Great video. There is one other thing that I would add that improves all antenna types. It worked for us and gives great results nearly 40 years on. I was technical director at KKFI in Kansas City. They are 100,00 watts ERP (25kw actually up the pipe). We put in a very effective ground radial system. We have a 500 foot (152 mters) tower. The 4 ground radial (North, South, East, and West) go out that far. The 45 degree radials are that long as well. In betwwen the 45's (22.5 degrees) are radials that go out half way. There are circular cables that join all 16. From the air this looks like a bulls eye target. This gives us a low "departure angle". Don't buy a cheap lightning arrester. A good one may cost you up front but save your ass week after week. We have frquent stoms (including thunder snow). What saved me is that at 500 feet we are the short tower on the hill. I was standing near our tower when a neighbor got hit. We were knocked off the air. Our arrestor worked and we were back on 5 minutes later. KKFI is listener supported. We put their money to good use (EV RE20). Do a proper job and invest in good stuff as g michrophones, great consoles, good equipment and well maintained) Do a propper job and invest in good stuff.
Wow, awesome thanks for all the input. I think most of your info is very high-end...and probably over the heads of most newcomers to broadcasting lol. I say the lightning arrester was cheap but it was not so much cheap as cheaper than a new transmitter. It did cost a bit but I felt like it was cheap compared to the damage. We at one stage had a quarter-wave antenna mounted on the top of a pole on a hill. The highest thing for miles around and it got hit constantly with zero damage. So the little arrester was pretty good. I am quite chuffed that someone of your broadcasting level is checking out my little channel lol. Glad you enjoyed it :) Glad to have you watching.
@@inspiresoundpro My main problem was a Mains problem. We were fed 440 volts three phase at 60 Hertx. Our power company would drop a phase without warning. The input transformer would fry in a minute I built a circuit with some relays that opened all three phases if one dropped. Keeping good broadcasting on air is a challenge. Anything thaat can help new folks is of value.
@@crankshaft3612 Oh yeah been there. Had the same thing happen to our studio. I found op-amp chips exploded in the mixer and processing gear smoked from the same three-phase issue. Ridiculous that they can do that. A challenge for sure. Keeping a 24-hour station going with small budgets and volunteers is a challenge for real. I feel your pain lol.
@crankshaft3612 . I am just curious on how many circular cables and the distance in between you joined around the 16 ground radial? Thank you in advance.
Hi. I am not an expert in digital transmitters but my understanding is that whether analogue or digital, the antenna is only affected by the transmitter frequency and power output. What the signal carries, whether analogue or digital really does not impact on the antenna choice or use but I stand to be corrected. That's unfortunately not my area of expertise. Cheers.
@inspiresoundpro I'm planning of putting a 120 ft tall self supporting steel lattice tower on a 1000 ft tall hill in austria. After watching your video I think I will use a dominator antenna instead of the standard dipole array, in conjunction with a 3kW ERP IBOC transmitter to get about 40 km (25 mi) of good sounding stereo FM and HD-Radio reach. Because heavy thunderstorms aren't unusual in my region and the tower will be in a exposed position, lighting are probably going to strike the top mounted antenna quite regularly. Where should I mount the lighting arrester? Directly after the antenna, down at ground level of the tower, or in the transmitter building? Also I'm not shure which transmitter brand I should purchase. Should a get a Nautel, a Broadcast Electronics, Gates, etc.? Which manufacturer would be a reliable choice?
@@user-munm I unfortunately can't recommend any specific manufacturers. It takes a lot of research to make that sort of decision. I would think it would be best to speak to a professional broadcast installer about a system like that. There should be a few of them that you can speak to in your country. They would have the best insight into the best choice and the complete set up. There are also a lot more things to consider than just the equipment. so they would be the best to speak to.
Hi. I have had a look for where they are available. I am waiting for a response from the suppliers. As soon as I have an answer I will let you know. Cheers
Hi. I have to answer in English. The spacing between the two antennas is a very complicated situation. The reason is that it can vary depending on how much down tilt you want. Also it can involve using a balun. The theory on antenna arrays is quite complicated but some say that having a half wave measurement between the two antennas should work but others say that 3/4 wavelength gives more gain. It is something you would have to experiment with to get the best results.
