NEC-4 vs. NEC-2 With Stepped-Diameter Correction and Autosegmentation
   

L. B. Cebik, W4RNL





NEC-4 is supposed to overcome several limitations of NEC-2, notable among which is the ability to handle with computational accuracy stepped-diameter elements. Implementations of NEC-2, such as EZNEC, employ a correction factor, substituting a single wire for the linear stepped-diameter group, the single wire diameter being calculated according to a formula. In the case of EZNEC, the technique follows that of Leeson.

One might be tempted to simply transfer a NEC-2 model--designed for use with a stepped-diameter correction equivalency--directly to NEC-4 in order to check the accuracy of the equivalency output. However, NEC-4 is subject to its own limitations, and model adjustment is necessary.

Initial comparative tests of models, performed on EZNEC Pro for ease of comparing NEC-2 corrected, NEC-2 uncorrected, and NEC-4 models, have turned up a number of interesting factors involved in transferring models. Tests were performed on Yagi antenna models developed by K6STI and presented on disk with the ARRL Antenna Compendium, Volume 4. One notable feature of K6STI's models is the use of short, fat element-center sections to account for mounting plates and other boom-related phenomena. This factor alone presents all versions of NEC with a challenge insofar as the diameter jump is great between the center and the immediately adjacent segments.

To facilitate examination of the variances among models, I have set forth notes on the tables that immediate follow. The tables show gain, front-to- back ratio, and feedpoint impedance of models using various segmentations. "Auto S Min" = autosegmentation, using recommended absolute minimal numbers of segments. "Auto S Con"" = autosegmentation using recommended conservative minimal numbers of segments. The following entries represent manual segmentation designed to equalized segment lengths and, to the degree possible within the limits of the structure, to align the segments for greatest accuracy.

Following each set of notes and tables are sample models used in this study, given in the form of NEC decks, with all units in meters.

1. 240-20

The first model is a 2-element 40-meter Yagi for 7.1 MHz. The K6STI segmentation and antenna performance date are shown for reference. The entry called "Space" represents the distance rear to front of the elements. In this case, the reflector and driven element are separate by 234." All dimensions are in inches. K6STI's rearward performance figure is not directly comparable to front-to-back ratio, since it is actually a front- to-rear ratio that averages rear quadrant performance. For a 2-element Yagi, this figure will normally exceed a direct front-to-back ratio.

Notes:

1. Because the centermost element section is very short, neither mode of autosegmentation is adequate to produce a center segment anywhere close to the length of the adjacent segments. NEC-4 is sensitive to this factor, especially where there is considerable current on the unequal adjoining segments. When the center segment is very short (even though passing NEC-4 criteria checks), the gain is generally too optimistic. The last entry, which purposely makes the center segment significantly longer than adjacent segments, typically yields a pessimistic gain.

2. The 58 segment manually segmented model approaches adequacy, as verified by the 116 segment model, which again was manually segmented to equalize segment length and alignment. The two models may be considered as having achieved convergence. What these models have in common is equalized segment lengths and segment alignment within structural limits, NEC-4 modeling factors that cannot be overstressed.

3. NEC-2 models that do not employ a stepped-diameter correction are wholly inadequate to this task. Since convergence is not possible, model accuracy is in no way self-identifying.

4. NEC-2 models employing stepped-diameter correction appear closest to NEC-4 converged models when using the minimum number of segments consistent with NEC conservative guidelines for element length and length-to-diameter ratio. Note that the NEC-2 corrected model that is autosegmented by conservative standards most closely coincides with the values accepted above as reasonable for NEC-4.

5. To check the sensitivity of NEC-4 and NEC-2 corrected to the large jump in element diameter close to the high current section of the antenna, an alternate model was constructed. The only change was to reduce the center section diameter from 4.7" to 2.5." Since this antenna now differs from the K6STI model, output figure comparisons must be confined within the model group. Once more, NEC-4 shows its sensitivity to segment length equalization at the center of the elements. Autosegmentation is inadequate to achieve segment equalization for this particular model. However, NEC-2 with a stepped-diameter correction produces a model that coincides with the converged NEC-4 model only with manual segmentation to equalize segment lengths. This raises the question of whether the note in item 4 above is a rule or an accident. If an accident, then confidence in models using a stepped-diameter correction is compromised, even if the results are not as far afield as the results from NEC-2 when no stepped-diameter correction is used. 

