[Antennas] Altitude

[Milt, N5IA]

VP6DX was at sea level.  I'll take it any time.

Actually there are a number of different parameters that come into play in 
any transmitting location.

One is the near field terrain AND ground conductivity together with local 
obstructions.

Another is the far field which is very important to the take off angles of 
transmitted signals.

Another is the HAAT; that is the Height Above Average Terrain at the 
transmitting location.

Then there is the actual horizon, that terrain beyond the far field which 
can limit the take off angles.

Each of these parameters has had chapters and even complete texts written 
about them and their physical characteristics.  I suggest some money be 
spent to obtain two of the best sources of information and then a great 
amount of time studying them.  They are the ARRL Antenna Handbook and 
ON4UN's Low Band DXing.

To answer your question, my take is that either one can be a great location 
as long as some or all of the parameters mentioned above are in favor of the 
location.  Elevation AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level) in and of itself really 
doesn't make much difference except for some VHF, UHF and microwave 
applications.

Good luck, de Milt, N5IA


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Miller" <JimMiller at STL-OnLine.Net>
To: <antennas at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 9:22 PM
Subject: [Antennas] Altitude


OK (embarrassed) what's the deal?

Say I am surrounded by level ground for miles in all directions and there 
are no obstructions.  I have a tower with a vertical on top and elevated 
radials at whatever the magical length and number is the greatest.  My 
altitude is 600 feet above some standard reference (mean sea level if they 
haven't changed the name for that too).

I have another location that is identical but the Altitude if 1600 feet.

WHY is it that the one that is at the higher altitude is supposed to be so 
much greater of a location than the other as far as performance is 
concerned?  (I just heard it again - First guy says - I am at 8xx ft and the 
next guy pipes up proudly and BOASTS that he is at 12xx ft like 800 is a 
horrible place to be).

WHY ????

Thanks es 73, de Jim KG0KP
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