Topband: Crazy high RBN SNR reports

[w5zn at w5zn.org]

Well that's depressing.......I thought my 160 sig was really BOOMIN' in 
there!   :-)))

73 Joel W5ZN

On 2019-11-20 11:49, VE6WZ_Steve wrote:
> I have been operating my RBN skimmer for 8 years. It is common for me
> to get emails asking about unusually high SNR reports, especially from
> trans-continental CQs.
> 
> I thought it would be good to post some information here on the
> reflector about how this happens.
> 
> I am referring to those 50-90 dB SNR reports that we get, but
> sometimes even the 20-30 dB reports when 2-5 dB is more likely.
> 
> Here are some of the reasons how this happens at my RBN:
> 
> 1.) My SDR skimmer is decoding RA4LW at 3 dB.  CW skimmer has decoded
> the RA4LW CQ, but a LOCAL NA calls RA4LW, and the local caller gets
> his very high SNR value included with the RA4LW spot.  RA4LW gets
> spotted at 50 dB. This is especially likely when the local NA station
> uses RA4LW’s call in the exchange.
> This is not uncommon. I can be calling CQ on 160m, and get RBN reports
> from OH6BG at 50 dB, even though I am usually only 3-5 dB.  This is
> probably because some “local EU” like OH1XX is calling me, and his
> very high SNR gets mixed in with my CQ at the OH6BG skimmer.
> 
> 2.) As above, but it is ME calling RA4LW, and even though my SDR
> skimmer radio is muted during TX, it is still very overloaded and the
> high overload signal gets included in the SNR value.  RA4LW gets
> spotted at 95 dB.  (Note; My RBN SDR skimmer radio is always on, even
> when I am transmitting).
> 
> 3.) My skimmer is decoding RA4LW and gets the CQ at 3 dB, but I am
> currently calling CQ and overloading my skimmer SDR even though I am
> off frequency, and that very strong overload signal gets included in
> the SNR calculation.  RA4LW gets spotted at 95 dB.
> 
> 4.) Someone local is calling CQ, but for some reason includes a DX
> call.  A combination of CQ and the call is requires for a spot.
> 
> Continued fantastic topband DX at VE6WZ.  Last night I logged 52 EU in
> 2 hours. Over the last week I have been working 30-50 EU each night.
> Many new “never worked before on 160” calls.  Over 520 EU CW QSOs
> here at VE6WZ in the last 3 months.
> All on CW.  160m is alive with CW ops!
> 
> 73, es lets continue to enjoy the great 160m DX this season.
> 
> de steve ve6wz
> 
> _________________
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