Hi Herb,
> Well based on a paper presented at a recent NAB convention several BC
> design engineers have blown away those claims.
This isn't the first time the false claims that folded elements offer
efficiency advantages has been reputed. It probably won't be the
last because the claims of efficiency improvements, even though
incorrect, promise something for almost nothing.
Things that promise something for nothing tend to live on and on,
despite being disproven time and time again.
There is absolutely nothing to be gained, except an impedance
change. There isn't even much of a change in lightning protection,
since the bulk of energy in a lightning strike follows the "skin" of a
conductor...and that winds up being the cage! The tower sits nicely
in what amounts to being a Faraday cage, all shielded and
protected from the bulk of energy in a lightning stroke. The bulk of
energy in a strike would simply flow through the skirt and the feed
system connected to the skirt.
The worse damage I've ever had in a lightning hit was with a shunt
fed tower! It was my own unvarnished ignorance to think the
grounded radiator protected the equipment.
> be a waste of time. Have a look at the tests and arguments and let me
> know what you think. The paper is available for download at:
That web address didn't work when I attempted to invoke it.
73, Tom W8JI
w8ji@contesting.com
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