Topband: Antenna Modeling

[Hardy Landskov]

Randy,
I highly recommend the ARRL antenna course and buying a few CD's from 
Cebik's website. I was trying to model a loaded 80 meter beam once with 
short elements. It can't be done with the available software and apply a 
taper schedule. Very wild answers; you will get an answer but it won't be 
right. Much frustration!!
Other gottchas are right angle corners, wires that are very close together, 
drastic changes in taper schedules, and radials very close to ground. I have 
probably missed a few others but even taking three college antenna design 
courses did not prepare me for modeling.
I learned the most from doing the ARRL first and then following up with 
Cebik's CD's. Antenna design with the available software tools will yield 
predictable results but is not a trivial exercise. It's always GIGO. Garbage 
In Garbage Out.
GL es 73 Hardy N7RT


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "K9OR" <k9or at comcast.net>
To: <topband at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2010 6:31 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: Antenna Modeling


>I never took the ARRL course, but the book which accompanied it when the
> course was introduced (ARRL Antenna Modeling Course by Cebik) is 
> excellent.
> Not sure if the ARRL still makes it available to students of the course, 
> but
> it may be available via other Internet booksellers. I bought a copy at
> Dayton several years ago.
>
> The files that accompany the book are available on the ARRL web site.
>
> I also recommend the Cebik web site (registration required) if you're
> interested in antenna designs for 160 through UHF. Lots of good material
> there.
> www.cebik.com
>
> Can't speak to the other modeling programs, but I have used EZNEC+ V. 5.0
> and can recommend it. The ARRL Antenna Book free version will get you
> started, but you'll want the upgrade.
> www.eznec.com
>
> 73 Randy K9OR
>
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