[TenTec] cw rcvr fundamentals

[Ariel M. Elam]

Hi Bob --

I, too, have been following this. What you and Stuart say about the RF 
gain is correct. W4KH showed that to me back when I only had a TR-7. 
Still have it and a VI+, both with RF gain backed off max.

73,

Aariel, k4aal

Robert & Linda McGraw K4TAX wrote:
> 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
>