I'am Your Newest Subscriber Across The Pond Here In Florida I Love My Antron 99 Antenna I Just Got A Used Ground Plane Kit For My Antron 99 At The Hame Radio Fest 25.00 US
Great video, very informative,, A little trick I seen on a antron installation which I thought was brilliant,, A 6 inch length of bicycle inner tube was placed over the coax before the pl259 was screwed into the antenna, Once the connection was made , the inner tube was pulled up tight over the plug and firmly fixed over the antenna base with tape . This allowed a guaranteed weather proofing for the pl259/coax . The plug was still covered with self amalgamating tape but allowed the drain hole to work as it should
This "rust" issue was the cause of blowing the finals on my rig a while back. I did notice that the SWR increased gradually over the years until my rig refused TX (over SWR-protection). I dropped mine, cleaned it all up and replaced with stainless washers (it was so corroded that I had to use a grinder to bust open the U-bolts - also replaced with stainless). Without resetting the rings (other than cleaning) I was back to 1:1. Still going strong 2-years on...
Its is a cost thing I am sure. I installed a wind turbine the other day and every fastener/bracket was galvanized - ended up replacing everything with stainless before it went up. I live on the coast and anything galvanized gets eaten away in no time.
Good instructional video Fred. I forgot to do my 99 before it got into winter here in the colonies. I’ll do it come spring. Merry Christmas from the colonies
Fred: I did every thing you said about 4 years ago, to my I- Max 2000, except I used 4 ott bronze wool to carefully scrub the fiber glass with gloves on . Then I put 4 coats of Marine polyurethane varnish scrub between coats ! I trued a little experiment, I replaced the top whip with a 102 inch fiberglass Wilson whip I had used on my truck, WOW made a difference low SWR and great performance! Cheerio mate John ( KJ7TBR) : Also it tunes up on 20 meters, go figure??? Chow
I was quite impressed by this antenna in the video (And, signal strengths, SWR, reception etc in other videos). I specifically wanted a fibreglass unit, so I've been offered a second hand one in very good order, so, guess what? I've had it, now looking forward to giving it the "Fred In The Shed Treatment", I'll maybe use some polyurethane varnish on it that will allow for a little bit of flex....Such Fun!!!!
With any A99 Fred I always replace the stock non stainless steel spring washers for stainless steel ones and I always tape up the joints and PL259 with self amalgamating tape, makes for a top job! 🖒🖒🖒
A very nice antenna, I was one, since 2018 in my shack with really good results. No issues for this antenna in my shack. One time in five years, I have to make some mechanical tests, Not use the rings, next to the plug, ussually use five turns of coaxial cable. 7351.
My A99 is 17 years old and still going strong i took it down after 14 year to check it over and all good even still have it on the U bolts it came with "Thanks to copper grease"
Hi Fred, At the 3:53 mark of this video i noticed that the outer jacket of the coax is not up inside the connector thus leaving the outer shield of the coax weathered and tarnished. Seeing the color of that outer shield i would advise you to replace that coax altogether as obviously moisture has been wicking down that braid. The PL259 connector is designed to screw down onto the outer jacket of the coax thus helping to keep moisture out of the coax. if the PL259 connectors are properly done then you'll pick up less noise (which i'm suspecting) that is where all your noise is coming from.
Naw, I have owned several homes, and putting up antenna height to 40 feet from the get go is best. Just leave coax coiled at the base of the proper TOWER not connected for a week or two. Then you show the concerned interference folk it is not you. Later when you do connect, they are accustomed to it being there and you problems will be few.
After pulling out my hair dealing with swr, I realized my problem lies with the built in swr meter. I bought an inline meter and worked out my issues. My problem was that the radio's meter was problematic because of its proximity to the antenna. I would carry it to the antenna and get a low swr, but when a long coax was added, swr jumped way up. I thought it was the coax, but it wasn't. Always use a second or trusted meter .
I set up a transceiver for the local forestry and resource department in a small building five years ago. I was contacted early this year that the transceiver would turn off as soon as the operator pushed the transmit key. That was a sure sign the SWR was extremely high. The forestry and resource department operates on 27.510 megacycles. So I just set up an A99 antenna for them a five years ago. Everything was the original station I set up five years ago. I lowered the power and measured the standing wave ratio. It came out above 6. Six was the highest setting on the old meter. The radio worked fine on the dummy load. The antenna checked out fine at the feed point with great standing wave ratio. The coaxial cable measured a short circuit. I noticed a coupling in the middle of the coaxial cable was kind of smashed. Instead of replacing the ends on that coupling, I replaced the entire cable in one peace. The standing wave ratio was excellent after the new coaxial cable was installed. I install a lot of stations for companies and radio operators.
