[Elecraft] Calling CQ on PSK-31

[Tom W8JI]

Frank,

There are multiple reasons you are not getting a response.

While it is true PSK is only a few dB better than CW under 
ideal conditions,  some tend to pretend PSK is magical and 
very low ERP will work wonders.
Unfortunately very weak signals are still very weak signals. 
They will just be buried in the noise on the other station's 
display. Even if they are printable when found, no one will 
see you. Length of CQ is especially a factor when a signal 
is really weak.


It's kind of like a world where everyone is equal and held 
to the same low level, except with 5 watts and an indoor 
antenna you are probably among the lowest of the equally 
weak signals. You just won't stand out at all. CQing is not 
the way to go when the signal is barely above noise. Have 
fun calling people, that will be the best way with an indoor 
antenna and 5 watts. CQing will be frustrating.


73 Tom





--- On Tue, 5/11/10, Frank MacDonell <kd8fip at gmail.com> 
wrote:

I have a K3/10 with a 66' dipole in the attic and I am 
running 5 watts
with incredible reach. From Detroit, I am reaching FL, WA 
and Ottawa.
But my contacts have been when I answer a CQ. When I call 
CQ, I do not
seem to get a call back. Any ideas? Thanks in advance. The 
Reflector
is an incredible resource.

-- 
Frank KD8FIP





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