NET TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION
We’ve found that some of the folks using handheld radios are having some difficulty reaching the repeater. I have a few suggestions to help those having a difficult time getting into the repeater. The main problem is most likely the antenna used for the hand-held radios. Here are some suggestions:
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If you are using a hand-held radio, find the best reception position for the radio but then not move it from that position when you go to transmit. Specifically, you should not move the radio or your head while transmitting and talking into the radio. Because of the marginal path to the repeater, moving the radio from the optimal receive position in transmit, even just a few inches, moves the antenna out of the position to get the best signal into the repeater.
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If possible use an external antenna rather than the antenna attached to the radio.Even using an external antenna inside is a big advantage over using the one on the radio. Just using the external antenna clipped to something in the room works better than the “rubber duck” on your radio. Even better, put a “mag-mount” antenna on the roof of your car. That may mean you’ll need to be in your car for the net. Remember, a mag mount antenna needs a ground plane to make it really work. The roof of your car is just such a ground plane.
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Install an outside antenna. I use an external antenna at my location and it works well while I can barely make the repeater with a hand-held.
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Most mag mount antennas and outside antennas have at least two to three Db gain.My antenna has six Db gain. Recall that every three Db, the power doubles.