Mike. . .I would suggest you work on your receive capability first. There's
nothing more obvious (and embarrassing) then to have people calling you that
you can't hear. Beefing up your transmit capability is easily done and can
come later. BTW, a good TX array can also significantly help your RX
capability.
73. . . Dave, W0FLS
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike via Topband
Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2017 5:16 PM
To: rstealey@hotmail.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: 160 power
I don't disagree. I guess my main point is that the lack of Rx/Tx
"balance" in my station is so obvious that the improvement in Rx is by far
the
most important. Once I improve my "ears" with the Rx array it will be
interesting to see what I would need to do next, and whether further
expenditure
of $ should go toward expansion of Rx or Tx capability. If better Tx is
the
next step, then I'm sure 1500W will help; but I'd be interested in finding
out whether going to a better Tx ant is next. If you look at cost/db then
the amp is the winner I think. I would have to go to a phased vertical
array to significantly improve the Tx antenna. I have the real estate, but
I
suspect cost may be a significant factor. Don't know what it is about Top
Band but it seems to require just a bit more of everything (skill,
excellent
receiver, antennas, station design, etc) to be successful. Hope I'm still
improving all of the above well into old age.
I have noticed quite a bit more 160m activity this winter and dxpeditions
seem to be concentrating more on 80 and 160. I expected to get 5 or 10 new
ones on 160m this winter and just make DXCC but have 22 new ones. Even if
conditions aren't actually significantly improved perhaps the anticipation
of same has markedly increased activity. Either way I'm having a great
time.
Mike KD8RQE
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