K6STI Model 240-20:  2-element Yagi; 7.1 MHz

Element tapered dimensions from center outward in inches:
El.       Space     4.7"      2.25"     2"   1"   .75" 0.5"      Total
Refl        0        12       108       120   66   66   85         457"
D.E.      234        12       108       120   66   66   25.5       397.5"

K6STI Reference (YO)     6.12      11.08     34.0  - 34.5

NEC-4          Segs      Gain dBi  F-B dB    Feed Z R +/- jX
Auto S Min      22       7.37      10.60     29.68 - 22.26
Auto S Con      32       6.75      10.54     34.32 - 25.31
20A-1 ctr       58       6.23      10.44     38.92 - 27.05
20B-2 ctr      116       6.23      10.30     39.42 - 24.52
20B-1 ctr      114       5.86      10.30     42.88 - 26.88

NEC-2 with stepped-diameter correction
Auto S Min      22       6.69      10.75     33.14 - 30.60
Auto S Con      32       6.21      10.68     37.03 - 33.82
20A-1 ctr       58       5.85      10.66     40.31 - 36.78
20B-2 ctr      116       7.13      10.45     34.48 +  4.097
20B-1 ctr      114       5.58      10.62     43.02 - 38.43

NEC-2 without stepped-diameter correction
Auto S Min      22       7.32       9.43     31.97 -  9.381
Auto S Con      32       6.80       9.15     36.38 -  8.086
20A-1 ctr       58       6.35       8.67     41.02 -  3.797
20B-2 ctr      116       6.47       8.20     40.59 +  1.733
20B-1 ctr      114       6.04       8.21     44.81 +  1.611

Revised Taper:  First Segment 2.5"

NEC-4          Segs      Gain dBi  F-B dB    Feed Z R +/- jX
Auto S Min      22
Auto S Con      32       6.33      10.38     38.00 - 25.30
20A-1 ctr       58       5.89      10.27     42.30 - 26.35
20B-2 ctr      116       5.84      10.12     43.34 - 24.09
20B-1 ctr      114       5.55      10.12     46.21 - 25.79

NEC-2 with stepped-diameter correction
Auto S Min      22
Auto S Con      32       6.14      10.46     38.21 - 30.29
20A-1 ctr       58       5.78      10.44     41.59 - 32.95
20B-2 ctr      116       6.04      10.25     44.48 +  5.403
20B-1 ctr      114       5.51      10.40     44.37 - 34.37

NEC-2 without stepped-diameter correction
Auto S Min      22
Auto S Con      32       6.01       9.02     43.58 -  8.877
20A-1 ctr       58       5.52       8.56     49.62 -  3.890
20B-2 ctr      116       5.43       8.12     51.51 +  2.456
20B-1 ctr      114       5.14       8.12     55.08 +  2.538


CM 2el Yagi 240-20:  32 segments
CM Auto-segmented
CE
GW 1,2,-11.607,0.,0.,-9.4488,0.,0.,.00635
GW 2,1,-9.4488,0.,0.,-7.7724,0.,0.,.00953
GW 3,1,-7.7724,0.,0.,-6.096,0.,0.,.0127
GW 4,2,-6.096,0.,0.,-3.048,0.,0.,.0254
GW 5,2,-3.048,0.,0.,-.3048,0.,0.,.0286
GW 6,1,-.3048,0.,0.,.3048,0.,0.,.0597
GW 7,2,.3048,0.,0.,3.048,0.,0.,.0286
GW 8,2,3.048,0.,0.,6.096,0.,0.,.0254
GW 9,1,6.096,0.,0.,7.7724,0.,0.,.0127
GW 10,1,7.7724,0.,0.,9.4488,0.,0.,.00953
GW 11,2,9.4488,0.,0.,11.6078,0.,0.,.00635
GW 12,1,-10.096,5.9436,0.,-9.4488,5.9436,0.,.00635
GW 13,1,-9.4488,5.9436,0.,-7.7724,5.9436,0.,.00953
GW 14,1,-7.7724,5.9436,0.,-6.096,5.9436,0.,.0127
GW 15,2,-6.096,5.9436,0.,-3.048,5.9436,0.,.0254
GW 16,2,-3.048,5.9436,0.,-.3048,5.9436,0.,.0286
GW 17,1,-.3048,5.9436,0.,.3048,5.9436,0.,.0597
GW 18,2,.3048,5.9436,0.,3.048,5.9436,0.,.0286
GW 19,2,3.048,5.9436,0.,6.096,5.9436,0.,.0254
GW 20,1,6.096,5.9436,0.,7.7724,5.9436,0.,.0127
GW 21,1,7.7724,5.9436,0.,9.4488,5.9436,0.,.00953
GW 22,1,9.4488,5.9436,0.,10.0965,5.9436,0.,.00635
GE 0
LD 5,1,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,2,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,3,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,4,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,5,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,6,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,7,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,8,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,9,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,10,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,11,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,12,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,13,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,14,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,15,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,16,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,17,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,18,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,19,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,20,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,21,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,22,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
FR 0,1,0,0,7.1
GN -1
EX 0,17,1,0,1.414214,-1.883E-7
RP 0,1,361,1000,90.,0.,0.,1.,0.
EN


