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Foxhunter
Intermediate Member
Username: Foxhunter
Post Number: 149
Registered: 4-2008
| | Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 11:49 pm: | 
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We all pretty much have read Tech 833's excellent "The A99 Exposed" article about the Solarcon A99.
First the original A99 was made by the company "Antron". Then Solarcon bought the rights to the A99 and have made this antenna since.
My question is: have there been any design or quality improvement changes to the Solarcon A99 since "The A99 Exposed" article was written? Was the orginal "Antron" A99 of better quality before Solarcon began making it? Any recent quality-related improvements since his article?
As a result of the "A99 Exposed" article, I thought I'd read that Solarcon had made improvements in construction because of such an unfavorable review-----and revealing of its lack of internal quality.
Is this true or isn't it? I can't find online a reference to this and am now doubting my sanity. Does anyone know and can they provide any reference links?
I appreciate Tech 833's helping "the entire industry" with his careful look at some of our popular antennas. The data & research he'd done and provided has been invaluable.
**Paul if you ever read this thank you so very much for your help with my Maco modification project, your input was greatly appreciated. I'm sorry I never e-mailed you right away about some of the older radio units I'd asked you about and when I went to do so your address was unlisted. Still your help was duly noted and thank you. |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 4888
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 09, 2008 - 9:47 am: |
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I had one from each and found no problems with either They worked just fine and were replaced by a 12avq to gain more bands.
On 6 since 66
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Marconi
Advanced Member
Username: Marconi
Post Number: 793
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - 1:37 pm: |
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Foxhunter, I don't know anything about recent A99 design changes, but Solarcon probably has made some changes over the years.
I consider it more than likely that Tech 833 produced this piece to reveal the workings inside the antenna, and not to reveal its lack of internal quality as you suggest.
Either way it goes, I wouldn't hold my breath expecting Solarcon or any other manufacturer, in a similar situation, to admit publically to your type of charges. If you read anything on the Internet regarding this issue, it will likely be personal opinion or CBBS.
Maybe you should write or call Solarcon and ask your question.
If you will check the report again you will see this article was posted in 2001. Go back and read the "premise" at the bottom of this header way back in 2001. See below.
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2001 - 11:44 am:
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The Antron 99 EXPOSED!
by Tech 833
Have you ever wondered what was inside the Antron 99 antenna? |
Foxhunter
Intermediate Member
Username: Foxhunter
Post Number: 151
Registered: 4-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - 6:10 pm: |
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So far thank you both for the reply. I've read Tech 833's article on this years ago via the DX Zone and have also viewed it several times since via The Copper Forum.
I had already written Solarcon 2 days ago and am waiting to see if they will reply. I wanted to ask here in the hopes that our members might know if any changes have ever been implemented.
I have asked Solarcon if there is any difference between the Solarcon A99 and the original Antron A99 in either design or construction.
I also asked them directly if there have been any changes made in the Solarcon A99 at any point, in regards to either design or construction.
I don't mean to portray the antenna as shoddy or am making accusations of any kind. The article did reveal a less-than-favorable construction method, like citing the quality of the soldering for example. The company's "gain" figure estimates seem to be rather a little off I think as well.
I have six different versions/incarnations of the A99 myself----some from Antron, Solarcon and a Radio Shack Crossbow.
People have had great success with the antenna and I am not trying to portray it in a negative light, but my line of questioning was in regards to the couple shortcomings the antenna had----and if there have been any improvements made since or not? That's all. |
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