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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-antenna-gain-definition

What does antenna gain mean?

It is an increase in signal strength in a specified direction compared with a reference antenna.

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  1. Extra transmitter power added by an antenna
  2. Directional strength compared with a reference ✔
  3. Extra impedance compared with a reference

Why: An antenna does not create transmitter power. Gain describes how its radiation pattern concentrates signal strength in a particular direction relative to a reference.

Huh, didn't know that: Gain in one direction comes with less radiation in other directions.

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The antenna gained confidence by comparing itself with a reference.
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References

Answer: Directional strength compared with a reference. An antenna does not create transmitter power. Gain describes how its radiation pattern concentrates signal strength in a particular direction relative to a reference.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool www.ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    The increase in signal strength in a specified direction compared to a reference antenna
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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