Base New Imax wont tune 11m....this sucks

AudioShockwav · Feb 19, 2020

Marconi said:
Tech, that would make sense, but all the elements were close to the same overall length similar to the images below. Here we see the base element looks to be the longest. If so and the problem was the shipping length which was given as the reason for making the antenna 2' feet shorter...just making the tip 2 feet shorter would not seem to me to solve the problem.

So, according to the trim schedule in the Manual...making the tip 24" inches shorter would put the antenna tune close to 29.743 MHz with a possible good match at 10 meters too, and again for me that would not make good sense for CB operators either.

This is why I'm curious about the possible new lengths for all 3 elements.

Jeff, I'm sorry I put you to reading more.

No problem my friend.
I enjoy helping out as you do.
I was hoping that sticking this thread and the measurement one would help answer some questions.
73
Jeff

Happy_Hamer · Mar 17, 2020

I remember awhile ago an article called Imax 2000 antenna exposed now you have to pay to see that article

But i did find this article with some information that may help????? it has some measurements

http://cbradiomagazine.com/Antenna Reviews/Imax 2000/Imax 2000 Antenna Review.html

The three sections screw together to form the full length antenna. The three sections are the following lengths-

Base Section - 96.125 inches (82 inches to top of tuning ring section where radiating element ends)

Middle Section - 94.25 inches

Top Section - 95.50 inches

Happy_Hamer · Mar 17, 2020

DOH!

http://www.copperelectronics.com/discus4/messages/7750/10782.html?1011570399

Article from 2002

The first thing you notice about the Imax 2000 is that it is LONG! I measured the copper wire elements after they were removed from their fiberglass radomes:

Bottom section: 80 inches
Middle section: 94 inches
Top section: 96.5 inches

That makes the total radiating element length 270.5 inches. Using 27 MHz. (CB) as center frequency (which this antenna was designed for), that makes the Imax 2000 a 0.640 wavelength antenna. (A 5/8 wave antenna is 0.625 of one wavelength). I was very surprised to find that the Imax 2000 is not a 5/8 wave as advertised. The Imax 2000 is actually a .64 wave! The .64 wave is one of the best kept secrets in CB and 10 meter antennas. Not since the Super Penetrator 500 Gold has there been a .64 wave antenna widely available. A .64 wave antenna is the highest gain single element design there is with 0.4 dB more gain on the horizon (free space) than a 5/8 wave element.

AudioShockwav · Mar 17, 2020

Bill, the problem is that the antenna as built now has been shortened by 2 feet.
This is why the tuning has moved up into ten meters.

73
Jeff

Happy_Hamer · Mar 17, 2020

AudioShockwav said:
Bill, the problem is that the antenna as built now has been shortened by 2 feet.
This is why the tuning has moved up into ten meters.

73
Jeff

Oh I understand, I read through this thread, painfully. LOL

Quite honestly I wouldn't give them a chance to sell me their antenna based on the fact they don't seem to really care.

I would be happy with anything under 2.0 and I believe if the ops equipment it "getting hot" even under 2.0 that there is an issue elsewhere,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

357 · Apr 5, 2020

Happy_Hamer said:
Oh I understand, I read through this thread, painfully. LOL

Quite honestly I wouldn't give them a chance to sell me their antenna based on the fact they don't seem to really care.

I would be happy with anything under 2.0 and I believe if the ops equipment it "getting hot" even under 2.0 that there is an issue elsewhere,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

View attachment 35318

it dont get hot, it folds back the power. Radios will get hot at higher swr.
If I wanted 2.0 I'd make an antenna out of a broomstick

bob85 · Apr 5, 2020

making it shorter will make it more sturdy in wind if its the same tube so there is a positive to shortening it, just raise it up 2ft higher when you install it,

.64wave is not the best kept secret in cb antennas, .64 wave is the biggest con in cb antennas,

i find it hard to believe whoever chopped it down left it tuned for 10mtrs & that's what cb shops are selling,
one big reason they sell is the bandwidth & mainly to cbers or cbham hybrid folk,

it does not matter if vswr is not so important, all that matters is what people believe,

if it won't tune properly for cb because its been made shorter, i don't know anybody that would buy one.

