[TowerTalk] Re: Beam Headings

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 03/14/2000 9:14:32 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
aa4lr@radio.org writes:

> >4.  Many DX paths for "best signal" (particularly on long path routes) turn
>  >out to be dramatically different from what you would expect from looking 
at
>  >a chart;  you find the best signal, if necessary, by moving your beam back
>  >and forth; 
>  
>  This seems to contradict point 1 -- if the beamwidths are really that 
>  broad, do you really need to rock the antenna back and forth to peak it 
>  up? Psychological value, perhaps?
 
     Well, sort of. Sometimes signals will be coming on a skew path; i.e. EU 
coming in from over AF (15 degrees direct vs. 60 degrees from here - a 45 
degree difference). If you look at the half-power points on the beam pattern, 
rocking the beam will get you closer to the skewed path as well as a stronger 
signals in both directions.

     Also, DON'T underestimate the power of psychological help!

Cheers,   Steve   K7LXC
Tower Tech 

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