First thing, use only stainless steel harware. Bolts,nuts, lock washers etc. 2nd. Best way to protect a Antron 99, iMax 2000 or any fiberglass base station antenna, to where you do not have to do anything to it for many years, is to use pure, clear silicone caulk. Use disposable rubber gloves. Put some silicone caulk in your one hand, use the other hand to hang on to the antenna and then liberally spread, apply the silicone caulk to the fiberglass parts of the antenna. Let it cure for about 5 days. Then put the antennae up in the air. Test it. If all is good, you are done, you will not have to touch it for many years I would say for at least 10. Most silicones that are good quality last a lot longer than 10 years. Happy dxing. 426 Big Red. Ch 38 LSB
also coax length effect swr...you need odd multiples of 12ft,,,ie 12...36...etc,,this will give accurate reading back in your radio end and give a perfectly balanced antenna system,50ohm antenna,,,n standing waves on coax length and enable the radio to work at full power as it see a low swr.....good video...love my antron but I don't think they make them like the used to,,my A99 is 20yrs old,,,no rust but I did replace locking washers with stainless steel type.
No Fred ,not too bad plenty of trees down and shed roofs gone! only casualty I have is my beam turned in the wind so will have to investigate 😬 hopefully not mashed rotator cogs !!!
Here is a tip from Alabama across the pond dump the a 99 in the trash 🗑️ build you a inverted vee ant and yes I use 75 ohm coax you can do it look up videos
god know why this lad doesn't get an amateur licence. he has the knowledge and the enthusiasm. i came off cb and still have one to chat on the legal channels. if dx is what your after your spoiled for choice on the ham bands. nice work Fred love the clips. keep it up. best 73
hi Fred its condensation from hot days cold nights and you will all ways get condensation and it just goes out of the hole hope that helps fred I used to run a dill on slightly bigger just to any moisture out
Thank you very much Fred, for this video. I was also wondering if covering the joints with rubber tape would prevent the lock washers from rusting. Was it a successful solution?
@@CB-RADIO-UK get some Bilt Hamber Atom Mac. Helps neutralise corrosion. I got all my mast clamps and nuts bolts and washers and left them to soak in a container full of atom mac solution over night. Also put some in a spray bottle to keep for maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion. So far no rusty bits.
Mine came with SS lock washers , never had a an issue with anything, 9 years later I took it down to relocate and I went even higher in the air ........Never an issue with that one...
I know, this video is 4-years old. But, I just got a new A99 solorcon 99 I found for myself adjusting the rings about 1/4 to the top or 3/4 from the bottom I’m getting a 1:1 which was my goal. Top & bottom of the bands. So got the S.W.R. in check. But, now I’m trying to understand the part about trimming the antenna to get better bandwidth. I’ve a RCI-2950DX so that being said Am,Fm, USB,LSB,CW I really don’t want to de-restrict any channels & once you cut you can’t put it back again! Any great advice?? Thanks in advance. 73s
Unless you want to use the antenna for both 10 and 11m i would not trim the top section. I replaced my top section with the Fireup upgrade which does slightly widen the bandwidth.
Hi Fred what is the channel range, do you swr the antenna to , is it the UK cb channels 1 to 40 or others at the same time.. ie UK and Eu . I've just got a SS6900v radio and using my old silver rod..
Hi. Ive set my SWR on channel 30 EU as its the channel i use the most. The Antron will tune right across 11m into 10m. So high 26 into low 28 MHz which covers all the cb channels
I had the same problem, but with mine the wire that runs in the centre section had snapped with the heavy winds. So had to run a wire outside the centre section and taped it one. My swr now is 1.4 and 1.5 and my rings are near the top as well.
Hello Fred , can you do a follow up review of the upgraded top section , was it worth buying and did it make any difference to the performance or not. Thanks in advance. Regards.
Hi. I would say local contacts 20 miles out not a real difference noticed. I seem to do really well with DX stations. Main difference is the antenna is shorter and a lot more stable in high winds.
i have just brought a second hand one, can you clean the outside white fibreglass and repaint them to refresh the finishes? i was thinking of fibreglass resin and pigment?
Not sure on the resin as ive never used it. People have used car clear coat spray. One guy bought a roll of white heat shrink and sealed each section with that.
