Unit 5 — Verification and Field Testing
TM-ANT-063 — Open Handout TM Chapter: Chapter 7 ELOs: Perform verification measurements per Chapter 7; confirm acceptance criteria; complete log Estimated time: 30 minutes (actual lab work required)
Step 1: Read the TM
Open TM-ANT-063. Read Chapter 7 — Verification completely.
Then come back here.
Chapter 7 Content
| Parameter | Requirement | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|
| SWR at design frequency | < 1.5:1 | ____ |
| Forward gain (NEC2) | 8 dBi (3-element 2M), 10 dBi (5-element 70cm) | ____ |
| Front-to-back ratio | ≥15 dB (3-element minimum) | ____ |
| Impedance at resonance | 45–55 Ω, X <±10 Ω | ____ |
| Efficiency | 88–95% | ____ |
Verification vs. Tuning — Distinction
Tuning (Chapter 6) was active: you were permitted to adjust until the criterion was met.
Verification (Chapter 7) is passive confirmation: no adjustments are permitted. You are measuring the finished, tuned antenna and confirming it meets specification. If verification fails, return to Chapter 6 for re-tuning, then repeat the full Chapter 7 verification.
Acceptance Criterion
Criterion: 1.5:1 | ____ |
Write the exact criterion from Chapter 7 here before starting:
Verification Checklist
- [ ] Antenna tuned and stable (no adjustments since completing Chapter 6)
- [ ] NanoVNA or SWR bridge connected at the feedpoint
- [ ] SWR measured at design frequency — result recorded below
- [ ] Resonant frequency (minimum SWR point) recorded
- [ ] All criteria from Chapter 7 checked
- [ ] Pass/fail determined
- [ ] Verification log entry completed
Verification Log Entry
- [ ] Date and time
- [ ] Antenna type and construction date
- [ ] Operating frequency
- [ ] Height and orientation
- [ ] Measured SWR and resonant frequency
- [ ] Pass/fail determination
- [ ] Operator name
Record your results:
| Check | Measured Value | Acceptance Criterion | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWR at design frequency | |||
| Resonant frequency | |||
| (additional checks from Ch. 7) |
Self-Check Questions
SC5-1. What is the SWR acceptance criterion from Chapter 7? State it exactly.
SC5-2. Verification shows SWR = 2.4:1 at the design frequency. What is the correct action?
SC5-3. List the required items in a verification log entry per Chapter 7.
SC5-4. What is the difference between the Chapter 6 tuning procedure and the Chapter 7 verification?
SC5-5. After passing Chapter 7 verification, what can you conclude about the antenna?
Answer Key
SC5-1. See Chapter 7. The criterion is stated with a specific SWR value and conditions (frequency, height, orientation).
SC5-2. Verification failed. Do not make adjustments during verification. Return to Chapter 6, re-tune, then repeat the complete Chapter 7 verification.
SC5-3. See Chapter 7, final steps. Items typically include: date, antenna type, frequency, height/orientation, SWR measurement, pass/fail, operator name.
SC5-4. Tuning (Ch. 6) permits active adjustments. Verification (Ch. 7) permits none — it is independent confirmation of the tuned state.
SC5-5. The antenna meets the specified performance criteria at this time, in this location, at this height and orientation. It does not guarantee performance at a different site, height, or orientation without re-verification.
Checkpoint
You are ready for the final assessment when you can: - [ ] State the acceptance criterion from memory - [ ] State the correct response to a failed verification check - [ ] State the required log items from memory
→ Proceed to Final Assessment