Technical Resources

Antenna design and analysis

Build, model, measure and troubleshoot

• Antenna modelling software and online calculators
  • Web-Based Antenna Simulators & Calculators
    • AntennaSim: An interactive web antenna simulator for dipoles and wire geometries supporting multiple ground types, matching options, and 3D wire selection.
    • rftools.io Calculators: Online design calculators for dipoles, patch, Yagi, horn, parabolic dish, and loop antennas covering gain, beamwidth, and resonant frequency.
  • Free & Open-Source Desktop Modeling Software
    • AntennaCalculator: An open-source Python tool for analytical design of rectangular patches, half-wave dipoles, and quarter-wave monopoles with export options for CNC (DXF) and PCB manufacturing (Gerber)
    • MMANA-GAL: A popular, portable, free tool widely used for modeling wire antennas (such as dipoles and verticals) to inspect far-field patterns, height effects, and gain.
    • 4NEC2: A free, open-source NEC2-based engine for wire-based antenna design, optimization, SWR, impedance, and 2D/3D radiation pattern analysis.
    • openEMS: An open-source C++ Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) electromagnetic solver well-suited for microstrip and complex RF structures.
• Impedance, SWR and feed-line calculators
  • N6ACH Ham Radio Antenna Calculators for interactive VSWR-to-load impedance charting and dynamic antenna geometry tools.
  • Greyline Coax Feedline Loss Calculator or generic tools like Calcimator SWR Power Loss Calculator can calculate power attenuation over distance based on cable type, frequency, and mismatch.
  • Ham Radio Calculator: Design L-, Pi-, or T-matching networks and analyze transmission lines.
• Antenna articles, construction plans and measurement techniques (some require a subscription)
  • IEEE Xplore / Antennas and Propagation Magazine: The premier hub for peer-reviewed academic papers, advanced design theories, and cutting-edge RF research.
  • ARRL (American Radio Relay League): The gold standard for practical construction plans. The ARRL Antenna Book is an essential resource for DIY builders.
  • QST Magazine & CQ Amateur Radio: Monthly publications featuring tested, real-world antenna blueprints and modifications.
  • Antenna-Theory.com: An accessible, highly visual resource for learning fundamental concepts (gain, impedance, radiation patterns).
• Grounding, lightning protection and antenna safety (some require a subscription)
  • Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 (CSA C22.1) Section 54
    National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 810:
    Covers safety requirements for amateur radio and television receiving equipment. Here are some freely accessible related links. CEC 54 NEC 810
  • Motorola R56 Standard: The industry benchmark (Standards and Guidelines for Communication Sites) for commercial and high-end site grounding and lightning defense.
  • ARRL Grounding Resources: Guidance via the American Radio Relay League covering AC electrical safety, RF management, and lightning paths.
  • KF7P Lightning Protection Guide: Technical guide on single-point grounding.