Richard Clark wrote:
"Your explanation sounds like you are practicing psychaitry, not
technoligy."

I think quantification is valuable if the measured value is accurate and
if the value makes a difference.

Antennas are used with transmitters of megawatts of power. These have
limitations by regulations on maximum noise and harmonic content. It
depends on the jurisdiction, but maximum noise and distortion must be at
least 50 dB below the fully modulated level in some locales. I`ve often
used the H.P. noise and distortion analyzer to measure off the air to be
sure we complied with the regulation. It never occurred to me that our
antenna system had a part in noise and distortion production. I expected
curvature in a tube`s characteristics or a failed component to cause a
rise in noise and distortion. Not once do I recall our antenna system
causing distortion anywhere except in the edges of pattern nulls.*This
is normal.

Receiving antennas on the other hand deliver a satisfactory signal
having only microwatts of power. As one responder noted the dynamic
range is enormous. This is not really an issue for concern among
amateurs. Antennas are in general distortion free.

Best regards, RIchard Harrison, KB5WZI

On Wed, 24 May 2006 16:51:16 -0500, (Richard
Harrison) wrote:

Not once do I recall our antenna system
causing distortion anywhere except in the edges of pattern nulls.

Hi Richard,

So in this exception, I would make one compelling correlation to your
own observation. That distortion of the pattern was a product of
non-linear behavior in the characteristic Z of the antenna. That
alone seems to be evident. It happens so frequently that we need
complex tools (NEC) to juggle the outcome.

We have non-linear behavior, distortion, and it didn't demand
harmonics, did it? Such non-linearity AND distortion were in all
likelihood trivial, and yet it was noticeable. Now, if no one
complained about pattern nulls being lost, would the non-linearity go
away? ;-)

Cecil would shrug off 59% worth of distortion to define it linear.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC

Richard Clark wrote:
Cecil would shrug off 59% worth of distortion to define it linear.

Richard, seems you suffer from the same affliction as Howard
Hughes, repeating the same psychotic nonsense over and over.
--
73, Cecil http://www.qsl.net/w5dxp

"Richard Harrison" wrote in message
...

snip

Antennas are in general distortion free.

Yes, but "bad times" can make them non-linear. Consider the bolted joints
that get
corroded and semi-conductive over time, with rain and temperature changes to
help.

Nearby RF sources can generate distortion products in my antennas if I
haven't
kept up my maintenance.