 |
|
Weather, waves and wireless: Super strength signalling
May 19, 2008A new study from the University of Leicester has discovered a particular window of time when mobile signals and radio waves are 'super strength' - allowing them to be clearer and travel greater distances, potentially interfering with other systems.
The research, examining the signal strength of radio waves travelling over the sea, identified late afternoons and early evenings in spring and summer as a time when enhanced signals occur.
The research by Salil Gunashekar was part of his Doctoral studies at the University of Leicester's Department of Engineering and has yielded results that have implications for the design of cellular telephone networks operating in marine and coastal regions
Dr Gunashekar, who is now a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in the Radio Systems Research Group, said: "In today's world, radio waves are an indispensable means of communicating information 'without wires' from one place to another, be it for radio broadcasts or cell phones, television transmissions or airport radars.
"When radio waves travel for long distances over the sea their strength can be affected by the weather. The constantly changing weather conditions over the sea mean that marine and coastal environments, in particular, are prone to unusual atmospheric phenomena that enable radio waves to travel longer distances and have higher strengths than expected."
On Wednesday 4th June, in the fourth of the series of Doctoral Inaugural Lectures, Dr Gunashekar will present the key findings of his Ph.D. research in which he conducted a detailed theoretical and experimental investigation of the propagation characteristics of over-sea radio communications.
Specifically, between August 2003 and August 2005, three long-range radio paths operating at a frequency in the ultra high frequency band (UHF: specifically 2 Gigahertz) were established in the British Channel Islands. This frequency is of particular importance since it is used by many mobile phones. The relationship between specific over-sea propagation mechanisms and signal strength distribution patterns in a temperate region such as the English Channel have been examined, modelled and correlated with meteorological parameters.
Dr Gunashekar said: "Interestingly, signal strength enhancements have been observed on all three radio paths, predominantly in the late afternoon and evening periods, in the spring and summer months. During these periods, which occur only approximately 5-10% of the time, the influence of higher-altitude radio wave 'trapping' structures has been verified."
The research conducted in this investigation is expected to have implications for the design of cellular telephone networks operating in marine and coastal regions, as well as other maritime communication systems such as those used in commercial shipping and sea-rescue operations, and is all the more applicable to the United Kingdom because of its extensive coastline.
University of Leicester
Dr Gunashekar, who is now a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in the Radio Systems Research Group, said: "In today's world, radio waves are an indispensable means of communicating information 'without wires' from one place to another, be it for radio broadcasts or cell phones, television transmissions or airport radars.
"When radio waves travel for long distances over the sea their strength can be affected by the weather. The constantly changing weather conditions over the sea mean that marine and coastal environments, in particular, are prone to unusual atmospheric phenomena that enable radio waves to travel longer distances and have higher strengths than expected."
On Wednesday 4th June, in the fourth of the series of Doctoral Inaugural Lectures, Dr Gunashekar will present the key findings of his Ph.D. research in which he conducted a detailed theoretical and experimental investigation of the propagation characteristics of over-sea radio communications.
Specifically, between August 2003 and August 2005, three long-range radio paths operating at a frequency in the ultra high frequency band (UHF: specifically 2 Gigahertz) were established in the British Channel Islands. This frequency is of particular importance since it is used by many mobile phones. The relationship between specific over-sea propagation mechanisms and signal strength distribution patterns in a temperate region such as the English Channel have been examined, modelled and correlated with meteorological parameters.
Dr Gunashekar said: "Interestingly, signal strength enhancements have been observed on all three radio paths, predominantly in the late afternoon and evening periods, in the spring and summer months. During these periods, which occur only approximately 5-10% of the time, the influence of higher-altitude radio wave 'trapping' structures has been verified."
The research conducted in this investigation is expected to have implications for the design of cellular telephone networks operating in marine and coastal regions, as well as other maritime communication systems such as those used in commercial shipping and sea-rescue operations, and is all the more applicable to the United Kingdom because of its extensive coastline.
University of Leicester
Radio Waves Current Events and Radio Waves News RSSBreakthrough in industrial-scale nanotube processing
Rice University scientists today unveiled a method for the industrial-scale processing of pure carbon-nanotube fibers that could lead to revolutionary advances in materials science, power distribution and nanoelectronics.
