Dawson to Participate in Crossed-Field Testing

Does the Crossed-Field Antenna work as advertised?
A company promoting the AM antenna has signed an agreement with DTR/H&D J.V. to supervise the testing of a demonstration antenna being built in England. Consultant Ben Dawson will supervise the testing, which is to be completed by Christmas.
Crossed Field Antennas Ltd. said it hopes the demo antenna will answer questions that have been raised over the performance of the device.
DTR/H&D J.V. is a joint venture of duTreil, Lundin & Rackley, Inc. and Hatfield & Dawson, LLC – names familiar to radio engineers. CFA called them two of the most highly respected broadcast consulting firms in the United States.
“There has been ongoing skepticism concerning whether this antenna actually works,” said Robert E. Richer, president of Crossed Field Antennas, Ltd.
“Although there are CFAs in operation in various countries throughout the world, we felt that it was important to resolve all issues relating to this unique transmitting system.”
“Crossed Field Antennas Ltd. decided to select DTR/H&D J.V. to supervise these tests because of its impeccable reputation as a top engineering firm with unquestionable integrity,” the company stated.
Richer said tests will be done following FCC standards.
“Ben has been following the development of the Crossed Field Antenna for a number of years, and we know that he will be absolutely objective and thorough in his testing,” Richer stated.
The technology, yet to be approved by the FCC, promises to let AM stations transmit without using towers. Instead, a small drum-like device approximately 20 feet high is used. Its developers claim that a CFA will produce more field strength than the tower that it replaces. They claim it offers broader input impedance bandwidth characteristics as well.
This approach appeals to AM managers who would avoid the expense and zoning issues related to tower systems. But skeptics have challenged its promises and demanded more testing data and real-world results.
For background on the CFA, including an earlier Guest Commentary by Ronald D. Rackley discussing the need for testing, visit the Crossed Field listing in the Reference Room section of www.rwonline.com
Paul McLane