Drone Measurements Validate the Accuracy of Simulation for FM Pattern Verification 

An extensive amount of experience has been gained in both drone measurement techniques of television broadcast antennas and data analysis using electromagnetic simulation. Through comparison, drone measurements and simulation predictions have time and time again validated that the techniques provide accurate measurements and predictions at UHF and VHF frequencies. Now that the FCC television channel Repack has passed, extending what has been learned to the FM market will provide new opportunities for FM broadcasters. Understanding the limitations of “old school” FM pattern range measurements and the power of computer simulation will be discussed in this paper. It will also include case studies, one of which would be impractical for any far field range and can only be realized using simulation and validation using drone-based measurements.

John Schadler | Dielectric LLC | Raymond, Maine, United States
Jason Schreiber | Sixarms | Gold Coast, Australia