Topband: CONTEST OBSERVATION

[Michael Tope]

> I'm sure others had similar experiences.  I'm sure others also noticed a
few
> high power stations with clicks so bad that they were evident +/- 2 khz!
>
> The fix is there gentlemen....we all enjoy the contest more when such
> problems are repaired.
>
> And it was sure nice hearing and working some of those calls not heard a
lot
> on topband recently....just like Old Home Week!!
>
> 73
> Bill, VE3CSK

When I inquired prior to the CQ 160 contest about the click
performance of the FT-847 it got mixed reviews. Since I didn't
really have time to find a better rig in the short time available,
I decided to run with it in my portable operation during the
contest. I got one complaint during the contest from someone
(they didn't sign there callsign) who told me I had bad clicks,
so I would appreciate any reports on how the radio sounded.
On the RX side, I can now say unequivocally that the FT-847
is not a contest grade receiver (not even close). The one I used
suffered from horrendous filter blowby and all kinds of phantom
signals. It's works fine for casual operating, but it doesn't really
hold up when the band gets full of very strong signals.

BTW, I would also be interested in hearing reports on how
my signal strength compared to other west coast stations
during the CQ 160 contest.

73 de Mike, W4EF/6............................................