TopBand: s/n

[W7lr@aol.com]

I think that this is a valid topband topic.  I would like to find or gather
information on which directional pattern might give the best s/n results.  For
example when you look at EWE patterns in the WA2WVL Feb 1995 QST article the
estimates for f/b and for BW are about as follows:

single element  30 db f/b,  150 degree BW

broadside elements, 150' spacing, 20 db f/b, 45 degree BW

endfire elements  30 db f/b,  90 degree BW

With the two element arrays there is some tradeoff between f/b and BW.  My
limited computer models show somewhat better f/b for the endfire and somewhat
greater BW for the broadside than the above numbers.  

Whatever the numbers are, do you reduce noise more with better f/b or with a
narrower BW?  

Like most topband topics I'm sure there may not be an easy answer - noise is
not that simple.  Also another factor is reduction of signal hash from nearby
strong stations/signals.  One advantage of the broadside array is that there
is no critical phasing involved.  

73 Bob W7LR   Montana   w7lr@aol.com

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