Two Radio Shack Antenna Mods

[ScanDaBands]

ok 1st one is on the older Radio Shack Discone antennas. Some of you may no but for the benefit of those that don't check it out. They have in the center a rubber cap that you can take off or cut and Waa Laa you have a 3/8ths stud that you can mount a 102" whip on (that's what I did anyway) you of course could add whatever you wanted with the 3/8ths mounted antenna you use. It did make a difference in the RX on mine. Not sure if the newer ones are like that I haven't lookded and mine was around , if I can remember back that far , I do think about 1990 or so.

ok 2nd one is on the mobile antenna which is already a good one but this diagram that I said I would post from my other message in here will make it a "little better" on the RX end. I have verified that it does improve but you'll have to judge for yourself for your area if you do the mod, of just how much.......Happy Scanning!!

 

[TeRayCodA]

That magnet is NOT strong enough to withstand our turnpike speeds(70mph),and the whole antenna came airborne! so,proceed with caution!
I tried this mod before. with minimal results.

 

[ScanDaBands]

That magnet is NOT strong enough to withstand our turnpike speeds(70mph),and the whole antenna came airborne! so,proceed with caution!
I tried this mod before. with minimal results.

Yes I know , see my other post in here (inside antennas) about the mounts I've made for this particular antenna......I'll give the Shack this , it is above average on the RX side.

 

[Spleen]

On the RS discone, what frequency range was the factory whip supposed to cover? And what will the longer whip cover?

 

[twolf816]

i have the 2nd model you listed and it has stood up to 75+ mph, i love it, awesome vhf and uhf low, but the 800mhz band is ****ty with this antenna unless your near a trunked system that only operates in a city. i live in rural louisiana and the only trs around here is the state system which has state police, dotd, wildlife and fisheries, etc.... can anyone recommend an antenna that has awesome 25-512 mhz rx but 800mhz band as well?

 

[TeRayCodA]

mebeee..I gotta weak magnet>>>

 

[fourwd1]

On the RS discone, what frequency range was the factory whip supposed to cover? And what will the longer whip cover?

The current model RS discone, 20-043, is supposed to cover 25-1300 MHz, and has a small base loaded whip on the top.

The older model, 20-013, that I think is being referred to in the first post, does not have this base loaded whip. The whip was added to improve low band response, and the parts from the new model can obtained from RS and added to the old model discone. I have the P/N's should anyone need them.

When RS discontinued the older version they were reduced to around $25 from the original $60. I picked up several of them and ordered the load and whip. Works great, a $60 antenna for ~$35.