Enhanced teaching of antenna theory and measurement techniques using a low cost anechoic measuring system

A low cost anechoic chamber and simple antenna positioner have been constructed. They have been incorporated into a fully automated antenna pattern measuring system which takes advantage of the department´s existing network analyser as both the source and receiver to obtain accurate results and simplify data collection. The chamber has been designed as part of a research project investigating horn antennas within the range 18-30GHz and as such is characterised by a reflectivity level better than ¿52dB [1]. However, the improved physical and visual access to the chamber as a result of it´s design, and the system´s ease of use brought about by the convenience of the network analyser make it a useful tool with which to enhance the teaching of both antenna theory and antenna measurement techniques.