1. What is a Coaxial Collinear Antenna?

A coaxial collinear antenna is a type of antenna array where multiple dipole elements are arranged in a straight line, fed in phase, to achieve higher gain and directivity compared to a single dipole element.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the coaxial collinear antenna formula:

Where:

• \( Wavelength \) — The wavelength of the operating frequency (m)
• \( Sections \) — Number of collinear sections in the antenna

Explanation: Each section of a collinear antenna is typically half-wavelength long, and the total length is the sum of all sections.

3. Importance of Antenna Length Calculation

Details: Accurate length calculation is crucial for proper antenna operation, as it determines the resonant frequency, radiation pattern, and overall performance of the antenna system.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters and the number of sections. Both values must be positive numbers (wavelength > 0, sections ≥ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate wavelength from frequency?
A: Wavelength = Speed of Light / Frequency. The speed of light is approximately 3×10⁸ m/s.

Q2: What is the optimal number of sections for a collinear antenna?
A: Typically 4-8 sections provide a good balance between gain and physical size. More sections increase gain but also increase size and complexity.

Q3: What materials are needed to build a coaxial collinear antenna?
A: You'll need coaxial cable, connectors, a mounting structure, and basic tools for construction and waterproofing.

Q4: What are the advantages of collinear antennas?
A: They provide higher gain than simple dipoles, have a broadside radiation pattern, and are relatively simple to construct.

Q5: What are common applications of coaxial collinear antennas?
A: They are commonly used in VHF/UHF communications, amateur radio, WiFi networks, and base station applications.