Antenna System - Revision history

Clanker: Tighten; desktop app labels

2026-10-24T20:06:20Z

Tighten; desktop app labels

Clanker: Antennas in the SimTX desktop app: station editor, mounts, SWR check

2026-10-24T19:42:43Z

Antennas in the SimTX desktop app: station editor, mounts, SWR check

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:42, 24 October 2026
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	== Choose and tune an antenna ==		== Choose and tune an antenna ==
			In the SimTX desktop app, antennas belong to a station. Add and edit them in the station editor: in the '''Stations''' tab, select the station and press '''Edit''', then go to '''Antennas'''. See [[SimTX Guide/Stations#Antennas\|Stations]].

	For a first setup, use the [[Getting Started\|31 m dipole example]]. For other frequencies:		For a first setup, use the [[Getting Started\|31 m dipole example]]. For other frequencies:

	# Set the operating frequency first.		# Set the operating frequency first.
	# Select an antenna for the intended coverage. A dipole is a useful general comparison; a vertical favors low angles; a Yagi concentrates coverage in one direction.		# Select an antenna for the intended coverage. A dipole is a useful general comparison; a vertical favors low angles; a Yagi concentrates coverage in one direction.
	# Set its main dimension for the new frequency, then check the ~~local~~ SWR ~~estimate~~. For a dipole, <code>143 / frequency in MHz</code> metres is a starting length, not an exact solver result.		# Set its main dimension for the new frequency, then check the SWR with '''Check SWR at''' on the antenna card. For a dipole, <code>143 / frequency in MHz</code> metres is a starting length, not an exact solver result.
	# Adjust length in small steps if needed. Recheck after changing height or antenna type.		# Adjust length in small steps if needed. Recheck after changing height or antenna type.
	# For a directional antenna, set ~~Azimuth~~ toward the intended receiving area.		# For a directional antenna on a '''Fixed''' mount, set '''Points toward''' to the intended receiving area. On a rotator mount, turn it while you transmit; see [[SimTX Guide/Rotators and tracking\|Rotators and tracking]].

	'''Length zero is a template shortcut, not an automatic tuner.''' In the current geometry solver it selects a nominal half wavelength for dipoles and inverted-Vs, a quarter wavelength for verticals, about 0.476 wavelengths for a Yagi driven element, one wavelength for a loop, and two wavelengths for longwires and Beverages. The EFHW template uses 32.5 m when zero is entered. Actual SWR still depends on the solved geometry and ground.		'''Length zero is a template shortcut, not an automatic tuner.''' In the current geometry solver it selects a nominal half wavelength for dipoles and inverted-Vs, a quarter wavelength for verticals, about 0.476 wavelengths for a Yagi driven element, one wavelength for a loop, and two wavelengths for longwires and Beverages. The EFHW template uses 32.5 m when zero is entered. Actual SWR still depends on the solved geometry and ground.
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	\| Height (m) \|\| Height of the feedpoint or apex above ground. Height strongly shapes the vertical radiation pattern of horizontal antennas: low antennas radiate upward (short range), high antennas radiate at low angles (long range).		\| Height (m) \|\| Height of the feedpoint or apex above ground. Height strongly shapes the vertical radiation pattern of horizontal antennas: low antennas radiate upward (short range), high antennas radiate at low angles (long range).
	\|-		\|-
	\| Azimuth (°) \|\| ~~Orientation~~, 0 is north, 90 is east. For directional antennas this is the pointing direction~~; for wire antennas it is the direction the wire runs~~. ~~Disabled~~ for ~~the vertical~~.		\| Feedline Loss (dB) \|\| Fixed loss of the cable between transmitter and antenna. Subtracted from the radiated signal in both cases.
			\|-
			\| Mount \|\| '''Fixed''', '''Azimuth rotator''' or '''Az-El rotator'''. See [[SimTX Guide/Rotators and tracking\|Rotators and tracking]].
			\|-
			\| Points toward (°) \|\| On a '''Fixed''' mount: the orientation, 0 is north, 90 is east. For directional antennas this is the pointing direction. Shown only for directional types.
	\|-		\|-
	\| ~~Feedline Loss~~ (dB) \|\| ~~Fixed loss of~~ the ~~cable between transmitter and~~ antenna~~. Subtracted from the radiated signal in both cases~~.		\| Parks at azimuth, Elevation (°) \|\| On a rotator mount: where the antenna points when a session starts.
	\|}		\|}

