Dixie Mountain (W6/CN-006) SOTA Activation - 12/31/2011
HFTA output for a beam heading of 75 degrees, comparing my low antenna (in red) to a dipole antenna over flat ground and up 1/2 wavelength (in blue). My antenna outperforms the dipole by several dB at low takeoff angles thanks to the downsloping terrain. Low takeoff angles are best for long-distance communications. The bar graph along the bottom shows the relative probability of signals from the U.S. arriving at various takeoff angles. At the higher angles most likely to be in use, the dipole is outperforming my antenna. My antenna was running roughly North-South (maximum signal to the East-West) so these comparisons are valid. Unlike at Peavine Peak and Virginia Peak, my antenna was in the flattop dipole configuration as opposed to an inverted-V configuration, so these comparisons at Dixie Mountain are probably the most valid.
HFTAOutputDixieMyAntennaVsDipoleUpHalfWavelengthOverFlatGround90Degrees
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