RS Discone Antenna

[mfuller1950]

Has any one out there used the Radio Shack Discone Antenna part 20-043. Reviews are mixed about the quality of the material used in the antenna itself. Some reviews indicate that the radials have a tendency of breaking. Just curious if anyone is currently using and what your thoughts are.

Tnx in advance

Fuller - K5QO

 

[timmer]

Actually, I've heard they fall out, not break off. If you want a sturdy, well constructed discone, go with the Diamond D-130j. I have had one for 15+ years. It has survived tons of weather, hail, wind, and an f-2 tornado. No damage, no elements missing or broken. I have not owned a R.S. discone but have seen some posts indicating that they don't last too long.

 

[SAR923]

I had one on my roof in California for about 7 years. I put Loctite on all the treads for the radials and made sure everything was snugged down good and tight before I put it up. The weather there is not as bad as the midwest but it did survive some pretty good wind storms. When I moved, I gave it and the mast to a local firefighter. When he took it down, things were still tight and in good shape. I suspect the RS discone will do OK if wind loading is the only problem but ice loading will probably be its downfall. If the RS discone went for about $40, it would be a good deal. At the present price, I'd get a Diamond discone if I lived in an area where both wind and ice are common.

 

[Deeke]

I've had two. Spend your money on the Scantenna. That is what im going for next.
I know one of mine, the wind broke off two of the elements (not hurricane or tornado), they are not worth what they cost. My second one is in the attic for that reason.

 

[gmclam]

RS discone

I've got the RS discone. While I was preparing to install it, it fell and one ground radial broke. I bought a replacement, no problem. I am not in an area of high winds, so I do not expect any problems now that it is in the air.

I am happy with the performance. I already get good reception because of my location, but now I am able to hear farther away and weaker signals. I think it really depends on each individual situation whether this is a good choice or not. This works for me. But for someone in a very rural area or area with poor reception, I am sure other antennas will do a better job. Also keep in mind this antenna has no gain but receives every scanner band.

 

[shaft]

Ive had one for a couple of years. Survived many of storms and high winds. Just be sure to screw the radials in tight and use a wrench to tighten the nuts down. I have yet to have had any of them fall out.

 

[scansomd]

The Rat Shack antenna discone is a good antenna - _if_ you can successfully keep the elements in place. As someone else mentioned, use some locktite to keep them in place. I recommend the Diamond discone or the Scantenna. Both are fine products that will keep your scanner happy for years to come.

Has any one out there used the Radio Shack Discone Antenna part 20-043. Reviews are mixed about the quality of the material used in the antenna itself. Some reviews indicate that the radials have a tendency of breaking. Just curious if anyone is currently using and what your thoughts are.

Tnx in advance

Fuller - K5QO

 

[prcguy]

I’ve had a pile of Discones over the years and the RS is definitely the worst of the bunch. The stainless steel tubular elements are crimped onto threaded studs and easily work loose. Loctite will not help this problem. I recently salvaged a RS by replacing all the elements with solid 3/16” aluminum rods and it is holding up much better but do yourself a favor and get something else new. There are lots of inexpensive Discones that use solid SS elements and cost as littlie as $25 new under brand names like Tram and Workman.
prcguy

 

[RESCUE4NFD]

RS Discone

I have 2 RS Discone antennas and have had NO problems......

 

[kc8zdf]

I had the rs discone for 1 year at 30 feet up on antenna mast and the antenna radiuals only lasted a year. When I check for loose connections and stuff for the year the mast had been up there radiuals were loose and ready to fall out. Did not hold up very well. Im located in Michigan so it went thru 4 seasons of weather changes and did not last.

kc8zdf Brian

 

[Highlander_821]

Mine lost an average of 1.5 elements per year. The elements BROKE off, rather than coming loose. Central Illinois weather can be rough at times. My Diamond is going on 3 years now, no problems, money well spent.

 

[DewAddict]

I had the rs discone for 1 year at 30 feet up on antenna mast and the antenna radiuals only lasted a year. When I check for loose connections and stuff for the year the mast had been up there radiuals were loose and ready to fall out. Did not hold up very well. Im located in Michigan so it went thru 4 seasons of weather changes and did not last.

kc8zdf Brian

Ditto....Became very loose and were ready to fall out even with the nuts tightened prior to installation.

Good for the attic.....

Rob

 

[radio10-8]

MY RS has 2 missing elements. They just come loose after a while, I have RS for 3 years now and have only had 2 come loose. Ijust climbed back up on roof and reattached, no problems so far.