Some dielectric grease on all the connections then double walled glue infused shrink tubing in the climate your in will correct the problem and eliminate the need to service as often as you do. I'd put that antenna in height above ground equal in wavelengths to the frequency with a ground plane would make a world of difference with your transmission capabilities. Thanks for sharing! Kind regards Eric Dee
@@CB-RADIO-UK : anytime my friend. By no means am I judging your knowledge with R.F. transmitting, but are you familiar on how frequency and wavelengths work with one another?, Those antennas are advertised as 5/8th wave but electrically they're not, that's where people run into issues with achieving a good match, and mediocre performance. Those antennas are electrically .640 wavelengths this is where antenna height and coax length plays a BIG PART with radiation angle especially at low frequency levels 24-28 megs.
Thanks very much for your help but I don’t think I’ll bother. I’m not on Facebook in view of the news I didn’t trust it. I was a responsible CBer years ago l would love to come back but with the hassle of the call sign it doesn’t seem very likely.
Ground the in inverted vee with a 75ohm grounds block like the cable company does cheap and easy 😮also it's a great TV antennas or you can make a loop antenna rhombic type 😮
I still can't get my a99 with firestick upgrade below 1.3 on the swr, which is a tad annoying as the moment I put my small boots on it shoots up a bit. I don't think they are built half aswell as the original ones, from backnin the 80s say. My 1st and 2nd were way better, 100 Watts at 1.2, I was extremely impressed with the ones I had in 1998 when I was a young teenager. I'm wondering if the height is causing me an issue, it's only 15 ft up off the garden floor.
I've just purchased a base station and am in need of an antenna- what would you recommend? Thinking of a a99 or the 3 foot firestick but that one might be a waste of money. Just getting back into the cb hobby
@@JUGGERNAUT606 I have done a ton of research on this, and the A99 is the best way to go. I own one. Also if you want the range, I suggest a CB with SSB, that will get your signal out alot further. These are the people I deal with. Great company, used them many times. www.rightchannelradios.com/collections/cb-radios. Good luck brother. Let me know how it all works out for you.
Hi ok haven't got a '99 but I'm in the process of making a silver rod higher, just a bit concerned about it coming down and smashing into next doors roof any advice
Strong T & K brackets (maybe 3) if your bolting to the wall. Guy rops if your just on a pole. Good 2" alloy pole. Once you set the swr you can always drill and put small self tapping screws in the sections of the Silver Rod.
I am about to put up my first Antron 99. The instructions say something about trimming the top section. I have never seen nor heard anyone mention that. What are your thoughts?
Hi Fred, Tried to back track on your videos. Have you done a video on beginners etiquette? I'm getting back into the hobbie, but I feel lost in some of the language of signal checks, also I struggle with some of the general terminology of cb users, not only with the way cb users communicate with each other, but also the way way the technical issues are discussed and resolved.
I dont think i have. Its very much a mixed bag. Can be crude on the 19 to almost Ham on the 555. Call signs can help getting DX. ua-cam.com/video/tIZoYRtd-RU/v-deo.html
Goodevening, I was installing my antron 99 today and i used the rings like you did. But i can get the swr much lower under 2. How low did you go with the rings to reach that swr you got? Thanks.
Hi. First time i set up the A99 i struggled like you with the SWR. All i did was to remove the spring washers and i got pretty much 1.1. Also the FireUp top section helped.
@@CB-RADIO-UK could it also be because me adjusting my antenna from my balcony that it is getting to much reflection of the walls from my neighbors houses?
Not long ago I mounted a 102 whip flat down tight against a metal pole barn roof with a 40x48 foot print using the entire roof as a ground plane. SWR flat from 26.0 to 28.0 then slowly climbs 1.1 down into 25 and up into 29. Broadest band coverage I’ve ever experienced, no spring just the 102 whip. I talk all over the lower 48 and up into Canada. I always get reports of loud and clear, and often accused of running power, the radio is so quiet sometimes I think it’s not on. Sweet deal for a $ 20 antenna.
I dont use top washer on my add on kit for a99 and swr is 1 to 1 also i find using lmr600 coax increases the range by 12km when using same length of rg213.catch you on again and hope watchers are all well.Fom 26ww347.
ANTENNA TAKEING 55 TO 87 MPH,FOR THE LAST 8HRS,STILL HAVE 4 TO 5 HRS TO GO,SWR HAS GONE MAD,,THANKS FRED FOR ASKING,,FUNNY YOU POST THINGS THAT IAM THINKING ABOUT, ANEW ANTENNA,
Somewhere around 1990 my antenna was new I rapped the three sections individually at the fiberglass top to bottom with 3m electrical tape like wrapping the handle on a baseball bat when we were kids in the future if I have any problem with aged tape I'll just will rewrap it no problems with frayed fiberglass
Hi ya it’s me again still having trouble with Charlie Tango. They wouldn’t accept my email address said they already had an account in that name. As I said flying to the moon in a bucket is easier. I can’t even see their email address to find out what the problem is.
