In a message dated 5/11/07 12:57:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> Darwin, Keith wrote: > > 100 watts vs. 200 watts. 3 dB of gain. I think it does more for the > > operators ego & confidence than it does for their signal. > Sometimes, that's enough. However, there's another side to it. In most HF amateur operation, you don't need a rig as good as an Elecraft to make lots of QSOs. Nor do you need big antennas or high power. 75+ years ago, the Ancient Ones regularly worked the Antipodes with QRP, wire antennas and regenerative receivers - and lots of skill. Where the difference becomes apparent is when you're pushing the limit of what can be done. Such as when conditions aren't good, or in a contest or pileup. That's when the difference in things like filters, MDS, BDR, IMD, etc., can make the difference between getting the QSO and not getting it, or a rate of X QSOs/hr and a rate of X+Y QSOs/hr. The competitive op is always looking for an improvement that meets the rules. That's how we got computer logging, better rigs, better antennas, and much more. If the contest allows A hours out of a total of B, the competitive ham will not only spend A hours on the air, but will figure out which hours are the most productive. If a slightly better filter or noise blanker helps, they'll go for it. And if the power class breaks at 200 W, s/he will want 200 watts. 73 de Jim, N2EY ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
