[Elecraft] Yaesu FT-2000 v K-3?

[N2EY at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/11/07 12:57:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
ka5oai at jass-ltd.org writes:

> Darwin, Keith wrote:
> > 100 watts vs. 200 watts.  3 dB of gain.  I think it does more for the
> > operators ego & confidence than it does for their signal.
> 

Sometimes, that's enough.

However, there's another side to it.

In most HF amateur operation, you don't need a rig as good as an Elecraft to 
make lots of QSOs. Nor do you need big antennas or high power. 75+ years ago, 
the Ancient Ones regularly worked the Antipodes with QRP, wire antennas and 
regenerative receivers - and lots of skill. 

Where the difference becomes apparent is when you're pushing the limit of 
what can be done. Such as when conditions aren't good, or in a contest or pileup. 
That's when the difference in things like filters, MDS, BDR, IMD, etc., can 
make the difference between getting the QSO and not getting it, or a rate of X 
QSOs/hr and a rate of X+Y QSOs/hr.

The competitive op is always looking for an improvement that meets the rules. 
That's how we got computer logging, better rigs, better antennas, and much 
more. 

If the contest allows A hours out of a total of B, the competitive ham will 
not only spend A hours on the air, but will figure out which hours are the most 
productive. 

If a slightly better filter or noise blanker helps, they'll go for it. 

And if the power class breaks at 200 W, s/he will want 200 watts.

73 de Jim, N2EY





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