Taping that drain hole at the bottom of the base is a bad idea. Moisture cant properly drain from the inside of the A99. Number one worst move operaters typically do when they just don't know the difference.
For robustness I will choose an A99 any day of the week, okay they are not the top performing antenna, a 5/8 wave will perform better but they do what I want, and put it up and forget about it when you put it up right, I know a chap that had 2 Sirio Gain masters break on him in less than a year! I never liked the design of the Gain Master, I'm not knocking them or their performance, but I just think for the money they could be a bit more than slotted fibreglass tube held together by jubilee clips and pull your radiator through and clip for lowest SWR! na thanks
fredintheshed1 Hi Fred - ACF50 was initially designed for the aerospace industry as an anti corrosion spray. Not to be confused with WD40, I use it to protect everything and anything that comes into contact with the weather.
Thanks so much for the information, I live in the California desert and we frequently have very strong winds here so hopefully it will hold up with that.
I'am Your Newest Subscriber Across The Pond Here In Florida I Love My Antron 99 Antenna I Just Got A Used Ground Plane Kit For My Antron 99 At The Hame Radio Fest 25.00 US
Great video, very informative,, A little trick I seen on a antron installation which I thought was brilliant,, A 6 inch length of bicycle inner tube was placed over the coax before the pl259 was screwed into the antenna, Once the connection was made , the inner tube was pulled up tight over the plug and firmly fixed over the antenna base with tape . This allowed a guaranteed weather proofing for the pl259/coax . The plug was still covered with self amalgamating tape but allowed the drain hole to work as it should
Thanks thats a great tip.
@@CB-RADIO-UK your welcome ,,, ps my crt9900 arrived after me watching your vid ,, to say im impressed would be a understatement so Thank you ;)
This "rust" issue was the cause of blowing the finals on my rig a while back.
I did notice that the SWR increased gradually over the years until my rig refused TX (over SWR-protection).
I dropped mine, cleaned it all up and replaced with stainless washers (it was so corroded that I had to use a grinder to bust open the U-bolts - also replaced with stainless).
Without resetting the rings (other than cleaning) I was back to 1:1.
Still going strong 2-years on...
Thats good to know. I really dont know why they dont use stainless washers in the factory.
Its is a cost thing I am sure.
I installed a wind turbine the other day and every fastener/bracket was galvanized - ended up replacing everything with stainless before it went up.
I live on the coast and anything galvanized gets eaten away in no time.
😵💫@@CB-RADIO-UK
You could have user a few SS lock washers in place of the rusty ones. Good video on a99 maintenance.
Good instructional video Fred. I forgot to do my 99 before it got into winter here in the colonies. I’ll do it come spring.
Merry Christmas from the colonies
Happy Christmas buddy,
Fred: I did every thing you said about 4 years ago, to my I- Max 2000, except I used 4 ott bronze wool to carefully scrub the fiber glass with gloves on . Then I put 4 coats of Marine polyurethane varnish scrub between coats ! I trued a little experiment, I replaced the top whip with a 102 inch fiberglass Wilson whip I had used on my truck, WOW made a difference low SWR and great performance! Cheerio mate John ( KJ7TBR) : Also it tunes up on 20 meters, go figure??? Chow
Nice one.
I was quite impressed by this antenna in the video (And, signal strengths, SWR, reception etc in other videos). I specifically wanted a fibreglass unit, so I've been offered a second hand one in very good order, so, guess what? I've had it, now looking forward to giving it the "Fred In The Shed Treatment", I'll maybe use some polyurethane varnish on it that will allow for a little bit of flex....Such Fun!!!!
Good one Fred did the same a while back, a little TLC😊 and sorted again, amalgamated tape is handy to have too! 73s from a storm battered Ireland👍
Hi Mark. Hope you did not get too bashed with the storm. Mostly we got orange sky.
With any A99 Fred I always replace the stock non stainless steel spring washers for stainless steel ones and I always tape up the joints and PL259 with self amalgamating tape, makes for a top job! 🖒🖒🖒
Good advice
A very nice antenna, I was one, since 2018 in my shack with really good results. No issues for this antenna in my shack. One time in five years, I have to make some mechanical tests, Not use the rings, next to the plug, ussually use five turns of coaxial cable. 7351.
