From URL:
http://www.astronantennas.com/polarization.html

On line-of-sight (LOS) paths, it is most important that the polarization of
the antennas at both ends of the path use the same polarization. In a
linearly polarized system, a misalignment of polarization of 45 degrees will
degrade the signal up to 3 dB and if misaligned 90 degrees the attenuation
can be 20 dB or more.

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Caveat Lector



"Buck" wrote in message
...
I occasionally chase counties when I am sitting at my desk doing other
things and have the radio available. Right now I am using a
horizontal dipole antenna to make contacts. The downside of this is
that many times I can't hear the mobiles or they can't hear me.

I am thinking that I might be able to improve my contacts by using a
vertical antenna since most mobiles use vertical antennas. I have
heard that once the signal bounces off the ionosphere, polarity isn't
as important as it is for local communications. However, when I was
assembling a 2 meter dipole antenna, I held it horizontal and turned
it vertical. I saw the s-meter go from nothing to s-7 and the
repeater go from silent to full quieting when I did this. I can't
help but wonder how much difference it will make with the mobiles.

Thanks for the comments.

Buck
N4PGW

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Buck
N4PGW