An antenna must be tuned matched to the same frequency band as the radio. Portability was a game changer, since antennas are usually adjusted to minimize the swr and its simply faster and easier when you can bring an swr meter. Understanding your antenna analyzer is an introduction to the various types of analyzers available, their component parts, how they operate and how to utilize them to get the best possible data. Antenna analysers how to use them by zs1jhg antenna. You probably want an antenna analyzer with more advanced features. Understanding your antenna analyzer, 20 joel hallas reeve. The new ip30z iportable antenna swr analyzer is designed for field use. Its easy enough to find the swr on my mfj antenna analyzer. Looking at the right side of figure 4, the upmixer takes the. In its most basic form, an antenna analyzer provides a variable frequency signal source and the means to measure impedance magnitude and voltage standing wave ratio vswr, or just swr. This is arguably the most popular antenna analyzer on the market. Ron payne, wa6you demonstrates how to use an antenna analyzer.
These antennas usually use one or more loading coils in order to keep the antennas relatively compact. Understanding what your analysers readings mean and how to use the readings. Be sure that your antenna has no stored electrostatic charge before trying to connect to the antenna analyzer. In an older publication of qex there was a readers query and explanation regarding the interpretation of. This book is a superb introduction to antenna analyzers, covering noise bridges, dip meters, and automatic analyzers. Note that each branch has three cavities connected together with cables. Both casual antenna users and tinkering enthusiasts are covered. Understanding available measurement techniques for. This compact battery powered unit has an easy to read back lighted frequency display and measures swr and impedance in the hf band. It is still a very useful tool to get you in the ballpark of resonance or tell you how far off it. In conclusion, i would say that the aa230pro is a great handheld antenna analyzer which is absolutely sufficient to tune amateur radio antennas within the 100 khz to 230 mhz range. However by changing frequency and watching what x does, you can figure it out.
A quick look at the spectrum analyzer timeline overview of spur and unknown signal requirements the block diagram and whats changed. Describe your experience with the mr300 swr analyzer and tell us why you give it the rating you did required. An exam ple of a cable loss measurement made using a cable and antenna analyzer is shown in figure 18. The book is about independent gadgets that do not need a transmitter to work hallas specifically writes in the introduction that the book doesnt cover the standard swr meter that uses the transmitter to supply a tuning signal. Sep 08, 2011 unless you use a very good dummy load, its unlikely youll see r50 x0 with any kind of antenna. Anywhere on the transmission line you measured, the voltage waveform would measure exactly the same as the sine wave coming from the transmitter. Antenna analysers how to use them by zs1jhg antenna radio. Understanding available measurement techniques for spurious. Antenna analyzers are arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment in an amateur radio station. Mfj269 antenna analyzer theory and use the mfj 269 is a handy instrument for checking your antenna, test coax, or to even test tuners. Arrl understanding your antenna analyzer arrl voip internet linking for radio amateurs second edition arrl yasme the danny weil and colvin radio expeditions. For the antenna, it is important to understand how efficient the antenna is at transitioning the signal to and from the air.
Mfj has several other models with different feature sets. Plug the cable into the antenna connector, and then tighten the rotating sleeve. Mar 25, 2015 i show you how to use an mfj 259269 antenna analyzer to check your antenna for swr and resonance. An antenna analyzer can help maximize your antenna systems performance. A tee junction and two more cables connects the two branches with the antenna feed line. Graphical swr standing wave ratio and impedance display are key features of this analyzer which significantly reduce the time required to adjust an antenna.
The panel size is 115 x 75 mm fitting into a small box of. Understanding antennas for the nontechnical ham by n4ja an. High reflections cause a high ratio of minimum to maximum voltage. Our rf courses are specifically designed by experts in the field, and the material is continuously updated with the latest information and market trends. Well if you want to learn more about using your antenna analyser you need to read up. The gain g and effective area of a loss less antenna are related by. Other hams want to know how to maximize their antenna system performance. The analyzer worked well to locate resonance, then started to indicate an open in the antenna and feed line with an swr greater than 10.
I dont know how many times ive read on here about someone using an antenna analyzer to try to figure out their antenna impedance through a random, unknown length of coax. It discusses how to adjust your antenna, enhance your antenna analyzer and the ways certain analyzers can be used as general purpose test instruments. Antenna analyzers are one of the most important pieces of equipment in an amateur radio station. Do not connect the antenna analyzer to antenna in a stormy weather. The most important parameter for the antenna resonance is the length.
