RF Delusions

• Don't believe that coverage map!

• • Contours created using FCC section 73.684(c) techniques consider antenna elevation pattern and depression angle, but simplified contour calculations for DTV studies use the horizontal plane pattern from CDBS.
  • DTV antenna patterns for many Los Angeles stations show maximum power to the north, away from L.A.!
  • Longley-Rice coverage studies can yield widely varying results, depending on terrain extraction and cell size.
  • Even high resolution Longley-Rice studies with actual antenna patterns are unlikely to include the impact of buildings and forests!