| Author |
Message |
    
Moonraker
Junior Member
Username: Moonraker
Post Number: 14
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 8:06 pm: | 
|
Does anyone have any experience with either one of these antennas? I have heard mostly good things about both of them, but have never owned either. |
Wolverine
Advanced Member
Username: Wolverine
Post Number: 511
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 1:31 am: |
|
Do a copper search for both Predator 10k, and the Monkey made antennas. All the answers that you'll ever need. To the left, click on utilities, then search.
Wolverine. |
Moonraker
Junior Member
Username: Moonraker
Post Number: 15
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 9:15 pm: |
|
I took your advice, and am going with the 10k. Thanks. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 7360
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 11:56 pm: |
|
Moonraker,
We have tried both of them in the past and the Astatic 3k on our Pete and KW tractors.
The Monkeymade out performed the predator 10K for us.
And when we switched to the Astatic 3k it BEAT BOTH of them hands down in overall performance on Transmit and Receive on our big trucks.
GO to a truck stop and look and see what antennas you see the most.
You will probably see 90 to 1 of Wilson, Francis, Astatics, K-40's and Anttron A-1700's compaired to a monkey or predator.
WHY?
Simple reason the others WORK BETTER!
If you are not going to put it on a big truck then go with a Wilson or K-40 antenna or Anttron A-1700.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Wolverine
Advanced Member
Username: Wolverine
Post Number: 513
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 3:34 am: |
|
The pleasure was all mine Moonraker, I happen to own a Predator double-coil with a 17" shaft, and I am a DX killer, (AM of course) LOL. I also own the Astatic antenna. Both will serve you well.
Wolverine. |
Moonraker
Junior Member
Username: Moonraker
Post Number: 16
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 8:06 pm: |
|
I will definitely have to do some more research before I make up my mind. I greatly appreciate both of your responses. The reason I was leaning toward the predator was because if I break it (and believe me I will) I can easily turn another part on the lathe. I wound not be able to do this with a monkey made because it’s coil is welded in place. I understand monkey made has a lifetime warranty, but unfortunately there are no local dealers in my area. I believe the astatic antenna is fiberglass which would be impossible to repair. I now have a dual coil antenna that I picked up at a truck stop. It works ok, but has seen better days, it has been broken and tig welded several times. I would just use a 102" whip if it wouldn’t break the lights at the bank drive thru. Thanks again for the info. |
Hatchet
Junior Member
Username: Hatchet
Post Number: 19
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 8:17 pm: |
|
I have yet to see any fiberglass antenna that will out perform a Predator 10K, and I have used them all |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1530
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 5:45 pm: |
|
'raker, i LOVED my astatic 3k, BOTH of 'em. unfortunately, LESS then 1kw killed 'em both-quickly. astatic made good on the 1st one, the 2nd....
my 22" shaft dual coil predator 10k works every bit as well as the astatic, just that it's bigger. had the atatics lasted, i would not have gone to the predator. if your not going more then a few hundred watts, i'd go astatic.
i run a mag mount, a friend swapped his monkey made for a predator because a 4 mag mount & duct tape couldn't keep it on his roof at highway speeds. he doesn't notice any difference between the monkey & 10k. |
Wolverine
Advanced Member
Username: Wolverine
Post Number: 515
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 6:28 pm: |
|
Moonraker, Astatic 3k antennas are prone to break at the base, when it hits a tree limb (weak base construction) according to some truckers that I've talked to, although they did like the performance of the antenna. You are correct about the parts replacement for the 10k. Monkey made antennas are prone to fill up with water, affecting the swr, although the antenna does have a lifetime guarantee.
Wolverine. |
Vanillagorilla
Intermediate Member
Username: Vanillagorilla
Post Number: 245
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, October 01, 2005 - 7:04 pm: |
|
Not having owned a MM antenna I have to ask WHERE is the water getting in? I've seen pictures and might guess some runs down the stinger into the base? A little dielectric greeze might cure that?
Just guessing and shopping.. |
404
Junior Member
Username: 404
Post Number: 44
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, October 01, 2005 - 8:42 pm: |
|
I love my Predator 10k.Haven't owned a Monkey though. What kind of vehicle are you putting it on? |
Vanillagorilla
Intermediate Member
Username: Vanillagorilla
Post Number: 248
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, October 02, 2005 - 10:56 am: |
|
For what its worth...I e-mailed Kale at Predator late yesterday afternoon to talk antenna...get a recomendation for my application and all.
