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 Subject :Determining maximum line of sight.. 2011-12-20- 02:20:20 
KV4I
Member
Joined: 2011-12-17- 08:30:12
Posts: 51
Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL

Working on my first HSMM-MESH deployment, I needed to know what was the maximum distance I could hope to accomplish.

Since there's no point in setting up nodes where they couldn't possibly see each other, I wanted to know what was the maximum line of sight.

As Galileo observed, you can only see so far due to the earth's curvature, but how do you determine that distance. Well, I found a tool that answers that question.

Visit http://boatsafe.com/tools/horizon.htm and enter the height of your antenna and the web page will tell you the distance to the horizon.

Of course, you may not be able to see that far due to other factors and if the second node is higher than the horizon you may be able to see further, but for me, it's a useful guide.

73 Mark KV4I
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Last Edited On: 2011-12-20- 03:10:11 By KV4I for the Reason clarity
 Subject :Re:Determining maximum line of sight.. 2011-12-20- 03:54:22 
NG5V
Admin
Joined: 2010-01-18- 23:06:23
Posts: 43
Location: 
Mark, That is a great start and you are correct about line of sight. We already have a more complete solution in the web links. Use Web links > Propagation and mapping > Hey whats that profiler. It takes a click or two before you understand how to draw profiles. My suggestion is to search for a street address or place then pinch/drag the map around without clicking anything. Zoom in until you have an exact location. Click there. It becomes location one. Repeat for location two and then look at the top of the page for the profile. Put in 2450mhz for the frequency and then click once somwhere outside the map to draw the fade zones. Click backspace to remove last map point if you make an error. To simulate a building top or tower at either end, click the elevation and put in +50 or similar to get add an AGL to the actual elevation. This model uses Google maps and arial views plus the hyper accurate SRTM shuttle elevation data. The only thing not accounted for is trees and contruction that took place after the shuttle SRTM radar mission. It's free and it is pretty easy to use. Enjoy. Rick NG5V
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 Subject :Re:Determining maximum line of sight.. 2011-12-20- 10:28:21 
KV4I
Member
Joined: 2011-12-17- 08:30:12
Posts: 51
Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL
That's a great utility. There's so much useful information at HSMM-MESH.org that I haven't found it all yet. Thanks a lot, Rick. 73 Mark KV4I
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