" On Sat, Aug 10, 2013 at 7:47 PM, <[email protected]> wrote: > > I haven’t used the RBN. Guess I need to figure out how so as to quantify the > performance of what I have up. > > Is there a tutorial on the site?
I don't think so but go to "DX spots", then "spots analysis tool". Then select a date (e.g. 02/16/2013 for the ARRL DX), a continent (e.g. Europe) and a prolific RBN (e.g. DR1A) and add your call in the box at the bottom. You can then add a competitor's call and see how your signal strength compared over the 24 hours. You could also have a buddy call CQ simultaneously on a different frequency and compare at different RBN locations. If you want to check your own strength, Mike's advice will work. You can also test different antennas yourself by calling CQ on even minutes with one antenna and odd minutes with another. Then search RBN for your call and note the signal strengths at even and odd minute spots by RBNs. If you play around on the site you'll get the hang of it. 73, Bill W4ZV _________________ Topband Reflector
