Title :
Measured and predicted field patterns of MF/HF communication antennas on US Coast Guard patrol boats
Author :
Travers, D.J. ; Peterson, B.B. ; McKaughan, M.E. ; Fessenden, D.E.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Eng., US Coast Guard Acad., New London, CT, USA
Abstract :
Measured azimuthal antenna patterns of a US Coast Guard patrol boat show significant variations of 3 to 9 dB in signal strength caused by sea waves. MININEC was used to model the antenna configurations and to predict the azimuthal radiation patterns and impedances for the various frequencies. MININEC can successfully model azimuthal antenna patterns, but cannot model the effects of sea waves and winds. It is noted that the varying 3 to 9 dB ripples in signal strength could mean the difference between communicating and not communicating. This observation has been confirmed by discussions with patrol boat personnel.<>
Keywords :
antenna radiation patterns; electric field measurement; magnetic field measurement; mobile antennas; ships; MF/HF communication antennas; MININEC; US Coast Guard; antenna configuration; azimuthal antenna patterns; azimuthal radiation patterns; field patterns; impedances; measurement; patrol boats; sea waves; signal strength; Antenna measurements; Antenna radiation patterns; Boats; Fluctuations; Foot; Frequency; Impedance measurement; Marine vehicles; Sea measurements; System testing;
Conference_Titel :
Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, 1990. AP-S. Merging Technologies for the 90's. Digest.
Conference_Location :
Dallas, TX, USA
DOI :
10.1109/APS.1990.115495