I realized that you meant lightning arrester. I found these ones on Ebay: www.ebay.com/itm/232628601562?hash=item3629bec2da:g:yXEAAOSw6ShZRVHu&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8Nq4dm3mCDQm5igj2XWuMWqJQrxgcC8u0FQTRIjANfrEI9a2aMB4MpGZdML18KNNVn91LsURxYdHLza8tq9hT31MKPtEML%2FEDXegisxB6NSxdwWGLxwbSC%2BDzyqwpvPvwYVxKFchQAVJxNkdp2yWt7T8om8lf6Fub8yF5V4cWplBc4%2BXRr0sxe%2BbHBPvbPYp%2BKgHNS2mX%2BiQLEuCI0prrplGmZisWRh9A6unZvkxGuzzRxeGuxdrzR8KyFquBsNNnjUC1vjCMLV9MzXQQgtNCO1b6nLxktaoDL%2FpYYIzy%2F%2FBWuJD3xJTWMMtbsjX%2Fytj5Q%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMyuC65p1i or www.ebay.com/itm/122360780152?hash=item1c7d455578:g:RooAAOSwr~lYqF1J&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8Gox6%2BHeavCbckCXfEmFMrKLuevdOBgCOSwgoPa02TzlU%2FlrwHQgAsK%2F1VQFEk25TK2sLVyZf88sq4FlKkmY2%2FN159u0BQHLxi75fAXhyC36ledQ14ZTUnj3vFaV91PGsmxXg7GatqT%2FE%2BJvWyIht8XS1FOzXS%2BTJVvwRG00S5YXoGax0AR%2FvjsukWsBrCgT1MFcArg0EAEw4BceN8b1X9ndbMoJdwzNqCt1DI%2FWRqBD64zbtUl0W06mpleEsiUVQuUAxQYgRve%2B2%2FKs%2BUW91pRgvXlcWG1TAtiXrldbk96wT%2B%2BZg1XQ1jBSQR9SfVq0oA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMyuC65p1i or www.ebay.com/itm/150798872656?hash=item231c503050:g:A-sAAOxyqUpQ8qcG&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8La1Ewuave0CksTdv1zJGZMQRaOR0wgtiNq56VyGS0NUFNs%2BhkAgSCtrzyFjNYepwdyOpKWabOJBAV%2Fm6rCYRaf9uHO9xWhooO2%2F1axARWdshmjdwVR2%2B%2ByS%2B529bcNlIYMok0hi7VHAY2coCsx%2FFhmbF5xJ4CsoXjrldu%2FRBmRF3WYzJv3qPkNqJVzAptDd9QEO8%2B1nAxK%2BRP74ugD3aSeDomI2c5Fr6ht61rAmZG8fSbDzvlhTIkxE7O%2B%2B2TDAdqP6WBoo1NZ5BVpHHLMQh75fBe6lPMW%2BNM3Wp0Gww9gW93TqDufp1EftF4uJVBoHrQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8rguuadYg or www.ebay.com/itm/313798592306?hash=item490fda8732:g:9S8AAOSwvrxhTkqN&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4DF2Bp7dO1kWFiwnqC%2FWHWRYFCeuSoJwlUToi%2F90ZRSSkjPGVt2KRWZvVBKHDmoN68lk0HvfcHzdRflWWsKwZ5oPajGMnTw8F8Yvf%2BLLRD6Ovcchfi2KCbC9u6dk%2B69jvP39G%2FdGZPvoP0s%2F5Hn7%2FfNEOWBrKyqgNRewnuxOODkeoTn485x2n%2FW6tHjSZ1JZxN3dXMKm2UPGEbsmxrBrLH6%2F%2BhT3ejsFw9hzct6US%2FyUd4hY8pPNvkQS7aR5fUVMuxmIlWEn31bJ9B67UoVaFVGQCLOqMGF7SyJhHpUL0ljz%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR87guuadYg
Yes 1 watt can reach 7 miles quite easily depending on the antenna, the terrain and most importantly the height of the antenna. The receiver is also very important. If you use an old analog tuner then no you will probably just get a mile or two but a good quality digital tuner in a car can have you receiving the signal for many miles. I have run a 1 watt station that had listeners in their cars listening quite happily within a 7 mile radius.
