On Thu, 28 May 1998, Rick Mainhart wrote:
(snip)
> For those who absolutely hate the idea of a computer model, and really
> dislike range testing at 1:1 scale, here's YOUR way to test any and all
> antennas. Build your own artificial world (well, a small part of it,
> anyway), and then build scale models of your desired antennas. You can
> then test these antennas under ideal, repeatable conditions. I'd imagine
> that once you'd started this venture, you'd get scale models of all sorts
> of antennas to test, because with the level playing field you'd provide,
> everyone would want a chance to play.
(snip)
> Rick, WB3EXR
Scale models are great for things like element-spacing, a rough
understanding of the effects of height and other "macro" design elements.
However, the effects of linear-loading, traps, element taper, and similar
"micro" details must be tested at close to full-scale.
The laws of physics put strict limitations on the coarse performance
available from a fixed number of elements on a certain boom length. It
then becomes a game of optimization and of construction implementation to
determine the final behavior - i.e., the "micro" details. This is why you
need to do full-scale tests as a design validation exercise.
73, Ward N0AX
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