7/10/2014 Reflectors and Directors

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Additional Elements: The single or folded dipole is of limited gain and is not very directional. To increase the
gain, "parasitic" elements can be added. Unlike the active dipole, these are made from single length of narrower
gauge aluminum and do not need insulating from the tubular aluminum antenna boom.
Reflectors: A reflector is a "parasitic" element because it is not electrically connected to the dipole or
downlead/feeder; it is a length of conductor, usually aluminum, of length around 5% longer than the dipole,
mounted behind the dipole. If the reflector-dipole spacing is set at 0.15 to 0.25 electrical wavelengths, then the
potential difference induced in it lags that developed across the dipole by 180 degrees, which causes a lagging
current to flow in the director (see next paragraph). Thus, if the signal travels through the dipole to the reflector and
reaches the dipole once more in phase with the signal on the dipole (180 + 180 = 360 degrees behind or 1 whole
wavelength behind) and hence the two signals add, giving a stronger signal at the receiver. If the signal is behind
the antenna, the radiations at the dipole and from the reflector subtract, giving a weaker signal at the receiver.
Hence, the antenna is more directional.
Directors: Further increases in gain and directionality can be achieved if an additional parasitic element or
"director" is added, 5% shorter than the dipole and the 0.1 to 0.15 wavelengths in front of it. When the dipole
radiates, a potential difference is induced in the director and a leading current flows in it. It re-radiates and again
adds to or subtracts from the radiations at the dipole, increasing or decreasing the signal going to the receiver,
depending on the direction in which the antenna is pointing relative to the transmitter. Further directors can be
added, but as the number of directors is increased, so the contribution made by the director decreases and almost
levels out after 12 or so directors