[NLRS] 2 meter antenna elevation

[Bruce Richardson]

I was just discussing this with John on the phone and encouraged him
to come to the list.

We know that a guy on the ridge does better than a guy in the valley.
In John's case, he really is quite close to the blocking ridge and
blasting right into the side of it.  Isn't it true that our 2m signals
get scattered by reflection and dispersion off of trees, rocks,
buildings, and ridges?  Doesn't this end up being forward scattered by
dust particles and water molecules?

Two questions: by blasting into the side of the ridge, might he be
getting back-scatter that is phase cancelling some of his signal?
Secondly, I know curvature of the earth plays into this a bit, but I'm
wondering if by elevating, he might lift that main lobe above the
ridge and strictly work on dust particle scatter to the eastward
(Milwaukee and beyond).

Dr Jerry has already replied and is kinda indicating how sharp the
lobe would have to be to get the intended benenfit.  Anyways,
interesting topic and I look forward to follow-on discussion. I'm
working on some graphics from RadioMobile to show the dilemma. I'll
post links to them when the graphics are ready. Might be tomorrow.

73
Bruce W9FZ

-----Original Message-----
From: nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of W9RPM
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2011 11:56 AM
To: nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [NLRS] 2 meter antenna elevation

Hi, I have a question to pose to the group. I have 400-550 ft bluffs
that run to the NE-E-SE of me. These are anywhere from 3/4 to a mile
to
the east, and then a little more as you go North or South. I am in La
Crosse down in the valley. I am curious as to what if any benefit
elevating my antenna say 10 degrees or so on the tower. It is between
my
80 and 40 m antennas, so a EL Rotor would not help. This would be
fixed.
Any thoughts on the Pro's and Con's of this. Thanks, John W9RPM

--
EMAIL: john at w9rpm.com