I estimate that my receiving loops are 20 or 30 dB down from a full sized antenna such as a 1/2 wave dipole at 50 or 60 feet, an antenna that a lot of casual operators use (often to their detriment) on 160 m. Sometimes I'll just add 30 dB to the S meter reading. Alternatively, I'll tell the guy I'm working that I am either using a speaker or headphones to hear him and with the latter, what % of his transmission I copied.
Rob K5UJ _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
