dosboot said:
This maybe along the same line of questions, but how strong will the signal be are does anyone know yet?
This would depend on a few key factors, especially when considering that this will be primarily a 700 MHz system, with some localized areas using 800 MHz:
- Height of the antenna tower.
- Transmitter power.
- Effective radiated power (ERP).
- Type of antenna used, gain factor, and angle of radiation.
- Atmospheric conditions.
- Obstructions in the signal path.
- Height of your antenna, type of coax and associated connectors used, and antenna gain.
A careful examination of these factors, will determine how good your reception will be. Remember, the taller your antenna, and the lower-loss coax used, will give you exceptional results. Case in point, with the local
MPSCS TRS here in Michigan.
I can receive four different MPSCS towers at my location, three of which, have a height of 122 -148 meters tall, but when you factor in the sea level, they are all the same level. Likewise, I can also receive the Detroit Simulcast system, which is 40 km away. Moreover, the ERP of each site is from 125-346 watts ERP, with the latter being used on the I-CALL and I-TAC frequencies. This means I can hear any tower within a 40 km radius, given the type of antenna I use.
The MPSCS was designed to have lower height towers along the borders with Indiana, Ohio, Ontario, and Wisconsin. Likewise, some sites use directional antennas that are designed to keep the signal inside the state, so not as to cause any harmful interference with neighboring areas. Moreover, interior sections of the state have some of the highest towers at 152 meters. This makes reception along state lines rather tricky at times.
Currently, I am using a Diamond Discone antenna, and Belden 9913 coax, with Type-N connectors. The antenna is mounted roughly about 7.5 meters above the ground, which is more than adequate for listening to all the local action. However, considering that a discone has 0 dB gain; hence, if I were to use a 3-6 dB gain omni-directional 800 MHz antenna, or even better a Yagi-beam, I would see a considerable increase in signal strength and probably a few more towers sites as well. That being said, living in an area that is 290 meters above sea level really helps to improve reception a great deal.
All in all, careful planning should really help to maximize your scanning enjoyment of this new radio system.
73s
Ron