FAQs on Tunipole Folded Unipole Antenna Systems

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Hundreds of AM broadcasters across the US and worldwide have found the installation of a folded unipole system to be a first-class benefit for their stations. The overwhelming choice of these broadcasters is the LBA Technology, Inc. Tunipole™ ! Unique in the broadcast industry, the Tunipole™ is an approach to total folded unipole system design, engineering, manufacture, and installation support. We at LBA Technology, and our qualified dealers throughout the world, will work with you to ensure that your Tunipole™ gives your station the best performance in the market!

Which Tunipole™ System should be specified?

LBA Technology research and development has produced four standard models to suit virtually every application. The Tunipole™ can be installed on self supporting towers, and towers of unusual design, so be sure to call us to discuss your requirements. We will help you make the right choice for your station.

STANDARD MODELS AVAILABLE

Will the Tunipole™ change my station’s antenna characteristics?

Installation of a Tunipole™ folded unipole system changes the way in which a steel AM tower is fed radio frequency energy. However, the radiating characteristics of the tower remain essentially unchanged. This is true regardless of where the Tunipole™ is terminated on the tower, or how tall the tower is. As far as efficiency of the antenna goes, it follows theoretical prediction closely, whether the wires extend one-half of the way, or the entire way, up the tower. In other words, installing a Tunipole™ on the bottom 200 feet of a 400 foot tower does not mean that only the bottom 200 feet will put out a signal - the entire tower does. However, the physical arrangement of the Tunipole™ on the tower can have a great deal of effect on matching and bandwidth of transmissions. Our experts will recommend the most cost-effective arrangement for your station.

TYPICAL MECHANICAL-ELECTRICAL DATA

What about construction and durability?

Tunipole™ systems are designed for long life! They are constructed utilizing ultra-violet resistant fiberglass, hot dip galvanized steel, heavy duty steel-reinforced aluminum cable, and custom hardware. Careful attention has been given to corrosion prevention at dissimilar metal joints for long and stable operation. Unique to the LBA Technology, Inc. Tunipole™ is our calibrated Delta Tension Unit, which permits accurate adjustment of tension on the Tunipole™ foldwires. Furthermore, our systems maintain that nominal tension over a variety of environmental conditions. A UP-311 typically adds only 300 pounds of windload to a tower, distributed evenly along its length - less than that of a single 7/8" coaxial cable! Properly installed, Tunipoles™ are designed to survive winds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

How difficult is installation?

As is the case with any tower work, installation should only be performed by competent and properly equipped riggers. For such an installer, the procedure is simple and rapid. System components have been fabricated in such a way that most installations can be accomplished by one rigger in the air with a ground helper, a lifting rope, and ordinary hand tools. Many installations are made in less than eight man-hours. Adjustment and tuning is typically a one day process by our field engineer, the station consulting engineer or appropriately skilled and equipped staff. Installation instructions and prints are furnished with the systems. When ordering, any unusual factors which could hamper installation should be brought to our attention so that adaptions may be considered prior to fabrication. Essentially no maintenance is required after installation, although systems should be inspected periodically for damage, particularly after wind or ice storms.

I want to install communications antennas on my tower - can I do that?

Yes! LBA has developed the CoLoPole™ to facilitate the installation of communications, cellular and PCS systems on AM towers. A close cousin to the Tunipole™, the CoLoPole™ shares all the electrical features of the Tunipole™ with special elements just for colocation. To read more about AM colocation, including the revolutionary new CoLoCoil™ for directional AM systems, Click Here.

Complete Tunipole™ packages are available to meet your specific needs. In new construction, or in the reconstruction of older stations, the LBA Technology, Inc. TTU series of Tunipole™ Tuning Units is an ideal complement to your antenna system. This custom designed tuning unit will provide optimal matching for your new Tunipole™. For existing tower conversions, we can recommend and supply necessary conversion parts. LBA Technology is also your source for coils, capacitors, coaxial cable, copper ground wire, strap, ground screens and other RF supplies. LBA Technology is a one-stop shopping service for AM antenna system requirements. We will save you hours of searching for sources of supply for these items.

3400 Tupper Drive (27834), P.O. Box 8026
Greenville, North Carolina 27835
800-522-4464 / 252-757-0279 / Fax 252-752-9155
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