Assessment of Radio Waves Propagation Pattern from Three Radio Stations in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering

© 2022 by SSRG - IJECE Journal

Volume 9 Issue 9

Year of Publication : 2022

Authors : Samson Dauda Yusuf, Mayowa Gbalaja, Abdulmumini Zubairu Loko

10.14445/23488549/IJECE-V9I9P101

How to Cite?

Samson Dauda Yusuf, Mayowa Gbalaja, Abdulmumini Zubairu Loko, "Assessment of Radio Waves Propagation Pattern from Three Radio Stations in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria," SSRG International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering, vol. 9,  no. 9, pp. 1-8, 2022. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488549/IJECE-V9I9P101

Abstract:

Lokoja and its environs have been experiencing radio signal distortions, poor quality signals and heavy attenuation that has been of great concern to the citizens. This study uses the field strength meter to assess the patterns of radio wave propagation from three radio stations in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. Signal strengths and quality of the three radio signals were measured at the stations and six locations in Lokoja and the environs, totalling twenty-one points. The approximate distances between the transmitting and receiving antennas were also determined. Each radio station's wavelength and the signals' free space path loss were calculated. The result shows that the measured signal strengths are inversely proportional to the free space path loss and the approximate distances between the transmitting and receiving antennas. Factors such as reflections by buildings, mountains and vegetation cover, refractions by the rivers or streams, rainfall and absorption of the human abdomen were examined as the likely causes of signal attenuation. Good locations to site FM radio stations were determined from the results. The results also suggested the approximate distances from the stations to receive news during emergencies as part of security measures. Booster stations at approximately 70km from the main stations are recommended. This is expected to help support the signal and increase the signal strength.

Keywords:

Booster station, Path loss, Propagation pattern, Radio transmitter, Signal strength.

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