Antenna Modeling Software

Part Duex

Steve Stearns - K6OIK

We flat ran out of time to cover this HUGE topic from the first meeting, so Steve is coming back to finish the presentation.

From before - Antenna modeling software like EZNEC and 4nec2 are powerful and very easy-to-use programs for modeling and analyzing nearly any kind of antenna in its actual operating environment. Software can be set to plot azimuth and elevation patterns; report gain, feedpoint impedance, SWR, and current distribution; finds and reports beamwidth, 3-dB pattern points, f/b ratio, takeoff angle, sidelobe characteristics; and more.

Steve reviewed the “method of moments” which lead to computational electromagnetics and the development of the NEC family (NEC-1, NEC-2, NEC-3, and NEC-4).  Steve will describe and show how to run EZNEC and the free program 4nec2.  He will also touch on some advanced modeling capabilities and indicate where the future of antenna modeling is headed. Download and install the free version onto a laptop and bring it with you to follow along! Slide rulers and pocket protectors are optional.

Steve’s 2008 Pacificon Antenna Seminar presentation “Antenna Modeling for Radio Amateurs can be downloaded from:  http://www.fars.k6ya.org/others#Techinfo
Steve is currently Senior Staff Engineer at Northrop Grumman’s Electromagnetic Systems Laboratory in San Jose, California, where he is leading the development of advanced signal processing algorithms for communication signal processing systems.

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