Recon, consider this. The 5/8 wave vertical is not a resonant length antenna...thus we see Maco's V58 at a much shorter length than the Imax, SP500, etc. Among these later antennas, among others, we also see differences in lengths. IMO all these different lengths...are likely due to the differences in the matching systems used. The notable differences here may also be that the Imax matching system provides for an abundance of bandwidth compared to the other 5/8 waves that show relatively shorter BW curves, etc.
Thus IMO, the very broad BW of the Imax should easily allow for a very low working match <2.00:1 SWR for 10, 11, 12 meter from 28 - 25 Mhz is 3 MHz, and maybe more. Based on my recollections...I seem to recall my Imax, without a GPK, the overall BW was closer to 5 MHz when using a long feed line. Maybe not as much at the antenna feed point.
Solarcon could also make an Imax specifically for the 10 meter band, but making it 4 sections for CB would seem to me a big added investment, and maybe they were concerned that CB is not booming these days. Making the Imax shorter by cutting the tip only...will not solve the issue for shipping as noted here either.
Note: Sirio chose to make their 5/8 wavelength Gain Mast into 4 sections instead of three...and maybe for several good reasons. Their antenna also has a very broad bandwidth. Ideas change over time as does the market place and consumers.
The ideas about the Gain Master and their wide BW has been pretty well discussed and understood of late. However, I don't think this antenna is generally discussed in the Ham community...as being somewhat mult-banded, like some Ham operators do regarding the Imax.
IMO the big difference between the Imax and the GM, is the GM does a great job of minimizing CMC's, and the Imax does not. Could the combination of the Imax and the feed line and mast radiating almost as well as the radiator...have implications for it being somewhat multi-banded? That possible use is likely of little interest to the CB community.
Below in the PDF file is an image taken from an Imax 2000 Manual and noted with a (*) for this point of interest about specification and changes.
Solarcon is telling us that construction variations are possible and also that advancements in their design can require changes in the dimensions. They tell us, they can do this without notice. Like it or not, the policy is in the fine print.
They also offer solutions for problems and advise owners to contact their dealer if not satisfied. They also have a product return procedure and policy. They either honor this or not, and in my experience the policy worked as stated and I hoped for.
Yesterday, I called an old CB buddy that I've heard on 10 meters many times, but I never took note of his call sign as I'm not a Ham. I haven't visited with him since 2002, but we did talk on the phone a bit. Two years ago DB (his CB handle) ask me if I had an Imax that he could buy, and I sold him a new one still in the box. He called me later and reported the Imax was working fine and had a better match than he expected at about 40' feet on his tower.
He also told me he recently had his 3rd stoke in a year and was still weak, so I didn't quiz him much. I did ask him my question however, if he ever checked and recorded the <2.00:1 SWR bandwidth in his log, and he said no. He also suggested the Imax, without a GPK, worked well lower in frequency, but he didn't remember the details.
He also told me he was in a group, I think on FaceBook, that discussed the multiband ideas for EFHW antennas and the Imax in particular. He said, that is why he was looking for an Imax. I wanted to try and pick his brain, but he was sick. Hopefully, I can follow up later.
I also remember years ago talking to someone, supposedly a tech guy at Solarcon. I had just learned some ideas about Common Mode Current here on the forum from Bob85, and he was claiming the A99 was probably the best candidate to demonstrate those bad effects. If these conversations were not too far back, prior to some dubious WWDX updates...where files were lost...a forum Search might find something along these lines.
What I heard from this Solarcon expert was the sometimes CMC can be beneficial for how a particular antenna might perform even if other issues prevail. He said the A99 was such an example...using the coax shield to improve the net radiated signals in a constructive way. He said he could not elaborate further at the time. He did follow up and emailed me a White Paper Report explaining this idea in simple words. I wish I still had that paper. All of my testing over the years for the A99 are gone missing.
Somewhere I have heard or read that the Imax without the GPK will allow the antenna to perform multi band somewhat. I'm curious and sure there is someone out there that has worked an Imax and could confirm or deny this idea.
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Base SOLARCON Scoop
- Thread starter Recon
- Start date
What confuses me is, did Bells CB test every MAX 2000 for the 11 meter band to verify that the antenna were not capable to work on 11 meters?
