# Does a larger Biquad antenna give better results?

Consider a biquad antenna used for receiving, not for sending. They are typically built with each side having a length of $\lambda / 4$.

If a biquad antenna was built with a side length of $\lambda / 2$ or even $\lambda$, would this give better results (for receiving)? If yes, how much better?

• I'd guess no. With dipoles, making them larger than a half-wave significantly changes the radiation pattern in a way that is rarely useful. See antenna-theory.com for an illustration. I can't find a lot of good information on biquads, but I suspect it's similar. – Phil Frost - W8II Jul 4 '14 at 12:57

Edit: Modified the text slightly to - hopefully - make it less confusing thanks for the remark, Phil). Making use of the edit, do note that if you'd extend the sides to 3/4$\lambda$ you'd actually get 3 dipoles and low impedance. But again, the gain won't be what you'd expect, as, again, parts will cancel. Moreover, if you'd think about using the biquad as a feed for a parabola, you'd be covering a much larger part of the useful area.