At last, someone has taken the time to video an antenna actually being put together and then mounted on the house. There are dozens of UK tubers who film a 15-minute video and just show you what's in the darn box. This video is so much more helpful and interesting to watch. Thanks for sharing, helped me a lot.
Thanks Cliff. I enjoy making these videos and helping people. Like you, I sometimes have a hard time finding videos that are actually helpful so i try to make my videos with this in mind. Glad it was useful
I like to use tripod mounts for my antennas. I think they are the best and strongest. I have an antenna up on the roof for 25 years in a tripod mount and never had a problem.
nice vid,thinking of upgrading in the summer as my A99 is starting to looks a little worn out after 15 yrs,,,like the green paint will blend in well with environment better than white and keep xyl happier ...enjoy.
Great vid. I have used many antennas over the past 4 decades. For the past 22 years I have been using an A-99. I really want to get an I-Max 2000. I talk to a lot of DX stations who use them
Hey Tim, When you take it down for whatever reason, remove the washer between the bottom section & the center section. Just tighten them together with vice grips & an open end wrench. The washer tends to make a weak point by increasing the shearing torque leverage on the threads. Where they tend to break first in higher winds.
Good information, so thanks for posting. I have one of these that’s been sitting in the box for years. I never used it because, I learned that the MAX 2000 is for HAM and not CB. I’ve heard that it can be used for CB but I’ve never had anyone verify that. I was hopeful you would’ve mentioned your application. 🤷♂️
Nice Splatter Stick install. No way one of these will out talk or receive better than the original Hygain Aluminum Penetrator Antenna. But the easy assembly & tuning & safety features of fiberglass & superior wind strength definitely make it worth one.
,,,,,e few hams, discovered, 20 ft, chain link fence, sections,,,and they have shorter sections, that are easy to join, that you can use, to let the mast rest right on the ground, to take pressure, off your eave mount,,,local fence companies, all sell them, about 40, or 50 bucks,,,and theyll deliver, usually,,,,just a suggestion,,,I just purchased this antenna, and am soaking up, mount, info,,,cool vid,,,bet it works gret,,,thanks for posting,,,de NV1H,,,😎
Adding the washers might keep it tight but it also reduces the strength and increases the stress on the screws as theirs not so much body/ thread keeping it in place.
I didn't use the washers on mine not only does it make it weak but they rust out and it affects the contact I installed mine without and made sure it was nice and tight and I put the outdoor tape around joints been up there for 15 years no problem
I've only used IMAX 2000 Antron 99 antenna and yes I noticed a lot of static they say if you use the ground plane kit on either the Antron 99 or the IMAX 2000 it reduces the static but I've also heard it increases your SWR not sure
I would probably opt for the antron 99 as its not as large and then get the fire up firestick upgrade top section to turn it into a 5/8 wave like the imax 2000, Except it wont be as big and flexy and that would be less stress on the screws.
This antenna might work itself loose from the house with very high winds. With storms they tend to rock back and forth. What happens when you wiggle a nailed piece of wood? it eventually falls off. I had a similar design and it failed. I eventually went with threaded pipe from ground to mast.
Yea, I planned to run a pipe from ground up but never got around to it. So far - so good. I used some pretty hefty lag screws up there so hopefully it will hold. I'm getting too old to climb now. Ha!
Nice info Tim ,buy this antenna also and put them up yesterday I Am cureous the top is 14 meters high for the moment and works yesterday at 1900 4 brazil stations on the 11 MB conditions are bad and the noise /siganal is very good top antenna new price here in Belgium = 150euro ,so all the best and 73,
***** one of this weeks I put the antenna to 18 a 19 meters .Ans it was raining yesterday evening no stattic and SWR 1:1 on the alum. gpa was stattic 73, take care
Tim, I have the Antron 99 arriving in a few days, but I have yet to order the Coax, currently I have the PL259 type of coax, is this okay ? Or do I need a different type with different plugs fitted? Some people talk about the watts etc .. can you advise please, my thanks in advance and also for the video. George from Scotland.
Nice video. I have been using the Imax antennas for almost 20 years and am just about to put up no#6. I have had three fail and the joint that connects the center section to the lower section. The threaded part breaks right off. I have also had two fail from running too much power. No, they will not take the 5000 watts that they advertise. Not even close. If it didn't work so well and be so broad banded I would find something else to try.
