Topband: Patent lawsuit

[W4PV]

Hello all,

This problem arises in all businesses and it was bound to happen in the ham business eventually.  It is sad that it occurs between 3 excellent companies.  I hope that some reasonable agreement can be reached that is equitable to all sides and this matter can be put to rest without the need for a trial.  That (trial) would be hurtful to all parties and the ham community in general.  It is hard enough to have a ham business that is successful in this or any other business climate.

As others have said and I agree, that HI-Z uses a different design for its antennas than other manufactures however this will be an embarrassment to the entire ham business community and the community as a whole.  I suppose now we will see law suits seeping into other mundane areas of our hobby as well.  Sad since we are made up of a community of experimenters and tinkers.

I suppose that now we must put away our soldering irons, screw drivers, drills, excreta and forget about trying to improve a product.  I always thought this was the idea of ham radio: idea, invent, improve, and help others to understand the principals and operation and then they could start the process over.  This would eventually lead to an excellent product that others, as technology and knowledge can improve on.

Back to the drawing board: thinking, drawing, drilling, soldering, improving and maybe an idea that can help someone,

Patrick, W4PV