The radiation and receiving pattern of a short linear antenna surrounded by discharge tubes was measured. They were investigated for different numbers of switched-on lamps, as well as different values of the discharge current. Measurements were carried out in the frequency range 0.5 - 1.5 GHz by using a spectrum analyzer with a tracking generator. The parameters of the gas-discharge plasma were estimated. The influence of electron density and frequency on the radiation pattern is determined. An analysis of the measured characteristics by simulation as well as by using simple model of a ring antenna array is represented.