Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

How does the gain of a two-element delta-loop beam compare to that of a two-element quad antenna?

1. 3 dB higher

2. 3 dB lower

3. 2.54 dB higher

4. About the same

The correct answer is: About the same

The gain of both a two-element delta-loop beam and a two-element quad antenna is generally considered to be quite similar, which is why "about the same" is the correct choice. When assessing the performance of these antennas, it's important to note that both designs utilize two elements for directional gain and have been optimized for different characteristics. The two-element delta-loop typically provides a gain of around 3 dBi, while the two-element quad usually offers similar gain figures. Factors such as feedline loss, installation height, and surrounding environmental elements can cause slight variations in gain but typically do not produce significant differences between the two designs. Thus, the conclusion that their gains are "about the same" reflects the practical performance for most applications, indicating that both antennas can function effectively in similar scenarios without one providing a notable advantage over the other in terms of gain alone.