I woke up to his response! That ALONE helps me make a decision.
Hank CEF559 |
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 773
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 02, 2005 - 9:41 pm: |
|
I'm getting terrific results with a Z-180 Roadmaster. Is there a garantee that the Astatic K-3 will outperform this antenna?
Mikefromms |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 7489
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 02, 2005 - 10:04 pm: |
|
Mikefromms,
You are kidding right?
Sorry but No there is no guarantee that any mobile antenna will out perform another mobile antenna.
Every installation is different and it depends on how you have your Mobile equipment set up, the coax and jumpers you are using, how your antenna is grounded, grounding in general, different mounts that will be used and location, of antennas and many other factors make a can make a Major Difference between the performance of mobile antennas.
As an Extra Class Ham I am sure you have seen one Ham antenna work great for one person and lousy for another person.
The same thing applies for CB Antennas.
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
|
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1587
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, October 02, 2005 - 10:54 pm: |
|
i GUARANTEE i can BLOW UP an astatic 3k, mike! is that a good enough guarantee! i actually liked it, with a 40 watt magnum, or even 150 watt 95t it should be fine. |
Jake949
Junior Member
Username: Jake949
Post Number: 10
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, October 03, 2005 - 8:37 am: |
|
i always liked the 3k too, i sent it down the road in a trade though. i would like to pick another one up. i think it gets a bad rap from some guys for some reason.
i never had a monkey made or a 10k though. |
Wolverine
Advanced Member
Username: Wolverine
Post Number: 517
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 04, 2005 - 5:50 am: |
|
Mikefromms, if you can guarantee that I will live to be 102 years of age (I'm 47 now), then "I", will give you a 100% iron clad guarantee that the Astatic k-3 will out perform your Z-180 Roadmaster. All jokes aside, what tech 808 said above.
Wolverine. |
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 774
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 04, 2005 - 12:14 pm: |
|
I thought you were younger than me, you're still young though. Ok, I get the picture guys. I know some folks will think I've committed a crime against Wilson, but I am using a Wilson 1000 mag mount with a Roadmaster Z-180 on the roof of my little red Cavaliar car and blowing smoke. I guess it's time to stop looking. I get very, very, few "come back on that's" and "what did you say?" I talked from Booneville, Ms. to Jackson Tn. (no skip) and that's over 100 miles. I no longer use a pre-amp either. I guess it's like a bodybuilding routine, everyone has to find the exercise program that works best for them. This seems to be true with antennas. Thanks for the replies. My curiosity does keep the forum more interesting (even if the answers are sometimes, well, obvious.
Having fun!
Mikefromms |
Hatchet
Junior Member
Username: Hatchet
Post Number: 24
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2005 - 7:19 pm: |
|
I will guarantee you that a properly mounted and tuned Predator 10K will out talk both the roadmaster and the Astatic K-3. If it dosent I will buy it from you |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1611
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 6:44 pm: |
|
i are you suggesting my answers are...obvious, mike?! i only tell it like it is |
Wolverine
Advanced Member
Username: Wolverine
Post Number: 519
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 3:57 am: |
|
Patzerozero, I think that after your extensive testing of all of the so-called best antennas that you conducted in the past, you have a soft spot, maybe just a little soft spot for the 7' Skipshooter. I say that because you mentioned that while talking to your son during testing, and you were miles away, you could still hear your son talking, and your s-meter didn't move at all. You sounded impressed. Now that's what I call a 5/8th's whip with good ears.
Wolverine. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1631
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 6:03 pm: |
|
the 7' skipshooter was the 1st mobile antenna i ever used that did NOT need periodic replacing due to burn-up. talked to south africa, australia, new zealand, hawaii, alaska, europe, & all over N & S america with IT, so, yeah, do have a soft spot still.