I really enjoy your videos. Hello from America 👋🏻
Hello there!
My A99 is 17 years old and still going strong i took it down after 14 year to check it over and all good even still have it on the U bolts it came with "Thanks to copper grease"
Thanks for the info... Helpful for a newbie 😀
Hi Fred, At the 3:53 mark of this video i noticed that the outer jacket of the coax is not up inside the connector thus leaving the outer shield of the coax weathered and tarnished. Seeing the color of that outer shield i would advise you to replace that coax altogether as obviously moisture has been wicking down that braid. The PL259 connector is designed to screw down onto the outer jacket of the coax thus helping to keep moisture out of the coax. if the PL259 connectors are properly done then you'll pick up less noise (which i'm suspecting) that is where all your noise is coming from.
Copy that.
ua-cam.com/video/qrB0-7T2fok/v-deo.html
Hi Fred I have just watch the video about antenna I had my up for 10years and l live. With house all around me l have no trouble with them
Naw, I have owned several homes, and putting up antenna height to 40 feet from the get go is best. Just leave coax coiled at the base of the proper TOWER not connected for a week or two. Then you show the concerned interference folk it is not you. Later when you do connect, they are accustomed to it being there and you problems will be few.
very clever
After pulling out my hair dealing with swr, I realized my problem lies with the built in swr meter. I bought an inline meter and worked out my issues. My problem was that the radio's meter was problematic because of its proximity to the antenna. I would carry it to the antenna and get a low swr, but when a long coax was added, swr jumped way up. I thought it was the coax, but it wasn't. Always use a second or trusted meter .
Good tip. I always use a seperate meter to double check the built in.
I set up a transceiver for the local forestry and resource department in a small building five years ago. I was contacted early this year that the transceiver would turn off as soon as the operator pushed the transmit key. That was a sure sign the SWR was extremely high. The forestry and resource department operates on 27.510 megacycles. So I just set up an A99 antenna for them a five years ago. Everything was the original station I set up five years ago. I lowered the power and measured the standing wave ratio. It came out above 6. Six was the highest setting on the old meter. The radio worked fine on the dummy load. The antenna checked out fine at the feed point with great standing wave ratio. The coaxial cable measured a short circuit. I noticed a coupling in the middle of the coaxial cable was kind of smashed. Instead of replacing the ends on that coupling, I replaced the entire cable in one peace. The standing wave ratio was excellent after the new coaxial cable was installed. I install a lot of stations for companies and radio operators.
Glad you got it sorted.
First thing, use only stainless steel harware. Bolts,nuts, lock washers etc. 2nd. Best way to protect a Antron 99, iMax 2000 or any fiberglass base station antenna, to where you do not have to do anything to it for many years, is to use pure, clear silicone caulk. Use disposable rubber gloves. Put some silicone caulk in your one hand, use the other hand to hang on to the antenna and then liberally spread, apply the silicone caulk to the fiberglass parts of the antenna. Let it cure for about 5 days. Then put the antennae up in the air. Test it. If all is good, you are done, you will not have to touch it for many years I would say for at least 10. Most silicones that are good quality last a lot longer than 10 years. Happy dxing. 426 Big Red. Ch 38 LSB
Helluva a good idea. Those connectors leak bad, right into the cable ends. Sounds better than tape!
Rondell Schuyler could I paint the antenna instead
how many laps are to calibrate excellent video
also coax length effect swr...you need odd multiples of 12ft,,,ie 12...36...etc,,this will give accurate reading back in your radio end and give a perfectly balanced antenna system,50ohm antenna,,,n standing waves on coax length and enable the radio to work at full power as it see a low swr.....good video...love my antron but I don't think they make them like the used to,,my A99 is 20yrs old,,,no rust but I did replace locking washers with stainless steel type.
Thanks for the advice. I have heard before about the 12 / 24 etc. Ive never tried it myself as i normally try to go as short as i can.
I still have an unused Hygain 5/8th Silver rod in the garage... Bought it as an upgrade, never got around to rigging it up.
No Fred ,not too bad plenty of trees down and shed roofs gone! only casualty I have is my beam turned in the wind so will have to investigate 😬 hopefully not mashed rotator cogs !!!
