Schematic
Yeah, Not just a few hairs LC, but I actually had to go buy a knit hat to
cover up this old bald head of mine LOL!
Yes, your right, (Feeling really ignorant right now, but handling it), I was just looking at that schematic yesterday or so on the "Imax exposed" URL and I did see that. I just did not apply it far enough into what I was doing.
Well, I can assure you that I'm learning more here than I'm teaching.
Too late LC, I've ordered the new Antenna already and it's on it's way. I will go ahead & put it up as well. You see, this goes a bit deeper in the doo doo than meets the eye. You forget your dealing with a green horn here. :laugh: There's even more to the story here bud, but I'll save it for you on another day.
Getting back to the antenna,
As I was putting on the GPK bracket on the antenna, I busted the Solarcon supplied
1 1/2" u-bolt clamp. Well, you could hear the swear words loud & clear that day last week or so after the u-bolt snapped 
So I went to the hardware store, (ACE HARDWARE), "there goes that word again" 
(ACE), but they did not have the correct size. So I reamed the holes out a bit on the antenna bracket to get the u-bolt from ( you got it! "ACE"!), to fit.
To make a long story short, I managed to get the new, larger u-bolt fitted on without any further damage & it was still straight & parallel with the mast. I was only waiting for the PL-259 connectors to come in before I made a simple job, "harder".
Thanks for informing me about the antenna LC. I will also go back and look again at the schematic. Maybe enlarge it and print it out. Anyways, my SWR has always been a good 1.4 on the meter and I've finally made the decision to go after getting my Ham License. I'd like to get into 10 meters to start. I heard your Top One is a good antenna for 10.
Anyhow, no biggie on another antenna coming, gives me a chance to start all over. I'm going to install the delrin rod as well. I'm going to offset the Delrin to the Mast and offset it back to the antenna brace using 4 two way pipe clamps. Saw a picture of someone who's done it. Doesn't look so bad actually. Who knows, maybe I'm ok without the antenna Isolated? or should I at least try it? I may just keep it the way it is for now.
Well, it is a thought & offsetting it would make it easier instead of looking for ways to turn down the diameter of the Delrin just to get it inside the mast. I've ordered the clamps already and will post new pics once I have it all together again.
Now that I know my Imax is ok, I will be testing it soon and let everyone know if my RF Balun choke and thicker, LMR-400 coax will be helping me or not. I have a feeling the better coax will definitely make a major improvement on the receive as well as TX. BTW you never did say, is your Top One really a 5/8th wave? I saw a store advertising it was. Was just curious. I may get one for 10 meters. But I think I've got enough on my plate for now.
Talk back atcha soon LC.
Sincerely,
"ACE"
