[CQ-Contest] Best CW Contest radio.....

[MARK BAILEY]

Hi Dave:

Unfortunately, the less than ideal performance on transmit offers a distinct advantage to the individuals using these radios.  The key clicks in particular are a huge advantage in maintaining a clear run frequency.  This IS in the "best interest of self".

When the bands are crowded, you can find the stations with strong key clicks by looking for gaps in a waterfall display.  Much of the time, if you tune to one of the gaps, you find very strong key clicks.  :-(

I was notified of key clicks after a ten meter contest.  Upon checking, I found out that I needed to do a firmware update on one  of the radios I was using.  (It may have been both radios - I don't remember.)

I am grateful to the operator that sent me an e-mail after the contest.  He mentioned that this gave me a distinct advantage in that contest.  I'm glad it could be remedied with a firmware change.

73,

Mark, KD4D

> On 09/16/2020 3:55 PM David Gilbert <ab7echo at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>  
> In terms of clean transmitted signals, many of today's rigs are NOT "all 
> great" compared with many older rigs.
> 
> I've been disappointed to see how many of the replies to the original 
> post only talk about receive aspects when at least some of those same 
> recommended rigs have less than ideal performance (phase noise, IMD, key 
> clicks, etc) on transmit.  Especially since those transmit problems mean 
> multiple other hams on the band can suffer on their receive side.  The 
> original poster said "best", after all.
> 
> This brings to mind a completely different current topic, but let's just 
> say that human nature seems to prioritize consideration of self over 
> others even when it isn't in the best interests of self.
> 
> 73,
> Dave  AB7E
> 
> 
> 
> On 9/16/2020 11:07 AM, Lloyd Cabral wrote:
> >  From a practical standpoint, your best CW Contest radio is the one that's currently sitting on your desk, functional and hooked up to an antenna.
> > All the radios mentioned are excellent but many are priced out of reach for many hams.      Some might seem better than others but compared
> > to years ago, they're all great.      Listening to the mostly empty bands today, the best radio is one that gets you on the air and working people.
> >
> >                        73 & Aloha,
> >                      Lloyd   KH6LC
> 
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