[TowerTalk] altitude

[Keith Dutson]

The perception may come from knowing that a VHF repeater antenna makes
longer distance contacts possible as it gets higher, clear of line-of-sight
obstructions.  Put that repeater on a 1000 foot peak surrounded by nearby
1100 foot peaks and the fallacy of altitude advantage thinking becomes
clear.

73, Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jim Miller
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 3:14 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] altitude

I hear "my antenna is at 3500 ft" or something like that and it is supposed
to imply it is a better site location than one that is at a lower altitude
as in "my location is only at 850 ft" (or whatever) as if that in itself was
a handicap.

I can see many factors that may make any individual site a better location
than another but not the altitude of the site.

WHY does it appear to be assumed that the site at the greatest altitude is
the better location?  WHAT is the phenomenon that makes a higher altitude
for your site better STRICTLY because it is higher?

Is this the same as doing antenna work in freezing weather with a howling
wind or in a driving rain best because it will always work better than the
one that is installed on a nice day?

Tnx es 73, de Jim KG0KP
[snip]