My Imax 2000 broke where the fiberglass comes out of the metal coupler of the top part. Must say in pretty heavy winds even for here (Coastal area in the Netherlands) but I had hoped it that it stayed in one piece. Was indeed working very good but now I would like an antenna that stays in one piece and keeps working because something bad has happened to me and I can't go on the roof anymore. Was thinking about a Shakespeare big stick 1/2 wave , or any suggestions? because this one is hard to get in Europe I understand...
I have a Solorcon A99 antenna. It's about 3 years old and the fiberglass is starting to come off on the surface. I take it, by your video, that it's okay to paint it to keep the fiberglass from wearing down.
Try using several 9' lengths of quality guy wire or 1/16" stainless steel aircraft cable from the top U-bolt down to non-metallic line, like parachute cord, though I prefer dacron covered aramid or kevlar line. Depending on the length of the metal, you can steer the RF take-off angle of radiation up or down a few degrees.
one thing i think would help out a great deal if it's possible. run wire radials on the ground in a circle pattern evenly spaced attached to the metal mast. also when you can with better brackets, make sure the antenna is at least 1/2~ above ground in freespace away from objects etc. that along with the radials(more the better) on the ground, you be astounded at the antennas performance on both tx & rx also run a good solid copper wire from antenna to your ground rod. 73's k7sce
I have a question if anybody can help me I will appreciate it very much . I have a IMAX 2000 I noticed a lot of people use the ground plane kit but I'm getting mix answers from different people some people say that it work good they're good on bleeding on your equipment or your neighbor's equipment and some people say they make your SWR higher some people say it reduces the white noise level not as much static I was wondering if anyone can give me some feedback on any experience they had cuz I'm planning to possibly install the ground plane kit on my IMAX 2000 thank you... 73s
вы просто хотите использовать антенну на 10 и 11 метрах, которые используют сухопутные самолеты совершенно упорядоченно. Но на 12, 15 и 17 метрах радиальный комплект настроит антенну на эти диапазоны и поднимет КСВ. Вместо этого вы можете сделать дроссельную катушку с открытым воздухом, намотанным в точке подачи антенны.
+Sotac71 If you just want to use the antenna for 10 & 11 meters, using the ground planes is fine. But on 12, 15, and 17 meters, the radial kit will detune the antenna for these bands, and raise the SWR. Instead, you can make an open air wound choke coil at the antenna feed point.
I have a Galaxy 959 ssb radio running 12 Watts . I don’t have a place to mount the mast as high as your setup, 12 foot mast at the maximum , about how far a distance could I expect to get
There are a lot of variables that determine the distance you will be able to communicate. Do you live in hilly area or is it flat land? To communicate locally, "line of sight" with no buildings, trees etc your transmitted signal will go the furthest. Now, of course CB'ers refer to the "skip" when you can hear somebody hundreds of miles away. That is because the signal actually travels up to the ionosphere and bounces back down. It can do this several times making it possible to hear and even transmit many hundreds of miles away. But if you are referring to being able to talk to somebody close by reliably, I would think with this antenna you would at least be able to work someone several miles away..
TimTools99 , the furthest relative I would have to communicate with in an emergency situation is a hair under 20 miles away, the land in between is flat but does have bigger trees, I’m thinking of buying a newer Galaxy dx86V cb with ssb and this radio has 45 watts . The radio shot will do a peak and tune, with the newer 46 watt radio that has 35 more watts then my galaxy 959would that get me to the 20 mile mark
I would test that radio you have and see before buying the new radio. Higher transmit power doesn't always translate to being able to communicate further ... although it helps. It also depends what the guy has on the other end for a transceiver and antenna. Sometimes the way to go is with a Yagi (directional antenna.) The Yagi antenna provides more gain than a omni-directional antenna like the Solarcon Max. You could point that antenna at your target and this would make a big difference. (Sometimes better than just boosting transmit power.) The Yagi antenna focuses both transmit and receive signals. Here's a link to antenna that would be a killer! 14.5 dbi gain compared to the Solarcon's 5.1 dbi. But, it is a monster big antenna and you would need a rotor to turn it. wolfradio.com/wy4.htm
You know .... I never realized that! Somebody started me using that dielectric grease and I have used it a few times. Yes, the antenna did work so apparently it was getting continuity somehow. Thanks for pointing this out.
