Note that the gain of a parabolic antenna is governed by the following:

\[G = \frac{ 4\pi{A} }{ \lambda^2 }e_A\]

Where:

• \(A\) is the area of the antenna aperture (the mouth of the parabolic reflector)
• \(\lambda\) (lambda) is the wavelength of the radio waves
• \(e_A\) is a dimensionless "aperture efficiency" parameter between \(0\) and \(1\)

It is clear that by doubling the frequency, the wavelength is halved. Using proportional reasoning, we see that substituting \(\frac{\lambda}{2}\) for \(\lambda\) results in a change in \(G\) by a factor of \(4\).

In decibels, \(10\log_{10}(4)\) is equal to \(6.02\text{ dB}\). Hence, the correct answer is "Gain is increased by \(6\text{ dB}\)".

Hint: The ideal value is the highest value.

Silly memory aid: "para" means fo(u)r in Spanish, and you'd need 6 dB to quadruple power

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Hint: Only one answer has the word perpendicular in it.

Hint: only one answer has 'BOOM' in it :)

The key here is that the two Yagis are overlaid on the same boom. The result is two sets of elements, both pointing the same direction, with one set rotated 90° along the axis of the boom at right angles to the other.

The distractors talk about arranging the antennas in parallel or linearly. Neither of those things make for good circles – you have to have perpendicular angles out of phase to make the spiral wave.

Check out this great video from Khan Academy that explains linear and circular polarization of electromagnetic waves.

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Due to the fact that short verticals have a low radiation resistance, they are naturally ineffective so you will need to do whatever you can to make them as efficient as possible.

An HF mobile antenna loading coil should have a high ratio of reactance to resistance to minimize losses.

A high-Q loading coil should be placed near the center of the vertical radiator to minimize losses in a shortened vertical antenna.

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A small loading coil simply inserts a series inductive reactance that cancels capacitive antenna reactance.

By using a mobile antenna loading coil you will minimize ground related losses.

Mnemonic hint: High Ratio = Maximum Efficiency.

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The length of a Yagi’s driven element is approximately 1/2 wavelength. This element has a larger diameter than the other types of elements in an antenna. As a result, the driven element absorbs high energy levels for increased bandwidth. The driven element provides the necessary current required for radiating electromagnetic energy into space and is usually the same length as a half wavelength at the intended operating frequency.

All other elements are electrical multiples of half a wavelength long so that they resonate at the same frequency as the driven element.

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Bandwidth is inversely proportional to quality factor Q, and \[Q = \frac{\text{reactance}}{\text{resistance}}\] Thus, adding reactance reduces (decreases) the bandwidth.

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Eliminate Distractors:

Lower Q - Actually raises Q by tuning antenna to be resonant

Higher Losses - Not an advantage

Greater structural strength - Nonsense

Only real answer is Improved radiation efficiency

Top loading is a methodology which increases radiation resistance, hence efficiency, even if the ground plane is substandard; seemingly a ubiquitous vertical antenna shortcoming. A top loaded vertical antenna has several advantages over the conventional vertical, but the biggest advantage is that it's shorter in length.

Source: Antenna 013: 20 Meter Top Loaded Vertical

Maximizing Efficiency in HF Mobile Antennas

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The Q or Q-Factor, when it relates to antennas, is simply an inverse measure of the bandwidth in which that antenna is useable.

Q is defined as the center frequency divided by the bandwidth. So something with a higher Q would have a smaller bandwidth around its designed center frequency.

Example: You have a dipole which is made for 14.2 MHz and has a bandwidth (acceptable VSWR) of \(\pm 250\) kHz (0.5 MHz bandwidth)

The Q factor would be: \[Q=\frac{14.2}{0.5}=28.4\]

If the bandwidth were to be cut in half, the Q factor would double accordingly.

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The coil (inductor) is added to cancel out the capacitance already present in the circuit to try to achieve resonance.

It also facilitates a method to electrically shorten an antenna to "tune" to lower frequencies than the intended "designed" antenna length.

Silly hint: coil cancels capacitive reactance

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Radiation resistance represents the portion of an antenna’s impedance that corresponds to power successfully radiated as radio waves, as if the power were dissipated by a resistor. A higher radiation resistance generally means the antenna radiates more efficiently.

At the resonant frequency, radiation resistance is maximized, resulting in the most efficient radiation. Below resonance, the impedance becomes more reactive (usually capacitive), reducing the radiation resistance and making the antenna less efficient at radiating energy.

Thus, radiation resistance decreases below resonance.

Memory aid:
Below resonance = Resistance decreases. "Below" = Decrease.

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Reflector elements (usually only one is used) are slightly longer than the driven dipole and placed behind the driven element, opposite the direction of intended transmission. Directors, on the other hand, are a little shorter and placed in front of the driven element in the intended direction.

The reflector will help "reflect" energy forward, while the director just narrows the focus of the energy already going that direction -- thus by reflecting the energy going back you get more gain than you would by simply narrowing the part of the energy already going forward.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yagi–Uda_antenna

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Understanding Yagi Antennas

A Yagi antenna is a directional antenna with a driven element, directors, and a reflector. The driven element is connected to the transmitter or receiver, while the directors and reflector are passive elements.

How Parasitic Elements Control Phase Shift

1. Directors: Placed in front, shorter than the driven element, causing the current to lead the incident wave phase, focusing radiation forward.
2. Reflectors: Placed behind, longer than the driven element, causing the current to lag the incident wave phase, reflecting waves forward.

Purpose

Adjusting the lengths of parasitic elements controls the phase shift of re-radiated waves, enhancing the antenna's directionality and gain by focusing the signal in a specific direction.

Hint: you can make a object appear longer or shorter by shifting it

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