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Re: [TenTec] Orion II, RX Antennas and use of AGC/RF Gain....

To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion II, RX Antennas and use of AGC/RF Gain....
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson" <geraldj@storm.weather.net>
Reply-to: geraldj@storm.weather.net, Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:15:00 -0600
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
On Sat, 2009-04-04 at 13:58 -0400, B. Denison wrote:
> So I have about 8 different antennas I use for 160m and 80m. My typical
> behavior is to pick the best antenna for the conditions, etc. I am wondering
> how folks balance the adjustment of RF gain or AGC threshold given that
> different antennas can have different levels of noise, gain, etc ( which 
> would
> seem to need different AGC thresholds or RF gain settings to manage the 
> noise
> levels)? To sum up my dilemma, I don't like fiddling with controls during a
> contest and am wondering how people handle this type of scenario given that
> different RX antennas can produce different levels of noise?

We turn those knobs constantly even on the same antenna. Noise varies
all the time on the same antenna. Or we back off the RF gain and hear
only the strong signals and so work only the strong signals the first
dozen passes on a band, then we turn up the gain and work a weaker
layer.
> 
> One thing for sure, my FT-1000D seems a lot easier for me to handle in 
> this type
> of scenario. I have yet to use my OII in a contest for this reason and 
> for the
> fact that I have to tweak RF gain or AGC threshold to manage noise when
> switching from band to band.
> 
> I guess the same question is applicable for those who may switch from a 
> vertical
> to a dipole of a vertical to a beam - all generating different needs on 
> RF gain
> AGC. This seems like a pain in the butt balancing act. Maybe I am missing
> something? I'd like to make the jump permanently to the OII but am stuck 
> on the
> ease of use of the 1000D for my contesting. Any thoughts? Someone else must
> have been through this....
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Brad

73, Jerry, K0CQ

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