[aprssig] Question about low power APRS in Los Angeles area

[Richard Amirault]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Lux"
Subject: [aprssig] Question about low power APRS in Los Angeles area
(snip)
> I now have experimental evidence that Bicycle or Hiking mobiles (think "HT 
> on high power") in this area are not well served.  In half a dozen 30-60 
> minute bicycling trips through the hills and vales west of JPL, I've 
> managed to get an average of one packet into the network per trip, 
> something like a 3% success rate.  Clearly this won't do.
>
> Running 25 watts bicycle mobile is problematic and is not a good "routine" 
> solution.
(snip)

Why is running higher power, or changing the network your only two options?

I assume that you are using the built-in rubber duck for an antenna, and 
maybe (you didn't say) that HT/antenna is placed close to your body further 
reducing it's effectiveness.  Changing over to a full mobile antenna (or 
better) would give your HT *much* better coverage.  There are those of us 
(hams) who run bicycle mobile and have experience with this (usually on 
voice)

http://www.lafetra.com/bmha/

Richard Amirault                                N1JDU                Boston, 
MA, USA
www.erols.com/ramirault          "Go Fly A Kite"