A Search for a better way

The WARC bands have been with us for some years now and the amateur is still struggling with the idea of a better multi band beam. The antenna of choice with those who have the room has been the beam antenna that contains traps. The Industries reaction to the addition of the WARC bands has been 'more elements' and 'more traps.' The multi band antenna, a compromise antenna, has now become an expensive and poorer compromise. (relative to several mono banders)

Those with small back yards without the facilities for a beam are increasingly gravitating towards the G5RV antenna which is inexpensive and allow the user to operate on many bands. Environmental conditions affect the operation of such an antenna, also a tuner is required and the radiated field is multi lobed as opposed to a reinforced main lobe. A useful antenna but again a poor compromise

As we gravitate towards condominiums, apartments, etc, the small loop becomes attractive. It can be used as a multi band antenna and unlike other antennas such as the G5RV it can be tuned such that it can take advantage of the whole of the amateur band. There are drawbacks of course especially when one receives a RF burn from being to near and many would say that it is not big enough though the real drawback is its low efficiency so again we are looking at a compromise antenna.

The log periodic antenna must be mentioned in any sort of discussion such as this since it is a multi-frequency antenna. Generally for amateurs it is not a realistic choice for HF work because of its size and weight but it does supply a gain equivalent of a 3 element antenna on the frequency of choice even though it carries the baggage of unused elements.

None of the above antennas can provide a realistic mono band beam performance in the multi band area. The following is a review of the various known features of the above multi band antennas with the view of designing a better multi band antenna. Recognizing that antennas have been heavily studied over the years, success is more likely to come by reviewing the many existing designs somewhat different way such that the amalgamation of known ideas will bring fourth something that will meet present needs, over come the natural scetasim of those knowledgeable in the field by connecting known theories in such a way that the "new" design is instantly accepted as a viable or "obvious" solution. An indomitable task especially when we live in such an era of antenna programs are all the vogue.

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