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	\|}		\|}
	The gain and takeoff figures are nominal type-reference values, not predictions for every setup. The current app solves the actual wire geometry; performance varies with frequency, length, height, azimuth, and ground. The Directional column distinguishes beam-like types, not whether every other antenna is equal in all directions.		The gain and takeoff figures are nominal type-reference values, not predictions for every setup. The current app solves the actual wire geometry; performance varies with frequency, length, height, azimuth, and ground. The Directional column distinguishes beam-like types, not whether every other antenna is equal in all directions.

			The types '''Monopole''', '''Turnstile''', '''Crossed Yagi''' and '''Helix''' are meant for satellites and for ground stations with a rotator. See [[SimTX Guide/Satellites]] and [[SimTX Guide/Rotators and tracking]].

	== How the antenna affects the link ==		== How the antenna affects the link ==
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	== Local estimate ==		== Local estimate ==
	~~The Radio Deck shows an SWR and power estimate for the current configuration before~~ any session starts, ~~recomputed whenever~~ frequency, ~~power or antenna fields change~~. Use it to ~~sanity-~~check a design before transmitting.		Before any session starts, the antenna card in the station editor shows the SWR at a frequency you choose ('''Check SWR at'''), and the '''Station''' section of the '''Transmit''' tab shows the SWR around your transmit frequency. Use them to check a design before transmitting.

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Clanker: Rework documentation for new users: illustrated steps, clear navigation, preserved technical references, and current 0.3.6 behavior

2026-09-13T21:21:41Z

Rework documentation for new users: illustrated steps, clear navigation, preserved technical references, and current 0.3.6 behavior

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:21, 13 September 2026
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			{{Documentation navigation}}

	The antenna is the most influential part of a SimTX station. Antenna choice therefore changes gain, directionality, takeoff angle, SWR and ultimately who can hear the transmission.		The antenna is the most influential part of a SimTX station. Antenna choice therefore changes gain, directionality, takeoff angle, SWR and ultimately who can hear the transmission.


			== Choose and tune an antenna ==
			For a first setup, use the [[Getting Started\|31 m dipole example]]. For other frequencies:

			# Set the operating frequency first.
			# Select an antenna for the intended coverage. A dipole is a useful general comparison; a vertical favors low angles; a Yagi concentrates coverage in one direction.
			# Set its main dimension for the new frequency, then check the local SWR estimate. For a dipole, <code>143 / frequency in MHz</code> metres is a starting length, not an exact solver result.
			# Adjust length in small steps if needed. Recheck after changing height or antenna type.
			# For a directional antenna, set Azimuth toward the intended receiving area.

			'''Length zero is a template shortcut, not an automatic tuner.''' In the current geometry solver it selects a nominal half wavelength for dipoles and inverted-Vs, a quarter wavelength for verticals, about 0.476 wavelengths for a Yagi driven element, one wavelength for a loop, and two wavelengths for longwires and Beverages. The EFHW template uses 32.5 m when zero is entered. Actual SWR still depends on the solved geometry and ground.

			An antenna with a good SWR can still be weak at a distant receiver if it radiates in the wrong direction or the path is closed. See [[Propagation Basics]].

