Tunipole™ and Combipole™ Antenna Systems

Tunipole™ Folded Unipole Antenna Systems

LBA Tunipole™ Folded Unipole Antenna Systems provide increased bandwidth and efficiency compared to conventional series-fed AM towers while maintaining identical radiation patterns. Suitable for both directional and non-directional arrays, Tunipole systems are widely deployed in medium-wave broadcast applications.

The system uses vertical foldwires coupled to a grounded tower, allowing precise impedance control while eliminating the need for base insulators or lightning transformers. Direct tower grounding provides inherent lightning protection and simplifies maintenance. Tunipoles also allow co-location of FM, TV, or communications antennas without isocouplers.

Reference: Tunipole™ Folded Unipole Antenna Systems – Product Bulletin (PDF)

See also: Multiplexers

Combipole™ Antenna Systems

LBA Combipole™ Antenna Systems support the operation of up to three AM frequencies on a single grounded tower. Each frequency is independently matched and isolated to maintain stable multi-frequency operation without unwanted interaction.

Combipole systems retain the grounded-tower architecture used in Tunipole designs, providing inherent lightning protection and eliminating the need for base insulators. They are an effective option for sites with space, zoning, or infrastructure constraints where tower sharing is required.

Q-CAGE™ Supercharger

The LBA Q-CAGE™ Supercharger is a cost-effective method for increasing bandwidth and power-handling capability of existing series-fed vertical radiators. Q-Cage systems improve impedance characteristics of electrically short towers without requiring tower replacement.

By increasing the effective cross-sectional area of the radiator, the Q-Cage reduces reactance and improves usable bandwidth, making it suitable for IBOC and DRM digital transmission. In high-power medium-wave applications, the system also reduces voltage stress on insulators and antenna tuning units.

Q-Cage systems may be installed on structurally suitable guyed, series-fed towers and feature the same low wind load and heavy-duty construction used in LBA Tunipole™ systems. The installed cost is significantly lower than replacing a tower with a larger cross-section structure.

Reference: Q-CAGE™ Supercharger System – Product Bulletin (PDF)

POWERTOPPER™ Radial Top Loading Systems

LBA PowerTopper™ Radial Top Loading Systems electrically lengthen short towers to improve bandwidth, radiation efficiency, and overall audio performance. Conductive radial elements mounted near the top increase effective electrical height without increasing physical tower height.

Multiple PowerTopper models are available with radial lengths selected to achieve specific performance objectives. All PowerTopper systems are physically compatible with Tunipole™ antenna models and are constructed from high-strength, high-conductivity aluminum.

High-power versions incorporate corona protection rings at the ends of each radial element to control voltage gradients and improve long-term reliability. All systems are fully self-supporting.

BASEMAX™ Base Enhancement Systems

The LBA Basemax™ Base Enhancement System improves RF current distribution at the base of electrically short towers, resulting in increased efficiency and improved impedance stability. Uniform current distribution reduces losses and enhances overall antenna performance.

Basemax systems consist of heavy-duty aluminum radial elements mounted at the tower base and are physically compatible with Tunipole™ antenna structures. Improved current distribution minimizes sensitivity to environmental changes such as vegetation growth, rainfall, snow accumulation, or tidal variations.

In addition to performance benefits, Basemax systems reduce impedance drift and maintenance requirements, making them well-suited for electrically short towers operating under variable site conditions.