[Elecraft] QRM/QRN - normal?

[Vic K2VCO]

KB1PXD wrote:
> Greetings,
> I'm currently seeing a consistent S5 for noise level on 20m with the
> pre-amp activated.  It drops to S3 with the pre-amp disabled.  This
> reading was taken at noon time on the east coast.  Does this sound
> reasonable based on current conditions, or do you think I'm experiencing
> interference from something nearby?  I'm fairly new to HAM radio so
> I'm not really sure what to expect for this time year and based on 
> current conditions.  It seems kind of high to me.

This is probably primarily man-made noise from nearby (radius of a few 
blocks) electrical devices. You don't mention what rig you are using, 
but if it has a noise blanker, it might help.

This time of year with everyone running air conditioners, it's 
unfortunately not surprising to see a high noise level in urban or 
suburban locations.

Horizontal antennas will probably be quieter than verticals. Balanced 
antennas are usually better than unbalanced ones, and dipoles can 
benefit from the use of a balun. A random wire that comes into your 
shack is probably the worst of all.
-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco