Many factors play a roll in getting a good signal and clear audio between two stations. We as radio amateurs only know this to well. So no explanation needed here. With the new Diamond X50 installed I decided to play around with Radio Mobile.
This software is a tool
used to predict the performance of a radio system. It uses digital terrain
elevation data for automatic extraction of path profile between an emitter and
a receiver.
This data is added to system, environmental and statistical parameters to feed the Irregular Terrain Model radio propagation model
Elevation data is also used to produce virtual maps in background. More on Radio Mobile by VE2DBE available HERE and HERE.
I compiled a few images with Radio Mobile Online. Please note that all the images I compiled were done with basic information and no experience. There will be discrepancies and output is not 100% correct. For more accurate calculations I need to make a study of the software and how to use it. (Not currently a priority) However it gives a good enough indication between two stations. One should also take into account that atmospheric propagation conditions on VHF and UHF change regularly and we know what happens when the "bands open"
Images and description underneath:
ZS1I 145.550 Mhz Link
Current coverage 145.550 Mhz enlarged
Current coverage 145.550 Mhz enlarged - George area
Predicted coverage 145.550 Mhz. 12m antenna height at ZS1I Base
Predicted coverage 145.550 Mhz. 12m antenna height Close-up George Area
ZS1I 433.550 Mhz Link
Current coverage 433.550 Mhz
Current coverage 433.550 Mhz enlarged
Current coverage 433.550 Mhz enlarged - Close-up George area
Predicted coverage 433.550 Mhz. 12m antenna height at ZS1I Base
Finally: To me it is always a challenge if I cannot receive a station or repeater "full quieting" or at least a good audible signal. If I cannot work a station with a quarter wave antenna, I use a Yagi. Some years ago I overheard a conversation between two radio amateurs where one pointed out that if he cannot access the repeater with a handheld radio, then the repeater is of no use to him. Sir if you stay 100 km away from a repeater with terrain between you and the repeater you surely will not be able to access the repeater at all or on a daily basis with a handheld. I do not reprimand or down-run this opinion but use it to illustrate that there are ways to prevent a scratchy RF signal from a base station on simplex, although there are limitations.
If you receive a scratchy signal from the ZS1I 49355 link node on 145.550 Mhz, make a plan or use AllStar or Echolink to get into the world wide network. If you need any advise or help, contact me for assistance. I will gladly help you to access the GRHub Network.
