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Shortened Verticals: experiments
Shortened Verticals: experiments
In a mailing list, ham radio operator Tom W8JIT described a
controlled experiment that he performed with a vertical antenna
built in an open field. He compared the field strengths produced
by a set of ground radials suspended 8 feet above the earth with
the same set of radials sitting on the surface of the soil.
Interestingly, the elevated system produced better results when
Shortened Verticals: experiments
In a mailing list, ham radio operator Tom W8JIT described a
controlled experiment that he performed with a vertical antenna
built in an open field. He compared the field strengths produced
by a set of ground radials suspended 8 feet above the earth with
the same set of radials sitting on the surface of the soil.
Interestingly, the elevated system produced better results when
there were only 4 radials. As the number of radials increased,
the differences between the elevated and ground-level systems decreased.
"First I added four radials, and measured FS [field strength] at
just over one mile and recorded that value. Then I went back, lowered
the radials and antenna, and pegged the bare wire to the dirt with little hooks."I repeated this with 8, 16, and 60 radials. Here’s what I measured. The
percentage and dB reading is referenced to the highest FS I measured, NOT to
a theoretically perfect system:"
| 8 foot high counterpoise | ground mounted radials | |||||
| 4 wires | 37 % | -4.3 dB | 20.1 mV | 28 % | -5.5 dB | 17.5 mV |
| 8 wires | 58 % | -2.38 dB | 25 mV | 53 % | -2.73 dB | 24 mV |
| 16 wires | 86 % | -.63 dB | 28.7 mV | 74 % | -1.3 dB | 28.4 mV |
| 60 wires | 96 % | -.18 dB | 32.5 mV | 100 % | 0 dB | 33 mV |
Data in the table below is extracted from the article "Ground
Systems as a Factor in Antenna Efficiency" by G.H. Brown, R.F. Lewis,
and J. Epstein, in Proceedings of the Institute of Radio Engineers,
vol.25, no.6, June 1937, pages 753-787. This is one of the most thorough
scientific experiments to date. The table gives actual field strength
measurements in dB referenced to a theoretical ideal vertical antenna.
| radial length | number of radials | 1/4-wave vertical | 1/8-wave vertical | 1/16-wave vertical |
| .14-wave | 2 | -4.2 | -6.3 | -10.6 |
| " | 15 | -2.3 | -3.6 | -5.5 |
| " | 60 | -2.1 | -3.1 | -4.8 |
| .27-wave | 2 | -4.2 | -6.1 | -10.7 |
| " | 15 | -2.1 | -2.4 | -4.7 |
| " | 60 | -0.8 | -1.2 | -2.7 |
| .41-wave | 2 | -3.9 | -5.6 | -10.0 |
| " | 15 | -1.8 | -2.2 | -3.8 |
| " | 60 | -0.5 | -1.0 | -2.3 |
This experiment showed that 120 radials nearly 1/2 wavelength long,
combined with a 1/4 wave vertical radiator, came very close to the
performance of the ideal 1/4-wave vertical antenna over perfect ground.
Shorter vertical radiators, shorter ground radials, and fewer radials all
resulted in lower field strengths at the monitoring points.
Private Radio
Editor’s note: Seems like an interesting opportunity!
Raleigh, N.C., ‘Private’ Radio Station Shows Medium’s Marketing Versatility
Dudley Price, Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, Washington: ,Aug 6, 2003.
Abstract (Article Summary)
Raleigh resident Virgil D. Duncan’s company, TIS, first started selling the low-power radios 20 years ago to real estate brokers and restaurants.
Editor’s note: Seems like an interesting opportunity!
Raleigh, N.C., ‘Private’ Radio Station Shows Medium’s Marketing Versatility
Dudley Price, Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, Washington: ,Aug 6, 2003.
