Progressive Concepts of Streamwood, Ill., has introduced a new circularly polarized, broadband FM antenna called the Zyclone. We asked company founder Eric Hoppe about it. This interview is part of our “Supply Side” series.
Radio World: There are antennas on the market in this niche. What sets this one apart from those?
Eric Hoppe: This model is made of high-grade stainless steel and has a very flat frequency response all the way across the FM broadcast band. Most broadband model antennas on the market have some roll-off near the top and the bottom of the FM band. This model is different in that it stays very flat all the way from 88 to 108 MHz.
RW: How is that accomplished?
Hoppe: Well, this is a bit of proprietary information that I can’t give too many details about. Let’s just say that the unique design of the antenna allows for this excellent frequency response.
RW: What are the available configurations?
Hoppe: The Zyclone antenna is available in single-bay, two-bay and four-bay models. The single- and two-bay models can handle up to 3 kW, while the four-bay models handle up to 7 kW. There is also a two-bay model available with a 7/8-inch flange that can handle up to 5 kW.
RW: What is the normal input connection?
Hoppe: The single bay and two-bay models come with a 7/16-inch DIN connector while the high-power two- and four-bay models come with a 7/8-inch EIA flange on the power divider.
RW: Are heating or ice protection options available?
Hoppe: Currently there is not any heating or ice protection available for this model, but the design of the antenna does make them less vulnerable to SWR problems from icing.
RW: Who manufactures the antenna?
Hoppe: Progressive Concepts manufacturers these models and several other popular antenna models such as the PCP model, CIRPA model and the recently acquired Dominator model antenna.
RW: What is the retail pricing?
Hoppe: Single-bay Zyclones are priced at $799.95. Two-bay systems go for $2,699, and the four-bay model is priced at $3,899.
RW: What else should we know about it?
Hoppe: We have all of the Zyclone models in stock at our Streamwood, Ill., facility and ready to ship. All models include mounting hardware. Multi-bay models come complete with power divider and all interconnect cables.
