Topband: Diversity RX audio example

[VE6WZ_Steve]

Today I decided to play with some of my recorded 160m QSOs from this season (I record almost all of my QSOs). 
I did a few experiments with isolating my diversity RX antennas to try and hear the benefits of having a different antenna in each ear.

Because I record all of my QSOs in stereo, I was able to isolate each RX antenna and listen to them individually, and then together in diversity mode.

There are many other references to the benefits of using Diversity RX, but for those who have never tried it perhaps this one example will provide an example of the diversity magic.  However, this “magic” although almost always improves copy and intelligibility, it's only on the ***very*** weak ones….think ESP…when it really shines and this is the example I provide the audio link to.  Please be aware there is no point at all listening to this sound-file without headphones because you wont get the diversity “brain filling magic", and also the signal is so weak you wont hear anything.  This is a typical “just bubbling above the noise” 160m signal.

My edit method was to take the stereo recording and cut out the left channel (Beverage) and right channel (9 circle RX array) and splice them sequentially after the stereo recording of both channels.

The recording is of a QSO with Vlad RA4LW via the polar path and my edited clip goes as as follows:

CQ DX (vlad answers) RA4LW RA4LW (i respond) RA4LW 449.

This is repeated 4 times: 1.) Diversity, 2.) Beverage only, 3.) 9 circle only, 4.) Diversity again.

I have selected this example because it is one of the best I have were I do NOT think it is possible to copy Vlad's call on either of the RX individually, while somehow, when they are heard together, the call gets “put together” and is copiable.  google link below and your sound player should play it.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NbFLFw2BRHC9DGfxJVfhnrBOx5ViD_4b/view?usp=sharing <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NbFLFw2BRHC9DGfxJVfhnrBOx5ViD_4b/view?usp=sharing>

On signals that are stronger, the diversity effect can help when one antenna goes way down below the noise and the other comes up.  Sometimes it can almost make you dizzy as the signal goes from ear to ear.  I have noticed this mostly on 80m when using the 2 el Yagi and Beverages in diversity.

73, de steve ve6wz.