nickg5
asked on
Rig up an antenna support for old radio
The photos show my idea to support the antenna when it is vertical or horizontal. It's an old radio and worth selling so looking for a simple low cost way to rig up such an antenna support. Indicated is a hole in the top of the radio near the back which is missing something and whatever it was has been lost.
Any ideas since the clamp is going to have to be small to fit and the clamp pictured is rather expensive. Thanks.
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Personally I would tend to start avoiding old radios. For example in Switzerland Radio stations are supposed to stop broadcasting the old analog way, & DAB+ is to be pushed. Actually the end of FM is officially ending this Year (although there is an initiative on the way that may extend this period a little). But the trend will be that standard radio will end soon, not just here. So I wouldn't invest in such old technology anymore.
ASKER
The radio is a collectors item for some people. Others like it are on Ebay and that is where it is headed once I rig up an antenna support.
But how does an Antenna help if there are no broadcasts left to receive? If it is just a collectors item, you don't need a 3rd party antenna. It doesn't have to work if it is in a Museum, & the 3rd party Antenna would only make the radio less original...
Guess that depends on your Country. In the US, I'll be long dead and back to dust before AM/FM goes away.
Does it pick up Radio 4 on 1500 Metres?
BTW, what make/model is it?
BTW, what make/model is it?
ASKER
Radio Shack model 20-404 and there is one for sale on Ebay and theirs has no antenna. At least mine has the original antenna.
I wonder if this person has the genuine part, after all that knob had to come off one.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Realistic-Radio-20-404-Pro-2029-Scanning-Receiver-Volume-Souelch-Knob-/134044261346?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c4#viTabs_0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Realistic-Radio-20-404-Pro-2029-Scanning-Receiver-Volume-Souelch-Knob-/134044261346?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c4#viTabs_0
http://www.radiopics.com/Scanners/Scanners/RS-Realistic/PRO/PRO-2029.htm suggests the hole is for an alternate antenna, so your antenna a be a generic one rather than the original.
Now that we know what it is.
FYI:
When you go to sell it, hope you don't call it just a Radio.
Back to the original question: Since you are going to sell it on EBay and it is an after-market antenna, DO NOT add/change/modify the scanner.
Sell it as-is.
FYI:
When you go to sell it, hope you don't call it just a Radio.
Back to the original question: Since you are going to sell it on EBay and it is an after-market antenna, DO NOT add/change/modify the scanner.
Sell it as-is.
ASKER
The BNC ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BNC_connector ) connector is factory installed.
The antenna connected to it is what we think likely didn't come in the box.
I only say that by looking at the ones on EBay.
The antenna connected to it is what we think likely didn't come in the box.
I only say that by looking at the ones on EBay.
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ASKER
The case may be opened to install some sort of antenna support and the unit will be tested and photos showing settings and power on lights, etc. and put it on Ebay and accept offers if our buy it now price is too high.
>>The case may be opened to install some sort of antenna support
I again encourage you to NOT modify it. People that would probably buy it likely want it is original condition.
I again encourage you to NOT modify it. People that would probably buy it likely want it is original condition.
It's hardly a collector's item, it has surface mount ICs rather than valves.
If not buying it for the sentimental value, then why?
With what is on EBay now, there are probably newer scanners that do more for less.
Something tells me that folks that would want it, would prefer it original.
With what is on EBay now, there are probably newer scanners that do more for less.
Something tells me that folks that would want it, would prefer it original.
ASKER
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gardner-Bender-Plastic-Cable-Clamp-1-4-in-Natural-18PK/5001839771?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-elc-_-ggl-_-LIA_ELC_106_Tools-Wire-Connectors-_-5001839771-_-local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImYqYtbG09wIVuR6tBh1sfAhSEAQYAiABEgJuhPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I got some of those and with some modifications by cutting off parts of it I got a good "resting" place for the antenna when it is lying horizontal. The clamp won't work as the vertical support because it's too far from the stem of the antenna.
I got some of those and with some modifications by cutting off parts of it I got a good "resting" place for the antenna when it is lying horizontal. The clamp won't work as the vertical support because it's too far from the stem of the antenna.
ASKER
When the antenna is removed it is 100% clear that the part that the antenna connects to is secure and does not move. When the antenna is installed and the ribbed nuts tightened the antenna is slightly lose. I'll have to explain to the buyers that the antenna works and the "looseness" they detect is not inside the unit.
ASKER