Cable loss can be measured using the return loss measurement available in the cable and antenna analyzer. Aug 08, 20 this book is a superb introduction to antenna analyzers, covering noise bridges, dip meters, and automatic analyzers. This is the easiest way to adjust your portable or base station antenna to be best matched for your radio. Describe your experience with the ip60z antenna analyzer and tell us why you give it the rating you did required. Its size allows you to easily take it for relocation as well. This is called a matched condition and is what understanding swr by example take the mystery and mystique out of standing wave ratio. Fixture for measuring inductor q with your antenna analyzer. It discusses how to adjust your antenna, enhance your antenna analyzer and the ways certain analyzers can be used as general purpose test instruments in an amateur radio lab. Although it has its limitations with impedance analysis and tracking errors. One of the harder contexts to understand is an antenna, and since we are talking about antenna analyzers, this is an important case.
As well explain later, this is determined by using a vna to measure the return loss or vswr of the antenna. Rigexpert aa170 is a powerful antenna analyzer designed for testing, checking, tuning or repairing antennas and antenna feedlines. My manaul from older mfj269 version 1d2 scanned to pdf 127 mbytes. Understanding the available analysis tools and tradeoffs important architectures in an analyzers. Electromagnetic waves are often referred to as radio waves. Jun 16, 2015 antenna analyzer i show you how to use an mfj 259269 antenna analyzer to check your antenna for swr and resonance. Fully portable and self contained, it delivers a wide range of basic and advanced rf measurements to present a complete picture of your antenna systems and networks. Electrostatic discharge can damage analyzer even if it powered off. Understanding cable and antenna analysis anritsu america. Bluetooth capable analyzer models can send those files wirelessly to an equipped mobile phone, tablet, laptop or pc. Mfj 259c is a complete ham radio test station including frequency counter, rf signal generator, swr analyzertm, rf resistance and reactance analyzer, coax analyzer, capacitance and inductance meter and more.
How can we manipulate the test equipment for our measurement. Antenna analysers how to use them by zs1jhg free download as pdf file. My manaul from older mfj269 version 1d2 scanned to pdf 127 mbytes mfj269scannedmanual. Antenna analyzer notes 2 ctu, dayton, 2011 transmitter, were common inside stations for decades, the main feature of the antenna analyzer was the ability to take it outside to the antenna. When the sum of the total reactance of an antenna is tuned to zero, its impedance is totally resistive. Do not left the antenna analyzer connected to antenna. Antenna impedance can be measured using a vector network analyzer. By placing a short at the end of the cable, the signal is reflected back and the energy lost in the cable can be computed. This is actually the antenna analyzer that i first purchased. Designed to measure impedance or standing wave ration swr, the properly used antenna analyzer determines the details of an antenna s tuning characteristics and helps maximize its performance.
Antenna analysers, buy new and used products from ham. Most antennas are resonant devices, which operate efficiently over a relatively narrow frequency band. Understanding your antenna analyzer, a radio amateurs. Connected the analyzer to my 40 meter taktenna to tune to the center of the 40 meter band. Understanding your antenna analyzer first describes antenna analyzers in a general way. The measurement can be made with a portable vectorscalar network analyzer or a power meter. Designed to measure impedance or standing wave ratio swr, the properly used antenna analyzer determines the details of an antennas tuning characteristics and helps maximize its. Fixture for measuring inductor q with your antenna analyzer phil salas ad5x introduction over the past several years ive been experimenting with a variety of portable antennas. The use of an antenna analyzer will tell you if the antenna is too long or too short for resonance. The uk leading supplier and distributor of communications equipment. An antenna analyzer can help you find problems in your antenna system.
Understanding your antenna analyzer, a radio amateurs guide to. I show you how to use an mfj 259269 antenna analyzer to check your antenna for swr and resonance. By placing a short at the end of the cable, the signal is reflected back and. Understanding antennas for the nontechnical ham by n4ja. The onscreen menu system of rigexpert antenna analyzers provides a simple but effective way to control the entire device. I havent been without one of these pieces of equipment. It is still a very useful tool to get you in the ballpark of resonance or tell you how far off it may be. Antenna analyzers are arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment in an. Antenna analysers, buy new and used products from ham radio. Swr is an indicator of how well the feed line is matched to the antenna.
Dec 11, 2009 the measurements you obtain with your analyzer are only valid at the point where you measure them. Other useful information would include your experience with similar products, infomation on a product that you would purchase instead of this one, and so on. Dx engineering has the analyzers you need for valuable insight into the electrical characteristics and functionality of. Xc, so with a single point measurement you dont know which it is. Antenna basic concepts antenna an antenna is a device to transmit andor receive electromagnetic waves.
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