Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Elliott  A well-aimed antenna pattern can reduce path attenuation, but this is not the same thing as antenna gain. It does have the same effect though; the available power is better concentrated in a useful direction. |
Paul,
Yes, of course that's right. That's why I used "gain" (in quotes) at the end of my post...should have used it throughout when talking about the effect of vertical takeoff angle.
As you note, though, it does have the same effect as gain. That is, both the transmitted and received signals are stronger than they would be with a higher takeoff angle.
So, you have antenna gain itself -- traditional usage -- PLUS stronger transmitted and received signals which are derived from a lower vertical takeoff angle resulting in fewer hops. Can we talk of "net gain", maybe?? "Total gain"?? "Relative Overall performance"??
All these are frought with difficulties of definition. Can anyone suggest a better term?
Bill