@@inspiresoundpro i used to have 500watts in my orginal country Lebanon . Now I been in the US for 10 years and I really want to go back to radio scene but license is almost impossible. But i think I low power don’t require a license so probably couple of watts will do me good especially in Providence RI very small city and over populated.
In USA it is possible le to get low power licenses but it is apparently quite difficult to get one. Unfortunately as far as I know the FM signal not requiring a license is less than 100 mw and even worse the regulations limit the range so you have to use a transmitter with a small built in antenna. Not good enough for a radio station. You will only get about 100 yards or meters from it.
No with a lightning arrestor all the electrical discharge goes straight into the ground if it is installed correctly. If you are still getting damage to equipment after stalling a lightning arrestor then you should check if the installation has been done correctly.
@@inspiresoundpro Arrestors only work when the voltage becomes above a certain threshold level, so that normal (wanted) operational signals do not trigger the arrestor. Equipment will therefore face a higher voltage, although for a very short period. If an electrical discharge from i.e. the center conductor goes straight into the ground, something is wrong. The path to earth for a center conductor has to be triggered first.
And a lot of the ones have a disc inside that blows you have to replace it or you no longer have a connection to your antenna ! Found this out with. Johnson Viking years ago .
I own a dominator. The REAL one from Norwalk electronics. Sadly they are out of business ! We got about the last one I think they had built themselves Here is the story they farmed out production to a company that turned around and sold it to a China outfit they make one now called the terminator. It’s junk ! Lightly made and not nearly as durable as the original from Norwalk ! I think the last I heard years ago they were trying to sue the outfit that sold the specs to the Chinese manufacturer. Being a ham those lightning arrestors do not always do there job we just shut down and DC the coax from the transmitter same with my ham rigs only connected when in use. I have made a spark gap one for a guy with a AM 🏴☠️station he of course uses his whole tower as a antenna it sits on insulators the guys are insulated too . He has all tube type stuff it’s pretty much bulletproof to that problem. I have also found along with a towers lightning rod and grounding system those stainless steel puff balls called static eliminator’s do a LOT to bleed off a impending strike . If you want to build a 1/4 wave FM ground plane it’s very easy from copper tubing and PVC pipe that was our first antenna and it’s still up there 15 years later as a back up simple and to make with good soldering skills .
Sad to hear about Norwalk. The original Dominator was fantastic. Yeah I love making antennas out of all sorts of bits and pieces. I have been working on a design for a quarter wavelength antenna as well. I will put that out when it's ready. Thanks for your input. Always nice to hear about other peoples experiences. Cheers :)
@@Boomerlake is it US made ?? hope the quality is still there . the ones called the terminator are really sadly built lightweight and the parts are not nicely machined as theirs was . mine has been up there on that 100 foot tower thru 100s of thunder storms and Know has been cracked by lightning a bunch of times that was here when it happened . you cant beat Tripp Lite rack mounted power conditioners to keep your power safe take up 3 rack spaces though .
Hi. No the dominator is a big antenna. It would not fit. The best antenna for an attic is a quarter wave antenna. It's probably the only antenna that will fit.
They are out of business see my post. You can get the cheap knock off called the terminator from China but low quality made . I know of one inside a all wood church steeple that works so so lol the guy is a FM 🏴☠️ with a STL so if caught he’s not busted . He did make below it a set of ground radials .
Greqt video - but - Lots of inaccurate information in this video. Circular polarization "penetrator" design antennas produce the best quality coverage with the least amount of multi-path. In fact most commercial radio stations use them. The tuning thing is not a thing at all. I have never had to retune a properly designed cp antenna. This guy suggests vertical antennas which produce the most multi-path. Its not all about gain - its also about quality of the coverage. This from a broadcaast engineer with over 35 years of experience in the field and Broadcast antenna design. I dont have time to go into the minute details of why CP is better. But 95% of commercial FM broadcasters in the US use some form of a CP antenna. Dont ya think there is a reason for that?
In the video I do explain that CP are excellent for penetration so I'm not sure what you so upset about. For very low power stations often signal range can be more important and smaller stations often don't have the luxury of large CP stacks.. I have also worked with low power radio stations using CP where their antennas got damaged and suffered sever multi path interference. You say lots of inaccurate information but don't offer anything except that you can't be bothered to add to that. Either be helpful and add to other people's learning here or go play somewhere else. If you are such a big shot engineer why do you bother with small TH-cam channel videos where you contribute nothing. Suffer ego much?
