[Lowfer] RLD and NC Reception Test

[Les Rayburn]

Last night, I ran overnight screen captures looking for RLD. I had
tried last week without success, which was a surprise to me
considering how well NC has been pounding in for weeks.

At my request, Dexter was kind enough to QSY very close to RLD
giving me a handy "reference" signal to compare RLD to. Sure enough,
our first night of testing revealed that something is amiss with
the antenna of RLD, despite near field monitoring that seemed fine.

It strikes me that there is a real advantage to grouping beacons together
by region. For one thing, it allows beacons with less ERP to
compared with more developed beacons, and can easily allow you
to determine if the lack of signal is due to propagation or just
lack of signal strength.

But, this will require more of that dirty word, "coordination". But let's 
think of it
in terms of how it might also benefit those who like to "play more" and
are not as concerned about weak signal reception.

For example, let's use NC and RLD as our example. If they "locked into" their
frequencies now, then Dex could freely transmit Jason tests, etc...with the
added benefit of having a more "stable" and "boring" QRSS signal
from RLD as a reference for those trying for the more exotic modes.

My guess is that you'd have more initial success with the exotic modes
this way too. No more wondering, "is the signal there and I just don't have
the software set right".

The NC Twins are easy, grouping LEK, Mike, RM, and BRO together
should be no problem. JDH, XM, and LIP could hang together,
and then the New England bunch could stake their claim too.

There will always be a few loners, who just don't have beacons nearby,
but for the most part it should allow a new level of weak signal success
and new mode experimentation to develop with less frustration and
wasted nights for everyone.

Comments? Suggestions?

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF




Les Rayburn, director
High Noon Films
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