Solarcon A-99

The Solarcon A-99 is a popular, durable, omni-directional fiberglass base station antenna used for CB radio communication and amateur (ham) radio operations on the 10 through 17 meter bands.
Key Features and Specifications
Frequency Range: Operates on the 10, 11 (CB), and 12 meter bands without a tuner, and the 10 through 17 meter bands with a tuner.
Power Handling: Rated to handle up to 2000 watts P.E.P..
Design: A half-wave over a quarter-wave variable mutual transductance tuned antenna, constructed from three easy-to-assemble fiberglass sections.
Tuning: Features the “Twin Ring Adjust-A-Match” system, which allows for tuning the SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) by raising or lowering the rings on the antenna base.
Durability: Made of rugged fiberglass and insulated up to 14,500 volts; it is lightning protected and DC grounded, meaning no lightning arrestor or static discharge unit is needed.
Height: The total assembled height is approximately 17 to 18 feet (5.3 to 5.5 meters).
Connector: Uses a female UHF (SO-239) coax connection.
Gain: Advertised with a 9.9 dBi gain, though some expert opinions suggest it is closer to the gain of a standard dipole (around 2.15 dBi).
User Experience and Reviews
Users generally praise the Solarcon A-99 for its ease of assembly and installation, as well as its good performance relative to its price.
Performance: Many users report excellent SWR right out of the box for the CB band, making contacts over significant distances, sometimes hundreds of miles with “skip”. It is considered a reliable and effective antenna for both local and distant communication.
Durability: The fiberglass construction is highly regarded for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds and ice storms, with some antennas lasting 15-25 years.
Versatility: The ability to operate on multiple ham radio bands with a tuner makes it a versatile option for hobbyists.