Feasibility of Angle Diversity Operation over a Long Obstacle-Diffraction Link

Paul L. McQuate

Abstract:

The feasibility of angle diversity reception over a 404 km obstacle­-diffraction link in southern Europe was investigated during the summer of 1969. The primary objective of the measurement program was to determine the effectiveness of an experimental angular diversity con­figuration obtained by a specially designed feedhorn for use at a site in Italy. The qualitative analysis did not show a single instance in which low signal levels from the operational antenna beams were accompanied by enhanced signal levels from the experimental beams elevated above the radio horizon. It is concluded that either the sus­pected ray-bending mechanism did not occur during the time of the experiment, or entirely different radio-meteorological phenomena are responsible for the severe fadeouts observed over this link.

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

Back to Search Results