A USER'S GUIDE TO COVERAGE

(Communication System Coverage, VHF and UHF radio propagation predictions)

Introduction

The Coverage program creates table output of basic transmission loss, field strength, or power density from a transmitter in a given geographical area. It uses the ITS irregular terrain model (ITM) in the point-to-point mode or the FCC Curves for determining path loss along radials specified by the user around each transmitter. These models are applicable to analyze mobile, broadcast, or radar coverage problems in the 20 MHz to 20 GHz band. ITM is the same propagation model that is used in RAPIT where it is discussed in more detail.

Fundamentally, COVERAGE calculates the desired user output along radials from a starting radial to an ending radial incrementing by a user specified amount. These values are printed in one kilometer increments for a distance specified by the user. Additionally, COVERAGE determines the distance along each radial to a given contour and prints this distance for each radial. The user can choose that this distance be either the first crossing of this contour or the last crossing of this contour withing the specified area.

Operational Procedures

The COVERAGE program, like most of the TAS models, is organized to make it easy to provide the input data needed for the analysis. The first entry into COVERAGE gives the standard menu of questions. Then COVERAGE will ask for the user's address. In the address response, the user may include any special instructions for the TAS staff after the ending address lines.

Following the address request, the program will begin asking the user for the input data required for the analysis. As the user makes various selections, the program will branch automatically to the next appropriate question. The questions are grouped into categories. The program begins by asking for all of the input data associated with the ITM model or the FCC model as well as the basic units that the user wishes to use in the input and output. After that, the FAX number if appropriate and general system and environment data parameters are requested followed by transmitter and then receiver characteristics. The user can retrieve old data sets, edit them and resubmit them as a new data set. Table 1 (shown after the sample COVERAGE run) lists all of the questions, their meaning, and their range of acceptable responses. Again, not all questions will be asked since many questions depend upon previous selections. COVERAGE is very much like CSPM. The questions asked are the same except regarding plot options and print options.

After all questions have been answered, the user is told that the input data set is complete. At this time, it is usually prudent to ask for a summary (select SUMMARY from the menu) and double check the input data to see that it is correct. If errors are found, the user should enter the EDIT mode to correct the erroneous data. Finally the user must request that the data be processed (select PROCESS from the menu). When the data set is submitted for processing, the process filename is displayed for the user. We suggest that you keep a log of these so that you may most efficiently retrieve old data sets as needed. There are several examples in the following sections.

Output

The output of COVERAGE can either be mailed, or FAXed to the user. The user can also down load the output file via the DOWNLOAD program. If FAXed output is chosen, COVERAGE will ask you for your FAX number if. A summary of your input data as well as the results are FAXed to you. The example below show this.

Sample COVERAGE Run

This section provides input samples of COVERAGE. Note in many cases shown in the samples, the user was satisfied with the parameter selection given in parentheses; acceptance of this parameter was signified merely by typing a carriage return in answer to the parameter request.

Descriptions of the samples follow

Sample #1. The Point-to-Point mode of the ITS irregular terrain model is used for a Mobile situation, with the transmitter at the base station site and the receiver at the mobile location. The computations give a base station-to-mobile signal coverage.

Sample #1

                       HP 720                     


          Communications Systems Coverage Model

          Version 3.0    17-Aug-92  14:53:07         


Choose from the menu:
     H = Help
     D = Program Description
     C = Concise Dialog
     V = Verbose Dialog
     E = Edit Data
     S = Summary of Data
     P = Process Current Data Set 
     R = Retrieve Old Data Set 
     Q = Quit


Menu (Verbose)?  



Input your name and mailing address.
Do you need instructions (Y or N)?  y

Enter the mailing address where you want your
output to be sent.  You can enter eight(8) lines,
each line a maximum of 50 characters long.
After entering the last line, hit return to signal
that you are finished.
Here is an example in proper format:

Enter name and address, one line at a time:
? Rob DeBolt
? U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
? NTIA/ITS-1
? ROOM 3467
? 325 BROADWAY
? BOULDER, CO  80305
? 



Enter name and address, one line at a time.
?  Rob DeBolt
?  ITS
?  325 Broadway
?  Boulder, CO 80305
?  


1)Rob DeBolt
2)ITS
3)325 Broadway
4)Boulder, CO 80305


Name and address correct (Y or N)?  y

MODEL SELECTIONS

Propagation models
   P = Discrete terrain model(ITM)
   F = FCC Curves
   S = Smooth Earth
 1) Propagation model (ITM_Pt_to_Pt  )?  


ENTER INPUT DATA FOR POINT-TO-POINT PREDICTION

Prediction output parameter
   B = Basic transmission loss
   F = Field intensity
   P = Power density
   A = Available power
   S = Signal-to-noise power ratio
 2) Output parameter (Field Intensity)?  

