[Elecraft] dBd vs dBi

[kc4kgu@ENTERZONE.NET]

OK.  My brain is fairly fried right now.  I've managed to get my get
"end of summer" cold in record time this year and am in a cold-medicine
fog right now so, here are the two antennas I'm comparing:

Antenna				Gain		F/B
-------------------------------------------------------------
SteppIR 3-element Yagi		8.8dBi 		20-50dB
				Average in
				freespace


Force 12 XR-5			4.2-4.6dBd	14-20dB
				compared to
				full-sized
				dipole at
				same height



		Force 12 XR-5		SteppIR 2-element Yagi
--------------------------------------------------------------
Boom Length	18'			16'
Turning Radius	20.2'			19.7'
Longest Element	36.5'			36'
Freq Coverage	20, 17, 15, 12, 10 	20-6 continious		
Windload	8.5 sq ft		6.1 sq ft
Survival	100 Mph			100 Mph
Weight		57 lbs			42 lbs
Power 		> 5KW			2KW
Elements	10 (2 per band)		3



If I understand correctly, the SteppIR wins here but, I'm not positive.
I realize that we're comparing a 3-el (per band) Yagi vs a 2-el per
band.  I am just trying to compare the SteppIR against an antenna that a
friend has so I can decide what to put up.  The "gadget lover" in me is
leaning towards the SteppIR but, I don't want to give up performance for
gadget appeal.


73 de John - KC4KGU
K2/100 #2490