How might your station be able to communicate with a distant repeater if buildings or obstructions are blocking the direct line of sight path?

• A. Switch to a higher frequency
• B. Increase the transmission power
• C. Try to find a path that reflects signals to the repeater
• D. Use a higher gain directional antenna

Answer: (C)

The correct choice involves utilizing the ability of radio waves to reflect off surfaces, allowing communication even when a direct line of sight is obstructed. When buildings or other obstacles block the direct path to a repeater, the signals can still reach their destination by bouncing off reflective surfaces such as hills, buildings, or even the ground.

This approach is particularly useful in urban environments where direct communication paths are frequently interrupted by tall structures. By looking for paths that allow the radio waves to reflect and reach the repeater, you maintain the potential for effective communication despite the physical barriers.

The other options suggest different methods of improving communication but do not address the specific issue of obstructions directly. Switching to a higher frequency may not guarantee better penetration through obstacles, as higher frequencies can be more susceptible to loss over distance and obstructions. Increasing the transmission power could extend the signal further but might not overcome significant blockages effectively. Using a higher gain directional antenna can improve focus on a target signal but may not help if there's a substantial obstacle directly in line with the path to the repeater. Thus, seeking reflective paths provides a more strategic solution for overcoming barriers in such situations.