Question
When using a directional antenna, how might your station be able to communicate with a distant repeater if buildings or obstructions are blocking the direct line of sight path?
Answer Options
- A) Change from vertical to horizontal polarization
- B) Try to find a path that reflects signals to the repeater
- C) Try the long path
- D) Increase the antenna SWR
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
If the direct line-of-sight path is blocked, you can often still reach a distant station or repeater by relying on signals reflecting off large, smooth objects. The best approach is to try to find a path that reflects signals to the repeater.
If you have a directional antenna (like a Yagi), you can aim it at a large, flat surface—such as a tall building, a water tower, or a flat-faced hill—that can scatter the signal towards the repeater site. This technique is often called ‘shooting the gap’ or using a ‘passive reflector’ and is a key skill for urban VHF/UHF operation.
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