Antenna design books

Submitted: Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:13

ThreadID: 63492 Views:3116 Replies:7 FollowUps:5

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ben_gv3

Hiya chaps,

Are there any comms specialists out there?

I'm looking into mobile antenna design theory (UHF. HF etc) and have been trying to find a begineers book on antenna design.

Does anyone know of such a book? What about websites or comms forums?

I'm a mech engineer so can understand nerd speak but haven't delved into comms theory much before.

Cheers.

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Reply By: Member - Footloose - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:33

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:33

Ben, that's a pretty tall order. Try the ARRL Antennae Handbook. It's a fairly good treatment of practical designs.
BUT
You might need to brush up on your basic comms theory.

Can I ask why you need to find out about aerials ?

AnswerID: 335044

Follow Up By: OzTroopy - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 17:02

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 17:02

> " Can I ask why you need to find out about aerials ? "

Im hoping its because ben_gv3 wants to learn and know about something he bought or intends to buy ... rather than fill every 4wd forum on the internet with " what antennae should I buy "
and just bolt the most common mentioned one on his vehicle ... like some .... and then come back with post #2 ... " why doesnt my radio work "

By reading up on infol ... he will find its a much more intricate thing than just some fibreglass and a length of copper wire.

The reliance on repeaters / satellites etc., has left most people who use radios today, with a great, natural lack of knowledge regarding basic principles of radio communications.

ben_gv3

Sometimes you can have a win in old bookstores too. Old magazines woth antennae articles, not too mention previous editions of handbooks. If your going to be making your own ... its very satisfying, communicating with someone via something you made yourself.

FollowupID: 602781

Follow Up By: Member - Footloose - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 17:13

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 17:13

Obviously, his goal should determine the type of response I give.
e.g. If he simply wants info to build a better mousetrap, my approach would be a little different to if he wants an amateur ticket.
Please also remember that much of the public have scant knowledge of communications theory. Aerial design doesn't start and end with UHF CB radios. It is simply one particular area.
Skin effect for example becomes far more important at higher frequencies, whilst propogation on HF can be very different at 50 meg to that at HF and UHF.
I have even seen advice on this forum that is misleading and just plain innacurate. I won't go into detail but it is in the archives.

FollowupID: 602786

Follow Up By: OzTroopy - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 17:35

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 17:35

Totally agree Footloose ... wasnt a chip at you.

I was just pleased to see someone taking an actual working interest in something, rather than just handing over cash for an item.

FollowupID: 602789

Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 22:14

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 22:14

hahahah Oztroopy what a great response, I too like to try and work out the how to and then make up my own mind, the day we dont learn os the day we get into strife.

Interested to see where this thread goes cause I have wondered the same myself

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Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:36

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:36

Try the ARRL Antenna Handbook. It may still be available. Try the larger book shops in capital cities where they carry technical books, particularly on ham radio.

Also look at the WIA book shop

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AnswerID: 335046

Reply By: Nomad Liney - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 19:36

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 19:36

Gday Ben.
Try this link. Its mainly about 11 metre band antennae but is a start.
11m Antennae

Cheers
Col

AnswerID: 335079

Reply By: Member No 1- Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 21:10

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 21:10

yep certainly are
have two (i think 2... but at least one) collecting dust
will check out the details toomorrow and let you know isbn if they have one.

AnswerID: 335108

Reply By: ben_gv3 - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 21:21

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 21:21

OzTroopy and Footlosse.

You got it in one. I want to know the theory behind it as well as having a play at making my own.

I already know enough about antenna types for UHFs when selecting antenna for the standard run-of-the-mill UHF setups. I just want to something more detailed so I cantinker a bit more.

Thanks for the info.

Also, I'm looking into the ARRL book atm.

Cheers all.

AnswerID: 335111

Reply By: 96 GXL 80 series - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 22:13

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 22:13

Type in Google what type of antenna for the information you are after.
HF / UHF / VHF you will find it endless the information on home brewing.

A lot of Amateur radio sites with information freely available.

It would be a handy item to have some knowledge on building in an emergency if out bush and you break or loose your antenna.

"J" Pole antennas for UHF and VHF are very easy to make and fit into a sealed PVC pipe and store in the vehicle.

AnswerID: 335132