Topband: Getting started on 160

[Robert Kavanagh]

Dave, G4GED, said:

"Why dont you just connect-up your 100W to your inv L and get operating. Best
way to learn about the band. You'll work plenty and can think about
increasing power and other refinements as you gain hands-on experience.
However, "split" working is essencial for most serious DXing on 160m, just
as on other bands."

I wholeheartedly agree with Dave's advice, and disagree strongly with 
those who recommend that K7MKS should start with high power.
Joe said that his goals were chatting, WAS, and some DX. As Dave 
said, Joe must start by learning something about topband. He must 
learn about propagation on that band, about how his inverted L works 
and the value of radials, about operating procedures. He must learn 
to walk before he runs.

With 100 watts Joe will be able to do everything he wants to do. It 
is unfortunate that so many people think that one cannot have an 
enjoyable and productive experience on 160 without using an 
amplifier. I have never used more than 100 watts and never will. I do 
not own an amplifier. But I have had many years of happy operating on 
160 despite this limitation. Yes, it took me a bit longer to get my 
160 DXCC, and I am often clobbered by the big guns, but it is a 
challenge. When, once in a while, I can have a QSO with Bob, VK3ZL, I 
probably get a bigger kick out of it than do those who are using 
kilowatts. I have learned a lot about 160 in the process. Isn't that 
why we are amateur radio operators ?

Bob
VE3OSZ