Talk 1: Optimizing Rod Antennas for Manpack Systems for Both Amateur and Military Applications, Invited Speaker: Prof. Dr. Ing. Habil Ulrich L. Rohde
Rod antennas, widely used in portable radio systems, are crucial for reliable communication in amateur and military contexts. These systems must perform well under varying environmental and ionospheric conditions, where signal propagation is frequency-dependent. At any time of day, an optimal frequency or small band of frequencies between two points remains stable for several hours. We can perform best by properly matching an antenna to this frequency. In this discussion, we will introduce a combination of matching techniques that improve transmission and provide better coverage than previous methods.
Talk 2: Some Further Thoughts and ideas concerning the classical half-wave diploe antenna, Invited Speaker: Prof. James Breakall
The half-wave dipole is a popular antenna in amateur radio and communications, often the first studied in college courses. Professor R.W.P. King dedicated over 100 years to dipole research, and his accurate measurements support antenna modeling software. Professor John Kraus’s 1950 book, *Antennas*, has also inspired many in the field. This presentation will cover key topics related to the half-wave dipole. We will evaluate the accuracy of various antenna modeling codes, using a FEKO surface model as a reference and comparing it to wire Method of Moments (MoM) methods. Additionally, we will review the formula 468/f for calculating the length of a half-wave dipole in feet and discuss its limitations regarding different wire or tubing diameters. Finally, we will introduce a new design method for constructing a half-wave dipole antenna that works regardless of the conductor's diameter.
Talk 3:The State-of-the-Art in Antenna-based Techniques for Mitigating Threats to the Global Positioning System (GPS), Invited Speaker: Jack L. Burbank
Nearly every aspect of society relies on positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), like GPS. However, GPS signals are vulnerable to spoofing and jamming due to their unauthenticated nature and weak signal strength. These attacks can be easily executed using low-cost hardware and open-source software, putting many regions at risk. Research over the past few decades has aimed to improve PNT performance against these threats, focusing on five main approaches: 1) signal processing methods, 2) antenna-based techniques, 3) artificial intelligence (AI), 4) non-GNSS sensors, and 5) hybrid methods. This presentation will provide an overview of GPS and GNSS technologies, common attack strategies, and mitigation methods, emphasizing antenna-based techniques. It will introduce a classification of these methods, aiming to enhance authentic signal reception while reducing interference from attackers. Key techniques, ongoing research, and future directions will also be discussed.
Talk 4:The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program, “HAARP”, A Brief History and Engineering Review. Invited Speaker: Steve Floyd
The HAARP Research Facility is a state-of-the-art ionospheric research project in Alaska, funded by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and DARPA. Constructed by APTI/BAE Systems, it analyzes the Earth's ionosphere to enhance radio communications and surveillance. Construction began in 1993, research operations started in 1996, and the facility was completed in 2007. In 2015, control was transferred to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). The main instrument, the Ionospheric Research Instrument (IRI), consists of a 180-antenna phased array operating at 5 gigawatts, making it one of the most powerful high-frequency transmitting systems globally. It temporarily excites areas of the ionosphere for scientific research and is also equipped with VHF and UHF radars, magnetometers, and low-light CCD cameras. HAARP is noted for addressing unique challenges in radio engineering. This presentation will summarize the facility's design and operation, along with examples of the scientific research conducted there.
Talk 5: RCA – Where History Meets Innovation, Invited Speaker: David Bart
The Radio Club of America was founded in 1909 by enthusiastic young experimenters in wireless telegraphy. It quickly became a magnet for innovators, entrepreneurs, inventors, industry leaders, and historians interested in all aspects of communication without wires. Our pantheon of legendary members continues to hold significant roles in developing radio, television, mobile communication, satellite, space research, mmWave, and digital technologies. We are a forum, a gathering place for professional, scientific, and amateur practitioners of these arts. Join us for a collegial discussion about how history meets innovation.
Co-sponsored by: IEEE North Jersey Section AP/MTT17, ED/CAS, PHOTONICS Chapter and Radio Club of America (RCA)
Speaker(s): Prof. James K. Breakall, Jack L. Burbank, Steve Floyd, Prof. (Dr. Ing. Habil) Ulrich L. Rohde, David Bart, President Emeritus, Radio Club of America
Agenda:
4:00 PM -4:30 PM: Refreshments/Meal/Dessert and Networking
**Event Time:** 4:30 PM – 6:45 PM
**Featured Speakers:**
– Ulrich L. Rohde, Professor and Chairman, Synergy Microwave, NJ
– James K. Breakall, Penn State University, University Park, PA
– Jack L. Burbank, Vice President for Advanced Communications, Sabre Systems
– Steve Floyd, Chief Engineer and Principal Systems Engineer, HAARP, Ultra Electronics
– David Bart, President Emeritus, Radio Club of America (RCA)
Everyone is welcome to attend; there is no registration fee, and you do not need to be an IEEE member. Complimentary refreshments, desserts, and drinks will be provided for all attendees. Feel free to invite your friends and colleagues to take advantage of these invited lectures from globally recognized speakers in the fields of science, engineering, and humanitarian technology.
Room: 202, Bldg: ECEC, 141 Warren St, New Jersey Institute of Technology, The Lewis and Julia P. Kieman Conference Room, Newark, New Jersey, United States, 07102