Abstract (Article Summary)
Raleigh resident Virgil D. Duncan’s company, TIS, first started selling the low-power radios 20 years ago to real estate brokers and restaurants. And Wisconsin-based Radio Technologies LLC, which made the unit at [David Johnson] Lexus, has sold more than 100,000 “Talking House” transmitters since the company was founded in 1985.
Bruce Reimer, the company’s vice president and general manager, said the large transmitters sell for between $25,000 and $44,000. Reimer said Highway Information Systems is the largest supplier of highway information transmitters to state transportation departments and turnpike authorities in the United States.
He called RDU to find out who made its parking information transmitter. But Highway Information Systems no longer makes the small transmitters and ended up buying the unit from Radio Technologies and then installed it for Johnson Lexus. That unit cost $1,192 including installation.
Full Text (710 words)Copyright 2003, The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.
To see more of The News & Observer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.newsobserver.com.
Aug. 6–RALEIGH, N.C.–Lexus dealer David Johnson has borrowed a promotional tool from the real estate industry to get an edge on competitors — a personal radio station.
Since Johnson had a low-power transmitter and antenna installed a month ago, drivers whizzing past the Johnson Lexus dealership on Capital Boulevard can tune their radios to 1610 AM to hear about featured vehicles, oil change specials and financing options. The messages can be heard within about a half-mile of the dealership.
“It gives us the opportunity to communicate with a customer whether we’re open or not,” Johnson said. “It’s your own private radio station, and we’re very happy with it.”
Johnson said he’s the first local car dealer to offer radio broadcasts, but others may start using them, too. Executives with the dealership recently made a presentation about the system to other Lexus dealers in the region.
Residential real estate brokers and homebuilders have used the tiny transmitters for years to beam descriptions of houses to passing drivers.
Raleigh resident Virgil D. Duncan’s company, TIS, first started selling the low-power radios 20 years ago to real estate brokers and restaurants. And Wisconsin-based Radio Technologies LLC, which made the unit at Johnson Lexus, has sold more than 100,000 “Talking House” transmitters since the company was founded in 1985.
Mark Goulais, customer relations manager with Radio Technologies, said national sales tripled in the past three years and now totals tens of thousands each year. Real estate brokers and homebuilders are the main buyers, but the company has also sold transmitters to banks, schools and even cemeteries.
“The larger ones use it for hours and to give out different locations of the cemetery, such as `Follow path B to the such and such funeral,'” Goulais said.
Meg Russell, owner of Southern Wake Realty, bought three “Talking House” transmitters when she opened her brokerage a year ago.
“It’s about tripled exposure to my listings,” said Russell, who uses audio and virtual tours exclusively to sell homes. “People don’t have but so much time … and if they can just slow down and hear a description of the interior of the home it either makes or kills the deal right there as far as their further interest.
“If you’re a Realtor and they call you after hearing the tour, you pretty much know they’re interested.”
The Federal Communications Commission doesn’t require licenses for the small transmitters, which broadcast using just one-tenth of a watt. The transmitters resemble VCRs and have a range from 300 feet to about half a mile.
Duncan, an electrical engineer, was one of the first in the area to sell the small transmitters, when he started TIS 25 years ago, after leaving Capitol Broadcasting, where he had been a vice president.
“One-tenth of the business was for Realtors and restaurants,” said Duncan, 82 and now retired.
TIS was sold in 1998 to Chicago-based Quixote and renamed. Under the current name, Highway Information Systems, it now sells larger and more expensive transmitters.
Bruce Reimer, the company’s vice president and general manager, said the large transmitters sell for between $25,000 and $44,000. Reimer said Highway Information Systems is the largest supplier of highway information transmitters to state transportation departments and turnpike authorities in the United States.
Triangle residents probably are most familiar with the one alongside Interstate 40 which transmits parking information for Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
It was RDU that steered Johnson, the car dealer, to Highway Information Systems, now based in Durham. Johnson became intrigued with the commercial possibilities of the radio transmitters after listening to recorded messages at several historic sites.
