[TowerTalk] True Or Not True #2

[Barkey, Patrick M.]

As a purely logical matter, we must accept the fact
that any increase in ERP produces a detectable difference
in signal strength.  Small increases in gain may
require more perceptive instruments than the human
ear and/or the S meter on a ham tranceiver.

The question for HF contesters, at least, is what
improvement in performance (as measured by contest
scores) can be obtained from some unit of gain?

I think the scenario laid out by Pete is quite
reasonable.  People like to work loud signals,
for a variety of reasons.  When you are louder,
more people call you, and you achieve higher
scores.

Why else are we doing all this crazy stuff?

  - Pat
    N9RV


-----Original Message-----
From: n4kg@juno.com [mailto:n4kg@juno.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2001 4:05 PM
To: TOWERTALK@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] True Or Not True #2



On Thu, 06 Sep 2001  Pete Smith <n4zr@contesting.com> writes:
> 
> At 11:56 AM 9/6/01 -0700, K2AV wrote:
> >
> >In marginal conditions, such as daytime on the lower bands, or at 
> theedges of a skip zone, etc, where the signal is at or in the noise,
> >adding 2 db to your signal is helpful. For certain digital modes, 
> you can go from no-copy to copy in 2 db's. The intended use and the 
> time and frequency of intended use will dictate whether it will
matter.

> Most>people do some operating in marginal conditions, and it will
help.
> 
> Another angle to consider.  1-2 dB better signal may not be 
> discernible on
> any given QSO.  But over the course of a 48-hour DX contest, it may 
> mean
> several dozen more European QRP stations with indoor dipoles in 
> noisy
> locations get into the log, because those couple of dB can make the
> difference between your CQ being heard and not.
> 
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> 

HUH?  You mean if 2 dB makes the difference between  
a QRP European hearing  YOUR  KW or not, do you really
think YOU will hear HIS  5W?    I think you need to 
re-think this argument Pete :-)

I'll go along with the first argument and those of previous
posters.  Contesters, Moon Bouncers, and some DXers
go to great lengths for 2 dB.  It doesn't make much difference
for people who are not pushing the envelop of possibilities.

Tom  N4KG
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