[Antennas] The big picture?

[Dan Richardson]

At 03:32 PM 10/3/2004, Aallen wrote:
>The difference between a vertical with minimal radials and one optimized is
>probably 3 dBi or less. Does that 3dBi make that much difference?

For receiving the signal to noise ratio remains the same therefore a Q-5 
signal would remain Q-5. However, if you are transmitting to a station and 
you signal is equal to that station's noise level then a 3 dB gain is very 
significant.
A 3dB loss is a 50% power loss.

>   On the old  S-meter it is a bit less than half a unit.

I know of no present day ham receivers or transmitters that have 6dB per 
S-unit. Typical ranges run from about 3 to 4½ dB per S-unit.

>Is the lobe pattern and angles more significant??

Antenna pattern is an important consideration with all antennas.

Danny, K6MHE