Units for distances and heights
   M = Metric (kilometers and meters)
   E = English (statute miles and feet)
   N = Nautical (nautical miles and feet)
 3) Length units ( English - statute miles and feet)?  m

Delivery of output results options.
   Selection                 Required input to produce plot
   --------------            ----------------------------------------
   M = Mail only             Resulting plot will be mailed 
                             to the address specified.  
                             (Higher quality/more costly)
   F = FAX only              Resulting plot will be FAXed  
                             to the FAX number spcified. 
                             (Lowest cost).
   B = Both Mail and FAX     Resulting plot will be both
                             Mailed and FAXed to you. 

 5) (Mail results only)? f
 Our database currently lists the following FAX numbers 
for your account.  Please choose one of the numbers or options.
  1     303-497-3680   
  2     303-497-5993   
  3     303-497-5324   
  4     303-497-5303   
  n     Add a new number 
  d     Delete an old number 
  t     Temporary number-this run only
3

Service or application to which predictions will be  applied
    Selection                        Output
   --------------            -----------------------------------
   M=Mobile                  Prediction for % reliability
   B=Broadcast               Prediction for % locations and time
   F=Fixed                   Prediction for % time (50% locations)
   U=User-defined            Prediction for % locations and time
    (This selection affects how the statistics are computed)
 4) Service (Mobile)?  

Reliability (  .1 to 99.9 %)
 9) Reliability (85.0 %)?  

Situation variability (  .1 to 99.9 %)
 8) Situation variability (50.0 %)?  

SYSTEM AND ENVIRONMENT CHARACTERISTICS

System frequency ( 20.000 to 20000.000 MHz)
10) Frequency (  880.000 MHz)?  

Antenna polarization
   H=Horizontal
   V=Vertical
11) Polarization (Vertical)?  

Ground conductivity (  .000 to 10.000 Siemens(mhos)/meter
   0.001 for poor ground
   0.005 for average ground
   0.020 for good ground
   5.000 for sea water
   0.010 for fresh water
12) Conductivity(  .005 S/m)?  

Dielectric constant ( 1. to 81.)
    4.0 for poor ground
   15.0 for average ground
   25.0 for good ground
   81.0 for sea and fresh water
13) Dielectric constant (15.)?  

Climate zone
   1=Equatorial
   2=Continental  subtropical
   3=Maritime subtropical
   4=Desert
   5=Continental temperate
   6=Maritime temperate overland
   7=Maritime temperate oversea
14) Climate(5)?  

TRANSMITTER CHARACTERISTICS

Transmitter site name (up to 50 characters)
20) Transmitter site name (Lookout Mt.)?  

Type site lat (followed by carriage return) and site lon (return)
for each of the sites.  Enter the reference site location first.
   Limits are-    17 <= lat <=   70 deg N
                  65 <= lon <=  180 deg W
   Inputs of the form X,Y,Z imply degrees, minutes and seconds
   Inputs of the form X.Y imply decimal degrees
Transmitter location
21) Latitude( 39.7331 deg or  39,43,59 dms)?  
21) Longitude( 105.2361 deg or  105,14, 9 dms)?  
   From the terrain data base, the elevation at this site =  2169.4 m 

Xmtr site  height above mean sea level (   2169.4 to    5000.0  m)
22) Xmtr  site  elev(   2169.4  m)?  

Xmtr antenna radiation center height above ground(.5 to 3000.0 m)
    To change to other units, type;
    AGL  = Above ground level.
    AMSL = Above mean sea level.
    HAAT = Height above average terrain.
    after you enter the height value.
     Ex: 1000 feet(meters) above ground level as  
         1000FAGL  for feet above ground level
         1000MAGL  for meters above ground level 
         1000AGL   for current units above ground level
         1000      for current units above ground level
     Ex: 1000 feet(meters) above mean sea level as  
         1000FAMSL for feet above mean sea level
         1000MAMSL for meters above mean sea level 
         1000AMSL  for current units above mean sea level
     Ex: 1000 feet(meters) above average terrain as  
         1000FHAAT for feet above average terrain
         1000MHAAT for meters above average terrain 
         1000HAAT  for current units above average terrain
23) Xmtr height AGL(    108.3 ft)?  


Select option to define total radiated power
   T = Transmitter output power, transmitter line losses,
          and transmitter antenna gain
   I = Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) -
          the radiated power relative to an isotropic antenna
   E = Effective Radiated Power (ERP) -
          the radiated power relative to a dipole antenna
       (Note:  ERP will be converted to EIRP 
                 for the calculations.
24) Radiation option (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power - EIRP)?  t

Transmitter power out of the final amplifier (       .1 to 5000000.0 W  )
    To change to other units, type W (watts), kW (kilowatts)
      or dBm, dBW,or dBk (decibel units) after power value.
      Ex:  1000 watts could be entered as  
           1000W    1KW   60DBM  30DBW   or   0DBK 
24) Transmitter power (    120.0 W  )?  