	== Configuration fields ==		== Configuration fields ==
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	\| Type \|\| One of the built-in antenna types below, or a custom geometry via [[NEC File Import]].		\| Type \|\| One of the built-in antenna types below, or a custom geometry via [[NEC File Import]].
	\|-		\|-
	\| Wire Length (m) \|\| The main dimension. Its label adapts to the type (circumference for the loop, element length for the vertical, driven element for the Yagis). '''0 ~~means resonant at~~ the ~~operating frequency~~''': the ~~length is derived automatically~~.		\| Wire Length (m) \|\| The main dimension. Its label adapts to the type (circumference for the loop, element length for the vertical, driven element for the Yagis). '''0 selects the nominal template length'''; see the type-specific rules above. It does not guarantee a resonant impedance or low SWR.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Height (m) \|\| Height of the feedpoint or apex above ground. Height strongly shapes the vertical radiation pattern of horizontal antennas: low antennas radiate upward (short range), high antennas radiate at low angles (long range).		\| Height (m) \|\| Height of the feedpoint or apex above ground. Height strongly shapes the vertical radiation pattern of horizontal antennas: low antennas radiate upward (short range), high antennas radiate at low angles (long range).
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	\| EFHW + 49:1 unun \|\| 2.1 \|\| No \|\| 28° \|\| 32.5 \|\| 0.6 \|\| [[End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna]]		\| EFHW + 49:1 unun \|\| 2.1 \|\| No \|\| 28° \|\| 32.5 \|\| 0.6 \|\| [[End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna]]
	\|}		\|}
	The gain and takeoff figures are ~~typical~~ values; ~~actual~~ performance varies with frequency, length, height and ~~azimuth~~.		The gain and takeoff figures are nominal type-reference values, not predictions for every setup. The current app solves the actual wire geometry; performance varies with frequency, length, height, azimuth, and ground. The Directional column distinguishes beam-like types, not whether every other antenna is equal in all directions.

	== How the antenna affects the link ==		== How the antenna affects the link ==
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	== Local estimate ==		== Local estimate ==
	The Radio Deck shows ~~the expected peak gain (dBi)~~ and ~~the VSWR at 50 ohms~~ for the current configuration before any session starts, recomputed whenever frequency, power or antenna fields change. Use it to sanity-check a design before transmitting.		The Radio Deck shows an SWR and power estimate for the current configuration before any session starts, recomputed whenever frequency, power or antenna fields change. Use it to sanity-check a design before transmitting.

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Clanker: Remove internal modelling detail

2026-07-05T08:53:41Z

Remove internal modelling detail

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:53, 5 July 2026
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	The antenna is the most influential part of a SimTX station~~. Each antenna is modelled as real wire geometry and solved electromagnetically at the operating frequency, producing a three-dimensional radiation pattern and a feedpoint impedance~~. Antenna choice therefore changes gain, directionality, takeoff angle, SWR and ultimately who can hear the transmission.		The antenna is the most influential part of a SimTX station. Antenna choice therefore changes gain, directionality, takeoff angle, SWR and ultimately who can hear the transmission.

	== Configuration fields ==		== Configuration fields ==
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	\| EFHW + 49:1 unun \|\| 2.1 \|\| No \|\| 28° \|\| 32.5 \|\| 0.6 \|\| [[End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna]]		\| EFHW + 49:1 unun \|\| 2.1 \|\| No \|\| 28° \|\| 32.5 \|\| 0.6 \|\| [[End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna]]
	\|}		\|}
	The gain and takeoff figures are typical ~~labels~~; ~~the~~ actual ~~values come from the full geometry solve and vary~~ with frequency, length, height and azimuth.		The gain and takeoff figures are typical values; actual performance varies with frequency, length, height and azimuth.