Call dan. I said it was a great video. Maybe I should watch it again all I got out of the CP portion was if they go out of tune which I've never had that happen. And I must have completely missed the Superior penetration. But then again I'm coming off of about 30 hours with no sleep after finishing the 2023 LPFM filing window with over 100 appliance. LPFM is a portion of what we provide we also have a full power radio and television licensing. As far as multipack it's just not that much of an issue with a cp. Now you are correct in your assessment that a multi-bay CP is the better option as it focuses more energy towards the horizon and not losing so much towards the skyward and downward ways. But it has much less multi path if installed properly. While vertical antennas are plagued with multipath the especially in an area that has lots of electrical lines and telephone poles things to bounce off of. That can be a critical situation for a 100-watt radio station. I'm not against you I liked your video the graphics are great and great voice over. Perhaps when I Wake from my slumber I will watch the video again and see it differently.
OK no problem. I just don't like it when people use the comments to vent but don't contribute anything. There are other engineers who comment on the videos too. Some with more than 35 years of experience and some with less but they try to add to the conversation and if they disagree with anything they explain in a way that helps the viewers. The comments can be just as important and valuable as the video for people who are new to radio. I don't say that I am perfect and get everything right. If there is other information that can help the viewers great but don't just say "lots of inaccuracies but can't get into it". That helps nobody. I welcome other people's views even if they completely disagree with me as long as it is done respectfully and in a way that helps the viewers.
Great video. There is one other thing that I would add that improves all antenna types. It worked for us and gives great results nearly 40 years on. I was technical director at KKFI in Kansas City. They are 100,00 watts ERP (25kw actually up the pipe).
We put in a very effective ground radial system. We have a 500 foot (152 mters) tower. The 4 ground radial (North, South, East, and West) go out that far. The 45 degree radials are that long as well. In betwwen the 45's (22.5 degrees) are radials that go out half way. There are circular cables that join all 16. From the air this looks like a bulls eye target. This gives us a low "departure angle".
Don't buy a cheap lightning arrester. A good one may cost you up front but save your ass week after week. We have frquent stoms (including thunder snow). What saved me is that at 500 feet we are the short tower on the hill. I was standing near our tower when a neighbor got hit. We were knocked off the air. Our arrestor worked and we were back on 5 minutes later.
KKFI is listener supported. We put their money to good use (EV RE20). Do a proper job and invest in good stuff as g michrophones, great consoles, good equipment and well maintained) Do a propper job and invest in good stuff.
Wow, awesome thanks for all the input. I think most of your info is very high-end...and probably over the heads of most newcomers to broadcasting lol. I say the lightning arrester was cheap but it was not so much cheap as cheaper than a new transmitter. It did cost a bit but I felt like it was cheap compared to the damage. We at one stage had a quarter-wave antenna mounted on the top of a pole on a hill. The highest thing for miles around and it got hit constantly with zero damage. So the little arrester was pretty good. I am quite chuffed that someone of your broadcasting level is checking out my little channel lol. Glad you enjoyed it :) Glad to have you watching.
@@inspiresoundpro My main problem was a Mains problem. We were fed 440 volts three phase at 60 Hertx. Our power company would drop a phase without warning. The input transformer would fry in a minute I built a circuit with some relays that opened all three phases if one dropped. Keeping good broadcasting on air is a challenge. Anything thaat can help new folks is of value.
@@crankshaft3612 Oh yeah been there. Had the same thing happen to our studio. I found op-amp chips exploded in the mixer and processing gear smoked from the same three-phase issue. Ridiculous that they can do that. A challenge for sure. Keeping a 24-hour station going with small budgets and volunteers is a challenge for real. I feel your pain lol.
We want to buy fm transmitter..
@crankshaft3612 . I am just curious on how many circular cables and the distance in between you joined around the 16 ground radial? Thank you in advance.
Do I have to consider anything regarding the use of a dominator antenna in conjunction with an IBOC digital transmitter (HD-Radio)?
Hi. I am not an expert in digital transmitters but my understanding is that whether analogue or digital, the antenna is only affected by the transmitter frequency and power output. What the signal carries, whether analogue or digital really does not impact on the antenna choice or use but I stand to be corrected. That's unfortunately not my area of expertise. Cheers.