He called RDU to find out who made its parking information transmitter. But Highway Information Systems no longer makes the small transmitters and ended up buying the unit from Radio Technologies and then installed it for Johnson Lexus. That unit cost $1,192 including installation.
Johnson estimates his transmitter has attracted hundreds of customers to his showrooms since it was installed.
“It’s an idea in infancy,” Johnson said. “Any way a business is able to communicate with its customers or potential customers is definitely something it needs to look at.”
Credit: The News Observer, Raleigh, N.C.
Posted as Good Faith Fair Use: Transformative, educational, nonprofit use of articles, stories, or essays less than 2,500 words, factual in nature, not for use as entertainment or reward, the use is instructional, the place is non-profit multimedia and the use will not negatively affect the value of the copyrighted material.Radio Beat: Auburn station launched and ready to grow
Radio Beat: Auburn station launched and ready to grow
Thursday, March 6, 2003.
By BILL VIRGIN. SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER.
Abstract
A new radio station is on the air in Auburn. True, you have to be parked almost under the transmitter to hear it, although there are reports that it can be heard up to a half-mile away from the station. Auburn Community Radio went live on March 3 at 1500 on the AM dial, according to Paul Nelson. Auburn Community Radio, http://www.auburncommunityradio.com
Radio Beat: Low-power AM plan for Auburn
Radio Beat: Auburn station launched and ready to grow
Thursday, March 6, 2003.
By BILL VIRGIN. SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER.
Abstract
A new radio station is on the air in Auburn. True, you have to be parked almost under the transmitter to hear it, although there are reports that it can be heard up to a half-mile away from the station. Auburn Community Radio went live on March 3 at 1500 on the AM dial, according to Paul Nelson. Auburn Community Radio, http://www.auburncommunityradio.com
Radio Beat: Low-power AM plan for Auburn
Thursday, January 10, 2002
By BILL VIRGIN. SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER.
Abstract
Nelson, weekend jazz host on KPLU-FM, producer of radio public affairs programs and head of the Northwest Spokenword Lab, has submitted one of the more than 60 applications from this state for low-power FM. He hasn’t given up on that idea, but he has another more immediate venture in the works, called Auburn Community Radio.
Realtors Take Condo Sales Pitch To The (Very Local) Airwaves
Michael Prager, Globe Staff. Boston Globe. Boston, Mass.: Jun 15, 2003. pg. J.4
Abstract (Article Summary)
That’s why it’s a perfect spot for a talking house. Realtors Ted Duncan and Sylvia Contin of Re/Max Select in Allston have installed a low-power radio transmitter there at 41 Carlton, hoping to entice radio-equipped passersby with the virtues of Bud Thornton’s condo.
The box is about the size of a VCR and uses the same technology that puts Boston’s big stations on the air, although it is more similar to the extremely local signals used to give highway traffic alerts or parking information at airports. Even then, the signal is much weaker, casting only about 300 feet. It can be set to any AM frequency; Duncan said he chose 1010 because he figured it was an easy number for people to dial into.
Michael Prager, Globe Staff. Boston Globe. Boston, Mass.: Jun 15, 2003. pg. J.4
Abstract (Article Summary)
That’s why it’s a perfect spot for a talking house. Realtors Ted Duncan and Sylvia Contin of Re/Max Select in Allston have installed a low-power radio transmitter there at 41 Carlton, hoping to entice radio-equipped passersby with the virtues of Bud Thornton’s condo.
The box is about the size of a VCR and uses the same technology that puts Boston’s big stations on the air, although it is more similar to the extremely local signals used to give highway traffic alerts or parking information at airports. Even then, the signal is much weaker, casting only about 300 feet. It can be set to any AM frequency; Duncan said he chose 1010 because he figured it was an easy number for people to dial into.
Tune your car radio to 1010 AM, and you can hear details about the house for sale at 41 Carlton St. in Brookline.
