In reading through all of this it does appear that the antenna is the most
upfront part of the station. Certainly there are specific antenna designs
and configurations that lend themselves to enhanced RX application. While
at the same time there are some the lend themselves to TX application or in
some cases both RX/TX applications. As to the receiver, I agree that
today's modern receivers for the most part are very adequate technically in
normal operation. For multi station contesting or just contesting alone,
certain features are most desirable.
One point that seems to always get overlooked and seems to be most
mis-understood is the issue of noise as received and presented by the
receiver. Time and time again I hear comments on the air to the effect the
"I have a S-9 noise level today". Well sir, if you have a S-9 noise level
the first thing you need to do is reduce the RF gain or add some attenuation
on the input. Regardless of your outside noise level, allowing the receiver
AGC to pump up to an S-9 is simply sucking up good dynamic range that you
will need to hear the weak ones in the presence of strong signals. Don't
get the idea that "more gain" will allow you to hear the weak ones,
specially if you are amplifing random or unwanted noise. Simply not a fact
of physics. I make it a practice to adjust the RF gain or attenuation so
the S meter indicates no more than S-2 to S-3 on non-signal conditons. You
will be surprised how efficient the receiver will be and how much less
fatugue will be experienced by the operator under these conditions. And
those weak signals will appear to "pop out of the noise".
The human ear is the most efficient filter system today. Typically it can
detect signals that are as much as 10 dB below the noise threshold or thus
signals down in the noise. This is where good confortable headphones come
in to play complemented with an operating position that is not contaminated
with acoustic noise. Nothing like a 600 CFM blower on the amp screaming in
your ears augmented by the TV in the next room. Who needs this.
Finally, there's several good external DSP boxes on the market that do
wonders for assisting in separating noise from signal. Get one and try it,
you might find you like it.
73
Bob, K4TAX
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