@inspiresoundpro I'm planning of putting a 120 ft tall self supporting steel lattice tower on a 1000 ft tall hill in austria. After watching your video I think I will use a dominator antenna instead of the standard dipole array, in conjunction with a 3kW ERP IBOC transmitter to get about 40 km (25 mi) of good sounding stereo FM and HD-Radio reach. Because heavy thunderstorms aren't unusual in my region and the tower will be in a exposed position, lighting are probably going to strike the top mounted antenna quite regularly.
Where should I mount the lighting arrester? Directly after the antenna, down at ground level of the tower, or in the transmitter building?
Also I'm not shure which transmitter brand I should purchase. Should a get a Nautel, a Broadcast Electronics, Gates, etc.? Which manufacturer would be a reliable choice?
@@user-munm I unfortunately can't recommend any specific manufacturers. It takes a lot of research to make that sort of decision. I would think it would be best to speak to a professional broadcast installer about a system like that. There should be a few of them that you can speak to in your country. They would have the best insight into the best choice and the complete set up. There are also a lot more things to consider than just the equipment. so they would be the best to speak to.
Weer een stukje wijzer geworden ! dank.
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)
Bedankt. Ik ben blij dat je genoten hebt van de video :)
Send a link for the dominator
Hi. I have had a look for where they are available. I am waiting for a response from the suppliers. As soon as I have an answer I will let you know. Cheers
olá,qual distancia entre 2 ou mais antenas agrupadas para transmissão de fm na torre.
Hi. I have to answer in English. The spacing between the two antennas is a very complicated situation. The reason is that it can vary depending on how much down tilt you want. Also it can involve using a balun. The theory on antenna arrays is quite complicated but some say that having a half wave measurement between the two antennas should work but others say that 3/4 wavelength gives more gain. It is something you would have to experiment with to get the best results.
Help with the link to buy arester
I'm not sure what you mean. What do you mean by arester?
I realized that you meant lightning arrester. I found these ones on Ebay: www.ebay.com/itm/232628601562?hash=item3629bec2da:g:yXEAAOSw6ShZRVHu&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8Nq4dm3mCDQm5igj2XWuMWqJQrxgcC8u0FQTRIjANfrEI9a2aMB4MpGZdML18KNNVn91LsURxYdHLza8tq9hT31MKPtEML%2FEDXegisxB6NSxdwWGLxwbSC%2BDzyqwpvPvwYVxKFchQAVJxNkdp2yWt7T8om8lf6Fub8yF5V4cWplBc4%2BXRr0sxe%2BbHBPvbPYp%2BKgHNS2mX%2BiQLEuCI0prrplGmZisWRh9A6unZvkxGuzzRxeGuxdrzR8KyFquBsNNnjUC1vjCMLV9MzXQQgtNCO1b6nLxktaoDL%2FpYYIzy%2F%2FBWuJD3xJTWMMtbsjX%2Fytj5Q%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMyuC65p1i
or
www.ebay.com/itm/122360780152?hash=item1c7d455578:g:RooAAOSwr~lYqF1J&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8Gox6%2BHeavCbckCXfEmFMrKLuevdOBgCOSwgoPa02TzlU%2FlrwHQgAsK%2F1VQFEk25TK2sLVyZf88sq4FlKkmY2%2FN159u0BQHLxi75fAXhyC36ledQ14ZTUnj3vFaV91PGsmxXg7GatqT%2FE%2BJvWyIht8XS1FOzXS%2BTJVvwRG00S5YXoGax0AR%2FvjsukWsBrCgT1MFcArg0EAEw4BceN8b1X9ndbMoJdwzNqCt1DI%2FWRqBD64zbtUl0W06mpleEsiUVQuUAxQYgRve%2B2%2FKs%2BUW91pRgvXlcWG1TAtiXrldbk96wT%2B%2BZg1XQ1jBSQR9SfVq0oA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMyuC65p1i
or
www.ebay.com/itm/150798872656?hash=item231c503050:g:A-sAAOxyqUpQ8qcG&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8La1Ewuave0CksTdv1zJGZMQRaOR0wgtiNq56VyGS0NUFNs%2BhkAgSCtrzyFjNYepwdyOpKWabOJBAV%2Fm6rCYRaf9uHO9xWhooO2%2F1axARWdshmjdwVR2%2B%2ByS%2B529bcNlIYMok0hi7VHAY2coCsx%2FFhmbF5xJ4CsoXjrldu%2FRBmRF3WYzJv3qPkNqJVzAptDd9QEO8%2B1nAxK%2BRP74ugD3aSeDomI2c5Fr6ht61rAmZG8fSbDzvlhTIkxE7O%2B%2B2TDAdqP6WBoo1NZ5BVpHHLMQh75fBe6lPMW%2BNM3Wp0Gww9gW93TqDufp1EftF4uJVBoHrQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8rguuadYg
or
