Subj:  TA by K6STI
Date:  Fri, Jun 23, 1995 3:10 PM EDT
From:  BFISHER@CONCEN.COM
To: cq-contest@tgv.com
     
     QCAO review of TA by K6STI
     QCAO = Quarter Century Appliance Operator (K7SS founder)
     
     
     I just got my copy of TA (Terrain Analyzer) by K6STI.  This program 
     analyses antennas (you pick the antenna) over a specific terrain (you 
     pick the terrain).  
     
     I'm just starting to play with it, but it is quite interesting to see 
     the effects of ground slope on antennas.  The program comes with quite 
     a few terrain files of famous contesters.  BTW:  K5ZD looks to be the 
     clear winner to Europe for best terrain.  You have to see W6QHS's 
     plots to believe them!
     
     In my case I have confirmed that higher is not always better on a 
     hill.  On 10 meters anything over 30 feet falls apart.  It begins to 
     exhibit high angle lobes and the nice fat wide ones at lower angles 
     disappear.  Just a narrow VERY low angle lobe and many higher angle 
     lobes when above 30 feet.
     
     I would suggest this program for anyone with highly irregular terrain. 
     It might save some time in deciding what height is best.  For flat 
     landers, I believe everything published on stacking distance and 
     height has been geared to you anyway.  
     
     Maybe N6ND can give a more detailed/technical review for us?  If Ya'll 
     are interested.
     
     73
     
     Bill Fisher, KM9P