In response to popular demand, here is a
sample coverage map for GB3FH.
I produced this map using excellent freeware software called
Radio Mobile Deluxe written by VE2DBE. It is available for download on the
authors web site:
Radio Mobile WEB Site
Detailed Coverage Maps
- Below are some more predictions I produced, having modified the
parameter's to match real world experiences with FHs coverage. The green
area represents good strong signals, the light blue represents workable
under favourable conditions.
-
- I still have not found a way to reliably plot the "hole" in the coverage
that is produced by the tower being in the way. There is a deep null towards
the North West bearing about 300 deg. This sadly takes out bits of Cardiff
and Newport and a sizeable chunk of the M5 and M4 motorways. I hope
this will be sorted in the new year when some aerial work is going to
happen......
-
-
|
|
|
|
Overall Coverage
|
|
|
|
A quadrant to the North East of GB3FH
|
|
|
|
A quadrant to the North West of GB3FH
|
|
|
|
A quadrant to the South East of GB3FH
|
|
|
|
A quadrant to the South West of GB3FH
|
|
|
The text below was written before GB3FH went
Live!
First, a word about computer coverage
predictions.
I have set the parameters of the software used to plot the
map below for a system where the mobile's squelch is set at -110dBm. This is
quite a big signal when you consider a Yaesu FT8900 will be around 12dB more
sensitive BUT 6m is a very noisy band. Anyone who has ever been monitoring 6 and
driven past a petrol station or supermarket will have no doubt reached for the
volume control to shut off the noise! All sorts of modern equipment, including
some cars, radiate noise on 6m, that's why I have applied this extra 12dB of
margin to the plot.
Also, of course, it is only a prediction, not a guarantee!
There are so many parameters that can be set up on the software that not all of
them may be optimal to reflect reality! The ones I have set are: Tx aerial
height 34m. Rx aerial height 0.5m. Mute limit -110dBm. Tx antenna bearing 135deg
with cardiod pattern ( cos the mast is in the way in one direction ).
So, to the map! The green area represents signals
greater than roughly -90dBm. The brown area is signal between -90 and -110dBm.
I hope it IS this good!