www.ebay.com/itm/313798592306?hash=item490fda8732:g:9S8AAOSwvrxhTkqN&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4DF2Bp7dO1kWFiwnqC%2FWHWRYFCeuSoJwlUToi%2F90ZRSSkjPGVt2KRWZvVBKHDmoN68lk0HvfcHzdRflWWsKwZ5oPajGMnTw8F8Yvf%2BLLRD6Ovcchfi2KCbC9u6dk%2B69jvP39G%2FdGZPvoP0s%2F5Hn7%2FfNEOWBrKyqgNRewnuxOODkeoTn485x2n%2FW6tHjSZ1JZxN3dXMKm2UPGEbsmxrBrLH6%2F%2BhT3ejsFw9hzct6US%2FyUd4hY8pPNvkQS7aR5fUVMuxmIlWEn31bJ9B67UoVaFVGQCLOqMGF7SyJhHpUL0ljz%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR87guuadYg
When is the radio presenter training coming up as you've promised
Hi. Check out my channel page. You Will see the training videos I have been adding.
1 watt can reach 7 miles ??
Yes 1 watt can reach 7 miles quite easily depending on the antenna, the terrain and most importantly the height of the antenna. The receiver is also very important. If you use an old analog tuner then no you will probably just get a mile or two but a good quality digital tuner in a car can have you receiving the signal for many miles. I have run a 1 watt station that had listeners in their cars listening quite happily within a 7 mile radius.
@@inspiresoundpro i used to have 500watts in my orginal country Lebanon . Now I been in the US for 10 years and I really want to go back to radio scene but license is almost impossible. But i think I low power don’t require a license so probably couple of watts will do me good especially in Providence RI very small city and over populated.
In USA it is possible le to get low power licenses but it is apparently quite difficult to get one. Unfortunately as far as I know the FM signal not requiring a license is less than 100 mw and even worse the regulations limit the range so you have to use a transmitter with a small built in antenna. Not good enough for a radio station. You will only get about 100 yards or meters from it.
Also with an lightning arrester, equipment will be damaged. The lightning just doesn't enter the building with full power.
No with a lightning arrestor all the electrical discharge goes straight into the ground if it is installed correctly. If you are still getting damage to equipment after stalling a lightning arrestor then you should check if the installation has been done correctly.
@@inspiresoundpro Arrestors only work when the voltage becomes above a certain threshold level, so that normal (wanted) operational signals do not trigger the arrestor. Equipment will therefore face a higher voltage, although for a very short period. If an electrical discharge from i.e. the center conductor goes straight into the ground, something is wrong. The path to earth for a center conductor has to be triggered first.
And a lot of the ones have a disc inside that blows you have to replace it or you no longer have a connection to your antenna ! Found this out with. Johnson Viking years ago .
I love it good 👍
Thank you :) I'm glad you enjoyed it. Cheers.
Im using GP :)
By GP do you mean a ground plane antenna? If so what type 1/4 wave or 5/8 etc?
Wonderful
Thank you! Cheers!
I own a dominator. The REAL one from Norwalk electronics. Sadly they are out of business ! We got about the last one I think they had built themselves Here is the story they farmed out production to a company that turned around and sold it to a China outfit they make one now called the terminator. It’s junk ! Lightly made and not nearly as durable as the original from Norwalk ! I think the last I heard years ago they were trying to sue the outfit that sold the specs to the Chinese manufacturer. Being a ham those lightning arrestors do not always do there job we just shut down and DC the coax from the transmitter same with my ham rigs only connected when in use. I have made a spark gap one for a guy with a AM 🏴☠️station he of course uses his whole tower as a antenna it sits on insulators the guys are insulated too . He has all tube type stuff it’s pretty much bulletproof to that problem. I have also found along with a towers lightning rod and grounding system those stainless steel puff balls called static eliminator’s do a LOT to bleed off a impending strike . If you want to build a 1/4 wave FM ground plane it’s very easy from copper tubing and PVC pipe that was our first antenna and it’s still up there 15 years later as a back up simple and to make with good soldering skills .
