[1000mp] ARRL testing of Clicks

[Bill Tippett]

W8JI wrote:

>Using that definition, I think -60dB at 500 Hz would be "acceptable" 
for CW

        That would be quite acceptable.  However there are two cases
I've seen where even that would cause major problems.  One is on the 
low bands where local signals are extremely strong and DX signals are
extremely weak.  The other is on the high bands in contests when the 
band is wide open to DX.  It is not uncommon to see 100 dB between a 
very strong signal (-30 dBm) and a station near the noise floor (-130 
dBm).  There is just NO WAY that our signals can be so clean that we 
won't have problems under these conditions.  There is certainly a LOT 
of room for improvement, but even if all signals are better than -60 dB 
down at 500 Hz, we will still have problems.  

        On the low bands and when the high bands are wide open, we have
to be a little more forgiving and just accept the fact that very strong 
signals will cause problems.  I've seen a few comments on the contest 
reflector that some feel there should never be any problems whatsoever.  
But a signal at -30 dBm on any band will cause problems for anyone 
trying to hear a very weak station nearby, and that's just physics.

        I'm certainly not trying to let the manufacturers off the hook
for providing cleaner signals than they are, but we all need to remember
that perfection exists only in a perfect world.

                                                73,  Bill  W4ZV

P.S.  Has anyone had a problem with their MP's ALC limiting output (no
linear connected)?  I've recently had a problem which seems to be heat
sensitive and wonder if anyone has ever seen anything similar?