[TowerTalk] Laws of Physics Repealed!

[Donald Chester]

First there was the Gotham Vertical.  Then the infamous Max-Com automatic antenna matcher.  Now, Cushrcaft is in on the action. 

"R9"
 vertical.  Low angle radiation gives incredible, easy, world-wide low 
band DX on 75/80m and 40m, plus it covers 30 through 6m with low 
VSWR on all bands, with broadband matching transformer; no antenna tuner 
needed. Low profile blends inconspicuously to keep your HOA happy.  31.5
 ft tall.  Best of all, NO RADIALS NEEDED!!! 

 Only $639. Just plug in your plastic radio and talk, talk, talk! 

See November, 2015 QST, page 2.

Amazing
 that hams (or maybe I should say HAMs) swallow that crapola.  31.5 ft 
is only an eighth wavelength on 75/80m. The base impedance of a 1/8 
wavelength vertical is about 12 ohms. No matter how much gimmickry such 
as stubs, loading coils, toroidal transformers and porcupine spikes are 
added, that thing will basically be a dummy load unless it is used with a
 SUBSTANTAL radial ground system.  A couple of 8' ground rods won't cut 
it.

I had always considered Cushcraft, which has been in the business for decades, a reputable outfit, but this makes me wonder.


Don k4kyv