CM 2el Yagi 240-20:  116 segments
CM Manually segmented for equal lengths
CE
GW 1,6,-11.607,0.,0.,-9.4488,0.,0.,.00635
GW 2,4,-9.4488,0.,0.,-7.7724,0.,0.,.00953
GW 3,4,-7.7724,0.,0.,-6.096,0.,0.,.0127
GW 4,8,-6.096,0.,0.,-3.048,0.,0.,.0254
GW 5,8,-3.048,0.,0.,-.3048,0.,0.,.0286
GW 6,2,-.3048,0.,0.,.3048,0.,0.,.0597
GW 7,8,.3048,0.,0.,3.048,0.,0.,.0286
GW 8,8,3.048,0.,0.,6.096,0.,0.,.0254
GW 9,4,6.096,0.,0.,7.7724,0.,0.,.0127
GW 10,4,7.7724,0.,0.,9.4488,0.,0.,.00953
GW 11,6,9.4488,0.,0.,11.6078,0.,0.,.00635
GW 12,2,-10.096,5.9436,0.,-9.4488,5.9436,0.,.00635
GW 13,4,-9.4488,5.9436,0.,-7.7724,5.9436,0.,.00953
GW 14,4,-7.7724,5.9436,0.,-6.096,5.9436,0.,.0127
GW 15,8,-6.096,5.9436,0.,-3.048,5.9436,0.,.0254
GW 16,8,-3.048,5.9436,0.,-.3048,5.9436,0.,.0286
GW 17,2,-.3048,5.9436,0.,.3048,5.9436,0.,.0597
GW 18,8,.3048,5.9436,0.,3.048,5.9436,0.,.0286
GW 19,8,3.048,5.9436,0.,6.096,5.9436,0.,.0254
GW 20,4,6.096,5.9436,0.,7.7724,5.9436,0.,.0127
GW 21,4,7.7724,5.9436,0.,9.4488,5.9436,0.,.00953
GW 22,2,9.4488,5.9436,0.,10.0965,5.9436,0.,.00635
GE 0
LD 5,1,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,2,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,3,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,4,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,5,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,6,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,7,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,8,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,9,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,10,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,11,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,12,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,13,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,14,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,15,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,16,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,17,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,18,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,19,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,20,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,21,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,22,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
FR 0,1,0,0,7.1
GN -1
EX 0,17,2,0,.707107,-9.416E-8
EX 0,17,1,0,.707107,-9.416E-8
RP 0,1,361,1000,90.,0.,0.,1.,0.
EN

2. 310-08

The second example is a 3-element Yagi designed for 28.4 MHz. For the most part, front-to-back ratios can be ignored, since they reflect only the depth of the pucker in the rear lobe(s) and do not give a clear picture of the rearward radiation. Indeed, no single number can do this job. The clearest nongraphical portrait of rearward radiation comes from a combination of the front-to-back ratio, the front-to-rear average ratio, and the "worst case" rearward ratio. This example is most notable for its exceptionally short element center section (4"). The alternative model simply eliminates this section and continues the 0.75" tubing across the center. Boom lengths total 90" with the element spacing shown.

