John Transue wrote: > I'm afraid there is no easy way to evaluate an antenna except from > signal reports. Even if you have a field strength meter, which I do not > have, the reading would only be relative except on a calibrated test > range. > > Thanks for sharing your experience with me. > > John
A true Frequency Domain Reflectometer (such as the Anritsu or Bird line) will show whether there is a problem with an antenna or feedline at RF frequencies. Unlike a TDR, which sends a DC pulse down the feedline, an FDR sends pulses at the RF frequency if interest, and will tell if there is a bad spot in the feedline, how far it is up the line, or if it's antenna itself. <http://www.us.anritsu.com/products/ARO/North/Eng/Handheld-Cable-and-Antenna-Analyzer---Site-Master.aspx?cat=1&cat2=2&cat3=24&cat4=0> <http://www.bird-electronic.com/products/product.aspx?id=500>
