The near 80 feet tall Discone was built by Collins Radio Company in the early 1960s and installed at its present location
becoming operational 15th of July 1963 by the USAF until the site was deactivated in 1982.
The antenna, since then, has been used only a few times by the Green Valley Amateur Radio Club for special events.
No maintenance has been done in over 23 years and probably none during its active life.
On Dec 2, 2006 the GVARC made 180 contacts as a special event station in about 6 hours on 20 meters using a TS-50, 600 watt linear and gas driven generator.
We have been asked if it is possible to park your car close by and if we have a table etc.
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
But, when museum closes you have to leave.
Note
The elevation at the site is about 2,900 feet above sea level.
Coordinates:
N 31° 54'
W 110° 59.9'
Discone antennas are a no gain broadband band antenna. The SWR (standing wave ratio) is typically 2:1 over the full range of 6 MHz to 30 MHz. The antenna, on a windy day, may be electrically noisy due to years of corrosion in all the joints.
If you have questions or information about this antenna we would like to hear from you.
Please click to email the club.
These are comments and information from others about the Discone antenna.
DO NOT CLIMB OVER THE BARB WIRE FENCE
PLEASE ROLL UP THE RG8U COAX AND PLACE IT BACK IN THE ELECTRICAL BOX WHEN DONE. This may be your biggest challenge when using this great old antenna.
Sign posted under the Discone Antenna at the Muesum
Sign on the coax storage box in the parking lot