TIN_CAN · Apr 9, 2020

So what would be Solorcon's reason for making them shorter?I have one purchased in 2009 and no issues now. I was having interference with house next to me on his surround sub and one tv in my house only when using my dx1600 and swr was around 1.4 radio and 2.0 with dx1600 on. So no knowing what the rings really did I turned them about 1 1/4 turn down in hopes it would improve my match but it did not. So next thing I did was drive 8' ground rod at tower base bonded to tower with about 5" #6 green ground wire, then just under 7' over to coax entry to basement junction box is grounded to 8' ground rod and bonded with about 16" #6 green ground wire to box and ICE coax suppressor, then 14' #6 green in basement to same copper water pipe bonded to panel ground. Now match is near flat on all 40 and no interference even with dx1600 with a 1.5 swr. Now I was not grounded and was using 3 50amp power supplies in tandem, now I have 1 150amp+ ps and fully grounded?? So who knows but its working for me.

Sixer612 · Apr 25, 2020

Hi all,

I'm a new enthusiast to cb after inheriting a bunch of my grandfathers' equipment and found this forum and sticky after having purchased my first base antenna - the "MAX 2000"

I wanted to go ahead and post my measurements for you all and see:
A. What do you think before I put it up?
B. Provide you all a current report of the antenna length.

I purchased mine on 4/13/20 through Wal-mart fulfilled by "Unbeatablesale" HERE.

The year on the base says 2020. Box says "Solarcon Max 2000" "Made in USA"

Max-2000 Measurements:
1. Base from feed-point (which extends about 1/4" past the mount): 95"
2. Mid-section (not including any male threads): 92.125"
3. Top-section (not including any male threads): 94.75"
4. Total Assembled length: 281.875" or ~23.49 feet.

Let me know if there is anything else I should check for the benefit of this thread or if I should be measuring differently.

Thanks all.

Marconi · Apr 25, 2020

Measurements are good IMO, and thanks for the details on your new purchase. Some folks are telling us that they recently got a new Imax that was only 22' feet long and that it would not tune up well for the CB band.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Marconi · May 11, 2020

Sixer612, have you made any progress...getting on the air?

357 · May 15, 2020

I bought a maco v5000
hopefully its uneventful

Big Kahuna · Jun 8, 2020

I contacted RoadPro (the brand now in control of Solarcon Imax 2000 antennas) and their reply said they have not had any customer calls to date regarding tuning issues with this unit. They also said they will resolve any customer issues for antennas purchased through a dealer.

I sent them the info from Bells CB and such but apparently they hadn't heard of the statement on their website.

I'm trying to work with them to measure their inventory or give me more info as it's in their best interest to determine if this was limited to one batch or if it's a bigger issue.

AudioShockwav · Jun 9, 2020

Big Kahuna said:
I sent them the info from Bells CB and such but apparently they hadn't heard of the statement on their website.

The statement that Road Pro makes that they don't know what's going on is not true.

I brought this to there attention in the e mail I sent them when this thread started.
I specifically told them about how Bells CB is not selling the antenna because of the tuning problem.
I also posted several of the replys from Road Pro that were sent to me from them.
I am at work, but will see what I can find when I get back.

73
Jeff

AudioShockwav · Jun 9, 2020

.very quickly
just a few........

AudioShockwav said:
So I write them back, saying that the Antennas were 24 feet long, and asked if they are now 21 feet 11and3/4 inches.
Here is the reply.
----------------------------------------------
Customer Service., Jan 6, 4:13 PM EST
Thank you for getting back to us Jeff,
Yes, you are correct. The length minus the 1/4" is 21' 11 3/4" .
Thanks again!

--------------------------------
This email is a service from RoadPro Family of Brands.

WTF?
73
Jeff

AudioShockwav said:
And
Here is the answer.
--------------------'-'''-----
Customer Service., Jan 7, 8:05 AM EST
Thank you for getting back to us Jeff,
Since we have taken over the company, the length has been 22'. With the recent shortening of length which we have spoken of, the length is now 21' 11 3/4" . We have not received any other feedback on the shortening of 1/4" to the antenna .
Thanks again!
Your friends at RoadPro
-----------------------------------
Anyone know of anyone that worked at Solarcon?

73
Jeff

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Base New Imax wont tune 11m....this sucks

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