Abstract

Empirical radio propagation models cannot be generalised for all environments and localities because they are based on statistical analysis. Empirical models cannot account for the peculiarities of all environments and their climates, though there are several empirical propagation models. This research work adapted some of these empirical propagation models and determined the most suitable for Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. The following models were modified: Free space, Hata, ITU-R and Ericcson models to suit Lokoja town. A digital terrestrial television signal from StarTimes station, Lokoja was used as the signal source with frequency of 490 MHz. The signal strength of the digitised television signal was taken along three major routes, with the transmitting television station in focus, using a digital signal strength meter and the corresponding line of sight distance to each measurement was taken using a global positioning system (GPS). The results obtained from the data computation and analysis showed that the generalised Free-space model gave a more accurate path-loss prediction in Lokoja with Mean Prediction Error (MPE) of 32.13 dB (used as the correction factor) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 4.11 dB.

Key words: path loss, propagation model, signal attenuation, signal level, radio wave