catherine.james@att.net wrote:
I'd blame this more on sunspot lows than egos. Egos have always been with
us, but
we are seeing unprecedented poor solar conditions.
Bill Turner" <dezrat@outlook.com replied by saying:
The answer to low sunspots is not a bigger amplifier, it's a bigger
antenna. The biggest amp in the world won't help your reception.
markbitterlich@embarqmail.com (that would be me) writes:
I think the decision to go with a bigger amp, or a bigger antenna depends on
just what your interests are in regard to ham radio. If you are die-hard
QRP operator, then obviously there is no question here, an antenna with more
gain, lower take-off angle (etc., etc.) is going to be the answer.
If you are looking to work stations that you can't hear with the best
receiver available, then once again a bigger/better antenna is probably the
best choice.
But many operators here have pointed out really good examples of where
adding additional power is a better answer and their logic is sound. A
really great example is working DX. During most DX-peditions it is a case
of the DX station hearing your signal where the noise floor has been raised
by a staggering amount. Of course there are many tricks involved with
working a rare one, but running enough power is a huge factor, and the cost
issue in obtaining that additional 10-11 dB is a lot cheaper with an amp,
versus a foundation, a tower, a rotator, and a beam, and has been pointed
out, the amp usually covers just about every band out there, and with DX,
"band slots" count!
A few years ago, I started completely from scratch working DX again. All my
previous logbooks and QSL cards were destroyed, so after the "pity party,
party of one", I bit the bullet and started over. Being an amplifier
fanatic (and let me digress by saying why else be a member of the AMPS GROUP
if you like building antennas more than building amps?) I spent every cent
I had on the best radio I could buy, and then put up wires in trees.
Straight dipoles, OCF's, end feds, coax fed, open wire fed, etc. Then I put
together some good amplifiers. The result is that in two years I have
worked over a hundred countries on 80/40/20/17/15/12/10, and have just a few
more to confirm before I get the award. 160 meters yet to go, a whole new
world, but I have no doubt that the amps will make a huge difference there
as well... along with LOTS of wire!
So the bottom line is that there is no one answer that fits all conditions
and situations. It's a personal choice and Caveat Emptor applies. At least
that is how I see it, and of course I could be wrong.
Mark
wa3jpy
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