I have a 2.4 GHz transceiver that outputs 4.5 DBm. I wish to amplify the signal using a 15.5 DBi antenna so that the signal reaches 20 DB, the maximum legal limit. Preferably, the antenna would be of a type that I can make myself. Any suggestions on what type and design of antenna that fits my needs?
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3$\begingroup$ What are your real needs - what communications link are you trying to establish, how far, what environment? Chasing some gain number might not get you what you want. Also note the FCC (if you're in the USA) allows for additional ERP as the antenna gain goes up, I think to a maximum of 30 dBi EiRP for a low power transmitter with a high gain antenna. $\endgroup$– tomnexusCommented Mar 28, 2021 at 15:13
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$\begingroup$ Hello Elias, and welcome to ham.stackexchange.com! $\endgroup$– rclocher3Commented Mar 30, 2021 at 0:14
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1 Answer
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An antenna can't "amplify" a signal, it can only concentrate it in certain directions. If you want a peak gain of 15 dB (about 30x the power density of an isotropic radiator), you can only get it over a very small portion of the sphere (about 3% or less).
When we talk about "omnidirectional" antennas, usually we mean that the antenna element is vertical, and the antenna radiates equally in all directions in the horizontal plane. But the gain has to come from somewhere, and in this case it comes from compressing the pattern vertically, so that the signal strength decreases if you go above or below the plane of the antenna. At 15dB, the pattern is very squished, and the vertical beamwidth is quite small (around 6°).
That said, if you want one, there is a "simple" design that will at least come close: it's a collinear array of around 25 elements (roughly 1.5 meters tall, for 2.4 GHz).
