Actually, that antenna really isn't THAT bad --- As noted, it's not the best, however, for what it costs, and that ANY discone is a compromise in the first place, it's ok --- especially if someone is kind enough to get one for you for free.
Like any radio system --- the antenna (and connecting cable) are usually the weak points -- A crappy antenna, or crappy cable will make the best equipment not worth anything except to collect dust.
Never skimp here.....but --- that doesn't mean you have to buy the most expensive parts either! For cheap --- get it, try it.... They have a good return policy --- keep all the pieces and parts and packaging in case you want to return it.
YOU know what you want to be able to listen to, and you have to start somewhere --- If it improves what you're interested in, then you're all set. If it's no different than the dummy load you have now, then, bring it back, and you now have some reference of experience to work with.
The best antenna, is one that's resonant on your FREQ (note 1 freq, not all of them) --- If your interest are predominately in the UHF range, then you should be looking at an antenna that favors THAT range, NOT VHF, or HF.
The caveat to all this that I've learned over the years ---- bigger IS better to a lot of degree --- RECEIVING radios care much less that the antenna resonance in the long run than they do about capturing as much of the signal by using more surface than a radio that TRANSMITS.
Given the range of VHF and UHF signals, just about ANYthing you can get up on your roof will be far far far better than what comes with your personal radio.
Note, that you can MAKE your own antenna VERY simply and VERY cheaply, and there's a lot of information available for free on how to do these things.....
Hmmm..... Ok --- after all that's said and done --- TRY IT! It might work just fine for you, where it has proven to be sub-standard for others.
