Antenna Height Secret

[Papa2118]

Just curious why some repeater operators are resistant to disclosing how high their antenna(s) are.  I guess you can hit it or you can't, but it can be useful to know sometimes if you want to know what is or isn't in the way.  Say you're testing and know you should be hitting a given repeater but can't and you're trying to figure out if terrain is a factor.  Just wondering.

[Jaay]

Topographical maps for your area are Very useful for this !

[SteveShannon]

44 minutes ago, Papa2118 said:

Just curious why some repeater operators are resistant to disclosing how high their antenna(s) are.  I guess you can hit it or you can't, but it can be useful to know sometimes if you want to know what is or isn't in the way.  Say you're testing and know you should be hitting a given repeater but can't and you're trying to figure out if terrain is a factor.  Just wondering.

Ask when you request access. Also, when testing, plan to drive closer to the repeater until you definitely know you’re hitting it.

[UncleYoda]

There's no good reason to not publish height.  If the repeater is using a directional antenna, the primary direction should be reported too.  But even worse to me is not giving a general location for the repeater.  Like height, being able to determine distance and bearing is fundamental to radio comms.  Towers can't be hidden anyway so there's little if any additional threat from vandals by letting the users know where it is.

[Papa2118]

40 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

Ask when you request access. Also, when testing, plan to drive closer to the repeater until you definitely know you’re hitting it.

I have asked.

[SteveShannon]

Just now, Papa2118 said:

I have asked.

You asked why they’re resistant to disclosing the height of their antenna?  Good job!  What did they say?

[OffRoaderX]

I dont publish the actual/*exact* elevation of my repeater antenna because its connected to my house and knowing its exact elevation would make it easier for all the mentally-ill people that send me threats to locate it.

[TrikeRadio]

As @Jaay already mentioned above... a topo map can give you the elevation if you know the location or general location. 

If you know something about the locaiton and the repeater is on a mountain top or something (as apposed to a building or tower) you can use this line of sight tool to see where you would get good line on a repeater. https://www.scadacore.com/tools/rf-path/rf-line-of-sight/

But yeah, like some have already said, if they don't tell you the elevation or don't want to... there is no reason they have to. 

 

[Raybestos]

2 hours ago, OffRoaderX said:

I dont publish the actual/*exact* elevation of my repeater antenna because its connected to my house and knowing its exact elevation would make it easier for all the mentally-ill people that send me threats to locate it.

It's okay, man.  I already know where you live.  I sat on you front porch naked for two hours this morning before sunrise.  If you don't believe me, check out the crusty butt prints near the top step.

 

[OffRoaderX]

Just now, Raybestos said:

I sat on you front porch naked for two hours this morning before sunrise.  If you don't believe me, check out the crusty butt prints near the top step.

The butt-prints smell fresh so your story checks out.

[Mrsig]

30 foot tower & this is my main gate. Good luck getting in....

[WRUE951]

6 hours ago, Papa2118 said:

Just curious why some repeater operators are resistant to disclosing how high their antenna(s) are.  I guess you can hit it or you can't, but it can be useful to know sometimes if you want to know what is or isn't in the way.  Say you're testing and know you should be hitting a given repeater but can't and you're trying to figure out if terrain is a factor.  Just wondering.

plug in the coordinates on Google Earth and check in Street View.  (no all are available)

[WRXL702]

1 hour ago, OffRoaderX said:

The butt-prints smell fresh so your story checks out.

I Would Have To Disagree.

Think His Story Has A Crack In It..........

[WSEL330]

You could try to Fox hunt it AND what about the skid marks in the driveway?

[tcp2525]

On 7/17/2025 at 8:27 AM, Papa2118 said:

Just curious why some repeater operators are resistant to disclosing how high their antenna(s) are.  I guess you can hit it or you can't, but it can be useful to know sometimes if you want to know what is or isn't in the way.  Say you're testing and know you should be hitting a given repeater but can't and you're trying to figure out if terrain is a factor.  Just wondering.

It's and ancient Chinese secret and we are sworn to secrecy. You don't need to know what's in the dumplings you enjoy. Why do you think you have the right to know what someone's antenna height is?

[WSAQ296]

It's because it really is irrelevant.  Unless they give you height above terrain, it means nothing. Even then, unless you're familiar with the topography of the land, it can mean very little.   My antenna is 40 foot above ground.  However my elevation, while not bad for 'the area' is bad for my exact area, as everything around me is taller.  Found a house we loved, if only it'd been on a mountain, or at least not in depression by a river.  
I can run 40 watts, or 100 (only in testing) and my distance is maintained.  My next hope is to buy an old tree trimming truck, and turn it in to a tower lol. 

[UncleYoda]

4 minutes ago, WSAQ296 said:

It's because it really is irrelevant. 

If given both elevation and antenna height (along with distance and bearing) it is absolutely relevant.  It's foolish to claim otherwise.

[BoxCar]

18 minutes ago, UncleYoda said:

If given both elevation and antenna height (along with distance and bearing) it is absolutely relevant.  It's foolish to claim otherwise.

It's only relevant on  "high site" antennas - those mounted on hill tops and peaks. For a repeater in an urban/suburb area it's best thought of as a control station rather than a repeater.

[tcp2525]

21 minutes ago, UncleYoda said:

If given both elevation and antenna height (along with distance and bearing) it is absolutely relevant.  It's foolish to claim otherwise.

How so? I think he gave an accurate description of terrain and and other obstacles play a key role in distance and performance. It's totally and other foolish and breaks every terrestrial and celestial boundary of human stupidity to think otherwise.

[RayDiddio]

On 7/17/2025 at 12:13 PM, OffRoaderX said:

I dont publish the actual/*exact* elevation of my repeater antenna because its connected to my house and knowing its exact elevation would make it easier for all the mentally-ill people that send me threats to locate it.

Randy's antenna is between 0' and 45,000' at or above sea level. This is why he gets to look down on we lowly peasants from his ivory tower on that glowing hillside somewhere between Seattle and Baja.