How Do You Rate Your Antenna?

I have expressed my pet peeves about how the uninformed rate their antennas, many times over. However, apparently some folks still just don't get it! For example, my recent article about being Suckered generated a fair amount of responses. One of those responses was the epitome of exactly what I was striving to bring forth! That is to say, a total lack of understanding of what constitutes a figure of comparison.

One very logical comparison is one specific antenna's gain (or lack of it), with respect to another. Typically expressed in dB, it doesn't mean much unless there is a descriptive suffix (dBi verses dBd as examples). What's more, I'm not going to banter the differences between dBi and dBd, and for very good reason; it is not an exact, subtractive figure! And, I will say (without reservation), an antenna's gain figure is only part of the story. In fact, sometimes gain can be a bad thing!

Another rabid ratings system it the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR). Here's something to cogitate. An unmatched, HF mobile antenna of decent quality, mounted properly, will exhibit an input impedance of 25 ohms (give or take a few ohms). This relates to an input SWR of 2:1. If yours is 1:1, then where did that extra 25 ohms come from? It sure wasn't an increase in radiation resistance!

Then there's the trite statement, I can work everything I can hear. I bet you can! Actually, the correct verbiage should be, I can work anything I can hear. At which, I'd reply, I bet you can't!

And the biggest misconception? The number of DX contacts made with said antenna. Excuse me, with the aforementioned in mind, how can the number of stations worked, DX or otherwise, constitute a comparative measurement?

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Let's get realistic. There are two basic ways to define a measurement of comparison. They are; objective and subjective. Let's take them in order.

An objective measurement requires a definitive comparison between any two (or more) factors which lie in the same plane. This is another way of saying you can't compare apples and oranges. For example, an S meter's reading, although based on changes in signal strength and loosely on the dB, can't reliable be used to compare one antenna to another. When comparisons of this type are made, then we have the subjective case.

The subjective case is based on, or influenced by, personal feelings, tastes, and opinions. I venture to say, most amateurs use the subjective case, even when they're trying to be objective. I'll give you a prime example. There's a well known amateur who frequents these pages, with great, technical repute (my words, not his). He has often compared one antenna with another, by asking his on-air contacts for a comparison. The resulting reviews are mixed. However, when he tells the other stations that one of the antennas is a G5RV, the reports become rather lopsided. Why? Because we've left the realm of objectivity, into the world of subjective opinion! And, you can bet that you will get exactly what you ask for!

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One of my close friends (a retired college professor) has often told me, that if you can't be objective, then be subjective by exaggerating your claim beyond reasonable belief! Maybe he's right, which would explain why the aforementioned ratings systems have evolved. However, speaking only for myself, when I see these types of comparisons, I view them with a grain of salt. I'd just wish they'd refrain from rubbing it in to an already bruised and bloody wound!