Rat Shack $16 loaded scanner whip

Picked up the Model: 20-006 today, in the hope of improving the HF performance of my VR-500. As somebody mentioned, a little "loose." Examination shows that the antenna is screwed into a plastic (nylon/teflon?) sleeve that in turn screws into a BNC male fitting, with the pin coming out of the bottom of the antenna. Fixed it nicely by:

1. Taking it apart.

2. A drop of super glue on the sleeve to BNC fitting. Tighten down firmly.

3. Ditto with the antenna into the plastic sleeve.

4. A few drops of gun oil on each of the sliding sections, worked in well, and the excess wiped off.

Problem solved.

40 meters may have been "hot" this evening, but with the antenna extended full (25"), reception is pretty good on 7.030 QRP CW. Does make the rig a little "top heavy" when fully extended, but I can live with that.

I think a bent nail would be an improvement over the stock antenna <grin>.

As I mentioned before, used some 3/8" "O" rings to take up the slack.

Great rig for "out and about."

I have yet to fully explore the Velcro mount for the Miracle Whip.

73
/paul