Basic Antenna Concepts and VNA Measurements – IEEE AP-S Fox Hunt Challenge 2026

#Antennas #Antenna-Measurement #VNA #Vector-Network-Analyzer #VSWR #Impedance #S-Parameters #Return-Loss #Bandwidth #915-MHz #Radiofrequency #RF-Measurements #IEEE-AP-S #Fox-Hunt #Radio-Direction-Finding
Share

As part of the preparation activities for the IEEE AP-S Fox Hunt Challenge 2026, the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Colombia Chapter invites registered participants to attend the workshop "Basic Antenna Concepts and VNA Measurements". This hands-on preparation session will introduce fundamental antenna concepts and practical measurement techniques using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA).

Participants will review key antenna parameters such as impedance, VSWR, bandwidth, and frequency response, with a focus on understanding how these concepts apply to the antenna systems that will be used during the Fox Hunt Challenge. For antenna design and preparation purposes, the target operating band for the challenge will be the 915 MHz band.

Participants who already have an antenna prototype designed for the 915 MHz band are welcome to bring it so it can be measured and discussed during the session. Please note that this workshop is focused on antenna concepts and VNA measurements, and it is not intended as a full antenna construction workshop. This activity is free of charge and intended for confirmed participants of the IEEE AP-S Fox Hunt Challenge 2026.

Participants are encouraged to bring their laptop, charger, a notebook or device for taking notes, and, optionally, an antenna prototype or SMA connector/adapters if available.


  Date and Time

  Location

  Hosts

  Registration


  • Add_To_Calendar_icon Add Event to Calendar
  • Av Kra 30 #45 03
  • Universidad Nacional de Colombia
  • Bogotá D.C., Distrito Capital de Bogota
  • Colombia 111321
  • Building: Edificio 411 - Laboratorio de Ingeniería
  • Click here for Map
  • Contact Event Hosts
  • Starts 08 July 2026 06:00 PM UTC
  • Ends 08 July 2026 11:00 PM UTC
  • 0 in-person spaces left!
  • No Admission Charge




Agenda

4:00 p.m. – 4:10 p.m. Welcome and introduction to the IEEE AP-S Fox Hunt Challenge 2026 

4:10 p.m. – 4:35 p.m. Basic antenna concepts for radio direction finding Impedance, resonance, polarization, radiation patterns, and bandwidth

 4:35 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Introduction to VNA measurements S-parameters, return loss, VSWR, and antenna matching

5:00 p.m. – 5:40 p.m. Practical demonstration: measuring antennas for the 915 MHz band 

5:40 p.m. – 5:55 p.m. Discussion of participant antenna prototypes, if available

5:55 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Final recommendations and next steps for the challenge