Notes:

1. As noted for the 2-element, 40-meter Yagi, NEC-2 without a stepped- diameter correction overestimates gain in both the original and the alternate model. However, in accord with generally received wisdom, the alternate model is closest to converged models with somewhat minimal segmentation. However, there is no convergence to self-identify the most reliable result.

2. For the original design, NEC-4 models only approach convergence at 283 segments. Even that large model suffers from the large center-section to adjacent-section diameter jump insofar as the center section is longer than desired. However, breaking it into 2 segments exceeds the recommended diameter-to-length ratio.

3. For the alternate model, NEC-4 results converge reasonably between the conservative autosegmentation version and the manually segmented and equalized version. The 48" center section of each element provides a foundation for more reliable outputs with a far smaller model than needed for the original design.

4. With this antenna design, NEC-2 results for stepped-diameter correction tend to approach NEC-4 convergence within the range of the smallest reliable NEC-4 model. However, even stepped-diameter correction results tend to progress through the NEC-4 convergence point, indicating an absence of a reliable convergence region and hence lesser confidence in the chosen model size without a cross-reference to NEC-4. 

K6STI Model 310-08:  3-element Yagi; 28.4 MHz

Element tapered dimensions from center outward in inches:
El.       Space     2.5"      .75"      .625"     .5"       Total
Refl        0         2        22        18       66.75       108.75"
D.E.       36         2        22        18       57.625       99.625"
Dir        90         2        22        18       53.125       95.125

K6STI Reference (YO)     7.21      22.91     25.1 - 24.4

NEC-4          Segs      Gain dBi  F-B dB    Feed Z R +/- jX
Auto S Min      27       10.15     38.92     12.93 - 14.32
Auto S Con      42        9.34     25.28     15.72 - 16.78
08A-1 ctr       73        8.88     36.54     17.32 - 17.86
08B-1 ctr      143        8.14     35.63     20.33 - 20.41
08C-1 ctr      213        7.68     35.21     22.57 - 22.45
08D-1 ctr      283        7.32     35.22     24.50 - 24.49

NEC-2 with stepped-diameter correction
Auto S Min      27        8.33     31.30     20.19 - 21.84
Auto S Con      42        7.80     37.49     23.12 - 24.08
08A-1 ctr       73        7.52     42.85     24.55 - 24.94
08B-1 ctr      143        7.11     50.08     26.87 - 26.84
08C-1 ctr      213        6.92     55.47     28.02 - 27.82
08D-1 ctr      283        6.81     59.46     28.76 - 28.43

NEC-2 without stepped-diameter correction
Auto S Min      27       11 22     28.91      9.46 -  8.74
Auto S Con      42       10.81     24.99     10.34 -  8.81
08A-1 ctr       73       10.68     21.84     10.18 -  7.63
08B-1 ctr      143       10.59     19.39      9.91 -  6.25
08C-1 ctr      213       10.61     18.26      9.57 -  5.34
08D-1 ctr      283       10.65     17.57      9.30 -  4.70

NEC-4
Auto S Min      21        6.96     37.69     27.29 - 27.44
Auto S Con      35        7.26     37.34     25.16 - 24.73
081X eq         68        7.30     33.06     24.69 - 23.23

NEC-2 with stepped-diameter correction
Auto S Min      21        6.88     48.93     28.25 - 27.66
Auto S Con      35        7.17     41.08     26.23 - 25.04
081X eq         68        7.32     41.99     26.56 - 13.47

NEC-2 without stepped-diameter correction
Auto S Min      21        7.08     29.59     25.35 - 22.42
Auto S Con      35        7.42     25.38     22.85 - 18.83
081X eq         68        7.51     21.93     21.42 - 15.35


