{"product_id":"grad220r-mini-discone-antenna-wideband-portable-scanner-whip","title":"GRAD220R Mini Discone Antenna - Wideband Portable Scanner Whip","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the GRAD220R Mini Discone Antenna is judged as a practical, portable wideband antenna for radio enthusiasts and scanner users who need reliable reception across a large span of frequencies. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of broad receive coverage from 100MHz to 1600MHz with a compact, stainless steel portable form factor, which makes it useful for field work, mobile scanning and quick deployment where bigger antennas are impractical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide receive band:\u003c\/strong\u003e The antenna receives from 100MHz to 1600MHz, giving one-piece coverage for most VHF and UHF scanner needs without swapping antennas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSelective transmit support:\u003c\/strong\u003e It transmits on 144MHz, 430MHz, 904MHz and 1200MHz, allowing use with common ham and commercial handheld radios on those bands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasured performance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gain of 2.15dBi on 144\/904\/1200MHz and 3.4dBi on 430MHz delivers useful signal pickup for both local repeaters and handheld operation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow VSWR:\u003c\/strong\u003e VSWR below 1.5 helps ensure minimal signal loss and more stable reception across the advertised bands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e A pure copper core and stainless steel exterior make the whip robust for field use and aid conductivity for consistent performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePortable design:\u003c\/strong\u003e At about 322g and roughly 29.5in in length, the antenna is light enough to carry and compact enough to fit into a vehicle or backpack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe GRAD220R is ideal for radio hobbyists, scanner listeners and mobile operators who need a single, portable antenna that covers a broad receive range and can also handle transmit duties on common ham bands. Its portable weight and stainless design suit people who work in the field, attend events, or require a temporary antenna for roadside or emergency use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who should look elsewhere include users who require maximum gain or highly directional performance for long-haul communications, or operators needing built-in mounts or coax cable assemblies included in the package; this product is a bare whip with a UHF PL-259 connector for integration into existing setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWideband receive capability simplifies monitoring across 100MHz to 1600MHz without swapping antennas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood gain on common bands, especially 430MHz where it provides 3.4dBi, improving repeater and local reception.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobust materials and a pure copper core provide reliable conductivity and durability in portable use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight and compact for easy transport and quick installation in tight spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFunctionality reports are mixed for some users, so results may vary by installation and equipment pairing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a portable whip it is not a substitute for a dedicated high-gain or directional base antenna for long-range links.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReceive range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100MHz - 1600MHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTransmit bands\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e144MHz, 430MHz, 904MHz, 1200MHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.15dBi (144\/904\/1200MHz), 3.4dBi (430MHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVSWR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt; 1.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConstruction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePure copper core, stainless steel exterior\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75cm (29.53 in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e322g (0.71 lb)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUHF PL-259\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesigned and manufactured in Taiwan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe GRAD220R Mini Discone is a sensible value for anyone needing a single, portable antenna that covers a very wide receive range and supports transmit on key ham and UHF bands. Its durable stainless construction, light weight and respectable gain make it a good choice for scanner enthusiasts and mobile operators who prioritize convenience over maximum long-range performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this antenna cover common scanner frequencies?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it receives from 100MHz to 1600MHz, covering most VHF and UHF scanner frequencies in one antenna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat connector is used?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt uses a UHF PL-259 connector for secure connections to compatible coax and radio equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this suitable for permanent base station use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt can be used temporarily, but those needing maximum long-range gain or directional performance should choose a dedicated base antenna instead.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gabil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48615159824603,"sku":"B07RSW12JP","price":92.57,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51jomylU_PL._AC_SL1178.jpg?v=1778416148","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/grad220r-mini-discone-antenna-wideband-portable-scanner-whip","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}