@@TimTools99 Great! i was asking because I put some on some Anderson power pole connectors for fork lifts and they wouldn't run! I had to clean it all off. Maybe RF likes it better than DC....Thanks for answer
Hello Sean, The antenna is a terrific choice. Works great as a CB antenna and i checked it with an antenna analyzer and it will tune on 10, 12, 15, 17, 30 and even 6 meters. I made up a chart of the frequencies that I can use the antenna on these bands with no tuner. I often use this as a receiving antenna to find activity, then switch to my beam for more gain. I think this is a nice antenna especially for the money.
Depends. Line of sight which is affected by hills, buildings, trees etc. It is very hill where i live. I have talked to people 10-15 miles away on CB. On "ham radio" 28Mhz antenna works well too.
I'm always amazed how much smarter the people watching these videos are-- or so they believe. Here's a hint-- just because you believe something to be God's word doesn't mean it's so. Just watch the things and keep your belief in your own genius to yourself.
they should make some alloy sleeves/clamps to strengthen the design at the screws so it screws in and also has a clamp around it to help more with wind stress..
Coax length is, what you need to the CB to the Antenna. It all depends on where you're going to install it. 50' is enough in most locations. 100' that's if your going to have the antenna away from the house in the back yard on a TV push up mast. Your question has nothing to do with matching the SWR because most coax is random. The Imax 2000 is adjustable for SWR tuning.
odd multible of 12ft,,ie 12ft 36ft and so on,,,ala way use odd lengths of a half wave at working freq,,taking coax velocity factor 0.66 in to account give you around 12ft,,to avoid standing wave on coax you use odd lengths,,,it works,,this is why cutting coax alters swr and gives false readings at the radio end and people get confused.
sorry you asked about coax length,,,you should use odd multiple of 12ft,,ie 12,36 etc,that will keep standing wave offf the coax and give you the same swr reading in the shack as you would get at the antenna,,,a correctly tuned system all the way.
Not a .64. Measuring the entire antenna length above the 1 foot long grounded mounting bracket, the remaining antenna length is 23' or exactly .64, however, you must subtract from that 23' the length of the tuning network in the base, (about 3") plus the 3" or so of the capacitor just above the center of the middle piece, leaving exactly a .625 or 5/8 wave of 22' 6". 11803 = speed of light in millions of inches per second. 11803 x .625 ÷ 270" (22' 6") = 27.325MHz x the 99.5% VF of fiberglass raydome = 27.185MHz
At last, someone has taken the time to video an antenna actually being put together and then mounted on the house. There are dozens of UK tubers who film a 15-minute video and just show you what's in the darn box. This video is so much more helpful and interesting to watch. Thanks for sharing, helped me a lot.
Thanks Cliff. I enjoy making these videos and helping people. Like you, I sometimes have a hard time finding videos that are actually helpful so i try to make my videos with this in mind. Glad it was useful
Well, it is very much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time.
i guess it's quite off topic but do anyone know a good place to stream new tv shows online ?
@Tristan Paul I use flixzone. You can find it by googling =)
@Austin Otto Yea, I've been watching on flixzone for since april myself :D
I like to use tripod mounts for my antennas. I think they are the best and strongest. I have an antenna up on the roof for 25 years in a tripod mount and never had a problem.
nice vid,thinking of upgrading in the summer as my A99 is starting to looks a little worn out after 15 yrs,,,like the green paint will blend in well with environment better than white and keep xyl happier ...enjoy.
Great video! Thanks, helped me plan the installation go my Solarcon 2000
Great vid. I have used many antennas over the past 4 decades. For the past 22 years I have been using an A-99. I really want to get an I-Max 2000. I talk to a lot of DX stations who use them
Hello Jungle Joe C. I haven't used it too much. It is a good antenna for sure. Thanks for watching my video. 73's de N2RGT
***** I am definitely getting one this year
Hey Tim, When you take it down for whatever reason, remove the washer between the bottom section & the center section.
Just tighten them together with vice grips & an open end wrench.
The washer tends to make a weak point by increasing the shearing torque leverage on the threads.
Where they tend to break first in higher winds.
Thanks!
Good information, so thanks for posting. I have one of these that’s been sitting in the box for years. I never used it because, I learned that the MAX 2000 is for HAM and not CB. I’ve heard that it can be used for CB but I’ve never had anyone verify that. I was hopeful you would’ve mentioned your application. 🤷♂️
Nice Splatter Stick install. No way one of these will out talk or receive better than the original Hygain Aluminum Penetrator Antenna. But the easy assembly & tuning & safety features of fiberglass & superior wind strength definitely make it worth one.