Xmtr transmission line losses from final amplifier to antenna
terminals (    .0 to  100.0 dB)
25) Xmtr line loss(   4.5 dB)?  0

Standard antenna to which antenna gain values are referenced
   I = Isotropic antenna with gain units  dBi
   D = Dipole antenna with gain units     dBd
       Dipole antenna gain units will be converted 
          to dBi for the calculations
26) Gain reference antenna (Dipole - dBd)?  i

Maximum transmitter antenna power gain relative to an isotropic radiator
(-100.0 to  100.0 dBi)
26) Maximum transmitter antenna gain (   6.3 dBi)? 2.15

Transmitter antenna pattern:
     O = Omni
     D = Directional
30) Transmitter antenna pattern (Omnidirectional)?  

Transmitter antenna vertical pattern:
     O = Omni
     B = Beam tilt, directional
32) Transmitter antenna vertical pattern (Omnidirectional)? 


RECEIVER CHARACTERISTICS

Rcvr antenna height above ground(       .5 to    3000.0  m)
40) Rcvr height (      1.6  m)?  

OUTPUT SELECTIONS

From 1 to  5 field intensity contour levels may be
specified in dBuV/m.  Enter only a carriage return to
end the list.  Values may range from -200 to 100 dBu.

66) Field intensity contour levels (dBuV/m):   70.0   60.0   50.0
    Contour 1 (dBuV/m)?  

You may specify a start, stop and azimuth 
increment for your coverage study. 

67) Initial azimuth (   .0 deg)? 

67) Final azimuth (360.0 deg)? 

67)Azimuth increment ( 15.0 deg)? 90

Radius of Coverage Study ( 15.0 to 600.0 kilometers    )
68) Coverage radius (  50.00 km)?  20

Area of coverage to be contoured:
     MIN = Minimum area
     MAX = Maximum area
69) Coverage area (minimum)? min 

Full listing of all radials, or only the
     MIN--MAX table listing?
     F = Full listing  
     S = Short listing 
70) Output list(Short_Listing)? F


INPUT FOR POINT-TO-POINT PREDICTION IS COMPLETE

Do you want a summary of the input data  (Y or N)?  y


              Communications System Coverage    Model
                           Input Summary
                      17-Aug-92  14:56:29      
             -----------------------------------------
 1) Model:                                                               
 1) Model:                         Point-to-point irregular terrain model
 2) Output option:                 Field intensity         
 3) Length units:                  Metric (km and m)    
 4) Service Application:           Mobile      
 5) Results option:                FAX only            
    FAX number:                    303-497-5324        
 7) Reliability:                   85.00 %
 8) Situation variability:         50.00 %
10) Frequency:                       880.000 MHz
11) Polarization:                  Vertical  
12) Conductivity:                    .005 S/m
13) Dielectric constant:           15.0
14) Climate zone:                  Continental temperate      
20) Transmitter name:              Lookout Mt.                            
          
21) Transmitter location:
                 Latitude               Longitude
                   Deg N                  Deg W
             39.7331  39,43,59.2     105.2361  105,14,10.0
22) Xmtr site elevation:         2169.4 m      7117.5 ft
23) Xmtr ant ht above ground:      33.00 m       108.27 ft
24) Transmitter radiation option:       Transmitter values  
25) Power:                               120.0 W
26) Transmitter line losses:                .0 dB
24) Gain reference antenna:             Isotropic - dBi     
28) Transmitter antenna gain:              2.15 dBi
Press Enter to Continue(Q to quit summary)

30) Transmitter ant horiz pattern:      Omnidirectional
32) Transmitter ant vert pattern:       Omnidirectional
40) Rcvr ant ht above ground:       1.60 m        5.25 ft
50) Man-made noise environment:    Quiet rural
62) Analysis center:
                 Latitude               Longitude
                   Deg N                  Deg W
             39.7331  39,43,59.2     105.2361  105,14,10.0
66) Field intensity contour levels:
                              1)    70.00 dBuV/m
                              2)    60.00 dBuV/m
                              3)    50.00 dBuV/m
67) Coverage study starting azimuth:        .0 deg 
67) Coverage study ending azimuth:       360.0 deg 
67) Coverage study azimuth increment:       90 deg 
69) Coverage limits:                    minimum_Full_Listing 
68) Analysis radius:                          20.00 km     12.43 mi

Do you want to process this data  (Y or N)?  y

 Data processed 

 Your COVERAGE input file is CV000Aug1792C.ques            


Choose from the menu:
     H = Help
     D = Program Description
     C = Concise Dialog
     V = Verbose Dialog
     E = Edit Data
     S = Summary of Data
     P = Process Current Data Set 
     R = Retrieve Old Data Set 
     Q = Quit


Menu (Edit)?  
q

Your run is being processed and will be sent by 
FAX or mail as you requested.


