[TowerTalk] Speaking of S units;follow-up

[Roger A. McCarty]

Hi Pete,
I think that we get into an area of semantics, or assumptions at this
point. I would hope that it would be obvious that all S-Units are not
created equal, and that whether a particular S-Meter does indeed
register 6 DB for every S-Unit registered is certainly a matter for
doubt. My question (posted prior to reading your e-mail) is in regard to
theory ie, IF a manufacturer took the time to ensure his product met all
parameters with regard to an accurately calibrated S-Meter, would that
S-Meter then indicate 1 S unit for every 6 DB? Is there an S-Unit
standard of any kind?

Roger KD6CC


Pete Soper wrote:
> 

> 
> This is the second time in a few days that we've seen the old chestnut about
> an S unit being six Db. It isn't, 99% of the time, it varies from rig to rig,
> usually varies across the range of the rig's meter, is frequently a lot less
> than 6db, etc. In other words it's worthless if you haven't at least figured
> out what it translates to on your equipment (in which case you'd be talking
> db to communicate clearly anyway). Let's save all the newbies out there from
> engaging in a lot of wasted effort by thinking for one second that an S unit
> can be equated with 6 decibels.
> 
> Regards,
> Pete
> KS4XG
>

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