Sidebar Sidebar
  • You can now help support WorldwideDX when you shop on Amazon at no additional cost to you! Simply follow this Shop on Amazon link first and a portion of any purchase is sent to WorldwideDX to help with site costs.

Best base antenna for under 100 dolls

Having just read both manuals for the SPT-500 and the V5/8, my honest recommendation would be the Super Penetrator. Adjusting the swr for it is pretty well straight forward compared to the Maco, which is alittle less straight forward. Only downfall is that it is alittle over the budget.
 
I built a rickety model of the ring tuned 5/8 like the V5/8 or workman.
My recommendation is that you get an antenna that fits your budget, and performs the best for your money spent. I may be labeled a proCBer, but risking that, I will say there have been times when I have had more frustration getting an A99 tuned than I had tuning the workman type ring tapped 5/8 I built.
It is harder putting together a swing set, or a grill than the antenna mentioned, and much harder getting a good steak than tuning the antenna. But it is worth it on both counts.

I say get the Workman 5/8. If you want it in the air within 10 minutes of getting it, get the A99.
 
hmmm, i think i need a beer
icon10.gif
 
I did the A99 for $80 it's at 40' to the tip now. Got contacts NY to Missouri, to Louisiana, to FL, to Bahamas, to Iowa to KY, etc... so far so good for me..

but the v58 sounds cool. For where I used to live in HOA type mobile home park I had to paint my A99 gray and hide in trees and only 36' to tip..

Up here in NY state I got little to no RF noise and it seems to 'hear' better..
 
Similar to the a99 I own a tram 1498 and I have to say it performs and the quality is amazing compared to so many others out there. I owned the v58 and it did great, just couldn't handle the panhandle of Texas high winds. Just my own opinion
 
"Best base antenna for under 100 dolls"

I'd go with a Sirio M400 "Starduster". When comparing an A99 to the Starduster at the same height and location, I found the Starduster as good if not slightly better performance wise and a much lower "urban" noise floor.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Shadetree Mechanic
I had four of the early Workman Bandits - the version with no rings. Their performance was essentially identical to my A99. However, the build quality was substandard.

One delaminated so badly after barely two years of use that it found a home in the local land fill. On the second one, the middle section actually buckled. It caved in on itself. It could not support the weight of the top section and itself.

The third one I gave to a friend as a gift. The fourth one is sitting in my garage, but I use it with a tripod as quick set up antenna for when I'm camping. It has been great for that.

Spend a little extra money and buy an antenna that will last you.
 
Last edited:
If you don't have much wind or freezing rain, then Palco has a Workman W-58 listed for $89, which IMO is the best performance per $ for under $100. But if you have high wind and/or freezing rain, don't waste your $$$; it won't last. My 2nd & 3rd Maco\Workman.

Macogroundplanebreakinginicestorm.jpg BrokenMacowithice2.jpg P1050889.JPG P1050893.JPG P1050903.JPG

YMMV
 
  • Like
Reactions: Shadetree Mechanic

dxChat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • @ Wildcat27:
    Hello I have a old school 2950 receives great on all modes and transmits great on AM but no transmit on SSB. Does anyone have any idea?
  • @ BJ radionut:
  • @ ButtFuzz:
    Good evening from Sunny Salem! What’s shaking?
  • dxBot:
    63Sprint has left the room.
  • dxBot:
    kennyjames 0151 has left the room.


      Top Bottom
      Back