End COVERAGE
 
SAMPLE OUTPUT OF COVERAGE FOR THE ABOVE EXAMPLE




              Communications System Coverage    Model
                           Input Summary
                      17-Aug-92  14:56:42      
             -----------------------------------------
    Process Filename: CV000Aug1792C.ques   
 1) Model:                                                               
 1) Model:                         Point-to-point irregular terrain model
 2) Output option:                 Field intensity         
 3) Length units:                  Metric (km and m)    
 4) Service Application:           Mobile      
 5) Results option:                FAX only            
    FAX number:                    303-497-5324        
 7) Reliability:                   85.00 %
 8) Situation variability:         50.00 %
10) Frequency:                       880.000 MHz
11) Polarization:                  Vertical  
12) Conductivity:                    .005 S/m
13) Dielectric constant:           15.0
14) Climate zone:                  Continental temperate      
20) Transmitter name:              Lookout Mt.                            
          
21) Transmitter location:
                 Latitude               Longitude
                   Deg N                  Deg W
             39.7331  39,43,59.2     105.2361  105,14,10.0
22) Xmtr site elevation:         2169.4 m      7117.5 ft
23) Xmtr ant ht above ground:      33.00 m       108.27 ft
24) Transmitter radiation option:       Transmitter values  
25) Power:                               120.0 W
26) Transmitter line losses:                .0 dB
24) Gain reference antenna:             
28) Transmitter antenna gain:               .00 dBd      2.15 dBi
30) Transmitter ant horiz pattern:      Omnidirectional
32) Transmitter ant vert pattern:       Omnidirectional
40) Rcvr ant ht above ground:       1.60 m        5.25 ft
50) Man-made noise environment:    Quiet rural
62) Analysis center:
                 Latitude               Longitude
                   Deg N                  Deg W
             39.7331  39,43,59.2     105.2361  105,14,10.0
66) Field intensity contour levels:
                              1)    70.00 dBuV/m
                              2)    60.00 dBuV/m
                              3)    50.00 dBuV/m
67) Coverage study starting azimuth:        .0 deg 
67) Coverage study ending azimuth:       360.0 deg 
67) Coverage study azimuth increment:       90 deg 
69) Coverage limits:                    minimum_Full_Listing
68) Analysis radius:                          20.00 km     12.43 mi
                    Distance to Contours (KM)
Bearing            NO. 1   NO. 2   NO. 3  
                    70.0    60.0    50.0 
    .0               8.0    19.0      .0  
  90.0               8.0      .0      .0  
 180.0               4.0     4.0     4.0  
 270.0               3.0     3.0     3.0  
 360.0               8.0    19.0      .0  
Table of Field intensity      values. 
Distance                         Bearing
   km         0        90       180       270       360    
  1.0      97.7      97.7      97.7      97.7      97.7
  2.0      91.7      91.7      88.0      91.1      91.7
  3.0      77.9      77.9      75.9      30.1      77.9
  4.0      75.4      75.4      26.7      74.8      75.4
  5.0      73.4      73.5      73.2      72.0      73.4
  6.0      71.9      71.9      10.7      71.4      71.9
  7.0      70.5      70.6       6.6       4.5      70.5
  8.0      69.4      69.5       3.9      14.3      69.4
  9.0      68.3      68.5      31.1      68.3      68.3
 10.0      67.4      67.6      33.8      33.5      67.4
 11.0      66.6      66.7      61.7      -9.1      66.6
 12.0      65.9      66.0      -6.2       6.4      65.9
 13.0      65.2      65.3      -1.1       7.3      65.2
 14.0      64.5      64.7      18.1      64.5      64.5
 15.0      63.9      64.1      18.1      63.9      63.9
 16.0      63.4      63.5       5.2     -17.5      63.4
 17.0      62.9      63.0      17.8       -.7      62.9
 18.0      62.4      62.4      20.3      62.3      62.4
 19.0      59.3      62.0      22.3       9.0      59.3
 20.0      53.4      61.6        .0      61.4      53.4


   Table 1. COVERAGE Questions,their meaning and acceptable range of values



                                        

User Notes:
      1 - Typing a :: at any point will terminate that question and 
          should return you to the main menu.

      2 - Typing a ? at any point will give you the verbose description
          of the question being asked.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

You are permitted to input up to 8 lines of address information.  If you need
less than 8 lines, the remaining lines may be used for messages to TA Services
personnel as shown below.

Input your name and mailing address.
Do you need instructions (Y or N)?  n

Enter name and address, one line at a time.
?  Robert DeBolt
?  ITS
?  325 Broadway
?  Boulder, CO. 80305
?  Kim-- Please make a 1:250,000 overlay and mail!!
?  


1)Robert DeBolt
2)ITS
3)325 Broadway
4)Boulder, CO. 80305
5)Kim-- Please make a 1:250,000 overlay and mail!!