Hopefully not Mark. Does it have a friction clutch
Here is a tip from Alabama across the pond dump the a 99 in the trash 🗑️ build you a inverted vee ant and yes I use 75 ohm coax you can do it look up videos
god know why this lad doesn't get an amateur licence. he has the knowledge and the enthusiasm. i came off cb and still have one to chat on the legal channels. if dx is what your after your spoiled for choice on the ham bands. nice work Fred love the clips. keep it up. best 73
Good job well done Fred. I agree its a proper struggle on your own.
Needs careful planning to get it down and back up again.
@@jamesferrans1233 They do offer James. I prob will get Awesome to help next time.
great video we used to tape the joints and never block the hole
I am not sure how any water can get inside but the hole is there.
hi Fred its condensation from hot days cold nights and you will all ways get condensation and it just goes out of the hole hope that helps fred I used to run a dill on slightly bigger just to any moisture out
Thank you very much Fred, for this video. I was also wondering if covering the joints with rubber tape would prevent the lock washers from rusting. Was it a successful solution?
Ive not had any swr issues since wrapping the joints with rubber tape
@@CB-RADIO-UK get some Bilt Hamber Atom Mac. Helps neutralise corrosion. I got all my mast clamps and nuts bolts and washers and left them to soak in a container full of atom mac solution over night. Also put some in a spray bottle to keep for maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion. So far no rusty bits.
Mine came with SS lock washers , never had a an issue with anything, 9 years later I took it down to relocate and I went even higher in the air ........Never an issue with that one...
Best comment yet inch it up about a metre at a time LOL no Fred good vid and looking forward to hearing from you all good stuff lad 73s
I know, this video is 4-years old. But, I just got a new A99 solorcon 99 I found for myself adjusting the rings about 1/4 to the top or 3/4 from the bottom I’m getting a 1:1 which was my goal. Top & bottom of the bands. So got the S.W.R. in check. But, now I’m trying to understand the part about trimming the antenna to get better bandwidth. I’ve a RCI-2950DX so that being said Am,Fm, USB,LSB,CW
I really don’t want to de-restrict any channels & once you cut you can’t put it back again! Any great advice??
Thanks in advance. 73s
Unless you want to use the antenna for both 10 and 11m i would not trim the top section. I replaced my top section with the Fireup upgrade which does slightly widen the bandwidth.
I have an antron 99 and the very top peice went bad . Swapped it out with a rod from a patriot ground plane kit and my swr when back to flat .
I'm guessing that the split washers were made from mild steel. Perhaps changing to stainless steel would make a difference?
Yes that would be better.
Hi Fred
what is the channel range, do you swr the antenna to , is it the UK cb channels 1 to 40 or others at the same time.. ie UK and Eu . I've just got a SS6900v radio and using my old silver rod..
Hi. Ive set my SWR on channel 30 EU as its the channel i use the most. The Antron will tune right across 11m into 10m. So high 26 into low 28 MHz which covers all the cb channels
HAHAHA, I saw it straight away and wanted to comment on the ring. I am still watching. bravo Fred.
Well done Andy. Spot on
Great information
I had the same problem, but with mine the wire that runs in the centre section had snapped with the heavy winds.
So had to run a wire outside the centre section and taped it one.
My swr now is 1.4 and 1.5 and my rings are near the top as well.
Nice one. I hope mine does not snap.
Hello Fred , can you do a follow up review of the upgraded top section , was it worth buying and did it make any difference to the performance or not. Thanks in advance. Regards.
Hi. I would say local contacts 20 miles out not a real difference noticed. I seem to do really well with DX stations. Main difference is the antenna is shorter and a lot more stable in high winds.
Never assemble with out the locking washers,,,change them out for stainless steel type washers,,i had a a99 up for 18yrs,,only top section failed.
i have just brought a second hand one, can you clean the outside white fibreglass and repaint them to refresh the finishes? i was thinking of fibreglass resin and pigment?
Not sure on the resin as ive never used it. People have used car clear coat spray. One guy bought a roll of white heat shrink and sealed each section with that.
Some dielectric grease on all the connections then double walled glue infused shrink tubing in the climate your in will correct the problem and eliminate the need to service as often as you do. I'd put that antenna in height above ground equal in wavelengths to the frequency with a ground plane would make a world of difference with your transmission capabilities.
Thanks for sharing!
Kind regards Eric Dee
Thanks for the info Eric.
@@CB-RADIO-UK : anytime my friend. By no means am I judging your knowledge with R.F. transmitting, but are you familiar on how frequency and wavelengths work with one another?, Those antennas are advertised as 5/8th wave but electrically they're not, that's where people run into issues with achieving a good match, and mediocre performance. Those antennas are electrically .640 wavelengths this is where antenna height and coax length plays a BIG PART with radiation angle especially at low frequency levels 24-28 megs.
