[TowerTalk] The Value of HFTA

[Edward Sawyer]

Those that are firm believers in modeling should understand the purpose and
limitations of their modeling software.  "Antenna Modeling software" is used
to design an antenna above a modeled ground plane below - or in free space
as desired.  HFTA takes an assumed radiator and models the effect of that
radiator on a complex terrain defining the "net ground plane".  You don't
use HFTA to design an antenna and you don't use a great program like EZNEC
to answer a height question above complex terrain.  

 

One thing that HFTA does NOT do well is answer the question about stacking
from a "max gain" perspective.  EZNEC will tell you the best design for
stacking yagis for max gain in a direction however HFTA will tell you what
the right height for those yagis are or if the stack is even the strongest
signal under typical approach angles.  

 

A tool is only as good as its goal and limitations.  For the right answers,
use them all.

 

73

 

Ed  N1UR