Model downtilt, ground hit, and beam edges precisely. Compare mechanical and electrical tilt plans easily. Plan stronger sector coverage with cleaner, safer signal placement.
Use positive target ground difference when the far target area is higher than the antenna site. Use negative values when the far area is lower.
| Example item | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antenna center height | 30.00 m | Height above local ground at the antenna. |
| Target ground difference | 5.00 m | Target zone is higher than the antenna site. |
| Target height | 1.50 m | User or equipment height above target ground. |
| Horizontal distance | 450.00 m | Plan view distance from antenna to target. |
| Mechanical tilt | 3.00° | Physical bracket or mount adjustment. |
| Electrical tilt | 1.00° | Remote or fixed electrical downtilt. |
| Vertical beamwidth | 6.00° | Total vertical half-power beam span. |
| Computed total tilt | 4.00° | Mechanical plus electrical tilt. |
| Required tilt to hit target | 2.99° | Geometric tilt needed for the target point. |
| Target window on target elevation | 191.36 m to 1,346.20 m | The target at 450 m sits within the beam. |
1) Total tilt
Total Tilt = Mechanical Tilt + Electrical Tilt
2) Effective target elevation relative to antenna site
Target Absolute Height = Target Ground Difference + Target Height
3) Vertical drop between antenna center and target point
Vertical Drop = Antenna Height − Target Absolute Height
4) Required geometric tilt
Required Tilt = arctan(Vertical Drop ÷ Horizontal Distance)
5) Slant distance
Slant Distance = √(Horizontal Distance² + Vertical Drop²)
6) Beam edge tilts
Upper Edge Tilt = Total Tilt − (Vertical Beamwidth ÷ 2)
Lower Edge Tilt = Total Tilt + (Vertical Beamwidth ÷ 2)
7) Reach distance to a chosen elevation line
Reach Distance = Vertical Drop ÷ tan(Angle)
8) Centerline height at target range above target ground
Centerline Height = Antenna Height − Target Ground Difference − [Horizontal Distance × tan(Total Tilt)]
These equations assume a straight geometric path. They do not include earth curvature, clutter loss, diffraction, antenna pattern irregularities, or reflection effects.
Antenna tilt is the vertical aiming angle of the antenna. Downtilt points energy lower and closer, while uptilt pushes the main beam higher or farther.
Both adjustments change the vertical pointing direction. Adding them provides the total effective tilt used for geometric aiming and coverage window checks.
It is the elevation change between the target zone ground and the antenna site ground. Positive values mean the far terrain is higher.
It estimates the near and far distances where the beam edges intersect the same elevation as the target point. This helps verify whether the target sits inside the beam.
The beam has width, not just a centerline. A target may still receive energy if it falls between the upper and lower beam edges.
No. This tool supports planning and quick checks. Final optimization should still consider terrain data, clutter, antenna pattern details, and measured field results.
Yes. Negative values represent uptilt. That can be useful for special links, unusual terrain, or coverage aimed above the antenna horizon.
No. The calculator focuses on geometry and vertical aiming. It does not model fading, clutter attenuation, diffraction, reflections, or radio link budgets.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.