[ARC5] Receiver sensitivity

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 10 Dec 2016 at 23:46, Glen Zook wrote:

> MDS / LDS (same thing) does give a good idea as to the internal noise of a 
> receiver.  As for actual operation, most, if not all, modern receivers used for HF 
> have an MDS / LDS level considerably below the ambient noise level.

However, the ambient noise level is never a fixed value, and at times, that noise level can 
be extremely, and probably unusually, low. Then that "excess" sensitivity can come into 
play.

> As such, the added sensitivity of a very low noise level receiver is not realized.  

Most of the time, yes, but not always.

Therefore, in my view, HF receivers should exhibit the lowest noise possible.
 
> No matter what, the signal to noise ratio is the real comparison of a received 
> signal and definitely not what an "S" meter reads!

Absolutely!!!!!! :-)

Ken W7EKB

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