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Message |
    
Kabar
Junior Member
Username: Kabar
Post Number: 18
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 12:13 pm: | 
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Does anyone know when a Solarcon A99 fiberglass antenna should be replaced?
I have one that has been up for about 6 years and I have noticed that these antennas seem to be bad about the fiberglass splintering.The fiberglass strands are starting to show through the outer shell.
My concern is that it may start to soak rain water.
What are your thoughts about this? |
Romstar
Member
Username: Romstar
Post Number: 55
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:30 pm: |
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I've heard of the things being up for 20 years. To be honest, the best indicator is your ear.
How does it sounds when you are listening, and what do you sound like to other people?
Occasional SWR checks wouldn't hurt either.
In any case, you should see 10 years out of it unless mother nature takes a disliking to it with wind or lightning.
Romstar |
Marconi
Advanced Member
Username: Marconi
Post Number: 689
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:24 pm: |
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I have had an A99 up for over 15 years and it was probably 8 years old when I got it from a guy that said it was bad. It was dried out when I got it, but the drain hole had been plugged up and at some point it got enough moisture inside the base to cause it to act up for the guy. There was nothing permanently wrong however. I have refinished the antenna three times during this period. I just clean it off good and reseal it with a good water resistant sealer.
It has two thin spots in the base element and I just added some fiberglass and epoxy to this area and resealed it.
For what the A99 is, it is a great antenna even compared to the so-called big boys. Mine is also quieter than my Imax and shows the same signal TX/RX if I get the A99 up a little higher than the Imax at the base. If they are the same height at the base, I notice some improvement in some signals with the Imax to some stations, not all, but some. I talk with less than 100 watts and it talks great locally and when skip is rolling I have no trouble keeping up with the other stations around me either.
When compared to my I-10K, AstroPlane, or my .64 Wolf, it has a bit more noise most of the time. When conditions are noisy, the difference is insignificant, but when it is very quite--there is maybe 1-2 S-units more noise. |
Kabar
Junior Member
Username: Kabar
Post Number: 19
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 6:05 pm: |
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Marconi
Do you have ground plane kits on either the A99 or the Imax?
Thanks for the previous reply. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 13358
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 8:30 pm: |
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Kabar,
Sand & repaint it and it will be good for another 6 years and more.
I have always used Automotive Fiberglass paint and clear coat designed for Fiberglass like on corvettes.
You can find the fiberglass primer, paint, and sealer (clear coat) in about any automotive part's store in any color you want.
Lon ~ Tech808 ~ N9CEF
CEF#808 ~ CEF HAM#33 ~ CVC#002
10-10 #61493 ~ 10-10 VP#2688
Tech808@copperelectronics.com
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Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 733
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 8:40 am: |
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Mine has lasted 8 years so far, and that despite being beaten to death on oneside by tree branches. This sprint it will get a coat of resin and be put back up.
Simon
Tech237
KD7IEB
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Skunkweed
Junior Member
Username: Skunkweed
Post Number: 20
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 5:41 am: |
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I got Shakespeare Big Stick since 1990, I bought it used. Antenna is in perfect condition. Construction is almost the same like antron/solarcon antennas.
Mike |
Marconi
Advanced Member
Username: Marconi
Post Number: 701
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 7:15 am: |
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No Kabar, no GPK's. |
Ronin
Member
Username: Ronin
Post Number: 69
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 9:03 am: |
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My A-99 started to show some weather wear on the fiberglass after about 9-10 years. I sanded it, used a primer and sprayed it with Krylon paint and it has been good for the past 3 years since then.
I do like Tech808's idea better. Paint that is designed for fiberglass will undoubtedly last much longer. That's what I'll do next time.
Thanx for the idea Lon!
Jim
CEF-813
K3ZOR
OT-235
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Penrider
Member
Username: Penrider
Post Number: 92
Registered: 1-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 2:39 pm: |
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I've had mine up for about 5yrs now, got it used from a guy that ran it for over ten(he bought an Imax)...I just checked the SO-239 and refinished it similar to how Lon did his and it looks and works just fine, they are tough little antennas...Except for lightning, lol
Sean
CEF867
CVC81
"Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you're up to!!"