,,,,,e few hams, discovered, 20 ft, chain link fence, sections,,,and they have shorter sections, that are easy to join, that you can use, to let the mast rest right on the ground, to take pressure, off your eave mount,,,local fence companies, all sell them, about 40, or 50 bucks,,,and theyll deliver, usually,,,,just a suggestion,,,I just purchased this antenna, and am soaking up, mount, info,,,cool vid,,,bet it works gret,,,thanks for posting,,,de NV1H,,,😎
Adding the washers might keep it tight but it also reduces the strength and increases the stress on the screws as theirs not so much body/ thread keeping it in place.
I didn't use the washers on mine not only does it make it weak but they rust out and it affects the contact I installed mine without and made sure it was nice and tight and I put the outdoor tape around joints been up there for 15 years no problem
I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos
..FOCUS....FOCUS... Focus.. but seriously good videos thanks for sharing ..73 from Desperado56 out of Florida
Great job
Thanks you old bastard
I have been doing tests with this antenna and a Sirio and they both perform well but the solarcon picks up more static.Anyone else notice this.
I've only used IMAX 2000 Antron 99 antenna and yes I noticed a lot of static they say if you use the ground plane kit on either the Antron 99 or the IMAX 2000 it reduces the static but I've also heard it increases your SWR not sure
I would probably opt for the antron 99 as its not as large and then get the fire up firestick upgrade top section to turn it into a 5/8 wave like the imax 2000, Except it wont be as big and flexy and that would be less stress on the screws.
That sounds good
Really good Antenna I get more the 10m & 11m I get 12m & 15m & 17 to on my FT-DX10
This antenna might work itself loose from the house with very high winds. With storms they tend to rock back and forth. What happens when you wiggle a nailed piece of wood? it eventually falls off. I had a similar design and it failed. I eventually went with threaded pipe from ground to mast.
Yea, I planned to run a pipe from ground up but never got around to it. So far - so good. I used some pretty hefty lag screws up there so hopefully it will hold. I'm getting too old to climb now. Ha!
Nice info Tim ,buy this antenna also and put them up yesterday I Am cureous the top is 14 meters high for the moment and works yesterday at 1900 4 brazil stations on the 11 MB conditions are bad and the noise /siganal is very good top antenna new price here in Belgium = 150euro ,so all the best and 73,
Nice to meet you Maurits. Yes, my antenna is still doing good job. 11 meters is a mess for sure!
***** one of this weeks I put the antenna to 18 a 19 meters .Ans it was raining yesterday evening no stattic and SWR 1:1 on the alum. gpa was stattic 73, take care
Tim, I have the Antron 99 arriving in a few days, but I have yet to order the Coax, currently I have the PL259 type of coax, is this okay ? Or do I need a different type with different plugs fitted? Some people talk about the watts etc .. can you advise please, my thanks in advance and also for the video. George from Scotland.
Yes, 50 ohm coax is what I used. Here is some information you may find useful. www.arrl.org/feed-lines
How far you get out with that setup
Nice video.
I have been using the Imax antennas for almost 20 years and am just about to put up no#6.
I have had three fail and the joint that connects the center section to the lower section. The threaded part breaks right off.
I have also had two fail from running too much power. No, they will not take the 5000 watts that they advertise. Not even close.
If it didn't work so well and be so broad banded I would find something else to try.
Thanks for the info. So far - so good
My Imax 2000 broke where the fiberglass comes out of the metal coupler of the top part. Must say in pretty heavy winds even for here (Coastal area in the Netherlands) but I had hoped it that it stayed in one piece. Was indeed working very good but now I would like an antenna that stays in one piece and keeps working because something bad has happened to me and I can't go on the roof anymore.
Was thinking about a Shakespeare big stick 1/2 wave , or any suggestions? because this one is hard to get in Europe I understand...
I have a Solorcon A99 antenna. It's about 3 years old and the fiberglass is starting to come off on the surface. I take it, by your video, that it's okay to paint it to keep the fiberglass from wearing down.
Yes go ahead and paint it.
@@TimTools99 maybe a clear coat?
Very good antenna, have one myself :)
Did the krylon paint mess with the swr does the pain have metallics in it??
