Topband: Rig Question

[Carl]

What I dont understand is even the need for some of these fancy rigs.

DXers and contesters on any band 160-10M havent really progressed much in 
close to 30 years based upon the rig alone. PC control has been around a 
long time and a simple external box can shape the TX/RX audio.

Key clix, phase noise, ALC spikes, reliability problems, constant 
updates/fixes, and more are still with us...no progress there.
Overdriven SSB rigs and amps by those with a simian IQ are more prevalent 
than ever IMO.

Is a built in panadaptor really needed? I have a SM-230 and SM-240 that are 
rarely of any use on HF and especially 160. I use the SM-230 regularly on 6M 
CW DX due to the random nature of DX band openings and fast moving E clouds.

Advancements have been in receive antennas and control systems. Ive never 
found a second receiver built in to be any help. OTOH I do have a seperate 
rig, amp, split and fader controllable headphones, and antenna selection 
switching matrix that allows me to be on 2 bands at once chasing DXpeditions 
even on different modes.
This is with mid to late 80's gear.

Advancements in automatic amp and antenna/rotator control plus logging and 
spotting networks are, again IMO, a primary reason for higher contest scores 
and the xcvr used has little to do with it.

With the huge acceptance of the TS-590 by all levels of ops it is a big 
statement as to why spend $$$ for very little improvement.....those who 
always want the biggest and best toys arent included. Buy 2 and a second amp 
(lots of good used ones in the $1000-1500 range) and spend less money than 
just a xcvr in some cases.

Many hams Ive talked to are wasting 1-3dB in feedline loss by the time they 
get to 10M. VSWR loss is additive to the flat loss making some antennas even 
more lossy over a full band. CATV hardline; and cheap 50 Ohm versions with 
connectors are free to even less than scrap copper these days as the 2 way 
and paging businesses have tanked.

In the automotive world the Corvette and Mustangs (and toss the new 
SRT/Dodge Viper into the mix) are giving even the highest priced Euro cars 
fits on the tracks and dragstrips at a fraction of the cost....there is 
American technology at its best where it is actually measurable one on one 
unlike with ham rigs which are more a personal and emotional choice, and 
perceived rather than real useful performance.

Carl
KM1H

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "W7RH" <midnight18 at cox.net>
To: <topband at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2014 9:42 AM
Subject: Re: Topband: Rig Question


> Much of the discussion of todays transceivers is like comparing apples to 
> apples. My situation did not require a big box status symbol with over a 
> hundred button features. My requirements were standard communications 
> interface ala serial, USB or Ethernet control with a decent receiver. Sub 
> menus via computer screen.
>
> My ten year remote project started  before K3 days and most manufacturers 
> could not satisfy the above requirement without silly interface boxes. 
> Many of those who had the specific features had lack luster firmware and 
> software control. My interest in remote operation due to big city life and 
> restrictions fueled my multiscreen computer control and I ended up with a 
> Kenwood TS480 with the narrow 270 Hz cw filter option.
>
> DXing is a casual operation for me and separate simple SDR with loop is 
> used for basic split frequency operation. Proper adjustment of the 
> attenuator, RF gain and ALC is the key to this radio specific performance. 
> Dual receive diversity is through a simple audio mixer and really is 
> seldom used.
>
> My option is not for everyone. However, with the typical longtime ham 
> station for seasoned low bander or contester in the price range of a 
> couple of Harleys or nice BMW it is not out of sight.
>
> The bottom line. A simple transceiver with quiet location and good antenna 
> works for me. If you can't hear them you can't work them no matter what 
> you spend.
>
> 73,
> Bob W7RH
>
> http://w7rh.net
>
>
> -- 
> W7RH DM35OS
>
> Some people regard private enterprise as a predatory tiger to be shot. 
> Others look on it as a cow they can milk. Not enough people see it as a 
> healthy horse, pulling a sturdy wagon.
> Winston Churchill
>
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