my predator is working with NO trouble-near perfect swrs amp on or off, & i can talk 100+ miles, depending on station at other end. actually was 55 miles to vanillagorilla the other night & he has no beam & i was in a town with tons of flourescent light noise, & on beach yesterday talking 100 miles to south jersey, he was on 5 element maco...but not a missed word. |
Dale
Intermediate Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 246
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 20, 2005 - 4:14 pm: |
|
i stopped at 3 truckstop cb shops all said same
monkey made is the way 2 go only 1 cb shop
out of the three i actully do my shopping |
Im4jc
New member
Username: Im4jc
Post Number: 4
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, November 20, 2005 - 6:48 pm: |
|
Truckstop CB shops like Monkey Made because there is a much better retail markup on them. I bought one to run on my Kenworth W900, and sold it a week later for half-price. It was abolutely worthless for receive. My old Wilson 2000 beat it hands-down. I got to thinking...aluminum is a much worse conductor than stainless or copper, so why make an antenna out of aluminum? It doesn't make sense. But then again I'm not an electronics gure by any stretch of the imagination. I just know that I hated the Monkey Made. Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth. |
Road_warrior
Advanced Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 957
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, November 20, 2005 - 8:19 pm: |
|
Of all the Antenna results i've seen and heard
most were in favor of the 10K... |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1926
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, November 20, 2005 - 10:16 pm: |
|
i have a no-name 'big coil' antenna as well as 1 by antron/solarcon, several different 'homemade' types(crow built, wagonman, 187, bladerunner, davemade). all are aluminum or aluminum/ stainless or plated something or other. have not tested THEM against each other, but from 'memory', i don't really think ANY of them perform MUCH better then the others-as compared to their differences with 'regular' antennas. some of these, as well as the likes of the monkey & others are just too big & heavy for my mounting system, & some are made BIG as a way to handle BIG watts. overall size does have SOME advantage over smaller, exactly how much is arguable. larger diameter is also used as a means of increasing bandwidth.
my choice of the predator i currently use was because of the performance of a previous 1, inability of the astatic 3k to handle ANY excess wattage, & it's light weight, accessability of owner/builder & ability to replace ANY part of it that may become damaged or need to be changed or upgraded for any reason.
as big as it LOOKS on my truck, a monkeymade would probably flip it over on a windy day |
Sparkomatic
Intermediate Member
Username: Sparkomatic
Post Number: 375
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 6:41 pm: |
|
It all depends on the installation. I have a 10K short shaft on the roof of my F150 and have compared it to a 3 turn Monkey.......about 1 needle's width difference. On the roof every GOOD antenna I've tried was about the same. |
Alsworld
Advanced Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 956
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 1:40 pm: |
|
I bought a 17" single coil Predator 10K before I left overseas. I only had minimal time to evaluate it and tune it. Here are some initial observations as they applied to my vehicle:
I compared the Predator 10K 17" shaft single coil to a Monkey Made 12" shaft 5 coil (single coil), to the 102" whip w/spring. All were placed on the same mount, same location, same coax, etc.
The Predator 10K definetly had the lowest SWR and widest bandwidth. The Monkey Made came in second and was closely followed by the 102" whip. I was surprised at how widebanded the 102" Whip was with good SWR's. I've always thought of it as a great performing antenna and hard to beat dollar for dollar. But with the height from the roof of my Silverado, a bit too high for everyday driving.
All of these easily covered the CB frequencies. As a matter of fact, 1:1.7 was the highest SWR reading I saw between 26.405 through 27.975 Mhz. That was on the Monkey Made, but I have a stinger that seems a little short, as my reading were far better at the lower end of the testing area. Both the Predator 10K and the 102" whip had a very predictable bell curve with lowest readings around 27.205 Mhz (ch 20). The Monkey Made seems tuned to 27.355 (ch 35).
*NOTE* I have no more stinger left to adjust on the Monkey Made, and it has never been cut.
I have much more testing to do when I get home, and plan on writing up my findings, including results from my new-in-the-box MFJ-259B analyzer when everything is finished.
Then of course, on the air testing will be the fun part.
Will I really see a difference on the meter between these three? I don't expect to, but am entering into this testing with an open mind and looking for facts based on this testing vice an opinion. I know I saw a noticable difference between my Monkey Made and a K40. I think this will be a bit tougher. And like said above, each vehicle/antenna combination has differing results, so your results may vary.
Looking forward to it.
Alsworld
CEF 101 |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 745
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 3:08 pm: |
|
I read that the Predator 10k stinger can be mounted on its side somehow to let you be horizontal. So it looks like a T shape. Hoopla? Hey Patzerozero you have a Predator right? Ever heard of this? Is it possible to be horizontal while mobile and be effective. And why would someone do this when most people mobile are vertical in the first place and the only one who could hear you was another flat side base. Thats what I love about all this. Head scratchin fun. |
