Topband: 160 power

[KD8RQE at aol.com]

I don't disagree.  I guess my main point is that the lack of Rx/Tx  
"balance" in my station is so obvious that the improvement in Rx is by far the  
most important.  Once I improve my "ears" with the Rx array it will be  
interesting to see what I would need to do next, and whether further expenditure  
of $ should go toward expansion of Rx or Tx capability.  If better Tx is  the 
next step, then I'm sure 1500W will help; but I'd be interested in finding  
out whether going to a better Tx ant is next. If you look at cost/db then 
the  amp is the winner I think.  I would have to go to a phased vertical 
array  to significantly improve the Tx antenna.  I have the real estate, but  I 
suspect cost may be a significant factor. Don't know what it is about Top 
Band  but it seems to require just a bit more of everything (skill, excellent  
receiver, antennas, station design, etc) to be successful.  Hope I'm still  
improving all of the above well into old age.
 
I have noticed quite a bit more 160m activity this winter and dxpeditions  
seem to be concentrating more on 80 and 160.  I expected to get 5 or  10 new 
ones on 160m this winter and just make DXCC but have 22 new  ones. Even if 
conditions aren't actually significantly  improved perhaps the anticipation 
of same has markedly increased  activity.  Either way I'm having a great 
time.
 
Mike KD8RQE
 
 
In a message dated 3/22/2017 11:55:35 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
rstealey at hotmail.com writes:




Mike says:
I wonder if 1500W would make a difference  when I can hear  better.  I doubt
it.

What?  Mike,  1500 watts is 5 db more signal than you have now.  If you can 
hear  better, such that you aren't getting out well enough why would you 
think 5 db  more wouldn't benefit you?  5 db is HUGE.  You have down lots and  
lots of radials, to make your transmitting antenna more efficient.  Yes,  
by all means 5 db more transmit signal will be .......   wait, I  already 
said that.

Rick  K2XT
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