Name and address correct (Y or N)?  y




-----------------------------------------------------------------------


MODEL SELECTIONS

Propagation models
   P = Discrete terrain model(ITM)
   F = FCC Curves
   S = Smooth Earth
 1) Propagation model (ITM_Pt_to_Pt  )?  f


FCC Curve options;
  1 = 50,50 Curves (Normal use curves)
  2 = 50,10 Curves (Interference curves)

Please select 1 or 2 (1) 1


 

ENTER INPUT DATA FOR POINT-TO-POINT PREDICTION
Prediction output

The point-to-point model incorporates terrain dependency into its
propagation predictions.   See the text describing RAPIT
for more discussion on the point-to-point methods. 

Type a "P" for point-to-point irregular terrain model or just a carriage 
return.(Note for this and all other questions, a default value is printed in 
parentheses. If this value is acceptable, merely type a carriage return 
to signify acceptance of the default value.)  

Type a "F" for the FCC curves and select the appropriate curves for normal or
interference applications.  The FCC curves use a generalized terrain dependence
rather than the 3 second digitized terrain data.

Type a "S" for a smooth earth model.  This assumes no terrain features exist. 
The earth is treated as a smooth surface.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------


ENTER INPUT DATA FOR POINT-TO-POINT
PREDICTION 
Prediction output   
B = Basic transmission loss
F = Field intensity  
P = Power density  
A = Available power  
S = Signal-to-noise power ratio  
2) Output (Field intensity)?        

Select any one of the five forms for output.  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Units for distance and heights 
M = Metric (km and m)   E = English (mi and ft)                  
N = Nautical (nmi and ft)   
3)Length  units (English mi and ft)?        

Select the default units for user input data and summaries.  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Service or application to which prediction will be applied 

Selection          Output  
M = Mobile Prediction for % reliability  
B = Broadcast Prediction for % locations and time   
    (This selection affects how the statistics are computed) 
4) Service Broadcast)?       

  
Select service which is closest to desired application. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------


Delivery of output results option.

M = Mail only.  Resulting table will be mailed to address specified.
F = FAX only. Resulting table will be FAXed to the fax number specified.
B = Both Mail and FAX.  Resulting table will be both Mailed and FAXed.

5)(Mail results only)?     


----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Location variability (.1 to 99.9%)   
6)Location variability   (95.0%)?      


Questions 5 and 6 are asked if Service in Question 4 is set to  Broadcast.  The
required percentage of paths whose actual propagation loss is less than or
equal to the predicted  loss; e.g., choosing location  variability equal to 50%
will cause the program to predict a loss which is equal to or greater than the
loss for 50% of the paths with similar characteristics.   

Note:  For the Point-to-Point mode of the ITM, location variability should be
set to 50%. 
Acceptable value of Location variability:    .1 ó  LV ó 99.9%

Time availability (.1 to 99.9%)   
7) Time availability?  (50.0 %)?      
      
The required percentage of time that actual propagation loss is less than or
equal to the predicted loss; e.g., choosing time availability equal to 90% will
cause the program to predict a loss  which is equal to or greater than the loss
for 90% of the time.  
  

This question is asked if Service in Question 4 is set to Mobile.  
             
Acceptable value of time availability: .1 ó TA ó 99.9%  


Reliability (.1 to 99.9%)  
9)Reliability (90.0%)?       

The required reliability refers to the percentage of successful attempts at 
establishing communications between the base and mobile units; e.g., choosing a
reliability of 90% will cause the program to predict a loss which will allow a
system to be 90% successful in completing communications.  
  
Acceptable value of reliability: .1 ó R ó 99.9% 

  
Situation variability (.1 to 99.9%) 
8)Situation variability (50.0%)?       
 
The situation variability is a measure of how well the predicted loss agrees
with the measured loss data that the model is based upon; e.g.,  choosing
situation variability equal to 90% then biases the predicted loss to be a
greater loss than 90% of the model's measured data. 
    
Note:  Because of the statistical parameters, it is not realistic to choose
high percentages for all three factors, such as LV = 99%, TA = 99%, SV = 99%.  
The choices would result in unreasonable propagation losses.  
  


---------------------------------------------------------------------------


SYSTEM AND ENVIRONMENT 
CHARACTERISTICS  
  
System frequency (20.0 to 20000.0 MHz) 
10) Frequency (162.000 MHz)?       
  
Frequency at which prediction is to be made. 

Acceptable range of frequency: 20.0 ó Frequency ó 20000.0 MHz 


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antenna polarization 
    H = Horizontal 
    V = Vertical 
 11) Polarization (Vertical)?           


Polarization of transmit and receive antennas.  
  

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
Ground conductivity ( 0.000 to 10.0 Siemens (mhos)/meter)   
0.001 for poor ground  
0.005 for average ground 
0.020 for good ground  
5.000 for sea water  
0.010 for fresh water  
12) Conductivity (.005 s/m)?      

The ground constants are required by the program and representative values are
listed for the user.  

Acceptable values of conductivity: 0.0005 ó Conductivity ó 10.0 


Dielectric constant (1. to 81.) 
 4.0 for poor ground 
15.0 for average ground  
81.0 for sea and fresh water 
13) Dielectric constant (15.)?     
  