I agree, the CB arena has dwindled-down to almost nothing. The extra freight charges for the long boxes worked-out perfect for Solarcon. They saved money by reducing the length of the antennas and boxes and only hurt the CB arena, but they will always have customers for the other frequencies. It was a "win-win" business deal for Solarcon.
I agree, the CB arena has dwindled-down to almost nothing. The extra freight charges for the long boxes worked-out perfect for Solarcon. They saved money by reducing the length of the antennas and boxes and only hurt the CB arena, but they will always have customers for the other frequencies. It was a "win-win" business deal for Solarcon.
Probably the seller is removing one terminal from an 8 piece package, and is charging the same 8 piece price for 7 pieces. After he sells 7 packages, he repackages the 7 he removed and sells it. 8 packages sold for the cost of 7.
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EDIT: Not trying to hijack this thread. Sorry.
Both UPS and FedEx specify a maximum package length of 108 inches. So saying that the new Solarcon's shorter length is due to shipping considerations is just conjecture or BS.
FROM UPS WEB SITE:
UPS has established specific weight and size limits for the packages that you send with all UPS services.
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FROM UPS WEB SITE:
UPS has established specific weight and size limits for the packages that you send with all UPS services.
- Packages can be up to 150 lbs.
- Packages can be up to 165 inches in length and girth combined.
- Packages can be up to 108 inches in length.
- Packages with a large size-to-weight ratio require special pricing and dimensional weight calculations.
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Maybe the Chinese factory did an unplanned cost savings and now they have a boat load of it?
Not trying to 'jack the thread, but, some of the information on his site and in related articles he has listed, is just plain incorrect.
In fact, on this thread he gets informed that most of his antenna "facts" are plain BS.
https://www.eham.net/forum/view?id=topic,97303.0.html
It's a longish read that starts off with a question about HIS double bazooka design, on about the second page , people that know a LOT more about antennas than he does, start to give him an education.
...
just to add,, has the price of the loophole antennas shipping change? and loophole antennas i mean the spt500 hustler super swamper and others that are marketing metal antennas again but wink wink they selling as 10 meter antennas but wink wink work on 11 meters,,,
This is fact. Be very careful with anything K3DAV posts anywhere. Some of the stuff he posts is accurate, others, not so much. But if you are trying to learn how do you know the difference?
The DB
From the UPS FAQ section:
What is considered oversized package for UPS?
Large Package Surcharge – For domestic shipments, UPS defines a “Large Package” when its length (longest side of the package) plus girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined exceeds 130 inches and is less than 165 inches, or its length exceeds 96 inches.
yes, UPS will let you ship something up to 108 inches, but you are going to pay for it.
I believe that the info im finding is out of date and i believe the new maximum length before an upcharge to be 93 inches, but yes, this is indeed just conjecture at this point.
I honestly can't find anything on UPS's site that says they changed that max length to 93 inches and my guessing is just based on what i read at DX engineering and Max Gain systems websites.
LC
What is considered oversized package for UPS?
Large Package Surcharge – For domestic shipments, UPS defines a “Large Package” when its length (longest side of the package) plus girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined exceeds 130 inches and is less than 165 inches, or its length exceeds 96 inches.
yes, UPS will let you ship something up to 108 inches, but you are going to pay for it.
I believe that the info im finding is out of date and i believe the new maximum length before an upcharge to be 93 inches, but yes, this is indeed just conjecture at this point.
I honestly can't find anything on UPS's site that says they changed that max length to 93 inches and my guessing is just based on what i read at DX engineering and Max Gain systems websites.
LC
It's very likely that shipping changes may have effected their business - in our business we see changes like this all the time and overall box size often may trigger the higher rate, not just the length - however - you'd have to be a total moron to think you can simply cut your antenna product shorter to save money on shipping.
I've met some dumb people in my time in the radio business world but I can't imagine anyone who spent a bunch of money and "purchased" an antenna product would be that dumb.
We do have the measurements in my article from the previous model so it will be interesting to see. Also I'd be interested to see if they are being manufactured somewhere new.
Bells posted this on their website -
We no longer sell this antenna because Solarcon decided to shorten the antenna so that it would ship easier. They did this without changing the tuning of the antenna so now it comes tuned for 10 meter Ham band and not CB radio.
