TopBand: Top Hat Loaded Verticals

[Joe Subich]

In <19970430.145623.9671.3.km1h@juno.com>, on 04/30/97 
   at 03:53 PM, km1h@juno.com said:

>So, while the technical discussion rages on, it is interesting to note
>that another ham has excellent results with short, top loaded antennas
>on Topband. 

We have all seen good operators with less than optimum antennas in a superior location beat an average operator with "textbook perfect" antennas.  With short, top loaded antennas, one generally has the best performance possible in a limited height ...  that doesn't mean the top loaded antenna could not be improved by the addition of a superior (broadcast grade) ground system or by replacing the top loading with additional antenna height.  Every one of us makes compromises based on available resources.  I worked my 160 DXCC in the early 80's with nothing more than a half-sloper because I was too lazy to install a good ground system and shunt feed the big tower ... that doesn't mean that the half-sloper was the best antenna. 

Tom (W8JI) has coinsistently attempted to debunk the "old fart's tales" currently being applied to lowband antennas.  He has provided theoretical data from the most respected antenna scientists, not some "explanation" or anecdotal results from an antenna marketing flier.  He has provided actual field strength measurements from working antennas under controlled dondfitions, not a "guess" from modelling programs known to have systemic errors under the conditions being tested.  

I guarantee you, if I were to erect a 17' tall "T" antenna or a 17' tall "pi" antenna they would perform exactly the same as any other 17' tall top loaded antenna over the same ground system as long as the losses in the feed (matching) network remained the same. 

It's time to put the issue to bed.  If you have an antenna that works well for you, fine -- use it, even recommend it, but DON'T make exagerated, scientifically unsound claims.  If you do, and I don't care who you are, be prepared to back up those claims with sound, scientificly valid data made under controlled conditions.  

73, 

   ... Joe Subich, W8IK  ex-AD8I
       <W8IK@ibm.net>
       <jsubich@ibm.net>


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