[TenTec] cw rcvr fundamentals

[Robert & Linda McGraw K4TAX]

Stuart is really very correct here.  I see it all  too often a receiver 
sitting there with no signal and the S-meter at S- 5 or S-6 or higher.  So 
be it for the noise be it line or atmospheric.  What that tells you is there 
is too much gain for the band conditions.  Two choices, switch in some 
attenuation or back down the RF gain or both.  You'd be surprised how well 
you can hear once doing this.  Most often I tune to an un-occupied 
frequency, look at the S meter and back the RF gain down to where it is only 
S-1 or S-2.  Remember, 20 dB attenuation is equal to about 4 S units.  The 
ears will dig out a signal that is typically 10 dB below or down in the 
noise.  No need to have a noise there taking up AGC gain range and trying to 
dig a signal out of a S-9 noise level.  It just won't happen.

Try it, you'll be surprised how easy it really is to now hear the weak ones.

73
Bob, K4TAX


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Stuart Rohre" <rohre at arlut.utexas.edu>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2005 8:08 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] cw rcvr fundamentals


> Frank,
> You may get less overloading by strong nearby signals by cranking in the 
> RF
> gain on your receiver, or even in lower bands like 40 and 80 etc. use an
> outboard receive attenuator.  You would be amazed how much that helps
> Yaecomwood radios in presence of strong signals.  Ten Tec radios are much
> better usually, in this regard.  Certainly the Scout and Argonaut 5 are.
>
> Stuart
> K5KVH
>
>
>
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