  
Acceptable range of dielectric: 1.0 ó Dielectric constant ó 81.0 


Climate zone 
1 = Equatorial 
2 = Continental subtropical  
3 = Maritime subtropical 
4 = Desert 
5 = Continental temperate      
6 = Maritime temperate overland  
7 = Maritime temperate oversea 
14) Climate (5)?       
  
A description of the region's  climate is needed.  Choose from among the seven
descriptors. 
  
Acceptable climate zone: 1 ó Climate ó 7  
  


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRANSMITTER
CHARACTERISTICS  
  
Transmitter site name (up to 20 characters)  
20) Transmitter site name (Xmtr 1)?        

The name is put on the output listing for reference. 


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Type site lat (followed by carriage return) and site lon (return)
for each of the sites.  

Enter the reference site location first. 
Limits are - 17 to 63 deg N  , 65 to 165 deg W  
Inputs of the form X, Y, Z imply degrees, minutes, and seconds  
Inputs of the form X.Y imply  decimal degrees  
21) Transmitter site lat (39.5000 deg or 39,30, 0 dms)?        
21) Transmitter site lon (106.5000 deg or 106,30, 0 dms)?        

From the terrain data base, the elevation at this site = 2081.3 m  
  
A reference site's latitude and longitude must be provided.  The location of
the transmitter is showed on the output plot by a "+" symbol.  


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transmitter site height above mean sea level (2081.3 to 5000.m) 
22) Transmitter site elev (2081.3m)?       

Enter the ground elevation at the transmitter site.  The computer first
attempts to determine the approximate elevation from the computer's 
data base and puts the  value in parentheses.  
If a more accurate elevation can be supplied, enter it here. 
  
Acceptable value for data base elevation: 
data base value ó Transmitter site elevation ó 5000.0 m  


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xmtr antenna radiation center height above ground(.5 to 3000.0 m)
    To change to other units, type;
    AGL  = Above ground level.
    AMSL = Above mean sea level.
    HAAT = Height above average terrain.
    after you enter the height value.
     Ex: 1000 feet(meters) above ground level as  
         1000FAGL  for feet above ground level
         1000MAGL  for meters above ground level 
         1000AGL   for current units above ground level
         1000      for current units above ground level
     Ex: 1000 feet(meters) above mean sea level as  
         1000FAMSL for feet above mean sea level
         1000MAMSL for meters above mean sea level 
         1000AMSL  for current units above mean sea level
     Ex: 1000 feet(meters) above average terrain as  
         1000FHAAT for feet above average terrain
         1000MHAAT for meters above average terrain 
         1000HAAT  for current units above average terrain
23) Xmtr height AGL(    108.3 ft)?  

The antenna height is the antenna's center of radiation above the surrounding 
terrain.

Acceptable values of height  .5 ó Transmitter height ó 3000.0 m 



---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Select option to define total radiated power
   T = Transmitter output power, transmitter line losses,
          and transmitter antenna gain
   I = Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) -
          the radiated power relative to an isotropic antenna
   E = Effective Radiated Power (ERP) -
          the radiated power relative to a dipole antenna
       (Note:  ERP will be converted to EIRP 
                 for the calculations.
24) Radiation option (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power - EIRP)? 


Choose the means of expression of output power desired.


If you choose T, then the programs will ask the following.

Transmitter power out of the final amplifier (       .1 to 5000000.0 W  )
    To change to other units, type W (watts), kW (kilowatts)
      or dBm, dBW,or dBk (decibel units) after power value.
      Ex:  1000 watts could be entered as  
           1000W    1KW   60DBM  30DBW   or   0DBK 
24) Transmitter power (    120.0 W  )?  

Xmtr transmission line losses from final amplifier to antenna
terminals (    .0 to  100.0 dB)
25) Xmtr line loss(   4.5 dB)?  

Standard antenna to which antenna gain values are referenced
   I = Isotropic antenna with gain units  dBi
   D = Dipole antenna with gain units     dBd
       Dipole antenna gain units will be converted 
          to dBi for the calculations
26) Gain reference antenna (Dipole - dBd)?  

Choose either I or D.  The program will then ask for the gain in
dBd or dBi such as that shown below.

Maximum transmitter antenna power gain relative to a dipole antenna
(-100.0 to  100.0 dBd)
26) Maximum transmitter antenna gain (   4.2 dBd)? 



If you chose ERP or EIRP above, the program will ask the following.

26) Maximum effective (isotropic) radiated power ? 

---------------------------------------------------------------------


Transmitter antenna pattern:
     O = Omni
     D = Directional
30) Transmitter antenna pattern (Omnidirectional)?  

If omnidirectional is selected,  then power in all directions is  given in 
Question 24.  If a  directional pattern is selected, the power defined in 
Question 24 is modified by the antenna gains specified below starting at a
bearing of 0 deg N of the reference azimuth.  The antenna gain (or loss) is
added to the power given in Question 24.  
  


