[TenTec] Orion rf gain and inherent noise

[Grant Youngman]

> Yes, I see that too.  I have to admit, I'd never turned the RF gain
> all the way down before :-)
> 
> 40M and below, the noise level seems to plateau -- drops to a point
> and then doesn't drop any further.  20M and up, especially on 10M, the
> noise level rises dramatically when the gain is turned down.

I was mislead in my initial assessment because I wan't watching to 
ensure the selected mode, etc.  was the same in all bands.   There 
does seem to be a slight increase in background noise when the RF 
gain is turned down, with no antenna connected  -- an all bands 
about the same amount more or less.

With mode selected to FM, not only does the noise level jump up, 
but so does the S-meter reading.  Interesting -- but it isn't like I'd try 
to copy a weak signal with the RF gain turned down ;-)

Grant