Hi fred is your anntena have a ground plain kit ? Or is it directly in the earth ? Kind Regards from New Zealand snell
No my A99 is not currently grounded.
Thanks very much for your help but I don’t think I’ll bother. I’m not on Facebook in view of the news I didn’t trust it. I was a responsible CBer years ago l would love to come back but with the hassle of the call sign it doesn’t seem very likely.
You dont have to have a CT callsign to get on radio :-). There are other groups like Tango Mic that people use.
Nice brother you got it down to 1.2 why where your rings so high to begin with??
Only way i could get the SWR down. Shown in early video
Ground the in inverted vee with a 75ohm grounds block like the cable company does cheap and easy 😮also it's a great TV antennas or you can make a loop antenna rhombic type 😮
I still can't get my a99 with firestick upgrade below 1.3 on the swr, which is a tad annoying as the moment I put my small boots on it shoots up a bit. I don't think they are built half aswell as the original ones, from backnin the 80s say. My 1st and 2nd were way better, 100 Watts at 1.2, I was extremely impressed with the ones I had in 1998 when I was a young teenager. I'm wondering if the height is causing me an issue, it's only 15 ft up off the garden floor.
Yeah it might be the low height running a 100 watts. I never had an orig firestick so cannot comment.
Did the firestock help with receive too?
TBH not that i noticed. It made the antenna shorter and more stable in wind.
I've just purchased a base station and am in need of an antenna- what would you recommend? Thinking of a a99 or the 3 foot firestick but that one might be a waste of money. Just getting back into the cb hobby
Cheapest bang for the buck is a simple Silver Rod 1/2 or 5/8 wave. They are easy to set up and will work well from just 2 meters off the deck.
Antron 99... You can't go wrong with it
@@darkwarrior2383 yeah- I decided I'm gonna go with the a99, thanks for your input man 👍
@@JUGGERNAUT606 I have done a ton of research on this, and the A99 is the best way to go. I own one. Also if you want the range, I suggest a CB with SSB, that will get your signal out alot further. These are the people I deal with. Great company, used them many times. www.rightchannelradios.com/collections/cb-radios. Good luck brother. Let me know how it all works out for you.
@@darkwarrior2383 cool, thank you for the info- much appreciated ...
Inch it up a meter at a tme, NIce one Fred
i never had luck when these came out aways snapped in the wind
i use these...The company should give stainless washers...
I am thinking your rings need adjustment back toward center.
Yes mate watch on :-)
Hi ok haven't got a '99 but I'm in the process of making a silver rod higher, just a bit concerned about it coming down and smashing into next doors roof any advice
Strong T & K brackets (maybe 3) if your bolting to the wall. Guy rops if your just on a pole. Good 2" alloy pole. Once you set the swr you can always drill and put small self tapping screws in the sections of the Silver Rod.
Thank you
I am about to put up my first Antron 99. The instructions say something about trimming the top section. I have never seen nor heard anyone mention that. What are your thoughts?
Not something i would do. The pole is fiberglass that could splinter.
DONT TRIM THE TOP SECTION,PERIOD!!!!!
Hi just watched your video just got my A99 down look's the same did notice when you put it back together did you leave washers out
Hi. Yes it was the washers which had corroded and upset the swr.
@@CB-RADIO-UK thanks for the quick reply hope to get it back up and running next couple of days
If you wanted the antenna most discrete, why not use white plastic tape instead of black?
Just saying, but thanks for the video. Andy.
Hi Fred, Tried to back track on your videos. Have you done a video on beginners etiquette? I'm getting back into the hobbie, but I feel lost in some of the language of signal checks, also I struggle with some of the general terminology of cb users, not only with the way cb users communicate with each other, but also the way way the technical issues are discussed and resolved.
I dont think i have. Its very much a mixed bag. Can be crude on the 19 to almost Ham on the 555. Call signs can help getting DX. ua-cam.com/video/tIZoYRtd-RU/v-deo.html
Nice info
Goodevening, I was installing my antron 99 today and i used the rings like you did. But i can get the swr much lower under 2. How low did you go with the rings to reach that swr you got? Thanks.
Hi. First time i set up the A99 i struggled like you with the SWR. All i did was to remove the spring washers and i got pretty much 1.1. Also the FireUp top section helped.
@@CB-RADIO-UK oh I see. I have to take it down again then, thanks.
@@CB-RADIO-UK could it also be because me adjusting my antenna from my balcony that it is getting to much reflection of the walls from my neighbors houses?
