On the relative response and absolute gain toward the zenith of HF field-expedient antennas--Measured with an ionospheric sounder

A technique for using a pulse-type ionospheric sounder to measure the relative response of HF antennas toward the zenith is described, and some ionospheric limitations on the technique are discussed. Example measurements are given for selected field-expedient antennas (e.g., dipoles, slant wires, and whips) in forested and cleared areas, and the short-path skywave gain over an isotropic radiator is estimated. A
\lambda/2
horizontal dipole elevated to about
\lambda/8
above ground had the greatest gain toward the zenith of the simple antennas tested.