I don't think so. The antenna works fine.
Dont use metallic paint
I wonder if it would be possible to make my own ground radials for this antenna?
Probably could
Try using several 9' lengths of quality guy wire or 1/16" stainless steel aircraft cable from the top U-bolt down to non-metallic line, like parachute cord, though I prefer dacron covered aramid or kevlar line.
Depending on the length of the metal, you can steer the RF take-off angle of radiation up or down a few degrees.
one thing i think would help out a great deal if it's possible. run wire radials on the ground in a circle pattern evenly spaced attached to the metal mast. also when you can with better brackets, make sure the antenna is at least 1/2~ above ground
in freespace away from objects etc. that along with the radials(more the better) on the ground, you be astounded at the antennas performance on both tx & rx also run a good solid copper wire from antenna to your ground rod.
73's k7sce
I have a question if anybody can help me I will appreciate it very much . I have a IMAX 2000 I noticed a lot of people use the ground plane kit but I'm getting mix answers from different people some people say that it work good they're good on bleeding on your equipment or your neighbor's equipment and some people say they make your SWR higher some people say it reduces the white noise level not as much static I was wondering if anyone can give me some feedback on any experience they had cuz I'm planning to possibly install the ground plane kit on my IMAX 2000 thank you... 73s
вы просто хотите использовать антенну на 10 и 11 метрах, которые используют сухопутные самолеты совершенно упорядоченно. Но на 12, 15 и 17 метрах радиальный комплект настроит антенну на эти диапазоны и поднимет КСВ. Вместо этого вы можете сделать дроссельную катушку с открытым воздухом, намотанным в точке подачи антенны.
Good video thanks! I was wondering do you think a Max2000 would work without the ground planes as long as the SWR's are below 2.
+Sotac71
If you just want to use the antenna for 10 & 11 meters, using the ground planes is fine. But on 12, 15, and 17 meters, the radial kit will detune the antenna for these bands, and raise the SWR. Instead, you can make an open air wound choke coil at the antenna feed point.
+TimTools99 Here's how to make the choke: www.k3dav.com/rfchokecoil.htm
HI Tim i received a imax 200 from a friend i see u painted it does painting it change how the signal is sending and receiving?
No, the paint will not have any affect on the signal.
Thanks for the info happy holidays from mine to yours.... 73s 2510 Drifter Big-Apple NYC
You has to use a non metallic paint
114p what is this 1997?
This antenna got reg imax but doesn't do ok likes lot higher than normal antenna but I'm not happy
I have a Galaxy 959 ssb radio running 12 Watts . I don’t have a place to mount the mast as high as your setup, 12 foot mast at the maximum , about how far a distance could I expect to get
There are a lot of variables that determine the distance you will be able to communicate. Do you live in hilly area or is it flat land? To communicate locally, "line of sight" with no buildings, trees etc your transmitted signal will go the furthest. Now, of course CB'ers refer to the "skip" when you can hear somebody hundreds of miles away. That is because the signal actually travels up to the ionosphere and bounces back down. It can do this several times making it possible to hear and even transmit many hundreds of miles away. But if you are referring to being able to talk to somebody close by reliably, I would think with this antenna you would at least be able to work someone several miles away..
TimTools99 the furthest I would have to go is a direct 20 miles
If the person on the other end has a good antenna, that is certainly possible.
TimTools99 , the furthest relative I would have to communicate with in an emergency situation is a hair under 20 miles away, the land in between is flat but does have bigger trees, I’m thinking of buying a newer Galaxy dx86V cb with ssb and this radio has 45 watts . The radio shot will do a peak and tune, with the newer 46 watt radio that has 35 more watts then my galaxy 959would that get me to the 20 mile mark
I would test that radio you have and see before buying the new radio. Higher transmit power doesn't always translate to being able to communicate further ... although it helps. It also depends what the guy has on the other end for a transceiver and antenna. Sometimes the way to go is with a Yagi (directional antenna.) The Yagi antenna provides more gain than a omni-directional antenna like the Solarcon Max. You could point that antenna at your target and this would make a big difference. (Sometimes better than just boosting transmit power.) The Yagi antenna focuses both transmit and receive signals. Here's a link to antenna that would be a killer! 14.5 dbi gain compared to the Solarcon's 5.1 dbi. But, it is a monster big antenna and you would need a rotor to turn it. wolfradio.com/wy4.htm
Very well built. Are you smoking crack. If i had a dime for everyone of the imax 2000s that craked in half i would be rich.
