Hi, Chuck Well return loss is a transmission line term that is a measure of the reflection on the line. So a transmission line that is terminated in its characteristic impedance would have 0 reflection, or infinite return loss or 1.0:1 VSWR. Conversely if the line was lossless and terminated in an open or a short, 100% of the incident power would be reflected, resulting in 0dB return loss, or infinite VSWR.
So you want to target the lowest VSWR - as close to 1.0:1 as possible. BTW, it can be shown in the general case, that minimum VSWR will occur at RESONANCE. Have fun with EZNEC, it's a wonderful, powerful, and easy to use program that have used over the years to model,design and build some wonderful "killer" antennas that have performed wonderfully! Have fun and keep learning! 73, Charlie, K4OTV -----Original Message----- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Charles Yahrling Sent: Friday, December 05, 2014 3:29 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Topband: EZNEC 5.0 + Just getting started modelling and looking for answers to questions not found in manual so far. For example, what exactly is included in the Return Loss figure shown in the SWR window? Just ground reflection loss, total system loss, something else? Trying to understand why Return Loss is greater for lower SWR curve values. e.g see this when toggling between std and alt impedance. What is this suggesting, go with lower return loss or lower swr curve? An incomplete grasp of the fundamentals is admittedly likely here <g>. 73, chuck -- de AB1VL NAQCC #6799 ab1vl.com _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband