PacketCluster Coverage Predictions:
Directional Pattern
Predicted for Permanent Antenna

These models show the predicted coverage with the Cushcraft 4 bay external dipole antenna we plan to use for the permanent installation.

This was prepared using the Longley-Rice propagation model which factors in terrain, the antenna pattern, propagation loss at the designated frequency, receive sensitivity, transmit ERP , receiver antenna height, and transmit antenna height.

The true Cushcraft pattern was not available, but Bob used the pattern for a Sinclair external dipole antenna which is nearly identical.

The maps show how you will hear the signal from the node, not how the node will hear you.

Assumptions:

• Transmit antenna is mounted 1/4 wave off of the side of a tower.
• Gain in the major lobe is 9.5. Back side gain is unity or a bit under.
• 100 Watt ERP transmitter with antenna 50 feet above ground.
• Receiving antennas specified at 30 feet.
• Legend is in microvolts. The grey represents the limits of the received signal based on unity gain receive antenna at 30 feet. Most ham transceivers can hear down to 0.5 microvolts.

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Last Update: 2 May 1998