Topband: 160 between February and October

[Mike Waters W0BTU]

> From: k3bu at optimum.net <k3bu at optimum.net>
> Subject: Re: Topband: 160 between February and October
> Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2010, 8:39 PM

[snip]
> Another important tool in minimizing the QRN is the use of
> direct conversion RX (SDRs), low IF roofing filter rigs (K3,
> Ten-Tec, R4B) with simple crystal filters. Multi pole
> filters and multiple filters in IF chain tend to stretch the
> static crashes and pulses, making them longer and more
> annoying (like pshhhhhttt vs. just psht)
[snip]
> 73 Yuri, K3BU.us

Thank you Yuri -- and everyone else -- for the replies. Much appreciated.

Yuri's comment above especially got my attention. I use a heavily modified Drake R-4C with all the contest modifications and Sherwood CW filters.

The first IF has switchable 8kHz (stock Drake, so the noise blanker works when I need it), Sherwood 1.9 kHz (USB, LSB, RTTY) filters, and Sherwood 600 kHz filters. The MODE switch selects from either Drake 500 Hz, Sherwood 250 Hz, or Sherwood 125 Hz Sherwood filters. (I mostly use the 250 Hz filter).

I have often wished for a K3 and an SDR based rig. Anyone care to comment on how my R-4C might compare with a K3 or SDR on CW?

73 Mike
W0BTU