[50mhz] dBi vs dBd!

[rm2usn at juno.com]

Hi All: Since I started this thread on dBi vs dBd, I think it all
boils down to whether we ourselves understand what we are buying when
we look at the specs for an antenna. The newer hams need to try and
understand that antenna gain in in reference to something, not just
an inadverdant figure thrown out in the air. If you know that you
have an antenna that has 2.2 dBd, that means that it has some gain 
over a reference dipole. Many manufacturers use dBi because it sells more antennas because of the higher figure which I feel is bad policy.
For instance I recently had a new ham on six tell me he bought a commerical dipole with 4.7 dB gain. I said WOW, someone performed a
magic trick! Was it gain over a dummy load perhaps? He said he wasn't
sure about that because the ad didn't say. Therin, lies the problem.
We need to educate ourselves, even us older timers, to try and help
each other with this kind of subject and others to improve ourselves
overall. This reflector has the nicest bunch of hams I have ever
run into and I want to thank you all for jumping in, and even though
I have a piece of paper that says I am an Engineer, I learned a
lot from the answers and explanations given, especially from my
good friend Bill, W5WVO, who is always educating me on the air.
I apologize for starting a thread and not finishing it. Thanks for
the patience and understanding.
73's de Stan W5ZF/m DM65rd and many others