[Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 8, Issue 10

[Vic Rosenthal]

Mychael Morohovich wrote:

> Thanks Vic, I get it now: the method that I am using is valid only when the
> antenna is 1/4 wl or less. Since my EFW is 86 feet, it would only
> be useful trying this comparison on topband where a 1/4 wl is roughly 125
> ft. It was suggested off list that my best bet overall is to employ the
> use of a field strength meter. Perhaps it is time to invest in one!

The field strength meter is useful, but doesn't tell the whole story.  Since the 
counterpoise becomes part of the antenna system, changing the counterpoise can 
change the pattern of the antenna.  So you would need to make a bunch of fs 
measurements at various points and plot them.  Not to mention the fact that an 
antenna has both horizontal and vertical directivity!

-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco