Ok guys.
First let me say there are many respected members posting in this thread.
And I have learned much from many on this forum.
With the ass kissing out of the way let's get to the point.
The transceiver, which is what we as operators, antenna system designers, installers, and users will all need to transmit the signal.
This transmitter, if modern model solid state likes a 50 ohm load or impedance.
AT THE TRANSMITTER.
As long as there is an acceptable load at the transmitter then a signal can be transmitted.
This has nothing to do with how efficient an antenna is. Just that the SYSTEM presents a 50 ohm load to the transmitter.
Example, build a dipole. Use the analyzer and make it as perfect a 50 ohm load X=0 by making it an inverted V configuration.
1:1 current balun at the feed point to help eliminate cmc and have equal current distribution.
Good antenna??
Build same dipole, use ladder line to feed it and an antenna coupler at the shack and use the analyzer to tune the antenna coupler "in the shack" to a 50 ohm X=0 impedance and you have the same antenna.
It does not matter what vswr you have at the antenna.
The WHOLE antenna system needs to present a 50 ohm impedance to the transmitter.
What matters is how efficiently you you can transmit your signal.
In order to transmit a signal in todays modern rigs you need to make a 50 ohm load impedance at the transmitter.
NOW change this around.
IF you build/tune the perfect antenna. 50 ohm load impedance X=0 perfect on the analyzer.
As soon as you connect a transmission line to it then it degrades the performance of the antenna SYSTEM.
Will you see a difference in vswr when you add coax?
Will the resonant frequency of the antenna change?
Will the resonant frequency of the antenna change when it is elevated above earth?
I see so many discussions about antennas. I enjoy all of them.
But in the real world of actually operating and not discussing antennas we need to look at the whole antenna system. Not just the antenna..
Example.
Friend of mine has a set of stacked 13 element 2 meter yagis, and he is using RG8X for feed line. 75'.
Great antennas, great gain, He is using 100 watts of TX power.
Looking at his ERP minus the cable loss he offsets the gain by using inferior feedline at the frequency of the system.
Once again the WHOLE system needs to be tuned not just the antenna.
Just my 2 cents guys, not singling out anyone, just throwing my thoughts out on the subject.
Comments, suggestions, bashing all is welcome.
