Topband: RFI levels

[Pete Smith]

I'm wondering what the consensus is on a "reasonable" noise level for a
rural location on 80 meters in daytime, with no thunderstorm activity
within groundwave range.  Right now, in CW wide position, my S-meter is
registering between S5 and S7 in the quietest direction, and S9 +10 in the
noisiest.  Switching in the cascaded 400 Hz filters, noise level is S5 in
the worst direction, and not registering on the S meter in the quietest.

I know about how unreliable and non-standard S meters are, particularly at
the bottom of their range, but want to get some idea of what I should be
shooting for.  Please reply direct and I'll summarize.

73, Pete N4ZR


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