One sees simplistic application of ohms law to antenna balun problems frequently in online forums, but is the technique valid? Continue reading Using Ohms law on antenna baluns
Category: Amateur Radio
The magic of small transmitting loops
Small Transmitting Loops (STL) are loops of less than about 0.1λ in diameter or about 0.3λ in circumference. Below these limits, the current around the loop is almost uniform and this permits a simplified analysis. (A stricter definition of 0.3λ in circumference could be argued.)
These antennas are ascribed all sorts of magic properties, low noise, able to create band openings when conditions are poor etc. Continue reading The magic of small transmitting loops
Efficiency / gain of a Small Transmitting Loop – a worked example
This article uses a report of an experimental small transmitting loop (STL) for 20m to demonstrate application of the calculator Calculate small transmitting loop gain from bandwidth measurement to predict efficiency and gain of the circular STL from the loop radius, conductor radius and measured half power bandwidth. Continue reading Efficiency / gain of a Small Transmitting Loop – a worked example
Efficiency and gain of Small Transmitting Loops (STL)
Small Transmitting Loops (STL) are loops of less than about 0.1λ in diameter or about 0.3λ in circumference. Below these limits, the current around the loop is almost uniform and this permits a simplified analysis.
STL are commonly known by Hams as “magnetic loops”, but that term is rarely used in recognised antenna text books.
The efficiency and free space gain of a circular STL can be easily estimated by calculation from simple measurements. Continue reading Efficiency and gain of Small Transmitting Loops (STL)
What does an Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) do?
An Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) performs a simple but important function in many transmitting systems.
Almost all things called an ATU are simply impedance transformers, and almost always, narrow band impedance transformers (meaning that when adjusted, they achieved the desired transformation over only a narrow frequency range).
ATUs come in a range of configurations, each designed for a specific set of characteristics. Above is the heart of a Palstar AT2K T Tuner, just three real passive components that are fully explained by conventional linear circuit theory. Continue reading What does an Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) do?
ON9CVD on baluns
ON9CD (Vandonselaar 2002) gives an expose on baluns for Hams.
Above is the first diagram he gives in support of his explanation. Continue reading ON9CVD on baluns
DJ9BV & F6HYE G/T formula
At (Bertelsmeier & Magnin 1992) formulas are given for calculating G/T from Sun/ColdSky Y factor in several Ham bands, and solar flux at 10.7cm. Continue reading DJ9BV & F6HYE G/T formula
DJ3JJ’s 432MHz EME Yagi article in Dubus 1/2010
DJ3JJ wrote up some interesting experiments with Yagis for 432 EME (Haefner 2010). Continue reading DJ3JJ’s 432MHz EME Yagi article in Dubus 1/2010
EMECalc v9.09 reconciliation issue
EMECalc v9.09 was opened, a model for 1296MHz created, and the “get IPS data” button pressed.
The report shows solar flux at 1296MHz to be 106SFU. Continue reading EMECalc v9.09 reconciliation issue
Mining K5SO’s measurements of Sun noise
K5SO published an article in which he reported measurements of Sun noise rise over cold sky for K5SO, W2UHI and VK7MO.
Above is his graphical summary of the measurements. Continue reading Mining K5SO’s measurements of Sun noise