Full Text (482 words)
Copyright New York Times Company Jun 15, 2003
To millions of New York City commuters, 1010 AM means WINS radio, where they say, “You give us 22 minutes, we’ll give you the world.”
But the slogan for 1010 AM on a tree-lined block in Brookline, if they had one, would be more like, “You give us until the traffic signal at Beacon Street changes, we’ll tell you about this condominium for sale.”
The block is on Carlton Street, a popular cut-through used weekday mornings by Cambridge-bound commuters from the Riverway and points south. Traffic often backs up through the intersection with Monmouth Street, and the wait can be a couple of light-cycles long.
That’s why it’s a perfect spot for a talking house. Realtors Ted Duncan and Sylvia Contin of Re/Max Select in Allston have installed a low-power radio transmitter there at 41 Carlton, hoping to entice radio-equipped passersby with the virtues of Bud Thornton’s condo.
“It’s really simple,” said Duncan. “Plug the box into the house and run the antenna out the window. Sometimes [when you install it], you can hear the ad running on the car radios before you can close the window.”
The box is about the size of a VCR and uses the same technology that puts Boston’s big stations on the air, although it is more similar to the extremely local signals used to give highway traffic alerts or parking information at airports. Even then, the signal is much weaker, casting only about 300 feet. It can be set to any AM frequency; Duncan said he chose 1010 because he figured it was an easy number for people to dial into.
The only frequencies not available to him were those already in use. “If I were to put it on, say, 680, it would get drowned out by WRKO,” he said.
Duncan expresses great enthusiasm for the product, sold by a Wisconsin company, saying it generally increases calls on a listing by 30 percent. The property – 1,725 square feet on two levels, with two bedrooms, three fireplaces, and deeded parking – has been on the market about five weeks. It is offered at $659,000.
Owner Bud Thornton, a proprietor of Thorton’s Fenway Grill nearby, said that even though no one he knows has picked up on his status as Boston’s newest broadcaster, he thinks the device is a good tool that he’s glad to have working for him.
“A lot of times you might see an ad, or a place in the area you want to be in, but not know much about it. This way, you can find out a lot about a property already, on the radio, and decide one way or the other.”
Michael Prager can be reached at [email protected].
Posted as Good Faith Fair Use: Transformative, educational, nonprofit use of articles, stories, or essays less than 2,500 words, factual in nature, not for use as entertainment or reward, the use is instructional, the place is non-profit multimedia and the use will not negatively affect the value of the copyrighted material.
On the air in Manteca, AM 1700
On the air in Manteca, AM 1700 – – April 3, 2004
He isn’t the sort of person you’d anticipate launching a community radio station.
The new Manteca resident travels back and forth across the Altamont daily to work in the Bay Area — and has a job that most would consider stressful to say the least.
the station owner, who moved to Manteca from Memphis to take a job as the Vice President of a dot-com shortly before it folded, took his love for music, and his enjoyment of his new surroundings, out onto the airwaves — literally.
Inside of the garage of his Northeast Manteca home, the station operator spins records and breaks out tracks that people haven’t heard in decades.
He just hope that his newfound hobby, Part 15 radio station AM 1700, is something that the whole community can enjoy with him.
“I was thumbing around on-online on pirate radio newsgroups, and found a link that showed me how to do it legally,” said the station owner.
On the air in Manteca, AM 1700 – – April 3, 2004
He isn’t the sort of person you’d anticipate launching a community radio station.
The new Manteca resident travels back and forth across the Altamont daily to work in the Bay Area — and has a job that most would consider stressful to say the least.
the station owner, who moved to Manteca from Memphis to take a job as the Vice President of a dot-com shortly before it folded, took his love for music, and his enjoyment of his new surroundings, out onto the airwaves — literally.
Inside of the garage of his Northeast Manteca home, the station operator spins records and breaks out tracks that people haven’t heard in decades.
