Wilson Shooting Star Base Antenna ??

[BIG ED]

Hello All, So I have the opportunity to buy a new Wilson Shooting Star Antenna in an unopened box, my questions are what is the difference in this wilson and the maco shooting star? and what is a fair price?? Thx.

[jessejamesdallas]

Never heard of a Wilson shooting star...The MaCo Shooting Star is a updated version of the old Moonraker antenna by Antenna Specialist back in the 70's, it will run you around $500+...

I suspect the Wilson version is most likely a Chinese knock-off...

The MaCo is a OK 1/2 wave beam antenna, but don't expect much difference between the horizonal and vertical when you switch between the two...One I had, no one (including myself) could tell the difference between the two...

which is why I took mine down and got another Lightning L4 quad...little more money, but full wave length, and true horizontal and vertical signal...

another side note on the shooting star...it's not that heavy of a antenna, (about 30 pounds) but it does catch allot of wind so you need a good strong tower and mast...Plus the longest lower element needs to clear the top of the tower by at least a foot to tune right...

another thing is wind load...the shooting star has a wind load of 8.91 sq. ft...then you also have to consider the added weight of two runs of coax to the antenna for the H&V, plus the rotor...so double check the wind load rating on your tower...

[MDYoungblood]

Wilson antennas were way back in the 70’s, as CB faded toward the end of the 70’s, Maco (Charles Electronics, Inc.) took over their patents to present date. He also makes the Gismotchy brand as well as a few ham antennas.

JJD, glad to hear you got another L4, good luck with this one!

3’s

Greg

[jessejamesdallas]

Wilson antennas were way back in the 70’s, as CB faded toward the end of the 70’s, Maco (Charles Electronics, Inc.) took over their patents to present date. He also makes the Gismotchy brand as well as a few ham antennas.

JJD, glad to hear you got another L4, good luck with this one!

3’s

Greg

Been up a while now, and several good storms, (knock on wood) this one seems to be holding up just fine! Haven't had to take it down once for repair work...Been up over a year now, and does nothing but talk!