In a message dated 5/11/07 12:57:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[hidden email] writes:
> Darwin, Keith wrote:
> > 100 watts vs. 200 watts. 3 dB of gain. I think it does more for the
> > operators ego & confidence than it does for their signal.
>
Sometimes, that's enough.
However, there's another side to it.
In most HF amateur operation, you don't need a rig as good as an Elecraft to
make lots of QSOs. Nor do you need big antennas or high power. 75+ years ago,
the Ancient Ones regularly worked the Antipodes with QRP, wire antennas and
regenerative receivers - and lots of skill.
Where the difference becomes apparent is when you're pushing the limit of
what can be done. Such as when conditions aren't good, or in a contest or pileup.
That's when the difference in things like filters, MDS, BDR, IMD, etc., can
make the difference between getting the QSO and not getting it, or a rate of X
QSOs/hr and a rate of X+Y QSOs/hr.
The competitive op is always looking for an improvement that meets the rules.
That's how we got computer logging, better rigs, better antennas, and much
more.
If the contest allows A hours out of a total of B, the competitive ham will
not only spend A hours on the air, but will figure out which hours are the most
productive.
If a slightly better filter or noise blanker helps, they'll go for it.
And if the power class breaks at 200 W, s/he will want 200 watts.
73 de Jim, N2EY
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