Cecil Moore wrote in news:rUCDh.2296$re4.1031
@newssvr12.news.prodigy.net:

Scott wrote:
So, hows does an armchair operator (one who doesn't have $10K worth of
test equipment) determine the efficiency of the antenna?

I am guessing that as an armchair operator, you would use a commercial
antenna.

Given your licence conditions on 60m, it would be very reasonable to ask
your supplier for a written statement (that you can file to fulfil your
licence obligations) of the gain of their antenna in installations like
yours so that you can calculate the maximum input power allowed. If that
is too hard, perhaps a written statement of the permitted maximum input
power for compliance with the licence.

Some of this in tounge in cheek, I just can't see antenna manufacturers
'fessing up to a range of gain figures for typical HF mobile antennas /
installations.

In time, the regulator will wise up to the challenge and specify things
more simply, eg if you use an antenna of less than 8' in length, you can
run up to 100W, otherwise up to 50W. That is more understandable to our
(eg VK) new six hour hams with their shack on their belt.

Owen