1 S-unit is about 6 dB. To get an S-unit improvement over 500 watts (output) would require about 2 kW of output power. In comparison, even the simplest directional antenna is capable of producing at least 6 dB "gain." It seems to me that the QRO philosophy of "Stomp 'em into the Dust" is a poor substitute for operating skill. Moreover, it is probably even illegal in the sense that it constitutes deliberate interference with another's signals and a disdain for the rule that says that only enough power is to be used to maintain effective communication.
There is a connection between this attitude and the impulse to communicate by voice methods, even to the resurgence of interest in broadcast quality AM transmission. These are all wasteful of spectrum space and energy resources. Digital modes are surely capable of more effective DX'ing with much lower power levels, and attention to antenna design and operating conditions would seem to be much more thoughtful and professional than the CB-like attitude which is now found on the phone bands. BPSKnn is suitable for chatting, and if your bag is "hello-goodbye," take a look at JT65-HF and what is possible with only a few watts of TX power. John Ragle -- W1ZI -- with almost 65 years of licensed experience in amateur radio... ===== On 1/25/2011 9:35 AM, Lee Buller wrote: > Got my flame suit on.... ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
