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| Reviews Summary for ARRL Antenna Modeling course |
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Reviews: 2
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Average rating: 3.5/5
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MSRP: $80 members / $110 non-members
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Description: Online Certification and Continuing Education course for learning how to model antenna systems using NEC-based antenna modeling software (EZNEC, NEC-Win Plus, et al.)
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More info: http://www.arrl.org/cce
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WA0UDX
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Rating: 2/5
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Sep 16, 2002 22:13
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Huge disappointment without files
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The book used in the ARRL course is written by W4RNL and is good. The Internet online course they offer is probably good too. But don't get suckered in like I did and buy their latest offering. The ARRL web site ad reads, "This is the printed version of the ARRL CCE on-line course, EC-004." The problem is that it is just the book and does not come with the sample files that are referred to in the book. They won't sell the sample files either. I was told it was not intended to be a stand alone course. So I guess I have a good $39.95 + $7.00 SH book, but I will have to examine the graphics in the book to see if I can read the table entries they show, then hand enter the antenna models so I can do the exercises. They might as well say they are selling surplus books.
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KB0LUR
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 16, 2002 01:28
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Challenging
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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In February 2002, the ARRL started offering an Antenna Modeling course. The course was written by well-known author L.B. Cebik, W4RNL, and edited by ARRL Senior Assistant Technical Editor--and antenna guru--Dean Straw, N6BV, and offers students an intense hands-on tutorial in 30 lessons over 12 weeks. When signing up for the course, you are warned ahead of time that considerable study, concentration, and time will be required to complete the course. In addition to the course fee, you must also purchase (if you do not already own) either EZNEC or NEC-Win Plus software. It is also recommended that you have a recent copy of the ARRL Antenna Handbook for reference. So if you plan to take this course, it is not only a time-intensive investment but a monetary investment as well.
The course begins with outlining basic concepts of antenna modeling and software functionality. Each lesson gains in complexity as information in previous lessons is expanded and connected to more advanced modeling componenets and concepts, software and modeling limitations, and real-world complexities. Some lessons titles include "Modeling by Equation", "Load Placement and Accuracy", "Transmission Line Placement and Accuracy", "Ground Wave and Near-Field Analysis", "Selection and Specification of Ground Parameters", and "The Language of Modeling."
All models for all lessons are provided through the course. However, in later lessons, you are advised to compile research data outside of the course materials. The latter is not essential to completing the final assessment but will greatly add to the depth of knowledge that you can gain through this course. There are quick assessments associated with each lesson but only the final assessment counts towards certification. When I took the course, it was hosted by the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium. When first signing up for the course, their were some initial contacts with the latter group to insure that I was registered and the website was working with my browser. After the course started, my only interaction was with the site and the host instructor. The website also hosts a public conference area for this specific course. The host instructor is also available directly via e-mail.
I took the course hoping to gain on basic antenna theory and the course was very challenging for me. I found the materials and lessons easy to follow and well-laid-out. I spent about 30 to 60 minutes per lessons. I recommend that prospective students also have a basic understanding of AC theory ( relationships between E, I, X, and Z are standard fare in the more complex models). I not only had the Antenna Handbook by my side for more than few lessons, but also THE Handbook (ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs.) I highly recommend this course for anyone wanting to get the most out of their antenna modeling software. As a side benefit, one can also get some ideas about how to get the most out of their own antenna installations.
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