[ICOM] 7800

[k4lxv at bellsouth.net]

Your receiver sensitivity can be measured if you have access to a calibrated signal generator. A low cost alternative is to purchase an Elecraft XG-1 or XG-2 receiver test  signal source kit. $39, & $59 respectively. Once assembled you can them test your receiver sensitivity and verify your S meter setting.
-------------- Original message from <mecker at peoplepc.com>: -------------- 


> My S meter on the 7800, Im using 
> without the pre-amp, is rather conservative, 
> and seems to be more conservative lately. I remember 
> when I first got it, signals 20-30 over were more 
> common on 40 meters, for example. I dont remember 
> if the pre-amp was on or not when I did this 
> observation. 
> 
> When I had the radio upgraded, Icom said it was 
> no problem, back then, 
> 
> but it seems as though signals are a little less 
> today. EG: used to get 40-60 over signals 
> on 80m when living in Fl, whereas now 
> I get up to 20, and occassionally a 30. 
> I wonder if the agc is holding back or 
> something. Now live on a mountain in TN. 
> 
> Antennas similar to those used in FL. 
> Using a folded dipole up 60 feet, a 160 meter dipole 
> up 70 feet, and a 10m vertical up 110 feet. 
> 
> The receive sounds great, but I wonder if the 
> front end is particularly susceptible to static buildup 
> on wire based antennas.... 
> 
> Wonder what other users find, is it just a more 
> accurrate S meter (being digital based), perhaps 
> being on top of a mountain (cumberland plateu) 
> 
> or is there an adjustment for the agc that 
> is digitally controlled (other than fast slow med) 
> or holding down buttons during these settings. 
> 
> Have tried fast med and slow settings, roofing filter 
> and bandwidth settings, all with mainly the same 
> overall receive. 
> 
> Any users who have found this or have ideas 
> about this 
> ---- 
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