Also saw this review on Amazon - (maybe from our forum member)
Purchased I-Max 2000 installation and assembly was pretty easy, so when i’ve had The Antenna up in the air, decided to do an SWR check even if the Manufacture guarantees that there is no need for. Connected my MFJ 269C analyzer and was surprised by high SWR on chenel 1 reading was at 2.0 and chenel 40 at 1.7 wich means the Antenna was to short.
Tried to raise antenna by adjusting the ring. With out an result. The SWR was at the same level.
The adjusting rings are not working. Sending back to the shipper.
Note: always check your SWR before starting transmitting.
I've met some dumb people in my time in the radio business world but I can't imagine anyone who spent a bunch of money and "purchased" an antenna product would be that dumb.
We do have the measurements in my article from the previous model so it will be interesting to see. Also I'd be interested to see if they are being manufactured somewhere new.
Bells posted this on their website -
We no longer sell this antenna because Solarcon decided to shorten the antenna so that it would ship easier. They did this without changing the tuning of the antenna so now it comes tuned for 10 meter Ham band and not CB radio.
Also saw this review on Amazon - (maybe from our forum member)
Purchased I-Max 2000 installation and assembly was pretty easy, so when i’ve had The Antenna up in the air, decided to do an SWR check even if the Manufacture guarantees that there is no need for. Connected my MFJ 269C analyzer and was surprised by high SWR on chenel 1 reading was at 2.0 and chenel 40 at 1.7 wich means the Antenna was to short.
Tried to raise antenna by adjusting the ring. With out an result. The SWR was at the same level.
The adjusting rings are not working. Sending back to the shipper.
Note: always check your SWR before starting transmitting.
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I was in Medellin today to pick up some packages from AVIANCA/DEPRISA ( my preferred shipper). When shipping to the US, they hand off packages coming from Colombia to USPS for final US delivery. They told me that the maximum length was 274 cm (108").
However, they also told me that the shipping cost for any package exceeding 93" in length will be over $90 USD ( !!!!) if shipped via UPS.
I recently purchased several Shakespeare 4208 8' Loran whip antennas from a US seller. They gave me free shipping via USPS to my forwarding agent (Avianca /Deprisa ) in Florida. I still have the box the antennas came in, and it measures 98" inches long. The USPS stamp showed the US ship cost was $7.36.My forwarding agent allows any package up to 2.75 meters in length, and the charge I pay to Colombia is based on weight only.
The following note was on the shipping invoice from my US seller:
Please Note: Due to the length of this antenna, you will only see USPS as a shipping option. If you need to have this antenna shipped via UPS, please contact us to place an order- just realize that the UPS shipping charge is $90+.
So ... Solarcon's owners didn't switch to USPS, they just shortened the antenna. REALLY good thinking.
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However, they also told me that the shipping cost for any package exceeding 93" in length will be over $90 USD ( !!!!) if shipped via UPS.
I recently purchased several Shakespeare 4208 8' Loran whip antennas from a US seller. They gave me free shipping via USPS to my forwarding agent (Avianca /Deprisa ) in Florida. I still have the box the antennas came in, and it measures 98" inches long. The USPS stamp showed the US ship cost was $7.36.My forwarding agent allows any package up to 2.75 meters in length, and the charge I pay to Colombia is based on weight only.
The following note was on the shipping invoice from my US seller:
Please Note: Due to the length of this antenna, you will only see USPS as a shipping option. If you need to have this antenna shipped via UPS, please contact us to place an order- just realize that the UPS shipping charge is $90+.
So ... Solarcon's owners didn't switch to USPS, they just shortened the antenna. REALLY good thinking.
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I asked Bells CB if they check all antennas they receive prior to selling. This morning I received their reply.
Hello,
No, of course not. But when my local customer here wanted one, he made three futile trips across town until I tested the entire stack - until at last, the one on the bottom tested fine like they used to.
So after having tested 14 of them, 13 went back to the distributor, and the one that tested good is in service at now my good friends house.
Another question to Bells would be; were the thirteen antennas they returned, the shorter antennas or were they the original twenty-four foot long antennas that had defects?hmmmm....