CM 3el Yagi 310-08  42 segments
CM Conservative autosegmentation
CE
GW 1,5,-2.7622,0.,0.,-1.0668,0.,0.,.00635
GW 2,1,-1.0668,0.,0.,-.6096,0.,0.,.00794
GW 3,2,-.6096,0.,0.,-.0508,0.,0.,.00953
GW 4,1,-.0508,0.,0.,.0508,0.,0.,.0318
GW 5,2,.0508,0.,0.,.6096,0.,0.,.00953
GW 6,1,.6096,0.,0.,1.0668,0.,0.,.00794
GW 7,4,1.0668,0.,0.,2.76225,0.,0.,.00635
GW 8,3,-2.5304,.9144,0.,-1.0668,.9144,0.,.00635
GW 9,1,-1.0668,.9144,0.,-.6096,.9144,0.,.00794
GW 10,2,-.6096,.9144,0.,-.0508,.9144,0.,.00953
GW 11,1,-.0508,.9144,0.,.0508,.9144,0.,.0318
GW 12,2,.0508,.9144,0.,.6096,.9144,0.,.00953
GW 13,1,.6096,.9144,0.,1.0668,.9144,0.,.00794
GW 14,3,1.0668,.9144,0.,2.53047,.9144,0.,.00635
GW 15,3,-2.4161,2.286,0.,-1.0668,2.286,0.,.00635
GW 16,1,-1.0668,2.286,0.,-.6096,2.286,0.,.00794
GW 17,2,-.6096,2.286,0.,-.0508,2.286,0.,.00953
GW 18,1,-.0508,2.286,0.,.0508,2.286,0.,.0318
GW 19,2,.0508,2.286,0.,.6096,2.286,0.,.00953
GW 20,1,.6096,2.286,0.,1.0668,2.286,0.,.00794
GW 21,3,1.0668,2.286,0.,2.41617,2.286,0.,.00635
GE 0
LD 5,1,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,2,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,3,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,4,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,5,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,6,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,7,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,8,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,9,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,10,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,11,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,12,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,13,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,14,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,15,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,16,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,17,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,18,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,19,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,20,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,21,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
FR 0,1,0,0,28.4
GN -1
EX 0,11,1,0,1.414214,0.
RP 0,1,361,1000,90.,0.,0.,1.,0.
EN


CM 3el Yagi 310-081X  68 segment alternate
CM Manually segmented for equalized segments
CE
GW 1,7,-2.7622,0.,0.,-1.0668,0.,0.,.00635
GW 2,2,-1.0668,0.,0.,-.6096,0.,0.,.00794
GW 3,6,-.6096,0.,0.,.6096,0.,0.,.00953
GW 4,2,.6096,0.,0.,1.0668,0.,0.,.00794
GW 5,7,1.0668,0.,0.,2.76225,0.,0.,.00635
GW 6,6,-2.5304,.9144,0.,-1.0668,.9144,0.,.00635
GW 7,2,-1.0668,.9144,0.,-.6096,.9144,0.,.00794
GW 8,6,-.6096,.9144,0.,.6096,.9144,0.,.00953
GW 9,2,.6096,.9144,0.,1.0668,.9144,0.,.00794
GW 10,6,1.0668,.9144,0.,2.53047,.9144,0.,.00635
GW 11,6,-2.4161,2.286,0.,-1.0668,2.286,0.,.00635
GW 12,2,-1.0668,2.286,0.,-.6096,2.286,0.,.00794
GW 13,6,-.6096,2.286,0.,.6096,2.286,0.,.00953
GW 14,2,.6096,2.286,0.,1.0668,2.286,0.,.00794
GW 15,6,1.0668,2.286,0.,2.41617,2.286,0.,.00635
GE 0
LD 5,1,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,2,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,3,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,4,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,5,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,6,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,7,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,8,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,9,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,10,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,11,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,12,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,13,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,14,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,15,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
FR 0,1,0,0,28.4
GN -1
EX 0,8,4,0,.707107,0.
EX 0,8,3,0,.707107,0.
RP 0,1,361,1000,90.,0.,0.,1.,0.
EN

3. 320-16

The third example is a 3-element Yagi designed for 14.175 MHz. Cautions similar to those given for the 10-meter beam apply to the front-to-back ratios. Also, like the 10-meter design, this example has a short element center section (8"). Because the properties of this antenna design when modeled replicate so closely those of the 10-meter model, no alternate version is shown.

Notes:

1. NEC-2 without a stepped correction factor displaces the beam relative to frequency and overestimates gain while underestimating front-to-back ratio and feedpoint impedance. Because the number of steps per half- element is 50% greater than the steps used for the 10-meter beam, the offset is even worse.

2. The center element diameter is about 3 times the adjacent section diameter. However, the number of diameter steps is large. These factors combine to set a practical limit to achieving convergence in NEC-4. Although the final doubling of segments between 16B and 16C shows an approach to convergence, the model has grown to 442 segments. The reasonableness of convergence and use of the output numbers at this level will depend upon the purposes of the modeling.

