Polar Plots, Picnic Tables, and the Price of Believing the Wrong Graph
By the end of January, something becomes very clear: antennas don’t fail in theory — they fail when theory meets grass, soil, picnic tables, feedlines, and expectations.
This issue is about that collision. Between NEC plots and real installations, between claimed gain and measurable results, and between elegant models and the wonderfully messy reality of amateur radio.
If there’s a theme running through this issue, it’s simple: measurements don’t care how convincing your story sounds.
Polar Plot vs Picnic Table
What looks perfect in simulation often collapses once the antenna meets the real world. Here’s why environment beats elegance every time.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/polar-plot-vs-picnic-table
NECtacy in the Park
When simulation worship replaces validation — and why NEC is a tool, not a religion.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/nectacy-in-the-park
Counterpoise vs. Radials on HF: What’s the Difference?
Same copper, different physics. Understanding the difference changes how you design HF antennas.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/counterpoise-vs-radials-on-hf-what-s-the-difference
“4 dB of Gain” From Two Radials?
If adding copper magically creates gain, physics owes us an apology. Here’s where the myth breaks down.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/4-db-of-gain-from-two-radials
Symmetrical “Ghost” Signals or IMD?
Mirror images on the waterfall aren’t mysterious — they’re measurable. And usually self-inflicted.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/symmetrical-ghost-signals-or-imd
Archaïc by Design: The Beautiful Mess of Amateur Repeater Networks
Redundant, fragile, brilliant — and still working decades later. A look at why repeater networks evolved the way they did.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/archaic-by-design-the-beautiful-mess-of-amateur-repeater-networks
RF Circulator: what it is, what it’s meant for, and what hams can do with it
Not a magic shield, but a powerful tool — when used where it actually belongs.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/rf-circulator-what-it-is-what-it-s-meant-for-and-what-hams-can-do-with-it
5-Pole Band-Pass Filters in a Multi-2 Station at 1.5 kW
Isolation isn’t optional once multiple transmitters share the same air. Here’s what works — and what quietly fails.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/5-pole-band-pass-filters-in-a-multi-2-station-at-1-5-kw
Active E-Dipole Height Above Ground vs Performance
A few meters can mean the difference between hearing DX and hearing your neighbor’s PSU.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/active-e-dipole-height-above-ground-vs-performance
Mounting Height vs Performance for a 1-Meter Wideband Vertical E-Probe
Height isn’t about gain — it’s about coupling, noise, and sanity.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/mounting-height-vs-performance-for-a-1-meter-wideband-vertical-e-probe
The 15 cm “Cheat Disk”: Why We Prefer a Capacitive Hat on E-Probes
Small geometry changes, big electrical consequences.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/the-15-cm-cheat-disk-why-we-prefer-a-capacitive-hat-on-e-probes
Stop Shopping by “#1”...
Rankings don’t design stations — understanding does.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/stop-shopping-by-1
“Gain” Is Not a PIM Cure… It’s a Power Discount Coupon
More gain doesn’t fix non-linearity — it just hides it until it hurts more.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/gain-is-not-a-pim-cure-it-s-a-power-discount-coupon
-153 dBc LOW-PIM, Mostly Irrelevant for Hams…
Impressive numbers, wrong problem. Context matters more than spec sheets.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/153-dbc-low-pim-mostly-irrelevant-for-hams
Your Active Antenna Isn’t the Upgrade… This Is
Spoiler: the improvement isn’t at the antenna — it’s everywhere else.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/your-active-antenna-isn-t-the-upgrade-this-is
The Poking Ape and the Ham Radio Crashed Course
Confidence grows faster than competence — especially when HamFluencers are involved.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/the-poking-ape-and-the-ham-radio-crashed-course
Captain Radials Discovers WSPR and Invites Methodology Critique
A heroic journey into data… and a reminder that interpretation matters.
🔗 https://shop.rf.guru/pages/captain-radials-discovers-wspr-invites-methodology-critique
Prefer watching real measurements instead of debating them? Mark breaks down many of the same topics with calm explanations, clear demonstrations, and zero tolerance for RF mythology.
🔗 Watch the featured videos from our collaboration
If this issue leaves you slightly more skeptical of clean plots, bold gain claims, and miracle radials — good.
That’s how better stations are built.
73,
Joeri – ON6URE
Founder – RF.Guru
https://rf.guru/