If "D" is chosen above, the antenna orientation and pattern are requested.

Orientation of the directional antenna.  With the pattern
   data starting at 0 deg, the reference azimuth tells 
   how much the pattern must be rotated to point in the
   proper direction (    .0 to  360.0 deg East of North)
31) Directional antenna reference azimuth (     .000 deg E of N)?  


The pattern data can be given in either linear or logarithmic
  (decibel) units.  If linear, the gain data is assumed to be 
  in terms of relative field radiation ranging from 0 to 1.   
  If logarithmic, the gain data can be given in terms relative
  to a dipole (dBd), relative to an isotropic (dBi), or       
  relative to the pattern maximum (dB).  For data relative to 
  the pattern maximum, the gain values must range from -100 to
  0 dB.                                                       

Pattern data units 
  L = Linear (relative field radiation)
  D = Decibel (logarithmic)            

Gain data values (linear)? 


If D(decibel) is chosen, the pattern format is requested.

Decibel data reference 
  M = Gain relative to the pattern maximum (dB)
  I = Gain relative to an isotropic antenna (dBi)
  D = Gain relative to a dipole antenna (dBd)
    Example of each input:                   
                                 Gain relative to   
                            pattern  isotropic  dipole
             Azimuth        maximum   antenna   antenna
              (deg)          (dB)      (dBi)     (dBd) 
                 0            0.0       19.2      17.0 
                10           -0.8       18.4      16.2 
                20           -2.9       16.3      14.1 

Decibel reference (dipole antenna)? 


Regardless of the input form(linear,decibel), the pattern entry format is the
same.


The directional antenna pattern can be divided up into
  sections.  Within each section, you specify an initial
  azimuth, a final azimuth, and an azimuth increment.
  Then the program will prompt you for pattern data by
  printing an azimuth and expect you to type in the pattern
  value for that azimuth.  Nulls can be specified by typing in
  the word  NULL  as the response to the prompt.  The program
  will then ask for the NULL azimuth and the NULL value.
  Pattern peaks can be similarly entered by typing  PEAK.
  It then continues asking for the rest of the pattern data
  within the section until the section is complete or you
  enter  NULL  or  PEAK  again.  When the section is complete,
  it will ask for data on the next section.

You can stop entering data at 180 deg, if the pattern data is
  symmetrical.  The program will then ask if you want the data
  from 0 to 180 deg to be replicated from 360 to 180 deg which
  will produce a symmetrical pattern.

Interpolated pattern values will be used for all azimuths 
not specified by the antenna pattern that you provide.

Initial azimuth (   .0 deg)? (This value may be changed by you)

Final azimuth (180.0 deg)?   (This value may be changed by you)

Azimuth increment ( 15.0 deg)? (This value may be changed by you)

                              Power gain relative
 Azimuth     Azimuth          to pattern maximum
 (true N)    (ref-deg)             (dB)   
  ------     -------          -------------------
    .0         .0                  ? 0
   15.0      15.0                  ? -.1
   30.0      30.0                  ? -.1
   45.0      45.0                  ? -.7
   60.0      60.0                  ? -1.5
   75.0      75.0                  ? -5.0
   90.0      90.0                  ? -7.5
  105.0     105.0                  ? -10
  120.0     120.0                  ? -13.5
  135.0     135.0                  ? -15
  150.0     150.0                  ? -17.5
  165.0     165.0                  ? -19
  180.0     180.0                  ? -20

Do you want to continue entering directional pattern data (Y or N)? 

If you answer "y", the program will request a new start and end azimuth.
If you answer "n", the program will ask the following;

Do you want the pattern data to be symmetrical from
0 to 180 deg with 360 to 180 deg (Y or N)? 

If you answer "y" then the pattern will be folded and printed out.


       Azimuth   Gain  
 No.    (deg)    (dB)  
 ---   -------   ----- 

   1      .00      .00
   2    15.00     -.10
   3    30.00     -.10
   4    45.00     -.70
   5    60.00    -1.50
   6    75.00    -5.00
   7    90.00    -7.50
   8   105.00   -10.00
   9   120.00   -13.50
  10   135.00   -15.00
  11   150.00   -17.50
  12   165.00   -19.00
  13   180.00   -20.00
  14   195.00   -19.00
  15   210.00   -17.50
  16   225.00   -15.00
  17   240.00   -13.50
  18   255.00   -10.00
  19   270.00    -7.50
  20   285.00    -5.00
  21   300.00    -1.50
  22   315.00     -.70
  23   330.00     -.10
  24   345.00     -.10
  25   360.00      .00
Do you want to make any changes (No)? 

If you answer "y" the program will ask;


Do you want to (C)hange, (A)dd, or (D)elete an elevation/gain pair 
or (S)tart over (Change elevation/gain pair)? 

