If by "down-and-dirty" you mean "simple", you can do a HAAT (Height Above Average Terrain) calculation. This is about as easy as it gets ( http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/haat_calculator.html). This method is easy, but only accurate if the terrain is mostly flat. It doesn't do well in mountainous areas or with directional antennas because it assumes an omni directional pattern.
The next step up is probably a program called "Radio Mobile" ( http://www.cplus.org/rmw/english1.html) that allows you to enter receiver location, antenna gain and pattern, and then uses downloadable terrain data to plot a coverage map. It's not really friendly to use, but with the help of some online tutorials, and some time playing with the program, you should be able to get a reasonably accurate plot. -- Keith McQueen [EMAIL PROTECTED] 801-224-9460 On Jan 3, 2008 3:16 PM, Mike Besemer (WM4B) <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > What's the most accurate down-and-dirty method of measuring the > footprint of a repeater's receiver coverage? > > I know… the whole question sounds like an oxymoron, but inquiring minds > want to know. > > de WM4B > > Mike > > Kathleen, GA > > >
