Hi, I tested the waters again this morning. I heard a couple of stations calling for CQ DX and parked the Ranger on a spot that was out of the way near 1818 kc. I had no takers but while I was looking for replies I heard another QSO just starting. I had comfortable copy at S4 and S5 on both stations. Both stations were running big amplifiers and a lot more than my 35 watts! I have listened to some of the AM and SSB ragchews higher on the band and whenever those guys talk about their radios I note they are running 1 KW on up to the legal limit with a few of them down around 800 watts. Maybe some of them are running a little *more*. Note to self - get more juice.
I'm still going to try 160 daily - late night or especially early morning. If propagation gives me a break I'll have to be there to take advantage. I have yet to get a hit on RBN. I can't imagine the DX-100 alone at 100 watts doing much better after I get it overhauled so now I will start my quest for heavy iron. One click of the bandswitch to 80 meters gets me much better results so I will operate more on 80 and 40 meters to get my RF fix but I am not going to go away from Top Band. Better antennas and more power are on the horizon. 73, Bill KU8H _______________________________________________ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