Sad to hear about Norwalk. The original Dominator was fantastic. Yeah I love making antennas out of all sorts of bits and pieces. I have been working on a design for a quarter wavelength antenna as well. I will put that out when it's ready. Thanks for your input. Always nice to hear about other peoples experiences. Cheers :)
Norwalk was bought by Progressive Concepts, so the Dominator continues to be available through them.
@@Boomerlake is it US made ?? hope the quality is still there . the ones called the terminator are really sadly built lightweight and the parts are not nicely machined as theirs was . mine has been up there on that 100 foot tower thru 100s of thunder storms and Know has been cracked by lightning a bunch of times that was here when it happened . you cant beat Tripp Lite rack mounted power conditioners to keep your power safe take up 3 rack spaces though .
@@jhonsiders6077 I don't know.
@@Boomerlake ok thanks for the info I know a guy that wants one will do some digging
Can I put tbe dominator in an attic?
Hi. No the dominator is a big antenna. It would not fit. The best antenna for an attic is a quarter wave antenna. It's probably the only antenna that will fit.
They are out of business see my post. You can get the cheap knock off called the terminator from China but low quality made . I know of one inside a all wood church steeple that works so so lol the guy is a FM 🏴☠️ with a STL so if caught he’s not busted . He did make below it a set of ground radials .
Greqt video - but - Lots of inaccurate information in this video. Circular polarization "penetrator" design antennas produce the best quality coverage with the least amount of multi-path. In fact most commercial radio stations use them. The tuning thing is not a thing at all. I have never had to retune a properly designed cp antenna. This guy suggests vertical antennas which produce the most multi-path. Its not all about gain - its also about quality of the coverage. This from a broadcaast engineer with over 35 years of experience in the field and Broadcast antenna design. I dont have time to go into the minute details of why CP is better. But 95% of commercial FM broadcasters in the US use some form of a CP antenna. Dont ya think there is a reason for that?
In the video I do explain that CP are excellent for penetration so I'm not sure what you so upset about. For very low power stations often signal range can be more important and smaller stations often don't have the luxury of large CP stacks.. I have also worked with low power radio stations using CP where their antennas got damaged and suffered sever multi path interference. You say lots of inaccurate information but don't offer anything except that you can't be bothered to add to that. Either be helpful and add to other people's learning here or go play somewhere else. If you are such a big shot engineer why do you bother with small TH-cam channel videos where you contribute nothing. Suffer ego much?
Call dan. I said it was a great video. Maybe I should watch it again all I got out of the CP portion was if they go out of tune which I've never had that happen. And I must have completely missed the Superior penetration. But then again I'm coming off of about 30 hours with no sleep after finishing the 2023 LPFM filing window with over 100 appliance. LPFM is a portion of what we provide we also have a full power radio and television licensing. As far as multipack it's just not that much of an issue with a cp. Now you are correct in your assessment that a multi-bay CP is the better option as it focuses more energy towards the horizon and not losing so much towards the skyward and downward ways. But it has much less multi path if installed properly. While vertical antennas are plagued with multipath the especially in an area that has lots of electrical lines and telephone poles things to bounce off of. That can be a critical situation for a 100-watt radio station. I'm not against you I liked your video the graphics are great and great voice over. Perhaps when I Wake from my slumber I will watch the video again and see it differently.
OK no problem. I just don't like it when people use the comments to vent but don't contribute anything. There are other engineers who comment on the videos too. Some with more than 35 years of experience and some with less but they try to add to the conversation and if they disagree with anything they explain in a way that helps the viewers. The comments can be just as important and valuable as the video for people who are new to radio. I don't say that I am perfect and get everything right. If there is other information that can help the viewers great but don't just say "lots of inaccuracies but can't get into it". That helps nobody. I welcome other people's views even if they completely disagree with me as long as it is done respectfully and in a way that helps the viewers.
They have a bunch of power and money to put 4 or 6 of them up . !