In an effort to get better coverage out of my 10w Retevis 97s repeater, I have been working with different antenna systems. I’ve tried a ladderline j-pole hanging from the eves, a copper pipe j-pole on a 6 foot pole (outside the window at a 45 degree angle), and a fiberglass encased stick on a 6 foot pole (outside the window at a 45 degree angle).
So far, the best antenna has been the ladderline j-pole. It may be the angle of the antenna that is causing better coverage, as the other two were at a 45 degree angle to the ground, the ladderline j-pole is closer to a wall, lower in altitude by five feet, and partly obscured by the building.
More adventures / testing to follow.