	== How the antenna affects the link ==		== How the antenna affects the link ==
	~~For every propagation path the simulation reads~~ the antenna~~'s realized~~ gain in the exact direction and elevation of ~~that~~ path, ~~then subtracts~~ feedline loss, mismatch loss ~~(from SWR), transformer loss (end-fed only)~~ and any protection foldback~~. Both~~ the ~~transmitting and the receiving antenna contribute in this way~~. Consequences:		What reaches a receiver depends on the antenna gain in the exact direction and elevation of the path, minus feedline loss, mismatch loss and any protection foldback, at both ends of the link. Consequences:

	* '''Takeoff angle matters as much as gain.''' Long-distance ionospheric paths leave at low elevation angles; short-range paths need high-angle radiation. An antenna with modest gain at the right angle beats a high-gain antenna pointed at the wrong angle. See [[Propagation Basics]].		* '''Takeoff angle matters as much as gain.''' Long-distance ionospheric paths leave at low elevation angles; short-range paths need high-angle radiation. An antenna with modest gain at the right angle beats a high-gain antenna pointed at the wrong angle. See [[Propagation Basics]].
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	== Local estimate ==		== Local estimate ==
	The Radio Deck shows the ~~solved~~ peak gain (dBi) and the VSWR at 50 ohms for the current configuration before any session starts, recomputed whenever frequency, power or antenna fields change. Use it to sanity-check a design before transmitting.		The Radio Deck shows the expected peak gain (dBi) and the VSWR at 50 ohms for the current configuration before any session starts, recomputed whenever frequency, power or antenna fields change. Use it to sanity-check a design before transmitting.

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Clanker: Create antenna system overview

2026-07-05T08:44:50Z

Create antenna system overview

New page

The antenna is the most influential part of a SimTX station. Each antenna is modelled as real wire geometry and solved electromagnetically at the operating frequency, producing a three-dimensional radiation pattern and a feedpoint impedance. Antenna choice therefore changes gain, directionality, takeoff angle, SWR and ultimately who can hear the transmission.

== Configuration fields ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Field !! Meaning
|-
| Type || One of the built-in antenna types below, or a custom geometry via [[NEC File Import]].
|-
| Wire Length (m) || The main dimension. Its label adapts to the type (circumference for the loop, element length for the vertical, driven element for the Yagis). '''0 means resonant at the operating frequency''': the length is derived automatically.
|-
| Height (m) || Height of the feedpoint or apex above ground. Height strongly shapes the vertical radiation pattern of horizontal antennas: low antennas radiate upward (short range), high antennas radiate at low angles (long range).
|-
| Azimuth (°) || Orientation, 0 is north, 90 is east. For directional antennas this is the pointing direction; for wire antennas it is the direction the wire runs. Disabled for the vertical.
|-
| Feedline Loss (dB) || Fixed loss of the cable between transmitter and antenna. Subtracted from the radiated signal in both cases.
|}

== Built-in antenna types ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Type !! Typical gain (dBi) !! Directional !! Typical takeoff angle !! Default length (m) !! Default feedline loss (dB) !! Page
|-
| Dipole || 5.5 || No || 30° || 10.1 || 1.0 || [[Dipole Antenna]]
|-
| Inverted-V || 1.8 || No || 40° || 10.8 || 1.0 || [[Inverted-V Antenna]]
|-
| Vertical || 1.76 || No || 18° || 5.1 || 0.5 || [[Vertical Antenna]]
|-
| Yagi 3-element || 7.5 || Yes || 14° || 10.1 || 0.8 || [[Yagi Antenna]]
|-
| Yagi 5-element || 10.2 || Yes || 10° || 10.1 || 0.8 || [[Yagi Antenna]]
|-
| Full-wave Loop || 1.5 || No || 55° || 1.0 || 0.3 || [[Full-Wave Loop Antenna]]
|-
| Longwire || 4.0 || Yes || 20° || 21.0 || 1.2 || [[Longwire Antenna]]
|-
| Beverage || 8.0 || Yes || 8° || 80.0 || 2.0 || [[Beverage Antenna]]
|-
| EFHW + 49:1 unun || 2.1 || No || 28° || 32.5 || 0.6 || [[End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna]]
|}
The gain and takeoff figures are typical labels; the actual values come from the full geometry solve and vary with frequency, length, height and azimuth.

== How the antenna affects the link ==
For every propagation path the simulation reads the antenna's realized gain in the exact direction and elevation of that path, then subtracts feedline loss, mismatch loss (from SWR), transformer loss (end-fed only) and any protection foldback. Both the transmitting and the receiving antenna contribute in this way. Consequences:

* '''Takeoff angle matters as much as gain.''' Long-distance ionospheric paths leave at low elevation angles; short-range paths need high-angle radiation. An antenna with modest gain at the right angle beats a high-gain antenna pointed at the wrong angle. See [[Propagation Basics]].
* '''Directional antennas must be aimed.''' A 5-element Yagi pointed away from the receiver can be worse than a dipole.
* '''Polarization matters.''' Ground-hugging short-range propagation strongly favours vertical polarization; horizontal antennas radiate very little at grazing angles. On ionospheric paths polarization is scrambled and costs a fixed few decibels regardless of antenna.
* '''Height shapes the pattern.''' Raising a horizontal antenna lowers its main lobe. As a rule of thumb, half a wavelength of height gives a useful low-angle lobe.

== Local estimate ==
The Radio Deck shows the solved peak gain (dBi) and the VSWR at 50 ohms for the current configuration before any session starts, recomputed whenever frequency, power or antenna fields change. Use it to sanity-check a design before transmitting.

== See also ==
* [[Antenna Calculations]]
* [[NEC File Import]]
* [[SWR and Transmitter Protection]]

[[Category:SimTX]] [[Category:Antennas]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:06, 24 October 2026
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	{{Documentation navigation}}		{{Documentation navigation}}

	The antenna ~~is the most influential part of~~ a ~~SimTX~~ station~~. Antenna choice therefore changes~~ gain, ~~directionality~~, takeoff angle, ~~SWR~~ and ~~ultimately~~ who can hear the transmission.		The antenna sets a station's gain, direction, takeoff angle and SWR, and with them who can hear the transmission.


	== Choose and tune an antenna ==		== Choose and tune an antenna ==
	~~In the SimTX desktop app, antennas belong to~~ a station. Add and edit them in the station editor: in the '''Stations''' tab, select the station and press '''Edit''', then go to '''Antennas'''. See [[SimTX Guide/Stations#Antennas\|Stations]].		Antennas are part of a station. Add and edit them in the station editor: in the '''Stations''' tab, select the station and press '''Edit''', then go to '''Antennas'''. See [[SimTX Guide/Stations#Antennas\|Stations]].

	For a first setup, use the [[Getting Started\|31 m dipole example]]. For other frequencies:		For a first setup, use the [[Getting Started\|31 m dipole example]]. For other frequencies:

	# Set the operating frequency first.		# Set the operating frequency first.
	# Select an antenna for the intended coverage. A dipole is a ~~useful~~ general ~~comparison;~~ a vertical ~~favors~~ low angles; a Yagi ~~concentrates coverage~~ in one direction.		# Select an antenna for the intended coverage. A dipole is a good general choice, a vertical favours low angles and a Yagi beams in one direction.
	# Set its main dimension for the new frequency, then check the SWR with '''Check SWR at''' on the antenna card. For a dipole, <code>143 / frequency in MHz</code> metres ~~is a starting length, not an exact solver result~~.		# Set its main dimension for the new frequency, then check the SWR with '''Check SWR at''' on the antenna card. For a dipole, start at <code>143 / frequency in MHz</code> metres.
	# Adjust length in small steps if needed. Recheck after changing height or antenna type.		# Adjust length in small steps if needed. Recheck after changing height or antenna type.
	# For a directional antenna on a '''Fixed''' mount, set '''Points toward''' to the intended receiving area. On a rotator mount, turn it while you transmit; see [[SimTX Guide/Rotators and tracking\|Rotators and tracking]].		# For a directional antenna on a '''Fixed''' mount, set '''Points toward''' to the intended receiving area. On a rotator mount, turn it while you transmit; see [[SimTX Guide/Rotators and tracking\|Rotators and tracking]].

