Difference between revisions of "Antenna Performance Tests"
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=== Tests === | === Tests === | ||
The following is a screen shot of a wide band scan (0-20 Mhz.) of the output of the antenna coupler when connected to a Tektronics 495P Spectrum Analyzer. | The following is a screen shot of a wide band scan (0-20 Mhz.) of the output of the antenna coupler when connected to a Tektronics 495P Spectrum Analyzer. | ||
| − | [[Image:activeantennaplot1.jpg] | + | [[Image:activeantennaplot1.jpg][[Image:activeantennaplot1.jpg|thumb|300px| Active antenna spectrum 0-20 Mhz.]] |
==== Sensitivity ==== | ==== Sensitivity ==== | ||
Revision as of 06:54, 9 April 2010
Instruments required
Active Antenna and Mercury
One of the great features of Mercury is its wide band capability. Most amateurs have antennas that are tuned to one amateur band. Often, these antennas do not perform well when used to listen on other frequencies. One type of antenna that is suited to wide band performance is an active antenna.
I purchased a Z1501D Active Antenna and Z1203A Active Antenna Coupler from Clifton Laboratories [1]. These are both kits that are straightforward to put together and in my opinion are first class.
The active antenna at my station is using a 60 inch whip and the unit is mounted on a wooden fence post approximately 1.25 m above ground. I have a ground plate (1.2m long piece of electrical bus) buried in the earth about 0.6 m below ground.
Tests
The following is a screen shot of a wide band scan (0-20 Mhz.) of the output of the antenna coupler when connected to a Tektronics 495P Spectrum Analyzer.
[[Image:activeantennaplot1.jpg]
Sensitivity
by Rick VE3MM
