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

Abstract

Okene, Lokoja and their environs have been experiencing radio signal distortions and have been of great concern to the citizens due to bad quality signals and signal attenuation increase. This study assesses the patterns of radio wave propagation from five radio stations in Lokoja and Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. Equipment, a field strength metre was used to measure signal strengths and quality of radio signals. Six locations in both Lokoja, Okene and the environs were selected for each radio station. The approximate distances between the transmitting and receiving antennas were determined. Thirty-five locations were measured inclusive of the five radio stations and the six selected positions. Three locations in Okene and another three locations in Lokoja were used. Thereafter, calculations of the signal wavelengths of each radio station and the free space path-loss of signals were calculated at the positions. Factors such as reflections by buildings, mountains and vegetation cover, refractions by the rivers, streams, rainfall and absorption of the human abdomen were looked into at such areas as likely causes of signal attenuation. Good locations to site FM radio stations were determined from the results. The approximate distances from the stations to establish booster stations in order to receive news adequately were also determined.