If you answer "C", the program will ask you what azimuth to change and will
allow you to change the value for that azimuth.

If you answer "A", the program will ask you for the azimuth and pattern value.

If you answer "D", the program will ask you for the azimuth to delete.

If you answer "S", the program will restart at the beginning of the directional
antenna question.




----------------------------------------------------------------------
The vertical antenna pattern is entered similarly to the horizontal pattern.


Transmitter antenna vertical pattern:
     O = Omni
     B = Beam tilt, directional
32) Transmitter antenna vertical pattern (Omnidirectional)? 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
RECEIVER CHARACTERISTICS 
  
Receiver antenna height above ground (.5 to 3000. m) 
40) Receiver height ( 9.1 m)?       
  
The receiver antenna height is the center of radiation's height above
surrounding terrain. 
 
Acceptable range of height .5 ó Receiver antenna height ó 3000.0 m 
  
Receiver antenna power gain  relative to an isotropic 
radiator (-100.0 to 100.0 dBi).  
If gain is known to a dipole, dBi = dBd + 2.5 
41) Receiver gain (3.0 dBi)?       

The antenna gain can be obtained from the manufacturer, measurements, or 
calculations. 

Acceptable range of gain: -100.0 ó Receiver antenna gain ó 100.0 dBi  
Receiver transmission line losses from antenna terminals to the receiver input
(0.0 to 100.0 dB) 
42) Receiver line loss (0.0 dB)?        

Transmission line losses are those losses from the receiver antenna terminals
to the receiver's input terminals. 

Acceptable range of loss: 0.0 ó Receiver line loss ó 100.0 dB 


System noise power option  
    S = System noise power(dBm) 
    C = Characteristics of receiver and antenna
       antenna circuit loss (dB)
       antenna noise temp (deg K)
       receiver noise figure (dB)
       receiver IF bandwidth (MHz)  noise environment  
43) Noise option (System noise power)?         

To determine signal-to-noise power ratio (Output, Question 2, selection), an 
option for supplying  receiver noise information must be selected. 
Signal-to-noise ratios  are calculated at the receiver's input terminals. 
  
System noise power at receiver's input (-300.0 to 100.0 dBm)  
44) System noise power ( -90.0 dBm)?         

This question is asked if noise option is set to System noise power. 

Acceptable range of noise: -300.0 ó System noise power ó 100. dBm 
  

Questions 45 through 48 are asked if noise option is set for characteristics of
receiver and antenna. 
  
  
Antenna circuit loss factor -- power available from lossless  
antenna/power available from actual antenna (.01 to 100.0 dB) 
45) Antenna circuit loss  ( 0.0 dB)?       
  
Acceptable range of loss: .01 ó Antenna circuit loss   ó 100. dB  
Antenna noise temperature (0.0 to 1000 degrees kelvin) 
46) Antenna noise temperature (290.0 deg K)?         
   
Acceptable range of noise temp:  0.0 ó Antenna noise temp ó 100.0 deg K  
  
Receiver noise figure at receiver input (0.0 to 100.0 dB)   
47) Receiver noise figure (10.0 dB)?        
  
Acceptable range of noise figure: 0.0 < R noise figure ó 100.0 dB  
Receiver 3 dB IF bandwidth (.000 to 50000.0 MHz)  
48) Receiver IF BW (10.000 MHZ)?         

Acceptable range of IF Bandwidth: .000 ó Receiver IF BW ó 50000.0 MHz  
Man-made noise environment 
    BU = Business  
    RE = Residential 
    RU = Rural 
    GA = Galactic 
50) Man-made noise environment (Business)?         


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
OUTPUT SELECTION 


Radius of COVERAGE area (15.0 to 600.0 km) 
63) COVERAGE radius  (47.93 km)?         

From 1 to 5 contour levels may be specified in appropriate units. 
Enter only a carriage return to end the list.  
For example, Field Intensity levels;

Values may range from -1200.0 to 100.0 dBu. 
66) Field strength contour levels (dBuV/m): 50.0  34.0  20.0  
    Contour 1 (dBuV/m)?           


Enter one contour value per line.  Press return on an empty line to end input.



Area of coverage to be contoured:
     MIN = Minimum area
     MAX = Maximum area
69) Coverage area (minimum)? min 

This option along with question 66 will produce a table of distances by
bearing, to the contours specified in question 66.  
 
If you answer "MIN" then the table will show distances to the first occurance
of the specified contour.

If you answer "MAX" then the table will show distances to the last occurance of
the specified contour.


The output from coverage may be very lengthy if you view many radial for a very
great distance.  If you are only interested in the MIN/MAX table summary and do
not wish to see the list of every radials points, you may choose SHORT listing
below.  If you choose FULL listing, you will be given the entire fileset,
including every radials intermediate points.

Full listing of all radials, or only the
     MIN--MAX table listing?
     F = Full listing  
     S = Short listing 
70) Output list(Short_Listing)?