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Probe 5 Knows Where Your Signal Goes
V-Soft Communications says Probe 5 is a unique Windows RF propagation modeling application for FM full-service, NCE stations, translators-boosters, DTV/TV and DTS communications systems. Among other things it now can use topographic maps as the underlay to RF coverage plots.
Probe 5 produces “spectacular,” atlastype, coverage and interference plots with high-resolution population databases and state-of the-art polygon mapping. Modeling includes Longley-Rice, Okamura-Hata, CostHata, PTP #1 & #2, line of sight, ITU-FM, and standard FCC.
The software has been adopted by the FCC and Industry Canada. The intricate LongleyRice graphic shown at right was produced by Probe 5.
As noted, new in the program is the ability to use actual topographic maps as the underlay to RF coverage plots.
The Raster Map Data Layer consists of digitized topographic maps and aerial imagery. This feature uses pre-indexed data files to merge different tiled maps together automatically. The program includes 1:100k and 1:250k USGS Digital Raster Graphic (DRG) data that is sent to the new owner on an included hard drive.
Also available is 1:24k high-resolution, US Topo map database that includes orthoimage photographs, the 1:50k Canadian Toporama, and 1:250k CanMatrix data.
The program can import and export polygon data using standard GIS formats such as MIF and SHP files. It can also import and display GeoTIFF files, so it can lock hands with other GIS mapping programs. Probe 5 includes the 2020 U.S. Census database and updated boundary files.
For path studies, the new Probe 5 features V-Soft’s implementation of the industry standard National Spectrum Managers Association OHLOSS propagation model. It is a complete, terrain-based, point-topoint model that can also be used for FM and TV frequencies and is commonly used for microwave link analysis. NAB Show Booth W2859.
Info: www.v-soft.com/probe