3. As with the 10-meter model, the NEC-2 with stepped-diameter correction numbers approach those of a converged NEC-4 model somewhere between the conservative autosegmented version and the smallest manually segmented and equalized version. However, again, this point is not self-identifying within NEC-2, since the model continues to vary in value with changes in the number of segments. Notable in this progression is a clear indication that too many segments defeats the stepped-diameter correction and produces results little better than NEC-2 without the stepped-diameter correction. 

K6STI Model 320-16:  3-element Yagi; 14.175 MHz

Element tapered dimensions from center outward in inches:
El.  Space     3.75 1.25 1.0  .875 .75  .625"     .5"       Total
Refl    0        4   44   24   20   42   20       69.625    223.625"
D.E.   80        4   44   24   20   42   20       51.25     205.25"
Dir   186        4   44   24   20   42   20       46.625    196.625"

K6STI Reference (YO)     7.25      23.32     26.7 - 25.3

NEC-4          Segs      Gain dBi  F-B dB    Feed Z R +/- jX
Auto S Min      39        9.84     33.04     14.66 - 15.32
Auto S Con      57        9.08     33.24     17.44 - 17.73
16A-1 ctr      112        8.40     31.39     20.08 - 19.58
16B-1 ctr      221        7.83     29.04     22.54 - 21.02
16C-2 ctr      442        7.74     27.80     22.74 - 20.73

NEC-2 with stepped-diameter correction
Auto S Min      39        8.25     36.90     22.16 - 22.75
Auto S Con      57        7.77     48.71     24.77 - 24.48
16A-1 ctr      112        7.35     45.51     27.19 - 26.40
16B-1 ctr      221        7.02     41.97     29.17 - 28.02
16C-2 ctr      442       10.23     43.00     16.05 +  4.83

NEC-2 without stepped diamter correction
Auto S Min      39       10 87     19.04      9.37 -  5.82
Auto S Con      57       10.48     16.74      9.69 -  4.33
16A-1 ctr      112       10.30     13.80      8.97 -  0.60
16B-1 ctr      221       10.28     11.40      7.89 +  3.67
16C-2 ctr      442       10.94      9.31      5.85 +  7.02

