I conducted an experiment today using a prototype copper wire 2m dipole at a ground level base station (noted on images) and a FT2D HT with an SRH77CA antenna. I recorded my transmissions using a laptop at the base station, and recorded my GPS coordinates as I moved.

The base station received all of my transmissions up to ~2km at a signal strength of ~S9. However, after 0.5km the signal became unreadable (signal report would be 1/5). 

What might be the cause of this lack of readability, but strong reception? Could it be the dense steel/glass/concrete disrupting propagation path? I would have guessed that this would cause the signal strength to be diminished in proportion to the readability. 

What kind of things could I do to improve readability of my signal (Maybe it's really just getting an antenna on the roof instead of on ground floor)? - Thanks! KC9PPX/HB3XRS

Weather condition: clear skies


[![3D view of GPS][1]][1][![Overhead View][2]][2]


  [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/dEp1A.jpg
  [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/KW2av.jpg