Calculators by G4CQM


Coaxial Cable Losses

 

LENGTH (M) 
Cable 144MHz 432MHz 1.3GHz 2.4GHz
RG174:
RG58:
RG213U:
H100:
W103:
LDF250:
LDF450:
ECO15:
Copyright © G4CQM 2020 Note: Losses shown in dB

 


Stacking Yagis by G4CQM

 

Conventional Yagi Four-Stack WAX8 seen in AOP

 

Conventional Yagi Four-Stack WAX8 seen above in AOP...

K6STI's Antenna Optimizer Professional (AOP) software makes easy work of yagi stacking when using Symbolic Dimensions. See WAX8 example, opens in new window... 4WX8.ANT.

With the Free Space Symmetric command only two sets of symbolic build representations are required for four yagis, one pair in mirror. Vertical and Horizontal stacking distances are easily changed making alterations and comparison very easy!

Meanwhile 4nec2 does not have the Free Space Symmetric option so some extra coding is required. However, Symbolic Dimensions can be used, so yet again altering spacing is very easy. See WAX8 example, opens in new window... 4WX8.nec.

Several designers choose to use numerical file format where errors are difficult to spot and manipulation of design parameters is awkward and time consuming. Symbolic Dimensions make life much easier and more accurate requiring only one numeric value each to describe spacing, length and diameter!

All of my designs use DL6WU stacking distances throughout, however it is worth experimenting to finally obtain the lowest temperature...

I have observed that the -3dB Beam Width data produced by 4nec2 is not as accurate as K6STI's AOP, resulting in less than optimal stacking distances. So, to obtain the lowest temperatures I use K6STI's AOP...

Use this DL6WU based stacking calculator as a guide only for your yagis stacking distances, simply enter the -3dB Beam Width (Degrees) information found on each yagi design page...

 

Enter Freq (MHz):

Enter -3dB Beam Width (Degrees):

E-Plane:

H-Plane:

 

Resultant Stacking Distances:

E-Plane (Metres) =

H-Plane (Metres) =

E-Plane (Feet) =

H-Plane (Feet) =

 


VSWR

 

Regard VSWR readings as a guide only particularly when trying to establish just how good your antenna is. Completely flat VSWR when measured at the station patch panel could for example indicate that the system may have hidden losses, be warned!

 

Consider that a VSWR of 1.5:1 equates to a Return Loss of 13.98dB OR a Mismatch Loss of only 0.177dB

Enter any one of the first three parameters below, then click SUBMIT to calculate % Reflected and Mismatch loss;

 

Please note that these VSWR calculators are intended for use in the context of VHF/UHF yagi antennas connected with 50-Ohms coaxial feeder cable.

Some authors quote Return Loss as a negative number, and this convention is still widely found in professional radio communication and telecommunications literature. However, caution is required when discussing increasing or decreasing Return Loss as these terms strictly have the opposite meaning when Return Loss is defined as a negative quantity.

 


Wavelength (λ)

 

A useful calculator to enable accurate cutting of coaxial cable stubs, in-line sections and more...

Vf, Ka etc   
f (MHz)   1 λ =  mm λ/2 =  mm λ/4 =  mm

 


G6HKS - Yagi Kits & Parts...

  • THESE YAGI ANTENNA DESIGNS ARE NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OF ANY KIND WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT!
  • Private experimenters are free to use these designs for their own personal enlightenment. However, no
    guarantee or warranty is offered or implied.
  • MY WEBSITE DOES NOT USE COOKIES, EXTERNAL LINKS MIGHT!

 

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