Did it actually work after putting dielectric grease on the center conductor? Its an insulator.......
You know .... I never realized that! Somebody started me using that dielectric grease and I have used it a few times. Yes, the antenna did work so apparently it was getting continuity somehow. Thanks for pointing this out.
@@TimTools99 Great! i was asking because I put some on some Anderson power pole connectors for fork lifts and they wouldn't run! I had to clean it all off. Maybe RF likes it better than DC....Thanks for answer
Can I paint mine with metallic silver will it mess the swr up
I wouldn't hink so
Does
Has anyone in the UK heard of proper towers, dirt cheap in 10 ft lengths?? Lot less work, far more secure and stable.
What type of mast did you use?
Old piece of water pipe.
Great preview. What do you think of the antenna?
Hello Sean, The antenna is a terrific choice. Works great as a CB antenna and i checked it with an antenna analyzer and it will tune on 10, 12, 15, 17, 30 and even 6 meters. I made up a chart of the frequencies that I can use the antenna on these bands with no tuner. I often use this as a receiving antenna to find activity, then switch to my beam for more gain. I think this is a nice antenna especially for the money.
did you use LMR400 coax?
It was so long ago I can't remember. Ha. I'm not familiar with that coax. Is it a new product?
What size diameter is your mast? Looks to be an inch maybe?
Yes. One inch
TimTools99 thank you. Great video by the way! Thanks for posting it.
@@TimTools99 Came here for this info. Thanks!
How far are you getting out locally?
Depends. Line of sight which is affected by hills, buildings, trees etc. It is very hill where i live. I have talked to people 10-15 miles away on CB. On "ham radio" 28Mhz antenna works well too.
not stainless fittings.
its chromed brass
Right. I noticed it is NOT stainless. Disappointed in that aspect.
I'm always amazed how much smarter the people watching these videos are-- or so they believe. Here's a hint-- just because you believe something to be God's word doesn't mean it's so. Just watch the things and keep your belief in your own genius to yourself.
What's the difference from "I-Max" or "Max" 2000 ?
Apple have the copyright an all things "I" probably.
I understand them to be the same.
they should make some alloy sleeves/clamps to strengthen the design at the screws so it screws in and also has a clamp around it to help more with wind stress..
Yeah ... This thing seems to take a lot of wind with no problems so far. It whips around pretty good up there!
Where can I buy one ?
copperelectronicsdotcom
IVE HAD THE MAX 2000 AND THE ANTRON 99 AND THE ANTRON WORKED BETTER ITS QUIETER AND IT HAD BETTER RECIEVE.
Goo d to know
I have krylon just not green
by the way is the mac 2000 made by McDonald?
+Peter Rod
Ha!
it's imax 2000 pete
73
Croatie
what is the best coxal length for a a-99 solarcon base antenna anyone ?
What ever you need I guess.
Coax length is, what you need to the CB to the Antenna. It all depends on where you're going to install it. 50' is enough in most locations. 100' that's if your going to have the antenna away from the house in the back yard on a TV push up mast. Your question has nothing to do with matching the SWR because most coax is random. The Imax 2000 is adjustable for SWR tuning.
Same for the A-99.
odd multible of 12ft,,ie 12ft 36ft and so on,,,ala way use odd lengths of a half wave at working freq,,taking coax velocity factor 0.66 in to account give you around 12ft,,to avoid standing wave on coax you use odd lengths,,,it works,,this is why cutting coax alters swr and gives false readings at the radio end and people get confused.
sorry you asked about coax length,,,you should use odd multiple of 12ft,,ie 12,36 etc,that will keep standing wave offf the coax and give you the same swr reading in the shack as you would get at the antenna,,,a correctly tuned system all the way.
Not a .64.
Measuring the entire antenna length above the 1 foot long grounded mounting bracket, the remaining antenna length is 23' or exactly .64, however, you must subtract from that 23' the length of the tuning network in the base, (about 3") plus the 3" or so of the capacitor just above the center of the middle piece, leaving exactly a .625 or 5/8 wave of 22' 6".
11803 = speed of light in millions of inches per second.
11803 x .625 ÷ 270" (22' 6") = 27.325MHz x the 99.5% VF of fiberglass raydome = 27.185MHz
Cool!
Lol...puff another one buddy!!!