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Base Can you measure your I- Max 2000

I had an A99 yrs ago and installed the gk and noticed NO difference in performance either tx or Rx. Only difference I did see was my wallet was lighter. o_O
Yes, you are one of many who has said that. What the heck, I'll give it try, but if it makes things worse, then I'll be p*****-off!
 
For those interested in the Patent for the A99 and the Imax idea...here is the Patent.

Note that this idea appears that some aspects of this idea have been previously Patented in United Kingdom back in 1927, 1930, 1957,1972. Other were seemingly doing work in this area in the US in 1953 and 1978.

Check out line #64 of this Patent and you will see the reference to the Solarcon A99 description as, "The "A99" is a half wave over a quarter wave variable mutual transductance tuned antenna."
 

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  • Patent for the idea to the creation of the A99 - Imax.pdf
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I have zero confidence that my rings are where they should be. They were very loose out of the box.

If all this is true about them not being any good on 11 meter than I'd say there is a very strong case of false advertising going on with Solorcon and there could also be some heat put on the retailers who continue to sell this "24 foot" antenna.
I have zero confidence that my rings are where they should be. They were very loose out of the box.

If all this is true about them not being any good on 11 meter than I'd say there is a very strong case of false advertising going on with Solorcon and there could also be some heat put on the retailers who continue to sell this "24 foot" antenna.
I have zero confidence that my rings are where they should be. They were very loose out of the box.

If all this is true about them not being any good on 11 meter than I'd say there is a very strong case of false advertising going on with Solorcon and there could also be some heat put on the retailers who continue to sell this "24 foot" antenna.
I interpret the Tuning Instructions posted by EncPirate to indicate that moving the rings a 1/4 to 1/2 turn will change the VSWR. Being that the aluminum rings are threaded onto a plastic shaft, I think there is a slim chance of the rings rotating 1/4 to 1/2 during shipping. Life would be great if the manufacturer would provide a reference measurement of the tuning rings.
 
For those interested in the Patent for the A99 and the Imax idea...here is the Patent.

Note that this idea appears that some aspects of this idea have been previously Patented in United Kingdom back in 1927, 1930, 1957,1972. Other were seemingly doing work in this area in the US in 1953 and 1978.

Check out line #64 of this Patent and you will see the reference to the Solarcon A99 description as, "The "A99" is a half wave over a quarter wave variable mutual transductance tuned antenna."
Wow, I learn something new every day. Interesting that the tuning rings work with the magnetic field.
 
I interpret the Tuning Instructions posted by EncPirate to indicate that moving the rings a 1/4 to 1/2 turn will change the VSWR.

Recon, I use to do my matching and tuning as close to the feed point as I could get...even if I was low to the ground or had to use a jumper to reach. I preferred to tune at the feed point when possible. I was also using an antenna analyzer. Some times I also tested using a working feed line...just to see if the results changed remarkably.

Several times I tried to tune and record data to make a graph as I adjusted the rings, on my A99. The A99 was my first base antenna I had where I was interested in comparing and trying to understand what the rings did. I tried a lot of other ideas too.

I had a large folder full of notes and report forms I use to try and make sense of my testing...as it were. This was when I got my first VA1 antenna analyzer and I was on-fire to see what I could do with my new toy. Unfortunately at some point in time...I lost this folder.

I encourage folks to experiment and check things out, but I found out a 1/4 to 1/2 turn of the rings is often only good when trying to determine which direction you need or want to go. At least this is something to consider as you do your tuning on this antenna.


My results in tuning only seemed to make sense on my paper forms when I made adjustments as small as the notches on the rings and sometimes I moved 1/2 a notch and I could still saw differences as I past right by a resonance dip.
 
Recon, I use to do my matching and tuning as close to the feed point as I could get...even if I was low to the ground or had to use a jumper to reach. I preferred to tune at the feed point when possible. I was also using an antenna analyzer. Some times I also tested using a working feed line...just to see if the results changed remarkably.

Several times I tried to tune and record data to make a graph as I adjusted the rings, on my A99. The A99 was my first base antenna I had where I was interested in comparing and trying to understand what the rings did. I tried a lot of other ideas too.

I had a large folder full of notes and report forms I use to try and make sense of my testing...as it were. This was when I got my first VA1 antenna analyzer and I was on-fire to see what I could do with my new toy. Unfortunately at some point in time...I lost this folder.

I encourage folks to experiment and check things out, but I found out a 1/4 to 1/2 turn of the rings is often only good when trying to determine which direction you need or want to go. At least this is something to consider as you do your tuning on this antenna.


My results in tuning only seemed to make sense on my paper forms when I made adjustments as small as the notches on the rings and sometimes I moved 1/2 a notch and I could still saw differences as I past right by a resonance dip.
I'm going to check on the cost of renting a boom lift to install the ground plane kit and adjust the rings.
 
I had an A99 yrs ago and installed the gk and noticed NO difference in performance either tx or Rx. Only difference I did see was my wallet was lighter. o_O
How critical is it to attach the kit directly to the base of the antenna bracket? What would happen if the kit bracket was attached to the same mast as the antenna but maybe one or two feet below the base of the antenna?
 
I've never installed one. But looking at pictures online, looks like the gk bracket attaches to one of the u bolts holding the antenna to the mast?
I've read some people saw a difference, some didn't. You will have try it and see for yourself.
 
I've never installed one. But looking at pictures online, looks like the gk bracket attaches to one of the u bolts holding the antenna to the mast?
I've read some people saw a difference, some didn't. You will have try it and see for yourself.
Yes, I have the installation instructions. The reason why I am asking is because maybe I don't need to retract the mast and attach the kit bracket to the antenna's bracket. I am wondering if the kit would work if I attach the kit bracket with the radials to the mast with a U-clamp and slide the kit up as far up on the mast and as close to the base of the antenna as I can.
Is there a particular reason why the radials must be at the base of the antenna?
 
I had an A99 yrs ago and installed the gk and noticed NO difference in performance either tx or Rx. Only difference I did see was my wallet was lighter. o_O
It was too late to cancel my order and the Ground Plane Kit for my I-MAX 2000 will arrive on Tuesday. I requested and received a Return Authorization Label and I will return the kit on the same say.
 
I will post any interesting info as I have one to try. If anything the whips with some red paint make for good driveway markers, keeps the old lady out of the ditch in the winter. I am just hoping to lower my noise level some, most like likely high hopes.
 

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