[South Florida DX Association] HF field strength measurements

[wa4aw at juno.com]

First Annual Mobile / Portable Antenna RF Field Strength Measurements

February 25 at the B.R.A.R.A. “Free Flea”   begins 09:00
(assuming the weather cooperates)
See http://brara.qrpradio.com/

Some Background
   For this event we are going to give priority to HF mobile systems and,

hopefully, HF portable or HF pedestrian mobile systems.  However, if you 
have something really interesting to try out, let me know.  I might put
you 
near the top of the list.
   Depending on the turn-out and how smoothly things go, we will also 
measure 2m, 70cm, 33 cm and 23cm antennas.
   To make things go as smoothly as possible, it is best if we limit the 
number of frequencies used.  This event will be on a Saturday morning, so
if 
anyone can suggest frequencies to use or avoid, please let me know.  One 
general-class frequency on each band should suffice.  Once frequencies
are 
recommended we will update this list.  So check the B.R.A.R.A. website
and 
you can set your antenna(s) before the event.  If I get enough email
ahead 
of time, I will try to post a tentative schedule.  (check at the
B.R.A.R.A. 
website)
   I am especially interested in those that have HF mobile installations 
with more than one antenna type for any given frequency.  It would be
very 
educational to make measurements in the amount of difference in the field

strength of two different types of antennas mounted in the same place on
the 
same vehicle with the same rig.  If you do not have more than one type of

antenna, perhaps you can borrow one.  Other educational variations would
be 
adding / removing capacity hats, using the same antenna at various
locations 
on the vehicle, swapping your matching networks, etc.

What you should do;
  First, let me know that you intend to be there and what band(s) you
wish 
to have measured.  Send an email to wb9jtk at arrl dot net.   This will
make 
planning very much easier.  We are not going to try to make accurate 
measurements of your transmitter power output.  No a.c. power will be 
supplied.  The environment is an asphalt paved parking lot with small
trees, 
light poles, curbs and cars.  Bring your own shade.
   There will be no “winners” and no “losers”.  This is an event so that
we 
can all learn how well various mobile /portable antenna setups operate.  
Besides learning a lot about antennas, we might just have a lot of fun
while 
we are at it.
73 de Alan,WB9JTK
ARRL Tech. Specialist