[VHFcontesting] : Favorite path analysis programs, and topo map question

[JamesDuffey]

Patrick - I use Radio Mobile (online version) and have used Splat! .  I find Radio Mobile most useful and have settled on it for my rover analyses.

I use it a bit differently than you want to use it. I identify potential useful locations from which to rove and then do a link analysis from there to known active stations. The SNR numbers that Radio Mobile comes up with don’t always reflect reality in my experience, particularly in the dry southwest, so I use them more as an indication of whether or not a path will work rather than as an absolute indication of signal strengths. I seldom find that a 360 degree coverage map is necessary as, at least out here, there are only stations to work in a few specific directions. 

In my experience, to evaluate a good rover site the critical parameter is the angle to the horizon. Height is important, but the signal strength is quite dependent on the scattering angle, 10dB per degree in some models, and the scattering angle depends directly on the angle to the horizon. While a high location can usually be counted on to reduce the angle to the horizon, often only a modest increase in height will result in a significant increase in signal strength. I have seen signal strength increases enough to take a signal from barely being readable to good enough to make a QSO just by getting off the interstate up on an overpass.  

I realize that this doesn’t exactly answer your question, but I hope you find it useful. Let us know if you find a solution to your problem. - Duffey KK6MC

James Duffey KK6MC
Cedar Crest NM