[ICOM] 7800

[mecker at peoplepc.com]

This is very interesting, and something I've never heard discussed before.
Im also at 2050 feet elevation. Inland degradation of signals. hmmm,
makes a lot of sense (Florida, no obstructions, flat) (Tennesee mountains
uneven terrain, thick oak trees) and combine this with propagation. hmmm.

Bottom  line, many contesters have more operation hours over many
of us, so I tend to accept what they believe, along with the engineers.

I believe these measurements were on 40m and compared to overall
daily average measurements appx 3.5 years ago.

Changed antenna to inverted V configuration and many
are now peaking over S-9.  I think that the antenna was used
in palm trees in Florida on 40 and 80 there, but in more of a horizontal 
mode.

-Marc.



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Chudek - K0RC" <k0rc at pclink.com>
To: "ICOM Reflector" <icom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 1:44 PM
Subject: Re: [ICOM] 7800


>> 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...
>
> When you first used the 7800 you were in Florida?
>
>> When I had the radio upgraded, Icom said it was
>> no problem, back then,
>
> Later they tested it and said it was still in spec?
>
>> 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."
>
> Ah ha! Move to Minnesota and you will be lucky
> if your S-meter moves at all.
>
> Your observation (of lower signal strengths)
> received by inland stations is one reason contesters
> pick coastal locations for their activities.
>
> Now add to this phenomenon that the Solar flux has
> been in the tank for the last 6 months, signal levels
> are down all over the world.
>
> It isn't out of the possibility something is going south
> in your receiver, but there are other circumstances
> that effect signal levels too.
>
> 73 de Bob - NU1AW/Ø in 2008 IARU 15m SSB
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: <mecker at peoplepc.com>
> To: "ICOM Reflector" <icom at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 12:33 AM
> Subject: Re: [ICOM] 7800
>
>
>> Have one. Trying to find out what to expect
>> overall from this models S-meter. Since
>> I have a hearing loss, its not easy for me
>> to test (s+n/n) Wondering if this S meter
>> (being digital and all) tends
>> to be conservative. Rigs like my ft-847
>> greatly exaggerate s reports.
>> -Marc.
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: <k4lxv at bellsouth.net>
>> To: "ICOM Reflector" <icom at mailman.qth.net>
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 11:52 PM
>> Subject: Re: [ICOM] 7800
>>
>>
>> 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
>>> ---- 
>>> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC: icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
>>> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
>>> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>> ----
>> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC: icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
>> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
>> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>> ----
>> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC: icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
>> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
>> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>>
>
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC: icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/