Hello,
Does this seem logical?
1.
The signal strength (example in dBm or mW) from
a transmitting source is measured.
2. Assuming
most of the attenuation is due to free space loss,
the free space loss factor is "added" back to the
measured signal to get the ERP of that specific
radiation lobe (it could be main, side, or back
lobe).
3. The transmitter output is a known value
(example 2 Watts).
4. Using the calculated ERP
for a specific lobe, I can use the following to
determine the loss / gain due to the antenna &
cable: loss/gain = 10 log (transmitter output /
ERP specific lobe).
5. If I rotate the transmitting
antenna to 360 degrees, then I should be able to
have a rough picture of its azimuthal radiation
pattern at a certain elevation angle.
I'm
probably using the terms the wrong way because I
think ERP is synonymous to the main lobe of the
antenna (right?). But I'm just treating the ERP
as specified only to a certain lobe without knowing
if its the main, side, or back lobe.
I'm
really not sure if this is right. I just want a
confirmation whether my logic is wrong, and if so,
why? Thanks!