Blast from the past gives clues about early universe
Astronomers using the National Science Foundation's Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope have gained tantalizing insights into the nature of the most distant object ever observed in the Universe -- a gigantic stellar explosion known as a Gamma Ray Burst (GRB).
Fermi telescope caps its first year with a glimpse of space-time
During its first year of operations, NASA's Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope mapped the extreme sky with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity.
Gamma-ray photon race ends in dead heat; Einstein wins this round
Racing across the universe for the last 7.3 billion years, two gamma-ray photons arrived at NASA's orbiting Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope within nine-tenths of a second of one another.
Galaxy cluster smashes distance record
The most distant galaxy cluster yet has been discovered by combining data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and optical and infrared telescopes.
Smallest Nanoantennas for High-speed Data Networks
More than 120 years after the discovery of the electromagnetic character of radio waves by Heinrich Hertz, wireless data transmission dominates information technology.
Radio waves 'see' through walls
University of Utah engineers showed that a wireless network of radio transmitters can track people moving behind solid walls. The system could help police, firefighters and others nab intruders, and rescue hostages, fire victims and elderly people who fall in their homes. It also might help retail marketing and border control.
Salmon migration mystery explored on Idaho's Clearwater River
Temperature differences and slow-moving water at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers in Idaho might delay the migration of threatened juvenile salmon and allow them to grow larger before reaching the Pacific Ocean.
Scientists discover surprise in Earth's upper atmosphere
UCLA atmospheric scientists have discovered a previously unknown basic mode of energy transfer from the solar wind to the Earth's magnetosphere. The research, federally funded by the National Science Foundation, could improve the safety and reliability of spacecraft that operate in the upper atmosphere.
Measuring the next successful antennas for in-body health monitoring devices
Antennas for the latest implanted medical devices are being developed by Queen Mary University of London and tested through a unique piece of kit at the UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
More Radio Waves Current Events and Radio Waves News Articles
 |
Radio Waves Eli Young Band (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Radio Waves Roger Waters (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Radio Waves: Life and Revolution on the Fm Dial by Jim Ladd (Author) An explosive, unforgettable look at the FM radio business through the eyes of one of its most colorful and idealistic personalities. Ladd follows the birth, blazing success, and tragic demise of FM free-form radio. "A perceptive book on the corporate takeover of rock. . . . Devastating".--Boston Globe. |
 |
The Spirit Of Radio Rush (Primary Contributor) |
 |
The Road Song Radio Milan (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Sangean ANT-60 Short Wave Antenna by Sangean ANT-60 Portable ShortWave Antenna extends to full 23 feet. It is easily rewound into its case, and terminated in 1/8" (3.5mm) Mini-Plug. Adapter Plug allows clipping to Telescoping Antenna on radio. |
 |
Short Wave Radio Kit by Elenco Electronics Inc This is the Electronic Short Wave Radio Kit from Elenco®. / Suitable for Ages 8 & Older. / / FEATURES: Learn about and build your own short wave radio with this safe, / solderless, educational electronic lab kit. / This AM-SW Radio has high sensitivity and covers a frequency / range from 6-8 MHz (SW1) and 12-18 MHz (SW2). You'll be able to / listen to the Voice of America, Radio Moscow, Radio Nederland, / BBC and many other international stations! / Comes with earphone. / Easy-to-read, illustrated operating manual. / / INCLUDES: (1) Radio / / REQUIRES: Assembly / (1) 9V Battery (SANP3505) / Small Screwdriver / Long Nose Pliers (HCAR0625) / Wire Cutters (HCAR0635) / kr4/9/07 |
 |
CC COG Observer wind-up emergency radio (Green) by C. Crane Company The CC Observer is a wind-up emergency radio. The AM reception is exceptional and there¿s an LED flashlight on the side of the radio. The CC Observer runs off of the built-in rechargeable batteries or 3 "AA" alkaline batteries (not included) if preferred. Of course, if you don't have alkaline batteries around, just wind-up the radio and keep it running as long as you need. It can even be used to charge a cell phone. Along with good AM reception, there is also the FM and the Weather band ¿ which comes in really handy when using the radio during a power failure. There's also a stereo headphone jack for private listening. |
 |
Video Killed The Radio Star The Buggles (Primary Contributor) |
|
Radio Waves of the '90s: Alternative Rock Hits by Various Artists |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |