Topband: It Isn't Supposed to Work

[Tom Rauch]

> My new antenna isn't supposed to work, at least if you 
> listen to the  gurus.


People tend to assume that because others say something is 
not a good idea or isn't accurate technically, it means they 
are saying something "won't work" enough to please someone.

Antennas are not toggle switches. For example a Gap Vertical 
is 20dB down from a good vertical on 160. The B&W folded 
dipole is similar on some bands. Comet makes a vertical that 
is a dummy load with a wire attached. Many people are 
pleased with those antennas.

Because something doesn't work as people might describe or 
think doesn't mean it is turned off and can't be used for 
anything. It simply means the technical description might be 
wrong or it might be far from optimum.

We should all just understand that, and stop making antennas 
personal like the are our mothers.

73 Tom