[Elecraft] OT: For New Hams, How to Tell What an Amp Will Do For Your Signal

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

For the newer hams, here's an interesting resource that will demonstrate to
you what a DX signal sounds like at 100 watts, 10 watts, 1 watt and 0.1
watt. All you have to do it tune into the beacon frequency of 14.100,
18.110, 21.150, 24.930, 28.200 using CW mode and listen. The beacon stations
in 18 countries take turns sending call signs and 4 dashes, each dash in
descending power level. You might be amazed at how often you can hear 10
watts or less clearly from half way around the world when the band is open.

When the band is not open, a kilowatt doesn't get through.  

A complete list of the stations, locations and the transmission sequence is
at:

http://www.ncdxf.org/beacon/beaconSchedule.html

IIRC, all of the stations use a simple 1/4 wave vertical antenna.

I'm not saying that an amplifier isn't useful, but this helps put the
advantage of having one in perspective. 

73, Ron AC7AC