..>>> I've worked 20 new countries on 160m this winter alone on bands that are closed are so polluted with RF noise, that it would not be possible with the human ear. <<<
I kindly can't agree with that. Yes , noise is going up, but there are so many things you can do to reduce the noise floor, chokes, small RX antennas and filters. All of this requires some dedication and it is not easy. However far from "not possible" My city lot is noisy as everybody else, I works 135 (CW) countries for the CQ Marathon since Jan 1st 2017 on 160m. My total on the last 10 years is # 291 confirmed on 160m, 39 zones. My back yard is 100x150ft. not so small for a high performance station on 160m. The digital mode is a choice, only a choice to avoid the hard work to enjoy a DX on 160m. Digital mode is boring as watch grass growing. But it is an option where the PC try to do a connection with other PC using the antenna you have, nothing wrong with that if you enjoy it. It is not a solution for noise. It is a computer calculation that narrow the BW to few Hertz or less than one Hz. The decoding is another thing. I personally don't consider a QSO, just a machine to machine connection. The human operator is an option, all communication could and can be done by software as well. Again it is just a personal thing. Regards JC N4IS _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
