USMC : Field Antenna Handbook

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Radio Principles
Electromagnetic Radiation 1-1
Radio Waves 1-2
Frequency 1-2
Frequency Calculation 1-3
Frequency Bands 1-3
Radio Communication Circuit 1-5
Propagation Fundamentals 1-8
Earth’s Atmosphere 1-8
Radio Wave Propagation 1-8
Other Factors Affecting Propagation 1-18
Path Loss 1-19
Reflected Waves 1-19
Diffraction 1-21
Tropospheric Refraction, Ducting and Scattering 1-22
Noise 1-23
Natural Noise 1-24
Manmade Noise 1-24
MCRP 6-22D


Chapter 2. Antenna Fundamentals
Section I. Concepts and Terms 2-2
Forming a Radio Wave 2-2
Radiation 2-2
Radiation Fields 2-3
Radiation Patterns 2-4
Polarization 2-6
Polarization Requirements for Various Frequencies 2-8
Advantages of Vertical Polarization 2-9
Advantages of Horizontal Polarization 2-10
Directionality 2-10
Resonance 2-11
Reception 2-12
Reciprocity 2-13
Impedance 2-14
Bandwidth 2-15
Gain 2-16
Take-Off Angle 2-18
Section II. Ground Effects 2-19
Grounded Antenna Theory 2-19
Types of Grounds 2-20
Counterpoise 2-22
Ground Screen 2-23
Section III. Calculating Antenna Length 2-24
Section IV. Antenna Orientation 2-26
Antenna Handbook
vii
Azimuth 2-26
Improvement of Marginal Communications 2-27
Transmission and Reception of Strong Signals 2-29


Chapter 3. Transmission Lines
Properties 3-1
Transmission Line Types 3-1
Minimizing Energy Loss 3-3
Impedance 3-3
Optimizing Line Length 3-5
Attenuation 3-6
Making the Best Use of Available Transmission Lines 3-7
Twin-Lead Limitations 3-8
Directly Connecting the Transceiver and Antenna 3-9
Baluns 3-10
Cable Connectors 3-11
Balanced Antenna 3-11


Chapter 4. HF Antenna Selection
Antenna Selection Procedure 4-2
Determining Antenna Gain 4-6
Antenna Types 4-8
AS-2259/GR 4-9
Vertical Whip 4-10
Half-Wave Dipole 4-14
Inverted Vee 4-19
MCRP 6-22D
viii
Long Wire 4-21
Inverted L 4-24
Sloping Vee 4-28
Sloping Wire 4-33
Vertical Half-Rhombic 4-37
HF NVIS Communications 4-40


Chapter 5. VHF and UHF Antenna Selection
Frequencies 5-1
Polarization 5-2
Gain and Directivity 5-2
Gain 5-3
Directivity 5-3
Transmission Lines 5-4
Radiators 5-5
Vertical Radiator 5-5
Cross Section Radiator 5-5
Insulation 5-5
Interference 5-6
Noise 5-6
Multipath Interference 5-6
Vegetated Areas 5-8
Antenna Types 5-9
Vertical Whip 5-9
OE-254 5-10
Antenna Within Vehicle Interior 5-12
HF Antenna Types Usable at VHF and UHF 5-12
Dual-Function Antennas 5-12
Antenna Handbook
ix


Chapter 6. Field Repair and Expedients
Repair Techniques 6-1
Whip Antennas 6-1
Wire Antennas 6-2
Guys 6-4
Masts 6-4
Tips on Construction and Adjustment 6-4
Constructing the Antenna 6-4
Adjusting the Antenna 6-6
Field Expedient Antennas 6-7
VHF Considerations 6-7
HF Considerations 6-7
End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna 6-8
Center-Fed Doublet Antenna 6-9
Field Expedient Directional Antennas 6-14
Vertical Half-Rhombic and Long-Wire Antennas 6-14
Yagi Antenna 6-14
Vee Antenna 6-16
Sloping Vee Antenna 6-16


Chapter 7. Satellite Communications Antennas
Siting SATCOM Antennas 7-4
Considerations 7-4
Determining Horizon Angles 7-4
MCRP 6-22D



Chapter 8. Antenna Farms
Command Post 8-1
Tactical 8-1
Main 8-2
Rear 8-2
Location Selection Considerations 8-2
Doctrinal Considerations 8-2
Tactical Considerations 8-3
Technical Considerations 8-5
Siting VHF Antennas 8-6
Transmitting Antenna Site 8-9
Receiving Antenna Sites 8-11
Antenna Farm Internal Arrangement 8-12
Frequency Band 8-12
Antenna Selection and Placement 8-12
Requirements 8-14
Polarization 8-15
Power and Signal Lines 8-16
Antenna Farm Layout Principles 8-16


Appendices
A Glossary A-1
B References and Related Publications B-1



Perfect book for military historians and amateur radio operators looking to discover new techniques to improve their communications capabilities.