Greetings,
I'm working on a project that requires large radio coverage via VHF LMR and we are about to start ordering equipment. I'm are looking at a radius coverage area of about 15 KM (9.5 miles) with a repeater capable of 110 watts of output. Currently there's a 50 watt repeater with an omnidirectional fiberglass antenna which sometimes covers that area but some areas cannot transmit to the repeater. Handhelds can receive perfectly fine.
Im wondering what is better for this new deployment, an omnidirectional fiber glass antenna (3-6 meters in length) or an omnidirectional dipole antenna with 4 x90 degree angles 2-4 meters in length?
I understand that terrain is a key factor but we are doing ok with the current setup despite an urban terrane. I'm just trying to understand what would work better from the same transmission location
I'm working on a project that requires large radio coverage via VHF LMR and we are about to start ordering equipment. I'm are looking at a radius coverage area of about 15 KM (9.5 miles) with a repeater capable of 110 watts of output. Currently there's a 50 watt repeater with an omnidirectional fiberglass antenna which sometimes covers that area but some areas cannot transmit to the repeater. Handhelds can receive perfectly fine.
Im wondering what is better for this new deployment, an omnidirectional fiber glass antenna (3-6 meters in length) or an omnidirectional dipole antenna with 4 x90 degree angles 2-4 meters in length?
I understand that terrain is a key factor but we are doing ok with the current setup despite an urban terrane. I'm just trying to understand what would work better from the same transmission location