Loss Calc

Antenna System Power Loss Calculator Copyright 2001, Bryan K. Blackburn (Email: bryan@bkblackburn.com)

Enter: Results:
Forward Reflected Antenna Power to VSWR at Percent Radiated dB Loss
Power, W Power, W Gain in dB Feedline Feedline Reflected Power dBm From Refl.
18 0 0 18.00 W 1.000:1 0.000% 42.6 dBm 0.000 dB
Above results do not take into account feedline or connector losses, no assumption is made regarding source of reflected
Power. This is how the transmitter "sees" the feedline and antenna.
Enter: (Feedline loss is the total of all jumper and connector losses between transmitter and antenna.)
Total Power Reflected Effective VSWR Percent Antenna Radiated
Feedline Delivered to Power at Power at at of Power Radiated Loss due to
Loss in dB Antenna Antenna Antenna Antenna Reflected Power dBm Reflection
8 2.85 W 0.00 W 2.85 W 1.000:1 0.000% 34.6 dBm 0.000 dB
These calculations are from the antennas point of view, and assumes a good cable assembly (with loss).

NOTES and TIPS:

>>Notice that varying the number in the reflected power field has only minimal effect on the calculated radiated power. Losse
feedline assembly are far more significant in terms of effect on the bottom line. So why worry about reflected power? Because
reflected power is a strong indicator of possible antenna system trouble.
>>Notice that high feedline losses will mask poor antenna SWR.
>>Poor workmanship in connector attachment, loose or overtightened connectors will cause increased feedline losses and hi
reflected power readings. 'N' type connectors should be tightened to 15-20 inch pounds (Hand tight, is just about right).
>>If the resultant "VSWR at Antenna" is worse than 1.5:1, start checking connectors first, then look for kinks in the feedline, th
suspect of last resort should be the antenna. Life is just easier this way.
>>Tip: A lossy connector gets warmer than its enviroment. At 224W forward, a 0.1dB loss must disipate over 5 Watts of heat!
>>If your reflected power exceeds twice the antenna system losses, the problem is NOT at the antenna end of the cable. Rem
that the reflected power travels through the cable twice. Example: 225W forward with 2 dB of cable loss (2 X 2 = 4dB), max p
reflected power from a shorted or open antenna is 89.18 Watts. (Enter "4" as loss, read "Power delivered to Ant.")

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 Loss Calc

mail: bryan@bkblackburn.com)

Reflection Return
Coefficient Loss
0.0000 Err:502
arding source of reflected

and antenna.)
Antenna Antenna
Reflection Return
Coefficient Loss
0.0000 Err:502

culated radiated power. Losses in the

bout reflected power? Because high

creased feedline losses and higher

ight, is just about right).
ook for kinks in the feedline, the

disipate over 5 Watts of heat!

antenna end of the cable. Remember
able loss (2 X 2 = 4dB), max possible
delivered to Ant.")

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