John Smith wrote:
Michael Coslo wrote:


Let's not forget the possibility that they didn't know how to model
the thing. I'm no great shakes at modeling, and that antenna is beyond
my prowess at the present.

Of course, I'm mpore likely to assume that discrepancies between
computer world and reality are my fault. Some others might assume that
the data they input was correct, so it must be the programs fault....

And some on the fringe might say the antenna CAN't work - the computer
says it can't!

- 73 de Mike N3LI -

Absolutely, I am NOT making any statement "they" are correct (I have
never tried this antenna myself--either as a model or as an actual
antenna in reality.)

But, anyway you cut it, and on the ground floor, there ARE discrepancies
in the basic equations, formulas and assumptions being put to use in the
NEC, someday these will be fleshed out ...

Regards,
JS

I doubt that any antenna an amateur is likely to build has some physics
not adequately modeled by the math in NEC. Exactly what might be these
discrepancies in equations, formulae and assumptions? Considering that
NEC has had decades of validation against actual measurements and a lot
of really, really smart people looking at how it works, I'd be kind of
surprised.

However, I can also easily believe that an amateur (or professional)
could build an antenna that has measured performance different than
expected from their NEC model of that antenna. The differences would
lie, most likely, in these areas:
1) Inaccuracies in the model itself. Things like earth properties (NEC
assumes uniform dielectric, it isn't) are an important source of error
for antennas close to the ground. Most amateur models do not include a
very good model of the surroundings (supports, trees, feedlines, etc.)

2) Inaccuracies in the measurements or not measuring the right things. A
good example is using NEC to get feedpoint characteristics, then
measuring at the rig, and not properly accounting for the transmission
line, particularly if the feedpoint Z is reactive.

In the professional antenna world, if someone models an antenna, then
builds it and tests it on the range, and the measurements differ from
what the model predicted, the usual assumption is that what was built
differed from what was modeled, or the measurements were off.