One thing the last few days of 5mW WSPR beaconing has taught me is others must be using better antennas than me.
At 5mW I am really struggling, whereas, for some, DX reports still flow in at this very low power level. All my antennas are low and compromised which is why 1-2W is a more sensible level for me. I suspect my ERP is lower than other QRPp stations when I use 5mW RF. Nonetheless, it was an experiment well worth doing.
In the end, 4X1RF at 3519km was my only report with 5mW on 10m. I had no luck with transatlantic reports despite myself copying plenty of US and Canadian stations yet again,even with a 20dB attenuator in circuit.
From tomorrow I propose to run 100mW RF on 10m being much the same as the unmodified Ultimate 3 kit, although I intend to run 1-2W on my final version.
UPDATE 1700z: 10m closed transatlantic at 1700z.
20 Jan 2014
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Hello Roger, we had same thoughts I was on 10m today as well. Used 50mW as that is the lowest I can measure. It would be interesng to use 5mW as well but the problem with a attenuator is that is blocks receiving as well. Besides that I like to measure that 5mW with a power meter. My 50mW did arrive across the pond. I use my 80m horizontal loop today. 73, Bas
Post a Comment