CM 3el Yagi 320-16 57 segments
CM Conservative autosegmentation
CE
GW 1,2,-5.68,0.,0.,-3.9116,0.,0.,.00635
GW 2,1,-3.9116,0.,0.,-3.4036,0.,0.,.00794
GW 3,2,-3.4036,0.,0.,-2.3368,0.,0.,.00953
GW 4,1,-2.3368,0.,0.,-1.8288,0.,0.,.0111
GW 5,1,-1.8288,0.,0.,-1.2192,0.,0.,.0127
GW 6,2,-1.2192,0.,0.,-.1016,0.,0.,.0159
GW 7,1,-.1016,0.,0.,.1016,0.,0.,.0476
GW 8,2,.1016,0.,0.,1.2192,0.,0.,.0159
GW 9,1,1.2192,0.,0.,1.8288,0.,0.,.0127
GW 10,1,1.8288,0.,0.,2.3368,0.,0.,.0111
GW 11,2,2.3368,0.,0.,3.4036,0.,0.,.00953
GW 12,1,3.4036,0.,0.,3.9116,0.,0.,.00794
GW 13,2,3.9116,0.,0.,5.68008,0.,0.,.00635
GW 14,2,-5.2133,2.032,0.,-3.9116,2.032,0.,.00635
GW 15,1,-3.9116,2.032,0.,-3.4036,2.032,0.,.00794
GW 16,2,-3.4036,2.032,0.,-2.3368,2.032,0.,.00953
GW 17,1,-2.3368,2.032,0.,-1.8288,2.032,0.,.0111
GW 18,1,-1.8288,2.032,0.,-1.2192,2.032,0.,.0127
GW 19,2,-1.2192,2.032,0.,-.1016,2.032,0.,.0159
GW 20,1,-.1016,2.032,0.,.1016,2.032,0.,.0476
GW 21,2,.1016,2.032,0.,1.2192,2.032,0.,.0159
GW 22,1,1.2192,2.032,0.,1.8288,2.032,0.,.0127
GW 23,1,1.8288,2.032,0.,2.3368,2.032,0.,.0111
GW 24,2,2.3368,2.032,0.,3.4036,2.032,0.,.00953
GW 25,1,3.4036,2.032,0.,3.9116,2.032,0.,.00794
GW 26,2,3.9116,2.032,0.,5.21335,2.032,0.,.00635
GW 27,2,-4.9942,4.7244,0.,-3.9116,4.7244,0.,.00635
GW 28,1,-3.9116,4.7244,0.,-3.4036,4.7244,0.,.00794
GW 29,2,-3.4036,4.7244,0.,-2.3368,4.7244,0.,.00953
GW 30,1,-2.3368,4.7244,0.,-1.8288,4.7244,0.,.0111
GW 31,1,-1.8288,4.7244,0.,-1.2192,4.7244,0.,.0127
GW 32,2,-1.2192,4.7244,0.,-.1016,4.7244,0.,.0159
GW 33,1,-.1016,4.7244,0.,.1016,4.7244,0.,.0476
GW 34,2,.1016,4.7244,0.,1.2192,4.7244,0.,.0159
GW 35,1,1.2192,4.7244,0.,1.8288,4.7244,0.,.0127
GW 36,1,1.8288,4.7244,0.,2.3368,4.7244,0.,.0111
GW 37,2,2.3368,4.7244,0.,3.4036,4.7244,0.,.00953
GW 38,1,3.4036,4.7244,0.,3.9116,4.7244,0.,.00794
GW 39,2,3.9116,4.7244,0.,4.99428,4.7244,0.,.00635
GE 0
LD 5,1,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,2,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,3,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,4,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,5,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,6,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,7,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,8,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,9,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,10,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,11,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,12,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,13,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,14,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,15,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,16,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,17,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,18,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,19,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,20,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,21,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,22,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,23,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,24,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,25,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,26,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,27,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,28,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,29,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,30,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,31,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,32,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,33,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,34,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,35,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,36,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,37,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,38,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,39,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
FR 0,1,0,0,14.175
GN -1
EX 0,20,1,0,1.414214,0.
RP 0,1,361,1000,90.,0.,0.,1.,0.
EN

