Antenna Misconceptions

Antennas are possibly hams’ favorite topic of discussion, experimentation and misunderstanding. Countless books have been published to help us better understand these metallic marvels that make our communication possible. Yet, misconceptions persist. K3MT takes a closer look at a few of the most common.

MICHAEL TOIA

“It ain’t what we don’t know that gets us in trouble: It’s what we do know for sure that just ain’t so.”1 Words that ring so true to understanding radio antennas. I’ve had the “knows” listed below most of my early adult life, and in a continuous quest, a thirst, for more knowledge on the subject, have found misconceptions that I share here. Am I the final arbiter thereof? Hardly. As a challenge, convince me that I’m wrong … 1) SWR: A lecture about antennas began with an ice breaker, a simple question: “What’s the most important thing about a radio antenna?” A bit of fishing among the raised hands got, within three attempts: “SWR”. Really? Much of the audience agreed. A Heathkit “Cantenna”2 dummy load rose from beneath the…

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CQ Amateur Radio (Digital) - 1 Issue, January 2023

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