Simple elevation clearance?

[be236]

Ok,

This should be a basic question, in terms of elevation clearance...

Say to get a sat that is calculated for my location as 47 degrees.

And suppose there is a house blocking in the south at that sat direction.

Does that mean if the roof of the house is 40 feet high, and doing geometry, if I step 40 feet north, that would give me a 45 degree angle to the tip of the top of the roof?

This means I that should be able to see the sat which is 2 degrees higher than the top of the roof?

Is it that simple? (assuming the land is level to the horizon, etc)...?

[rainman]

Originally Posted by be236

Ok,

This should be a basic question, in terms of elevation clearance...

Say to get a sat that is calculated for my location as 47 degrees.

And suppose there is a house blocking in the south at that sat direction.

Does that mean if the roof of the house is 40 feet high, and doing geometry, if I step 40 feet north, that would give me a 45 degree angle to the tip of the top of the roof?

This means I that should be able to see the sat which is 2 degrees higher than the top of the roof?

Is it that simple? (assuming the land is level to the horizon, etc)...?

the way I check line of site is use a compass a inclinometer and a level. set the inclinometer on the level point it in the direction of the sat you want at the correct angle if the path is clear you are good to go.

[Georgia Tech]

Yes, that is the way it works if one does not have an inclinometer handy.

[elgemcdlf]

You have your answer but I would caution not to press that close. If you are only 2 degrees above the roof at south sat you may be below roof line as you sweep the arc on others that are between your mount point and the ends of the house. You are sweeping an arc not a straight line. South is your highest point so as you move to another sat your line of sight will be dropping.

[be236]

Yeah, I understand that stuff....

I guess the issue is ... I dont want to install the dish on the side of the house or on the roof line to cause any holes/wear and tear on the house plus it gets scary with climbing a ladder so high (etc), so that's why I'm thinking to go further back north from the house so I can clear the roof-line...

[jp498]

The edge of the house is probably lower than the 40' peak, and you're probably stepping back 40' from the edge of the house, rather than from a plumb point under the peak. In that case you are most likely clearing it fine with room to spare.