In order to get a handle on the raging question as to what makes
a proper backstay antenna and the corersponding ground, I've
decided to make that a retirement project...just as soon as I get
a boat, which should be no longer than a month or two now!

What I think I need (help me out here) is:

1. Tracking RF generator with a DC vs freq output. It should be
"leveled"in that the RF output remains constant regardless of
the network being fed....probably needs at least 30 dB isolation?

2. Directional coupler with DC output. Shows VSWR/return loss
vs freq. (Cross check on 3 below)

3. Balanced bridge detector, with DC output. Shows the impedance
of the "system" vs freq. (Cross check on 2 above)

I plan to treat the antenna and ground as a "black box:, and characterize
it as such. A XY recorder should reveal quite a bit.

Of course ofther factors such as launch angle, propagation,etc won't
be factored in at first...but the calculations for those are pretty well known.

Anything I forgot?
Norm B