Actually, the smallest level difference the average human ear can detect
is right at 1 decibel (dB). This was originally developed from an
earlier unit of attenuation, the MSC (Miles of Standard Cable), at a
frequency of approximately 800 Hz. The Transmission Unit (TU) was was
devised by bell labs in the 1920s, to replace the MSC. The decibel
(1/10th of a Bel) was refined from the TU, named in honor of Alexander
Graham Bell. The dB was larger than the TU by a factor of 10. Since
the Bel proved to be too large for practical use, the dB came to be much
more commonly used, and has since become the standard unit of power
ratio for acoustics and electronics. Source: Wikipedia
- Jim, KL7CC
eric manning wrote:
> The difference between 500w and a kilowatt is just 3 dB, the minimum the
> ear can I detect if I recall it right.
> The analogy with the nuclear arms race seems bang on.
>
> Eric
>
> VA7DZ
> K3 3620
>
>
>
>
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp:
http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htmPost: mailto:
[hidden email]
This list hosted by:
http://www.qsl.netPlease help support this email list:
http://www.qsl.net/donate.html