A mylar sheet acts as an RF reflector and can improve antenna performance, according to tests.
This prompted the original writer to reminisce about conducting his own outdoor tests with a simple antenna.
He chose a cow field as the ideal test location and used a Raspberry Pi as a low-power RF transmitter, knowing that the signal would weaken as he moved further away from the antenna.
Results were plotted on a polar diagram, which showed the antenna’s directional qualities, confirming it as a directional antenna.
Modern drone technology makes antenna analysis easier, allowing oscillators to be placed on drones and the results recorded by a separate receiver.
The drones provide accurate height and X-Y position readings, while an HF receiver can display results in microvolts, enabling the creation of 3D plots.
