Hobbies And Interests
Distance
NVIS antennas' near 90-degree orientation to the Earth allows distances of 300 to 400 miles in most circumstances. Whip antennas, whether mounted to a vehicle or attached to a portable radio device, normally enjoy 50 to 75 miles on a clear day. Although the size differences can be marked, the transmission and receiving distances enjoyed by NVIS users is substantial.
Reliability
Although NVIS antenna solutions are usually weaker in intensity than a straight-line terrestrial high frequency array, the tradeoff is less static, greater reliability in poor weather, and band-to-band consistency. This enhanced reliability is achieved by maximizing the relationship between the angle the transmission takes as it bounces off the ionosphere in relationship to the antenna.
Multipath
Multipath is the phenomenon of a radio signal taking multiple paths to a single antenna, caused by that signal bouncing repeatedly off of surrounding buildings and terrain. NVIS antennas are usually more immune to multipath than terrestrial straight-line high frequency systems, given their lack of reliance of direct line-of-sight for consistent operation. This is achieved through the high-angle bounce of the signal off of the ionosphere as opposed to relying on ground-bound high frequency-style broadcasting which whip antennas usually rely on.
Lower Broadcast Power
NVIS designs require less broadcasting power on average than competing whip designs. This is aided by using the Earth as a large reflector, with the antenna's angle incidence between 45 and 90 degrees. Additionally, NVIS broadcast/reception cycles require less power because there are fewer obstructions for the broadcasts to compete against. This broadcasting type makes it ideal for field communications, such as those employed by the military and field emergency services.