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Bluebird
Member
Username: Bluebird
Post Number: 54
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 8:01 pm: |
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most of us here in newfoundland only get 5-7 years,,but for the price , cant go wrong..
mitchell
bluebird
cef 398
cvc 113
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Rick330man
Junior Member
Username: Rick330man
Post Number: 42
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 01, 2009 - 12:16 am: |
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I've wrap my fiberglass antennas in plastic automotive tubing. Don't buy the Belden type they sell at NAPA. Buy the type they sell at ACE Hardware. It is a few extra $ of investment, but my fiberglass antennas last forever. My twenty years old Radio Shack 1/2 Crossbow is still doing just fine giving me flat SWRs across 11 meters in the Florida Keys - which is not an antenna friendly environment. |
Big_m
Member
Username: Big_m
Post Number: 54
Registered: 9-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, March 01, 2009 - 7:20 pm: |
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Rick330man, do you have any more info on this plastic wrap? Such as is it UV protected, Cold weather down to zero degrees safe? Also is Plastic automotive tubing the proper name? |
Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm
Post Number: 241
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, April 02, 2009 - 11:51 am: |
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Rick can you reply on this "automotive tubing" question? I will check with ace hardware and see what they have if you would clarify what is actually is. |
Kbar
Junior Member
Username: Kbar
Post Number: 14
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 03, 2009 - 9:46 am: |
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I think but I am not sure, but being a mechanic my self I would think he was talking about, "Wire harness tubing", They come in selveral different sizes. I have heard of guys useing it to protect the fiber glass from the elements in the past. This is just a guess though! |
Rick330man
Junior Member
Username: Rick330man
Post Number: 49
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2011 - 1:56 am: |
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Sorry to have left everyone hanging. Kbar is correct. This stuff lasts about 4 years. I just replaced it on my 25 year old Radio Shack Crossbow a month ago. I prefer it to painting because I don't need to sand down or apply any chemicals at all to the antenna. |
Charliebrown
Intermediate Member
Username: Charliebrown
Post Number: 160
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2011 - 6:57 am: |
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Marconi, Could you tell me what antenna out perform's on transmit or receive? The I-10k , the A-99 , or the Max 2000? Of course a 5/8 in my opinion will beat a 1/2 wave antenna. Since you have each to compare I figured you could let us know. |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1934
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2011 - 11:06 am: |
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FYI. I have an A99 that was installed on a mountaintop communications site 10 years ago in 2001, where it has received the harshest treatment possible (high wind, snow, ice, searing hot sun, more wind, etc.). It was treated with clear paint before installation.
Just removed the antenna for inspection, some of the clear paint has gone missing, and very slight fiberglass splintering has begun in those areas. Will clean, and re-seal the antenna, then put it back up for more abuse.
It would not surprise me if it lasted another 10 years.
If worriy about the lifespan of an A99 is stopping you from purchasing one, there is no need to worry. Order it today and while you wait for the UPS truck to show up, pick up some lacquer thinner, rags, and some good quality clear rattle-can paint.
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm
Post Number: 405
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2011 - 9:57 am: |
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Below is a quick analysis of some common omni-directional CB antennas.
Solarcon Max 2000 (also called I-Max 2000) = .64 wave antenna
Shakespear NBS-2010 Base Antenna = 5/8 wave antenna
Solarcon A99 = 1/2 wave antenna
Solarcon I-Max-99 = 1/2 wave antenna
Shakespear 176-GBS 18' Super Big Stick = 1/2 wave antenna
On the 27 MHz CB band, the taller a vertical omni directional antenna the higher the gain up to about 23 feet.* After 23 feet the gain of the antenna begins to decrease. There is no magic bullet to escape this rule. The highest real gain omni-directional CB antennas currently on the market are the full length 5/8 wave and .64 wave antennas. 1/2 antennas have less gain than 5/8 wave and .64 wave antennas, and 1/4 wave antennas have less gain than .64 wave, 5/8 wave, and 1/2 wave antennas.
5/8 wave and .64 wave antennas also have a much lower angle of radiation than 1/2 wave and 1/4 wave antennas. A low angle of radiation really pays off when trying to talk to distance skip station in excess of 1500 miles.
On the 27 MHz CB band a high angle of radiation (30 degrees above the horizon) such as a that offered by a horizontal 1/2 wave dipole about 18 feet off the ground may actually out perform a .64 or 5/8 wave vertical antenna when talking skip to stations closer than 1000 miles, but the 5/8 and .64 wave antennas will be the clear winner when talking skip to stations more than 1500 miles away
Antron 99 = 1/2 wave antenna **
Star Duster = 1/4 wave ground plane antenna
Astroplane = 1/4 antenna or slightly longer, but not a 1/2 wave
SkyLab T233 10 Meter Commercial Base Antenna = 1/4 wave ground plane
Maco 5/8 wave ground plane***
** The Antron 99 claims to be a 1/2 wave over a 1/4 wave antenna, and it is. What they do not tell you is the bottom 1/4 wave section is for matching purposes only, and only the top 1/2 wave section radiates any appreciable power. For gain comparisons consider it a 1/2 wave antenna.
*** The Maco 5/8 wave ground plane antenna is not a true 5/8 wave antenna on 27 MHz. It is only about 20 feet long, but it should out perform a 1/2 wave antenna or a 1/4 wave antenna. The four aluminum ground radials should give it better isolation against near field ground losses when the antenna is less than a 36 feet off the ground than a "big stick" style antenna without a radial kit.
The half wave dipole is considered to be the legitimate engineering standard |
Charliebrown
Intermediate Member
Username: Charliebrown
Post Number: 161
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2011 - 10:21 am: |
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SITM, very well put a great load of information. But, the one thing that I am trying to find out is there any difference between the I-10k and the I max 2000. I know they both fall in the 5/8 wave area and I know how well built the I-10k is and the more power it can take and it cost a lot more money. But, when it get's down to it, which one with people trying it in the field will out perform on transmit or receive. I have seen what the tech's have posted here and the great test they have done and they have done a great job with their work and information and I believe their result's. I am not doubting their conclusion's but, every location is different and some antenna's do better in different location's than other's. Some of us live in the flat land , some in mountain's , and some in valley's. I just want to hear some information from those that have experienced both antenna's in the place they live. Does anyone have any information to share on this? Thank's |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1935
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2011 - 8:22 pm: |
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Using the search tool here on the Copper forum, I may have found exactly what you want-
http://www.copperelectronics.com/discus4/messages/34/111791.html
Keep in mind when reading that, the P500 and the Maco V-5/8 are almost identical electrically.
That's about as clear as it gets.
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 1683
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2011 - 3:06 pm: |
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well im no tech by any means but id think
the I-10k, maco,imax would perform very
close to the same.i think the biggest difference will be on recieve the i10k has top hat
radials so i think it would be the quiestest
recieving. which is a big plus.i do know the maco is a fairly quiet antenna. and i also
know the imax by far has the noisest recieve
why i replaced my imax with a sirio.ive also
personally seen 2 imaxes break the center section
.so id say the maco is the best ouut the 3 you
listed.unless your planning on using over 5000
watts then maybe the i10k.just my opinion
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm
Post Number: 406
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2011 - 2:34 pm: |
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Imax is .64
I believe the I-10k claims .64
radio frequencies do not differentiate when they radiate from them, unless I am mistaken.
What it comes down to is what antenna best suits your needs.
Imax is a cheaper broad band antenna. I own one and I am very very satisfied.
I have never owned, nor would I spend the kind of money that a I-10k cost.
So, speaking from my own experience, I would purchase the Imax for ease of installation and cost.
I have found that unless you have someone testing these antenna on a range you will get an extremely wide array of, "this is best, that is best".
I would be willing to venture that if you had identical stations, identical coax, radios, grounding, towers, conditions, identical stations 20 miles from you receiving your signal, that without equipment that would make NASA blush, you aren't going to know the difference.
People say that if you buy a I-10K, it will be the last antenna you will ever buy. I say if a F4 goes within 1/4 mile of your house you will be buying a new antenna. I would rather replace an Imax than a overpriced antenna.
Personal preference of course.
I have been using an Imax now for many many years, I recently replaced it with a new Imax due to weathering. ended up being about $5.00 a year in the break down and for how less it cost than a I-10K, |
Charliebrown
Intermediate Member
Username: Charliebrown
Post Number: 162
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2011 - 10:20 pm: |
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TECH 833, DALE, SITM, thank's a lot for for the info. Tech 833, the info. in the link was very helpful. I agree with each of you. The main reason I wanted to be sure , without any doubt is that if the I-10k had been proven to be worth the improvement, I had planned on getting one. But, as Sitm had stated it just is not worth that much money for the little difference it is. Dale is correct as well unless you are going to run 5000 watt's it is not worth it. Dale, I have had the I max 2000 for a long time and I have never had the problem with it breaking. You must have a lot more windy condition's than I. THANK'S FELLOW'S FOR EVERYTHING. SAVED ME SOME SERIOUS MONEY. I WILL NOT BE GETTING THE I-10K |
Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 1684
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 19, 2011 - 10:47 am: |
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tech 833 in your link ya posted .ya said
you may try a maco 5/8 .im just curious
if ya did.how it do. if i had the extra
funds id buy it and send to ya
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1936
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 19, 2011 - 1:59 pm: |
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Hi Dale.
I have had a Maco V-5000 in my hands, and at the time I posted that, wasn't sure if the V-5/8 was the same or different. I later found out that the V-5/8 and the V-5000 differ only in the material used in its insulators.
In some very un-scientific studies, I found the V-5000 and the P500 to be very similar in may respects. So similar that I would certainly feel safe in suggesting that the P500 data could be used for representing the V-5000 (or V-5/8) in non-scientific comparisons.
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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