If you guys re-read the 2nd post in this thread by Booty Monster, you'll see where he posted the assembly instructions for the Merlin. Some of the rest of this thread was discussing the meaning of the 1st paragraph, and how the first claim was worded. That simply being an idea for a restricted antenna location...like Avanti also claimed years ago, and that DB mentions above.
Probably if I had not talked about this idea several years ago in regards to comparing the A/P to some antennas that are 20' feet an longer, the subject would likely have never come up.
The old A/P is gone, and the New Top One gets little to no conversation. Sales are probably poor as well, and that is likely due to all the CB BS on truck stop restroom walls.
IMO, the A/P and the new version by Sirio is a really good antenna, and can perform about as well as any CB antenna I own. Depending on its height, maybe it won't always make the biggest signal, but I don't think you'll miss a contact due to the little difference I've noted in real world comparisons and with my modeling.
IMO, such discussions can shed some light on some misconceptions that have been repeated like a parrot talking about the A/P for years and maybe help explain why the claims were ever made, but I think I'm safe in saying my words will never convince anybody...that won't pay attention or consider other ideas.
I echo Homer's comments while I was making my post. I also think Homer is interested in understanding design, and to test what he can in that vain, so I tend to cut him some slack.
