First basic information: I have recently installed a repeater to my attic due to HOA restrictions and am trying to make it the best I can, given the limitations and budget. The equipment being used at the moment is a BridgeCom BCR-40U. Originally, I was running it at a full 40-watt output but after some testing, I turned it back to 25 watts with no evident fall off that I can tell, in range (5-6 miles), or quality so why run it at maximum. There is a 50-foot run of LMR-400 up three stories to an Ed Fong GMRS antenna in the attic which resides 38 ft up. I live in area with gentle hills that has subtle changes of elevation of roughly 20 feet with only a couple of spots dropping 50-75 feet for the cutout that the interstate runs through.
I've been reading through many threads here on the subject and quite frankly my head's starting to hurt. I've been trying to understand the difference between low and high gain omni antennas having doughnut or pancake patterns. Then there's DBi vs Dbd (don't get me started trying to understand that when comparing). As mentioned, I'm currently using a Ed Fong which I've seen advertised at different gain numbers. Not sure if it is considered high or low. My understanding that since UHF is line of sight, that low gain (doughnut pattern) is better for higher mounting application while a high gain (pancake pattern) might miss users close to the antenna. But since there are many homes and trees in my area and my antenna is in the confines of an attic at only 38 feet, might I gain coverage with a high gain and not lose local users close to me? Or would it even make enough difference for the investment. My expectations were met with the current setup, but I might splurge for a better antenna. I mean the distance to horizon at 38 feet of height is about 7.5-8 miles. There still are trees and buildings. Sounds like I'm talking myself out of it. Just want to make sure it's not due to ignorance.
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WSAH786
Greetings oh wise ones,
First basic information: I have recently installed a repeater to my attic due to HOA restrictions and am trying to make it the best I can, given the limitations and budget. The equipment being used at the moment is a BridgeCom BCR-40U. Originally, I was running it at a full 40-watt output but after some testing, I turned it back to 25 watts with no evident fall off that I can tell, in range (5-6 miles), or quality so why run it at maximum. There is a 50-foot run of LMR-400 up three stories to an Ed Fong GMRS antenna in the attic which resides 38 ft up. I live in area with gentle hills that has subtle changes of elevation of roughly 20 feet with only a couple of spots dropping 50-75 feet for the cutout that the interstate runs through.
I've been reading through many threads here on the subject and quite frankly my head's starting to hurt. I've been trying to understand the difference between low and high gain omni antennas having doughnut or pancake patterns. Then there's DBi vs Dbd (don't get me started trying to understand that when comparing). As mentioned, I'm currently using a Ed Fong which I've seen advertised at different gain numbers. Not sure if it is considered high or low. My understanding that since UHF is line of sight, that low gain (doughnut pattern) is better for higher mounting application while a high gain (pancake pattern) might miss users close to the antenna. But since there are many homes and trees in my area and my antenna is in the confines of an attic at only 38 feet, might I gain coverage with a high gain and not lose local users close to me? Or would it even make enough difference for the investment. My expectations were met with the current setup, but I might splurge for a better antenna. I mean the distance to horizon at 38 feet of height is about 7.5-8 miles. There still are trees and buildings. Sounds like I'm talking myself out of it. Just want to make sure it's not due to ignorance.
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