What I dont understand is even the need for some of these fancy rigs.
DXers and contesters on any band 160-10M havent really progressed much in
close to 30 years based upon the rig alone. PC control has been around a
long time and a simple external box can shape the TX/RX audio.
Key clix, phase noise, ALC spikes, reliability problems, constant
updates/fixes, and more are still with us...no progress there.
Overdriven SSB rigs and amps by those with a simian IQ are more prevalent
than ever IMO.
Is a built in panadaptor really needed? I have a SM-230 and SM-240 that are
rarely of any use on HF and especially 160. I use the SM-230 regularly on 6M
CW DX due to the random nature of DX band openings and fast moving E clouds.
Advancements have been in receive antennas and control systems. Ive never
found a second receiver built in to be any help. OTOH I do have a seperate
rig, amp, split and fader controllable headphones, and antenna selection
switching matrix that allows me to be on 2 bands at once chasing DXpeditions
even on different modes.
This is with mid to late 80's gear.
Advancements in automatic amp and antenna/rotator control plus logging and
spotting networks are, again IMO, a primary reason for higher contest scores
and the xcvr used has little to do with it.
With the huge acceptance of the TS-590 by all levels of ops it is a big
statement as to why spend $$$ for very little improvement.....those who
always want the biggest and best toys arent included. Buy 2 and a second amp
(lots of good used ones in the $1000-1500 range) and spend less money than
just a xcvr in some cases.
Many hams Ive talked to are wasting 1-3dB in feedline loss by the time they
get to 10M. VSWR loss is additive to the flat loss making some antennas even
more lossy over a full band. CATV hardline; and cheap 50 Ohm versions with
connectors are free to even less than scrap copper these days as the 2 way
and paging businesses have tanked.
In the automotive world the Corvette and Mustangs (and toss the new
SRT/Dodge Viper into the mix) are giving even the highest priced Euro cars
fits on the tracks and dragstrips at a fraction of the cost....there is
American technology at its best where it is actually measurable one on one
unlike with ham rigs which are more a personal and emotional choice, and
perceived rather than real useful performance.
Carl
KM1H
----- Original Message -----
From: "W7RH" <midnight18@cox.net>
To: <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2014 9:42 AM
Subject: Re: Topband: Rig Question
Much of the discussion of todays transceivers is like comparing apples to
apples. My situation did not require a big box status symbol with over a
hundred button features. My requirements were standard communications
interface ala serial, USB or Ethernet control with a decent receiver. Sub
menus via computer screen.
My ten year remote project started before K3 days and most manufacturers
could not satisfy the above requirement without silly interface boxes.
Many of those who had the specific features had lack luster firmware and
software control. My interest in remote operation due to big city life and
restrictions fueled my multiscreen computer control and I ended up with a
Kenwood TS480 with the narrow 270 Hz cw filter option.
DXing is a casual operation for me and separate simple SDR with loop is
used for basic split frequency operation. Proper adjustment of the
attenuator, RF gain and ALC is the key to this radio specific performance.
Dual receive diversity is through a simple audio mixer and really is
seldom used.
My option is not for everyone. However, with the typical longtime ham
station for seasoned low bander or contester in the price range of a
couple of Harleys or nice BMW it is not out of sight.
The bottom line. A simple transceiver with quiet location and good antenna
works for me. If you can't hear them you can't work them no matter what
you spend.
73,
Bob W7RH
http://w7rh.net
--
W7RH DM35OS
Some people regard private enterprise as a predatory tiger to be shot.
Others look on it as a cow they can milk. Not enough people see it as a
healthy horse, pulling a sturdy wagon.
Winston Churchill
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