LOS vs 2edge

[andy_horton]

Without getting too technical, what is the difference between LOS and 2edge from the OTA broadcasters and why are some harder to pick up than others? Thanks, Andy

 

[FaT Air]

2Edge: Double edge diffraction. In other words, the signal is refracted (bent) over terrain that's in the LOS, twice between the TX and the antenna.
http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/68659/what-makes-radio-waves-refract
http://www.radio-electronics.com/in...agnetic-reflection-refraction-diffraction.php

 

[boba]

Without getting too technical, what is the difference between LOS and 2edge from the OTA broadcasters and why are some harder to pick up than others? Thanks, Andy

Without getting too technical, what is the difference between LOS and 2edge from the OTA broadcasters and why are some harder to pick up than others? Thanks, Andy

Simple terms LOS is line of sight there are no obstacles blocking a straight path between broadcast antenna and receive antenna. Two Edge means the path from the broadcaster to your antenna isn't a straight line. A broadcaster south of you might have a stronger signal arriving from the west because the signal has to bend around a mountain to get to your antenna. This defraction around objects is what makes them harder to receive, the strongest signal isn't where it is expected to be. That is where the science becomes replaced with trial and error and worst of all seasonal changes such as leaves dropping can change signal defraction.