Is aluminum a good antenna ground plane?
aluminum makes a fine ground plane and you dont have to be attached directly too it.. my antenna is mounted to an isolated aluminum rack over an aluminum roof, I didnt do anything else and it has great coverage.. try it first, then work from there.
How big does an antenna ground plane need to be?
All 1/4 wave antennas work best if they are installed in the center of a metal ground plane with at least 1/4 wave length radius (1/2 wave length diameter: ~6 inches for 900Mhz and ~3 inches for 2.4Ghz); larger is better. The antenna can still work on a smaller ground plane but the efficiency will be reduced.
How do no ground plane antennas work?
A no ground plane CB Antenna is a CB antenna that doesn’t require a ground plane (large metal surface under it) to operate. Ground Plane antennas are specially designed to work on fiberglass vehicles and boats. A No Ground Plane antenna installed on a vehicle or boat constructed of metal will not operate correctly.
How does a ground plane antenna work?
As the name indicates the antenna ground plane acts as a simulated ground. It is found that for a monopole antenna like a quarter wavelength vertical, the ground acts as a plane to reflect the radio waves so that an image of the top half of the antenna is seen in the Earth.
How big should a ground plane be?
All Answers (51) As per calculations, ground plane (m * n) should be minimum 6 times the height of the substrate added to the length (m) and width (n) of the patch. But, it can be optimized using slits, EBGs, PBG structures called Defected Ground Structures.
Does a ground plane antenna need to be grounded?
The NEC (National Electrical Code) requires any metal antenna mast to be grounded to its own ground rod. The antenna ground plane or mount is connected to a ground rod only for electrical/lightning protection and not for receiving or transmitting requirements.
What is a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna?
That’s the the 1/4 wave ground plane antenna. Today we’re going to build a simple ground plane for the VHF 2 meter band. Ground plane antennas are easy to recognize by their appearance. First off you’ll notice the radiating element. This element is 1/4 wavelength long, or about 19 inches for the 2 meter band.
What is the formula to make a 6 meter antenna?
You can also make this antenna for other bands also, 6 meter, 1.25 cm, or even the 70cm band. Just use the formula 234 divided by frequency for the length of your elements.
How much power do you need for a ground plane antenna?
This little ground plane will work with a handheld or a high power base radio, so don’t fear putting 50 watts or more power. You can also make this antenna for other bands also, 6 meter, 1.25 cm, or even the 70cm band. Just use the formula 234 divided by frequency for the length of your elements.
How do you mount an antenna to a coaxial cable?
You can push the coax through a piece of 3/4 inch PVC, attach the antenna and let it rest on top. This may not be the most sturdy mount, but it’s quick and easy.