Antenna Hacks

- Y10-7-13 VHF Antenna: two different versions adding 3 and 5 additional directors and a planar reflector.  Approximately +2 and +3dB gain improvement, respectively.

- DB8 UHF Antenna: swapped out the stock combiner and harness, closed the triangles, and added a trough reflector.  Aproximately 3 to 4 dB gain improvement (this is the "Old" DB8).

- 91XG UHF Antenna: 5 director extension and expanded reflector.  Approx 1.5 dB gain improvement.  [Coming soon].

 

Measurement Notes
The following notes apply to all hacks listed above.

• None of the  captures are intended to present actual (absolute) field strength.
• Each result is presented as a comparison between two antennas or configurations, in a test bed with otherwise identical electrical and physical aspects, except as noted.  That is, the same Tx and Rx locations were used, the same cables, Tx levels, etc.  The single variable was the unit under test (the stock and modified antenna).
• The antenna test bed is by no means ideal.  Almost every placement of Tx and Rx antenna at these close distances and proximity to ground can result in reflections that affect absolute receive levels at various points across the spectrum, and to varying degrees.  The general rule of thumb, however, is that Tx and Rx antennas should be at least 10 wavelengths apart, and that rule is honored.
• The test bed was established by evaluating results in both horizontal and vertical polarizations.  I.e., after characterizing a response with, say, a horizontal polarization, both Tx and Rx antennas were rotated 90 degrees to a vertical polarization.  If the results varied significantly the Tx and/or Rx locations were changed.  Both horizontal and vertical measurements were repeated, and locations adjusted again if necessary, until locations that produce similar results in both orientations were found.  It is an accepted practice in antenna testing that if the results are similar for both orientations one can be reasonably assured that measured differences are due to unit differences versus environmental differences.
• The measurements are made at the coordinates 39° 21’ 14.63” N 120° 5' 19.54" W.  The terrain is extremely mountaineous and rugged.  Note that I do think TVFool predictions serve will in LOS scenarios.  However, at these coordinates they're really more of a hint at reality, are not generally as good as RFProfiler (I find), and neither one can nor does come close to accuracy for this 1Edge and 2Edge, rugged mountain terrain location.