Pattern
Working with Directional Antenna Patterns
If the reference station or a station from the database has a directional pattern, the field values are automatically applied. Therefore, directional patterns are applied transparently without the requirement of user intervention. In addition to its ability to access FCC database patterns, INTERDLG can apply directional pattern data either from direct keyboard input or from a user's pattern file loaded from hard drive.
Pattern Button
You will find this button on the "Ref #1 page". If the reference station has a directional pattern, the pattern values are automatically applied. You can also use your own pattern with the reference station either by entering it from keyboard or by loading it from a disk file.
Entering Pattern Values
Enter your own antenna pattern values in either percent field values (0.1 to represent 10 percent field, etc.) dBk or kilowatts. dBk values and kilowatt values are dependent on the ERP power you set for the station power on the reference screen.
To start entering a pattern simply click on the "000 Deg." label in the pattern listing box and then enter a new value. As you enter a pattern you will see the azimuth graph of the pattern change to accommodate the new value you entered. You may edit any value you have entered by clicking the value in the list box and then by placing a new value in the highlighted pattern value input box. When in the "effective field" display mode you can edit a given azimuth value simply by clicking the azimuth graph at the azimuth point you wish to change and at the value (to 1.0) that you wish to set and then hitting <Enter>.
Pattern Checking
When you have finished entering the 36 pattern values you may check to see if the pattern meets the FCC 2 dB per 10 degree rule by clicking the command button labeled "Check".
Pattern User File Saving
Save a pattern to your hard drive for future use by clicking the "Save" command button and filling in a pattern name. The ".PAT" extension will be added if you forget to add it to the end of your pattern name.
Load a User Pattern File
You can load a pattern from a disk file by clicking the "Load" command button and then by clicking the name of the pattern you wish to load.
Field Units
Choose to work with "effective field", "Power in dBk or "Power in kW" by selecting units using the radio buttons.
Rotating Pattern Values
Patterns can be rotated by first setting the degrees rotation using the rotation slider and by then clicking the "Rotate" command button.
The "Exit" button should be used to exit the screen once your pattern has been established.
Exit
Use the "Exit" command button to exit the screen when you are finished with the pattern.