[Antennas] Unity Gain?

[DavidE Benedict]

k6mhe at adelphia.net writes:
> From time to time an antenna manufactures will state that an antenna has 
>"unity gain". It is my understanding that this term is used for
>describing 
>antennas used in mobile applications and is referenced to the gain of a 
>quarter-wave whip.
>Does anyone know of any instances where this term is used otherwise?
>
>My reason for asking is that I have a so called unity gain antenna, but 
>when comparing it to a standard quarter-wave whip it has much less gain.
>
>Danny, K6MHE
>      
>
>- - - 
>
>Your moderator for this list is:
>Larry Wilson KE1HZ antennas-owner at mailman.qth.net
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I am not able to be your expert, but I do have one insight.

When comparing antennae it is often necessary to consider their radiation
pattern. For many applications the spherical or donut pattern of the
classic 1/4 wave vertical is not  such a great idea. For instance, why do
I want wasted signal going up into the stratoshpere when I am only trying
to reach repeaters between me and the radio horizon? I don't want or need
that. A 5/8 wave does a much better job for me, for it "seems" to give me
gain because it concentrates its radiation in the lower angles, ...but I
miss talking to the airplanes near and way above me (if that's important
to me.)

Just a thought.

David B
w7dbh
Beaverton, Oregon

David B.