Topband: JT-modes power levels on 160

[Mike Waters]

Hello Pete,

Exactly!!!

On the higher bands, low power generally gets the job done. But digital
folks on 160 need to rethink a few things. Ideally, we should ALL just bump
our output up to 100 watts. But that's just not gonna happen.  :-)

I don't have the time right now to add more, but I hope this thread nets
some useful suggestions to minimize QRN in the 160m digital portion.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com


On Mar 17, 2017 1:58 PM, "Pete Rimmel N8PR" <n8pr at bellsouth.net> wrote:

I have to disagree with some of what has been said about how much power to
run using JT65.

JT65 is a LOW SIGNAL mode, NOT a LOW POWER mode.

We run 1500 watts into 20+ dB gain antennas on 2 meters for EME.  Signals
coming back from the moon vary between –10 and –29 dB

Why limit yourself on 160 meters?

When JT65 HF was just getting started on 160, I called CQ on 160 using 1
KW+ and Andre, V51B, sent me an eMail that he heard me –23, but I did not
hear him.  The difference?  He was calling me with 100 watts or less, and I
was using 1 KW+ into a full 1/4 wave vertical with 32 radials under it.
 My receive antenna is a Waller Flag which can rotate between H Pol and V
Pol.

-23 is a low signal, even though I was running close to the legal limit.
SO... What is best, to run 50 watts and work no one or run power and be
heard, even if only –23?  You tell me.