CM 3el Yagi 320-16 442 segments
CM Manually segmented and equalized
CE
GW 1,20,-5.68,0.,0.,-3.9116,0.,0.,.00635
GW 2,8,-3.9116,0.,0.,-3.4036,0.,0.,.00794
GW 3,12,-3.4036,0.,0.,-2.3368,0.,0.,.00953
GW 4,8,-2.3368,0.,0.,-1.8288,0.,0.,.0111
GW 5,8,-1.8288,0.,0.,-1.2192,0.,0.,.0127
GW 6,16,-1.2192,0.,0.,-.1016,0.,0.,.0159
GW 7,2,-.1016,0.,0.,.1016,0.,0.,.0476
GW 8,16,.1016,0.,0.,1.2192,0.,0.,.0159
GW 9,8,1.2192,0.,0.,1.8288,0.,0.,.0127
GW 10,8,1.8288,0.,0.,2.3368,0.,0.,.0111
GW 11,16,2.3368,0.,0.,3.4036,0.,0.,.00953
GW 12,8,3.4036,0.,0.,3.9116,0.,0.,.00794
GW 13,20,3.9116,0.,0.,5.68008,0.,0.,.00635
GW 14,16,-5.2133,2.032,0.,-3.9116,2.032,0.,.00635
GW 15,8,-3.9116,2.032,0.,-3.4036,2.032,0.,.00794
GW 16,16,-3.4036,2.032,0.,-2.3368,2.032,0.,.00953
GW 17,8,-2.3368,2.032,0.,-1.8288,2.032,0.,.0111
GW 18,8,-1.8288,2.032,0.,-1.2192,2.032,0.,.0127
GW 19,16,-1.2192,2.032,0.,-.1016,2.032,0.,.0159
GW 20,2,-.1016,2.032,0.,.1016,2.032,0.,.0476
GW 21,16,.1016,2.032,0.,1.2192,2.032,0.,.0159
GW 22,8,1.2192,2.032,0.,1.8288,2.032,0.,.0127
GW 23,8,1.8288,2.032,0.,2.3368,2.032,0.,.0111
GW 24,16,2.3368,2.032,0.,3.4036,2.032,0.,.00953
GW 25,8,3.4036,2.032,0.,3.9116,2.032,0.,.00794
GW 26,16,3.9116,2.032,0.,5.21335,2.032,0.,.00635
GW 27,16,-4.9942,4.7244,0.,-3.9116,4.7244,0.,.00635
GW 28,8,-3.9116,4.7244,0.,-3.4036,4.7244,0.,.00794
GW 29,16,-3.4036,4.7244,0.,-2.3368,4.7244,0.,.00953
GW 30,8,-2.3368,4.7244,0.,-1.8288,4.7244,0.,.0111
GW 31,8,-1.8288,4.7244,0.,-1.2192,4.7244,0.,.0127
GW 32,16,-1.2192,4.7244,0.,-.1016,4.7244,0.,.0159
GW 33,2,-.1016,4.7244,0.,.1016,4.7244,0.,.0476
GW 34,16,.1016,4.7244,0.,1.2192,4.7244,0.,.0159
GW 35,8,1.2192,4.7244,0.,1.8288,4.7244,0.,.0127
GW 36,8,1.8288,4.7244,0.,2.3368,4.7244,0.,.0111
GW 37,16,2.3368,4.7244,0.,3.4036,4.7244,0.,.00953
GW 38,8,3.4036,4.7244,0.,3.9116,4.7244,0.,.00794
GW 39,16,3.9116,4.7244,0.,4.99428,4.7244,0.,.00635
GE 0
LD 5,1,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,2,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,3,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,4,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,5,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,6,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,7,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,8,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,9,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,10,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,11,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,12,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,13,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,14,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,15,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,16,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,17,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,18,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,19,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,20,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,21,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,22,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,23,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,24,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,25,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,26,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,27,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,28,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,29,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,30,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,31,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,32,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,33,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,34,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,35,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,36,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,37,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,38,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
LD 5,39,0,0,2.5E+07,1.
FR 0,1,0,0,14.175
GN -1
EX 0,20,2,0,.707107,0.
EX 0,20,1,0,.707107,0.
RP 0,1,361,1000,90.,0.,0.,1.,0.
EN

Conclusions:

1. NEC-4 has limits in dealing with stepped-diameter elements, especially under the following circumstances:

Achieving convergence under these circumstances may require quite large models relative to the number of antenna elements involved. These models grow larger for every diameter step involved in the structure of the element.

2. Inadequate segmentation in stepped-diameter elements in NEC-4 may result in unrealistically high values for forward gain and low values for feedpoint impedance. Adequacy of segmentation includes the following:

3. NEC-2 with stepped-diameter corrections can yield reasonable figures on antenna performance. However, the best segmentation to achieve those results is not self-identifying within NEC-2 due to the absence of a convergence trend. In general, the best modeling region for achieving reasonable results from NEC-2 with stepped-diameter corrections involves the following constraints:

The result will be a model somewhat larger in segment numbers than the conservative minimum, but smaller than a converged NEC-4 model.

4. NEC-2 without a stepped-diameter correction is highly unreliable. The larger the diameter jump between adjacent section of the element, the more unreliable the output figures. With small increments of diameter change and long constant-diameter sections, the results may be tentatively usable if the total number of segments is small. However, precision antenna analysis is not possible.

Given the trends in the values of forward gain and front-to-back ratio (or front-to-rear calculations) for the test Yagis with stepped-diameter elements, it is entirely possible to generate misleading models in either NEC-2 or NEC-4. Good practice calls for extreme care in developing models and in reporting results. Not only should one present modeling results, but as well one should reveal all the relevant details of the model used to generate them. Likewise, those with modeling programs should check reported figures for themselves.

Indeed, modeling is not in itself the solution to resolving issues of reported antenna performance figures. Without adequate descriptions of the models used (and the good engineering reasons for using those models), the output of NEC programs can be as misleading as any other antenna performance report. Properly used within their limitations and fairly reported, NEC models can be a source of important and useful information not otherwise easily obtained.



Updated 4-6-97. © L. B. Cebik, W4RNL. Data may be used for personal purposes, but may not be reproduced for publication in print or any other medium without permission of the author.



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