AM CoLoPole™

Trouble-free wireless antenna colocation on AM broadcast antenna towers is a reality with LBA Technology’s patented CoLoPole™ system. The CoLoPole™ permits PCS, cellular, SMR, paging, microwave, and all other communications services to share AM to add unlimited wireless antennas and coaxial cables with virtually no impact on the host AM tower, and without AM signal impact to the wireless equipment. The CoLoPole™ is ideal for single AM towers and selected multi-tower directional applications. Custom LBA Technology CoLoPole™ systems even permit two or more AM stations to share one tower with wireless communications users!

Because the AM tower is directly grounded, no extra devices or connectors are required in the coaxial lines, eliminating communications signal compromise and maintenance problems. Even waveguides and power/control cables are easily isolated! Lightning protection is excellent.

Extensive personnel safety features are standard with the patented CoLoPole™. Insulation tested to over 10 kV RF is provided on all exposed vertical cable and interconnections within 12 feet of ground. The base interconnections are further configured to leave one side of the tower free for climbing. All insulation in the tower base area is large diameter to minimize snagging of climber gear, and cables are typically spaced four feet from the tower for climber and facility installation convenience. As a result, the tower can be worked "hot", facilitating maintenance and installation scheduling.

The CoLoPole™ is based upon the acclaimed LBA Tunipole™ folded unipole technology that has been enhancing performance at hundreds of AM radio stations worldwide for over 25 years. CoLoPole™ models are available to fit any size or type of tower, operating at any AM power level.

Read more about Tunipole™ Systems

Properly designed and installed, the CoLoPole™ changes the way in which an AM tower is fed RF energy without significantly modifying the essential radiating characteristics of the AM tower. LBA Technology CoLoPole™ systems use multiple vertical cables in a special configuration to conduct the AM signal to a high point on the tower, thereby permitting the tower base to be grounded.

CoLoPole™ systems are designed for long life, and only the most durable, utility-grade, components are used. Careful attention has been given to corrosion prevention at dissimilar metal joints for stable, intermod-free operation. Proprietary LBA Technology components ensure reliability and stability under a variety of environmental conditions, including hurricane winds.

Prior FCC approval is not required for CoLoPole™ installations. The AM station files FCC Form 302 after construction to report the resultant operating parameters. LBA can provide full engineering services to arrange appropriate CoLoPole™ installation and commissioning, as well as testing services to FCC-certify proper AM operation.