Antenna Theory
You don’t need to understand all the theory of antennas in order to build and/or use them. But there are some bits that can improve your success in making contacts, and help you choose more appropriate antennas for your needs. Pick the topics of interest to you that seem like they apply to your situation, and read as far as you are comfortable. As you read more pieces over time, go back and re-read some you didn’t finish before and see if they make more sense. There is no final exam: only the ability to apply the the theory to improve your antennas.
General theory
- fields and waves
- polarization
- impedance
- SWR
- decibels
- directivity / gain
- antenna plots
- propagation modes
- height
- vertical angle of radiation vs. distance
- analysis of current distribution on wire
- resonance
- loading coils
- common mode current
Theory of specific antenna types
- Dipole Antenna theory
- Loop Antenna Theory
- Long Wire Antenna Theory
- Vertical Antenna Theory
- Arrays of Elements