[TowerTalk] Antenna Distance From Shack

[Jim Brown]

On Wed, 16 Aug 2006 22:25:04 -0400 (EDT), donovanf at starpower.net 
wrote:

>Here are the loss figures in feet per dB 

While cable loss is certainly an issue, there are many other 
elements in the equation. Will the more distant location provide 
significantly greater elevation, a better takeoff angle (HFTA 
analysis), or a shot over/around an obstruction? If so, that 
LOCATION may ADD 10-15 dB. 

Also, remember that one of the great benefits of directivity is the 
rejection of receive noise, where cable loss is meaningless. During 
the recent IARU contest, The guys down in Brazil had solid signals 
on 80 meters, but I couldn't work some of them with 500 watts and a 
dipole broadside to them. The reason was their receive noise, not 
their signals to me, which were easily 12 dB above my noise level. 
Many of the guys in cities like Chicago stuck with wire antennas on 
small city lots can't work the DXpeditions because they can't HEAR 
them. 

My point is that while minimizing cable loss is certainly important, 
it isn't the whole story. 

Jim Brown K9YC