Imax2000 antenna.

[Wire Weasel]

Good to know! Thanks for the Info. Did you have to adjust the Tuning Rings, or is it pretty much "plug and Play?
Mine was Plug & Play

 

[davev8]

I have been comparing the Imax 2000 vs the Maco 5/8 wave antenna. Both have 5000 watt pep capabilities, just wondering what kind of success any of you have had with one or the other? I like that the new 2000 is longer and has more Bandwidth. Anyone have/use an Imax?

The bandwidth is not notably different i have both and tested both of them on the same mast on the same day i will see if i can find my notes. They were not identical ther was difrences ..i know it made a MASSIVE difference if it was insulated from the mast and had very little bandwidth and the lowest SWR was just under 1.5 but very narrow, conected to the mast SWR drop to just over 1-1 and a wide bandwidth but not wide enughp to cover CB and 10M with an SWR under 1.5..a choke was fitted, so the Imax could not see the coax braid to use as a ground which made me believe the Imax will respond well to radials ..i want to test this when i get a remot stathion set up to test signel at about 6 miles away

 

[9633]

The bandwidth is not notably different i have both and tested both of them on the same mast on the same day i will see if i can find my notes. They were not identical ther was difrences ..i know it made a MASSIVE difference if it was insulated from the mast and had very little bandwidth and the lowest SWR was just under 1.5 but very narrow, conected to the mast SWR drop to just over 1-1 and a wide bandwidth but not wide enughp to cover CB and 10M with an SWR under 1.5..a choke was fitted, so the Imax could not see the coax braid to use as a ground which made me believe the Imax will respond well to radials ..i want to test this when i get a remot stathion set up to test signel at about 6 miles away

I have a brand New one that I got, I hope to get it installed this week. Thanks for the reply!

 

[davev8]

I have a brand New one that I got, I hope to get it installed this week. Thanks for the reply!

The bandwidth is not notably different i have both and tested both of them on the same mast on the same day i will see if i can find my notes. They were not identical ther was difrences ..i know it made a MASSIVE difference if it was insulated from the mast and had very little bandwidth and the lowest SWR was just under 1.5 but very narrow, conected to the mast SWR drop to just over 1-1 and a wide bandwidth but not wide enughp to cover CB and 10M with an SWR under 1.5..a choke was fitted, so the Imax could not see the coax braid to use as a ground which made me believe the Imax will respond well to radials ..i want to test this when i get a remot stathion set up to test signel at about 6 miles away

i have just read what I wrote. I should not post late at night when i say i have had both; I don't mean the IMAX and the maco . i read what you said as the "new" Imax having more bandwidth than the old IMAX..my bad, which, although different, they are similar...but imax VS maco which one will work better? It could be either... folks don't realise the mast plays a big part in the take-off angle of a 5/8 wave as the antenna couples to the mast and it radiates, upsetting the radiation pattern .The length of the mast can change this ,1 antenna can suits 1 length of mast and not the other. This mast radiation, I believe, makes the antenna appear longer. Ground radials do help but not eliminate it ..this is why cheap silver rod 5/8 wave with no ground radials is 1 or 2 feet shorter than a atchal 5/8 lenth we all know when you go over 5/8 wave or .64 wave the signal gow in the sky

 

[Lost Ram]

I always Isolate my antennas (Imax and Maco) from the mast with 4-8' fiberglass or similar. I find the Imax with the ground plane kit is pretty much essential in my opinion, along with some type of balun or 1:1 isolation balun for both Imax and Maco to stop common mode. As noted it will not cover 10 and 11 meter. I have one set for 11m and the other is set for 28.470 and covers all the tech portion easily and up higher as well. With a tuner the Imax also works great on 15 and 12 meter as well.

 

[9633]

I always Isolate my antennas (Imax and Maco) from the mast with 4-8' fiberglass or similar. I find the Imax with the ground plane kit is pretty much essential in my opinion, along with some type of balun or 1:1 isolation balun for both Imax and Maco to stop common mode. As noted it will not cover 10 and 11 meter. I have one set for 11m and the other is set for 28.470 and covers all the tech portion easily and up higher as well. With a tuner the Imax also works great on 15 and 12 meter as well.

Good Info. Thanks!