my OCFD with my RTL sticks at the present time or 1/4 wave ground planes I've constructed.

I suppose since Radio Shack still "lives" people should grab 'em while they can or just get the Remtronix clones if needed.

 

[captainmax1]

Great Antenna. I own 5 and use them when I'm not hooked up to external antenna or when I travel.

 

[Nasby]

Great antenna. Worth every penny.

 

[trp2525]

I'm still amazed at the price ncrease over the years for this antenna - the first one I bought way back in the late 1980s was like $12.95 and now it's pretty much twice that price...

The current prices on eBay for this same Radio Shack 800 MHz antenna are MUCH higher than what Radio Shack is currently selling it for online ($24.99) with free shipping included. One listing is for "Buy It Now" $50 plus $5 shipping (Radio Shack 800Mhz Scanner Antenna. For PRO651 PRO96 PRO668 PRO106 PSR500 WS1040 | eBay) and another listing is for an auction with the current bid at $51.11 plus $2.75 shipping (Radio Shack 800Mhz Scanner Antenna. For PRO651 PRO96 PRO668 PRO106 PSR500 WS1040).

Also Whistler sells their Whistler-branded BNC version of the same antenna for $39.95 plus shipping: https://whistlergroup.com/collectio...00-mhz-tuned-port-antenna-ws180-1088-or-trx-1

 

[kb3isq]

I would think that the Radio Shack is the clone.

 

[marksmith]

I would think that the Radio Shack is the clone.

Correct. I believe the Remtronix are original (OEM) and the Radio Shack and Whistler are clones.

They are all the same antenna with different names on them. Picked up half a dozen for nothing as RS went out, but own SMA and BNC of Remtronix too.

Mark
WS1095/536/436/996P2/HP1e/HP2e/996XT/325P2/396XT/PRO668/PSR800/PRO652

 

[buddrousa]

The funny thing is Remtronix and Whistler showed up well after the RS800 antenna did. I had a RS800 on my PRO96, PRO106, Pro18, PRO668 and I bought the antennas when I bought the scanners and I bought the scanners the day they were released for sale.

 

[kb3isq]

I don't think Radio Shack made many of their items. They had items packaged for them.

 

[buddrousa]

That is true but the other antennas did not show up for sale until Radio Shack went under.

 

[cbehr91]

I don't think Radio Shack made many of their items. They had items packaged for them.

If that's the case, which I agree with you to be true, then who made the magnetic mount scanner antenna? I think the part number was 20-012 then later 20-032. Those are extremely hard to find nowadays.

 

[buddrousa]

Not sure I have 2 of those I have had one I use and the second new in package but have never found another like it either.

 

[marksmith]

That is true but the other antennas did not show up for sale until Radio Shack went under.

I believe when they stopped making them for Radio Shack under exclusive agreement, they put their own or Whistlers name on them and went from there.

In any case, they are identical items, so if you see one cheaper than the others, go ahead and purchase.

I don't think Radio Shack made many of their items. They had items packaged for them.

Mark
WS1095/536/436/996P2/HP1e/HP2e/996XT/325P2/396XT/PRO668/PSR800/PRO652

 

[trp2525]

See this RR thread to purchase the Radio Shack 800 MHz scanner antenna for $21.24 this weekend with FREE shipping included: http://forums.radioreference.com/ra...ck-15-off-sitewide-weekend-11-26-11-27-a.html

 

[upsmannj]

RS 800Mhz antenna

I just picked one of these up at a local RS store and have to say I LOVE this thing. I have another on coming.

 

[gonefishn1]

Sold out online. Missed this good deal. Oh well, maybe they will have this offer again.

 

[trp2525]

Sold out online. Missed this good deal. Oh well, maybe they will have this offer again.

If you really need one and can't find one for $24.99 at your local Radio Shack store, there are currently a couple of other options.

1. Universal Radio has the Remtronix version in both SMA and BNC for $21.95 plus $6.95 shipping: Remtronix REM-800B, Diamond REM-800S Scanner Antenna

2. Scanner Master also has the Remtronix version in both SMA and BNC for $24.95 with free shipping if your total order is $75 or more and you use the code freeship75 at checkout: Portable Single-Band Antennas for Police Scanner Radios | ScannerMaster.com

 

[upsmannj]

Other bands

Does anyone know how the Radio Shack 800Mhz antenna will do on other bands. I mainly use it to monitor NJSP 800 trunked system.

 

[marksmith]

Ok on UHF, less ok but still useable on vhf high, and not very good at all on vhf low.

Mark
WS1095/536/436/996P2/HP1e/HP2e/996XT/325P2/396XT/PRO668/PSR800/PRO652

 

[jparks29]

I'm still amazed at the price ncrease over the years for this antenna - the first one I bought way back in the late 1980s was like $12.95 and now it's pretty much twice that price..

Inflation...

How does that work again?

$12.95 in 1988 → $26.14 in 2016