Topband: Kinstar AM Radio Station Antenna Design

[Ford Peterson]

Rick-N6PE asks:

>I was wondering if anyone has experimented with the Kintronic Inc antenna design?

The short answer is "yes."  In fact, just about everybody on this list has either built or used one.  It's called an inverted L.  Very simple but effective use of a short vertical support to make a low-height vertical.  How the heck these cowboys managed to "invent" an inverted L, and patent same, is beyond me.  See patent number 6,580,398.  A quick read of the 'claims' indicates a pretty narrow interpretation.  The only magic is to use 4 "L"s to eliminate the 1-2dB of pattern skew caused when you use only one.  They also managed to get it tested and documented the performance so that they can roll them out as a product not requiring a rigorous FCC proof of performance analysis.

Ford-N0FP
ford at cmgate.com