I had to adjust the rings as well to lower my swr's even though the instructions said not to.
Yes you often have to move the rings to get the SWR lower.
I have an An old antron 99 had to re coat the outside with some fesh marine resin .the sun kills it.
Yes if i ever take mine down again for a service i might do the same.
what size hole did you drill in the bottom
Small around 6- 8mm
I noticed you left the spring washers out
Yes they were the part that had corroded causing the high SWR
My problem lies mine is not tuning, my plastic cover where the rings lies the hole unit was moving
Try soaking the rings with something like WD40.
well done FITS...(Fred In The Shed)
Thanks Errol. Hope you are well.
I wonder how well a 102 inch stainless steel whip would perform instead of a fiberglass antenna
Ive tried a 7 foot tank whip antenna and it worked about half as well as the A99.
Not long ago I mounted a 102 whip flat down tight against a metal pole barn roof with a 40x48 foot print using the entire roof as a ground plane. SWR flat from 26.0 to 28.0 then slowly climbs 1.1 down into 25 and up into 29. Broadest band coverage I’ve ever experienced, no spring just the 102 whip. I talk all over the lower 48 and up into Canada. I always get reports of loud and clear, and often accused of running power, the radio is so quiet sometimes I think it’s not on. Sweet deal for a $ 20 antenna.
You never heard of dielectric grease? Tubing joints etc..
Nope not before i made the video.
Turn on the Rainbird water the ground plane
👍.
I dont use top washer on my add on kit for a99 and swr is 1 to 1 also i find using lmr600 coax increases the range by 12km when using same length of rg213.catch you on again and hope watchers are all well.Fom 26ww347.
THANKS FOR POST,,DES CREAN ,,BELFAST,,IRELAND,,
HI Des hope you are well.
ANTENNA TAKEING 55 TO 87 MPH,FOR THE LAST 8HRS,STILL HAVE 4 TO 5 HRS TO GO,SWR HAS GONE MAD,,THANKS FRED FOR ASKING,,FUNNY YOU POST THINGS THAT IAM THINKING ABOUT, ANEW ANTENNA,
Somewhere around 1990 my antenna was new I rapped the three sections individually at the fiberglass top to bottom with 3m electrical tape like wrapping the handle on a baseball bat when we were kids in the future if I have any problem with aged tape I'll just will rewrap it no problems with frayed fiberglass
good job
Thanks.
My advice: Trash can that antique 99 and a Gainmaster or Sirio Tornado!
Hi ya it’s me again still having trouble with Charlie Tango. They wouldn’t accept my email address said they already had an account in that name. As I said flying to the moon in a bucket is easier. I can’t even see their email address to find out what the problem is.
Wheres the DIELECTRIC GREASE ???
Taping that drain hole at the bottom of the base is a bad idea. Moisture cant properly drain from the inside of the A99. Number one worst move operaters typically do when they just don't know the difference.
I drilled it larger in the end. Its not blocked.
Antron 99 are 20+ years old . Theres much better out there now such as the sirio gainmaster !
Your right. The Sirio is good as is the 2016.
For robustness I will choose an A99 any day of the week, okay they are not the top performing antenna, a 5/8 wave will perform better but they do what I want, and put it up and forget about it when you put it up right, I know a chap that had 2 Sirio Gain masters break on him in less than a year! I never liked the design of the Gain Master, I'm not knocking them or their performance, but I just think for the money they could be a bit more than slotted fibreglass tube held together by jubilee clips and pull your radiator through and clip for lowest SWR! na thanks
How about a wipe down with ACF50?
Hi Jake. What is ACF50 ?
fredintheshed1 Hi Fred - ACF50 was initially designed for the aerospace industry as an anti corrosion spray. Not to be confused with WD40, I use it to protect everything and anything that comes into contact with the weather.
Cheap PL259.
Any help would ne most appreciated...
ua-cam.com/video/79mXsXZjJw0/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/yFMvTs7gJ-E/v-deo.html
Thanks so much for the information, I live in the California desert and we frequently have very strong winds here so hopefully it will hold up with that.
A99 don't have that good of ears
There ok. Gainmaster 5/8 better.
Which idiot put ferrous metal spring washers in an antenna ?
🤣😂
Solarcon :-(
@@CB-RADIO-UK .
As soon as I opened my IMAX 2000 they went in the bin
@@jamesbradley9233 You need to watch my "Antron not happy chappie" video on fred in shed 2
@@CB-RADIO-UK OK mate, I'll have a gander