He just hope that his newfound hobby, Part 15 radio station AM 1700, is something that the whole community can enjoy with him.
“I was thumbing around on-online on pirate radio newsgroups, and found a link that showed me how to do it legally,” said the station owner. “I couldn’t believe it — I knew this was something that I had to do.”
Sitting behind the microphone wasn’t something new for the Unix Systems Manager and father of two. He started out working as a Disc Jockey early on — working weddings and parties, and eventually at radio stations.
Little did he know that at one time he would have his own Pop 80’s station in a small family town in California.
“Music is something that I’ve always been interested in,” the station owner said. “I really don’t listen to what I play now — my taste is very quite different.”
Under FCC regulations, people can broadcast on their own as long as the transmissions don’t exceed 100 mega-watts of power. (EDITOR’S NOTE – That should have been 100 MICRO-watts, not 100 MEGA-watts of power)
While it sounds like a lot, stations like KGO of San Francisco broadcast at around 50,000 mega-watts, and border blasters — international radio stations aimed towards the US — double that amount.
the station owner claims that it’s the grounding that allows his station to broadcast up to four-miles away — reaching almost every corner of Manteca.
“We have the best grounding on the planet here,” said the station owner of what anchors his antennae. “That’s why it’s able to get to the entire city — it’s really great.
While he occasionally gets behind the microphone to talk to his listeners or put together some of his favorite songs, don’t expect to find a political agenda.
The closest he gets to politics is the sticker he has in the studio that says “Speak the Truth” — something he feels rules out politics altogether.
“The rule here is that if you’re going to speak, you’re going to speak the truth,” the station owner said. “This station definitely isn’t politically motivated — this town is too diverse to have an agenda.
“We’re not here to offend anyone.”
One of the only other requirements is that anybody who gets behind the microphone has to keep things clean — the station owner wants to know that his children can tune it at any time during the day, and be comfortable about what’s being talked about.
Because of that, he’s hoping to take his newfound discovery to the people of Manteca.
“I just hope that somebody out there who has a little extra space would be kind enough to let us use some of it,” the station owner said. “That way we could get this thing into it’s own quarters so it can officially be it’s own station.”
Since the station is in the station owner’s garage, running a show in the hot valley summer is all but out of the question.
Also, liability issues around having people coming in and out of his garage all day make it somewhat unnerving to think about.
Until the station owner gets everything officially squared away, he’s sticking with the mainly automated format ran though a computer system.
“We’re hoping that somebody has some extra space that they’ll be able to loan to us,” the station owner said. “That would make the idea to have different people doing different sorts of shows — it would change the landscape of music.”
Even though the automated 80’s hits remain as the music programmed for the station, the station owner still likes to break out and dust off his old vinyl to take him back to time that was so much simpler.
“When I was a teenager and living in Newark, New Jersey, I was a 40-minute train ride from CBGB’s,” said the station owner of the famed punk-rock club in New York City that helped launch the bands responsible for the movement. “It was amazing.”
Sitting underneath his turntable is his record collection which ranges from traditional 80’s bands like The Cars to the controversial KISS — but he still likes listening to a lot of the cutting edge music being produced today.
It’s the commercialism that sometimes throws him off.
In a day and age when in order to make it big you have to me MTV friendly, and underground bands are turning faster than the hands on a clock, it’s sometimes hard to find something unique.
“It’s all going commercial so fast,” said the station owner. “But the thing is that music is music — it’s all either going to be rooted in jazz or the blues.”
Regardless of the music industry, the station owner still plans on cranking out his tunes — which were recently brought to the streaming internet medium — to the people of a city he has grown to love.
“This is all about the community — I’d like to see churches come in here, and people who want to plan an hour of music that they absolutely love,” the station owner said. “This is more of an expression of music, and that’s a great thing.”
For more information about the station, visit www.am1700.org (Internet Archive copy of a long gone site).
By JASON CAMPBELL, Staff reporter of the Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin