cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/34507515

How do you test your antenna idea? Well, our approach was to get a portable network analyzer that can show received dBm, put a commercial antenna on it, and strap the whole thing to a PVC pipe (for insulation and to get repeatable height). Then, zip-tie a cough drop to the PTT of a walkie talkie set to low power, so that it transmits continuously.

Now you can walk around your contraption with your Drain Pipe of RF measuring, and get a (rough qualitative) idea of how the pattern looks like. Much to my surprise, it actually worked.

  • regrub@lemmy.world
    3·
    1 day ago

    I know how it’s done in the lab using a two-port VNA, but your method can also work to find the radiation pattern. Will just be a bit challenging when it comes to canceling out noise

    • LH0ezVTOP
      5·
      1 day ago

      We don’t have a lab :P

      Also, to measure the far field, you’d need a non-trivially-large anechoic chamber, right? I figured an open field is the next best thing, and the park is the next best thing to an open field…