	'''Length zero is a template shortcut, not an automatic tuner.''' In the current geometry solver it selects a nominal half wavelength for dipoles and inverted-Vs, a quarter wavelength for verticals, about 0.476 wavelengths for a Yagi driven element, one wavelength for a loop, and two wavelengths for longwires and Beverages. The EFHW template uses 32.5 m when zero is entered. Actual SWR still depends on the solved geometry and ground.

	An antenna with a good SWR can still be weak at a distant receiver if it radiates in the wrong direction or the path is closed. See [[Propagation Basics]].		An antenna with a good SWR can still be weak at a distant receiver if it radiates in the wrong direction or the path is closed. See [[Propagation Basics]].
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	\| Type \|\| One of the built-in antenna types below, or a custom geometry via [[NEC File Import]].		\| Type \|\| One of the built-in antenna types below, or a custom geometry via [[NEC File Import]].
	\|-		\|-
	\| ~~Wire~~ Length (m) \|\| The main dimension. Its label ~~adapts to~~ the type (circumference for the loop, element length for the vertical, driven element for the Yagis~~). '''0 selects the nominal template length'''; see the type-specific rules above. It does not guarantee a resonant impedance or low SWR~~.		\| Length (m) \|\| The main dimension, above 0 m. Its label depends on the type: circumference for the loop, element length for the vertical, driven element for the Yagis.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Height (m) \|\| Height of the feedpoint or apex above ground. Height strongly shapes the vertical radiation pattern of horizontal antennas: low antennas radiate upward (short range), high antennas radiate at low angles (long range).		\| Height (m) \|\| Height of the feedpoint or apex above the ground. Height strongly shapes the vertical radiation pattern of horizontal antennas: low antennas radiate upward (short range), high antennas radiate at low angles (long range).
	\|-		\|-
	\| Feedline ~~Loss~~ (dB) \|\| ~~Fixed loss~~ of the cable between ~~transmitter~~ and antenna~~. Subtracted from the radiated signal in both cases~~.		\| Feedline loss (dB) \|\| Loss of the cable between the radio and the antenna, on transmit and on receive.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Mount \|\| '''Fixed''', '''Azimuth rotator''' or '''Az-El rotator'''. See [[SimTX Guide/Rotators and tracking\|Rotators and tracking]].		\| Mount \|\| '''Fixed''', '''Azimuth rotator''' or '''Az-El rotator'''. See [[SimTX Guide/Rotators and tracking\|Rotators and tracking]].
	\|-		\|-
	\| Points toward (°) \|\| On a '''Fixed''' mount: ~~the orientation, 0~~ is north, 90 is east~~. For directional antennas this is the pointing direction. Shown only for directional types~~.		\| Points toward (°) \|\| On a '''Fixed''' mount, the direction of a directional antenna: 0° is north, 90° is east.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Parks at azimuth, Elevation (°) \|\| On a rotator mount: where the antenna points when a session starts.		\| Parks at azimuth, Elevation (°) \|\| On a rotator mount: where the antenna points when a session starts.
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	\| Vertical \|\| 1.76 \|\| No \|\| 18° \|\| 5.1 \|\| 0.5 \|\| [[Vertical Antenna]]		\| Vertical \|\| 1.76 \|\| No \|\| 18° \|\| 5.1 \|\| 0.5 \|\| [[Vertical Antenna]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| Yagi 3-~~element~~ \|\| 7.5 \|\| Yes \|\| 14° \|\| 10.1 \|\| 0.8 \|\| [[Yagi Antenna]]		\| Yagi 3-el \|\| 7.5 \|\| Yes \|\| 14° \|\| 10.1 \|\| 0.8 \|\| [[Yagi Antenna]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| Yagi 5-~~element~~ \|\| 10.2 \|\| Yes \|\| 10° \|\| 10.1 \|\| 0.8 \|\| [[Yagi Antenna]]		\| Yagi 5-el \|\| 10.2 \|\| Yes \|\| 10° \|\| 10.1 \|\| 0.8 \|\| [[Yagi Antenna]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| Full-wave ~~Loop~~ \|\| 1.5 \|\| No \|\| 55° \|\| 1.0 \|\| 0.3 \|\| [[Full-Wave Loop Antenna]]		\| Full-wave loop \|\| 1.5 \|\| No \|\| 55° \|\| 1.0 \|\| 0.3 \|\| [[Full-Wave Loop Antenna]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| Longwire \|\| 4.0 \|\| Yes \|\| 20° \|\| 21.0 \|\| 1.2 \|\| [[Longwire Antenna]]		\| Longwire \|\| 4.0 \|\| Yes \|\| 20° \|\| 21.0 \|\| 1.2 \|\| [[Longwire Antenna]]
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	\| Beverage \|\| 8.0 \|\| Yes \|\| 8° \|\| 80.0 \|\| 2.0 \|\| [[Beverage Antenna]]		\| Beverage \|\| 8.0 \|\| Yes \|\| 8° \|\| 80.0 \|\| 2.0 \|\| [[Beverage Antenna]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| EFHW + 49:1 ~~unun~~ \|\| 2.1 \|\| No \|\| 28° \|\| 32.5 \|\| 0.6 \|\| [[End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna]]		\| EFHW 49:1 \|\| 2.1 \|\| No \|\| 28° \|\| 32.5 \|\| 0.6 \|\| [[End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna]]
	\|}		\|}
	~~The gain~~ and takeoff ~~figures~~ are ~~nominal type-reference~~ values~~, not predictions for every setup~~. The ~~current app solves the actual wire geometry; performance varies with~~ frequency, length, height, ~~azimuth,~~ and ground~~. The Directional column distinguishes beam-like types, not whether every other antenna is equal in all directions~~.		Gain and takeoff angle are typical values. The real figures depend on frequency, length, height, direction and ground.

