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WTF is it ?


That,my friend is a genuine radio shack made by who knows for sure but great 11 meter antennas
 
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I gleaned these from the RS catalog archives. They’re not actual photos, but poor graphic representations. 1979 was Radio Shacks first non-radial antenna and was marketed for two additional years after that. No CB base antennas of any kind in their later 1981 to 1984 catalogs, only mobile. 1985 shows this newer replacement. Judging by the coax connection point, the Crossbow is my best bet. Check your measurements...RS antennas.jpg
 
crossbow 1/2 wave by radio shack,,, i have one that is burned up in the bottom part,,,handles wattage badly,,, the bottom i cut up and made a mast for a 2 meter and 70 cm antenna,, the top i put on a metal post and was surprised that it turned out resonant on 11 meters,, got the top section in my antenna parts reserve,,,,
 
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I got one in a trade a long time ago and had to inquire as to WTF it was. Thats the only reason i knew it was rad shack.
 
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Having owned one myself, it is unfortunate to realize that the antennas load coil ferrite core is only able to handle 50 watts - if that - and no more.

We used to call these antennas Radio Shafter's, because when the "former" customer returned it - they brought back the radio also - needing service or return as well - saying it doesn't work.

When it rained, and external damages from leaves, twigs and debris - opened the outer protective skin and it leaked like a sieve and in doing so, sent the SWR skyrocketing for days until it Dried (or fried) out.

Worked great but only when it wanted to work - so if you got it in trade, careful with the outer sheath, it's a lot like the hollow-board fiberglass sheeting you'll see for signs and stuff.

Cracks easily, collects water, split open in freezing tempts - didn't stay up long in my yard.

I Took it down (had too) before I had a liability versus an ability.

The biggest drawback is it's fiberglass sheathing, cracks and splinters in winds, (it's brittle) so although the whip would survive, the lower section would not hold up for long. Perhaps AT THE MOST 3 years of UV, Hot Sun, Winds Rains and Snow - and you pretty much trashed the antenna - else it CORRODED from inside out - it's internals are a lot like an aluminum tubing you'd find for an Umbrella - thin and weak in long sections - the outer sheath provides the support but too stiff and splinters form, allowing water to enter...

I hope they gave you money on top of the antenna to recoup the cost to dispose of it properly - for if they gave it in trade and it works, it's only for a limited time before itself goes QRT - or VERY QRP.

It's good for parts though. See that lower bracket? It lets you make a replacement antenna from Home Depot or ACE Hardware store - you just have to put it together right this time.


...Typed in Using Microsoft's EDGE and it's "Notepad.exe" excuse...
 
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