Prediction of Path loss Estimate for a Frequency Modulation (FM) Station Using Basic Transmission Loss Model

Abstract

This paper presents the path loss model that seeks to predict the signal strength degradation of Radio Nigeria, FM station, Makurdi which is normally a major component in the analysis and design of link budget of a telecommunication system. For the purpose of this work, Benue state was divided into four (4) routes for ease of data gathering, namely northern, southern, eastern and western parts and a Potomac FIM-41 field strength meter was used to measure the signal strength of the FM signal at selected locations. The values obtained are compared with those computed from Basic Transmission Loss Model for consistency. The result shows that values obtained from the model are slightly higher than the measured and it returned ninety-five percent (95%) confidence interval for the two samples using degree of freedom of 22. A null hypothesis was applied and the measure of the level of significant difference between the model and measured values is 10.3%. The results present no significant difference between the model and measured data. It can therefore be concluded that the model is valid and can be used to estimate path losses of FM signals in Benue State of Nigeria.