	~~The types~~ '''Monopole''', '''Turnstile''', '''Crossed Yagi''' and '''Helix''' are ~~meant for satellites and~~ for ground ~~stations with~~ a rotator. See [[SimTX Guide/Satellites]] and [[SimTX Guide/Rotators and tracking]].		'''Monopole''', '''Turnstile''', '''Crossed Yagi''' and '''Helix''' are for satellite links. On a ground station, a crossed Yagi or helix starts on an '''Az-El rotator''' to follow passes. See [[SimTX Guide/Satellites\|Satellites]] and [[SimTX Guide/Rotators and tracking\|Rotators and tracking]].

	== How the antenna affects the link ==		== How the antenna affects the link ==
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	* '''Height shapes the pattern.''' Raising a horizontal antenna lowers its main lobe. As a rule of thumb, half a wavelength of height gives a useful low-angle lobe.		* '''Height shapes the pattern.''' Raising a horizontal antenna lowers its main lobe. As a rule of thumb, half a wavelength of height gives a useful low-angle lobe.

	== ~~Local estimate~~ ==		== Check the SWR ==
	~~Before any session starts~~, the antenna card ~~in the station editor~~ shows the SWR at a frequency you choose ('''~~Check SWR at~~'''), ~~and~~ the '''Station''' section ~~of the '''Transmit''' tab~~ shows the SWR around your transmit frequency~~. Use them to check a design before transmitting~~.		* In the station editor, '''Check SWR at''' on the antenna card shows the SWR at a frequency you choose.
			* In the '''Transmit''' tab, the '''Station''' section shows the SWR around your transmit frequency.

	== See also ==		== See also ==