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PolarPlot V3
A program to measure and display the radiation pattern of a beam antenna
by G R Freeth (G4HFQ)
Version 3
Web site: http://www.g4hfq.co.uk
Email: bob.freeth@g4hfq.co.uk
Copyright 2002 - 2008 G R Freeth
Major change introduced in V3.1
Starting at V3.1 the program can use the signal strength acquired by an external power meter. This enables better resolution to be obtained for nulls below -30dB.
Two examples of such meters are based on the Analog Devices AD8307 Logarithmic Amplifier integrated circuit. Constructional details of such a device are available on the website of Thomas Scherrer, OZ2CPU http://www.webx.dk/
David Bates, M0DFT has also produced a design specifically for PolarPlot delightfully known as PolarWatt. This design excludes the LCD and has a small range of commands to start/pause/stop readings.
By utilising an external wattmeter the need for a receiver connected to the sound card of your PC is eliminated, together with the complexitity of setting AF levels as well as RF levels.
Paragraphs that apply to using a sound card for input are marked **SC**. Paragraphs that apply to using a wattmeter for input are marked **WM**.
Change History
V3.2.1 March 2008 - Corrected a problem collecting readings when using an OZ2CPU digital power meter.
V3.2.0 June 2007 - Added the ability to read power levels using LP-100-VCP and FTBMeter V2
V3.1.0 September 2005 - added the ability to read power levels through the serial port.
V3.0.0 July 2005 - Free for personal use