| Author |
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Kirk
| | Posted on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 9:34 pm: | 
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Fellas- Looks like I will need a new GP afterall. So, I've had a 'old school ' Antron 99 (which recently was put to rest) and now I need a new vertical. Now, I've researched, look at specs, etc. here on the 3 that I will mention, but, I need answers from those who have been there and own'd em, ok? IMAX 2000, Shakerspeare 2010 or Maco Alpha 5? I know there really should be no gain differential to make any kind of difference here...5/8's wave is 5/8's wave...but I am looking for #1- Craftsmanship #2- Durability. I have read posts 2 years old that stated IMAX 2000 was GREAT...then as they got further down the line in time, looks like some folks felt they "cheapened" out the mechanical connections (I started seeing the word 'crimped so-239 show up' frequently)...so I need a rock solid vertical. I am think at this point Shakerspeare. No one else states Mil-Spec claims. Thanks for the help fellas--Kirk |
Buck
| | Posted on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 11:11 pm: |
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had my I2K up for close to a year with no problems.....I did clear coat it when I got it but No problems what so ever....Best antenna I have ever owned
Buck |
CM 3885
| | Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2003 - 12:58 am: |
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I got an I max in 99(from Coppers) when they first came out and I liked it.. |
Tech808
| | Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2003 - 1:16 am: |
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Kirk,
Read the Review on the IMAX 2000 in the Subscriber Section under PRODUCT REVIEWS.
It should answer your questions.
Or go to the search area next to this column and type in the name of the antenna you are thinking about, and read what everyone has to say about them.
Lon
Tech808 |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2003 - 10:38 am: |
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Kirk,
I have owned/operated an IMAX 2000 for about a year + a few months. I put a GPK on it about 8 months ago. I have been very happy with the quality of construction and performance of the antenna. I have not used nor have any experience your other choices, but I think they are all good. I have had dealings with other versions of Shakespeare antennas (marine VHF and marine CB antennas) and have always been happy with the quality as well. I don't think you would lose with any of them.
Tech833 did a good article on "how to choose a groundplane antenna". I know you have been around this game for awhile, but he has some interesting points on which antenna performs better at certain heights, with or without GPK or guy wires, mounting locations, etc. Interesting indeed. Enjoy the shopping.
Alsworld |
Kirk
| | Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2003 - 2:36 pm: |
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Thanks all. Thanks 808. I had no idea that info existed there. Great job 833. Nice atricle!
Kirk,
Glad to be of help!
Lon
Tech808
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Buck
| | Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2003 - 9:09 pm: |
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Alsworld...What do you think of the GP kit????Did it make much difference for you???
Buck |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2003 - 10:36 pm: |
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Buck,
actually I don't have a solid answer here. At first when I saw your question, I wanted to say no. However, after thinking about it, possibly maybe. Let me explain.
History: I bought the GPK after reading Tech833's write-up on the GPK. I noticed during his write-up of the Imax 2000 that he had mentioned how a counterpoise GPK would befefit this antenna's design. At that time, the GPK kit for the Imax 2000 was not out yet. When it came out, and after his review, I ordered it from Copper.
My antenna's base (feedpoint) is 40 ft off the ground, placing the upper tip around 64 ft high. Did I notice a significant improvement? No. However, there is what I believe to be some improvements. The receive is very good for long distance groundwave communications (mainly refering to very quiet days or nights). People hear me from a long way away both base and mobiles. I can routinely (and consistently) reach out 30-40 miles and talk local (no additional power) with ease and have great & clear communications. Sometimes, 60 miles is possible, but power may be necessary. Now with that said, I can talk skip with ease now barefoot (yes of course mother nature has a hand in that). Anyone local who knows me realizes that I have cleaned my systems up and now run 99% barefoot from home. Also, my TVI has been reduced to almost nothing (I have an amplified TV antenna outdoors so I am begging for TVI). No more complaints from neighbors and now they're actually friendly (yes I worked hard to clean it all up and they realize and appreciate it as well).
Okay, what's the bottom line here? Did I improve by any "s" units? No, but I did not expect that. But I do think I improved both TVI, long distance ground wave communications, and some reduced noise ratio. I have no way of being able to prove this, but I don't think the money was a waste. I talk all over town with ease now.
For what it's worth, the closest person I talk to is 15 miles as the crow flies, all others (regulars) are between 21 to 30 miles as the crow flies. Occasionally a guy 40+ miles will jump in at night and we can both talk, but that is base to base (with me barefoot, him I don't know). I attribute these improvements to the GPK, although I cannot prove it. Would I recommend it? Well, I would recommend you study everything and make your own decision. It's your hard earned dollars.
I personaly have no regrets on the purchase. Gosh Buck, did this help or confuse?
Alsworld |
Buck
| | Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2003 - 11:52 pm: |
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I think it helped.....But Im not sure I have been wondering about one of those....I dont have any problems with TVI or local talk. I was however wondering about DX and wether or not it would improve with the radial kit....I seem to get out and recieve good when the skip is rolling but I was just wondering if I could improve any or not
Buck |
CM 3885
| | Posted on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 1:58 am: |
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I dont think it will matter. When i had mine back in '99 it was a great local and excellent SSB skip talker of an antenna. Too bad i didnt get it back when i moved away from were i used to live because id still use it. I simply left it up and never went back for it... |
Weakeststation
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 - 11:11 pm: |
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Imax2000 unless you want to pay a little bit and get the best one on the market, I-10 it's pricy for sure..but nice... |
CM 3885
| | Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2003 - 12:45 am: |
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250.00 for an omni is too much and i dont care how good it is. Yeah id spend that kind of $$$ on a beam but NOT a GP! |
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