[Lowfer] Looking for input on measuring changes to the beacon

[jrusgrove at comcast.net]

Assuming a constant (maximum allowable) antenna height, just look at antenna current. Keep 
transmitter power at 1 watt for all measurements. Worthwhile changes to the antenna system will be 
indicated as an increase in current.

Jay W1VD  WD2XNS  WE2XGR/2


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "N8OOU" <n8oou at meekfarm.us>
To: "lowferlist" <lowfer at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2015 9:26 AM
Subject: [Lowfer] Looking for input on measuring changes to the beacon


>I have been trying to develop a way to measure gains or losses in the changes I make over time, to 
>the Wm Beacon.  Being a genuine cheapskate I am trying to use just the equipment I have at hand. I 
>have come up with this idea.
>
> My equipment includes the Kenwood TS-480 interfaced to the computer with argo and other common 
> software. I also have a Kay model 432d attenuator which I believe to be accurate.  I can use 
> either a multiband trap vertical (80m - 10m) or a pa0rdt mini whip, both mounted about 100 ft. 
> away from the beacon antenna.
>
> The Kenwood has a digital rf gain control which steps from 100, down to 0.  As the numbers go down 
> the s-meter bars go up.  I assume the incoming signal must be stronger than the indicated bars to 
> be heard. At 36 the s-meter is full scale at 60dB over 9. As you go lower in numbers the 
> sensitivity continues to be reduced with no change on the s-meter. I am currently measuring in the 
> 22 range, and have not yet needed to put the attenuator in-line.
>
> With argo set to display the beacon in the band mode screen it indicates the peak signal frequency 
> and strength in dB at the top of the screen. As I drop the rf gain, I hit a point where argo loses 
> the beacon lock and seems to hunt for a signal to lock onto. If I raise the gain back up argo 
> seems to lock back on to the beacon again. That rf gain setting / argo reaction, seems to be 
> reliable and consistent.
>
> What is the opinion to logging the gain setting / argo signal strength reading to benchmark 
> changes to the beacon system?  Any thoughts about consistency over the long term?  Is there a flaw 
> I am missing?
> -- 
> 73   de   N8OOU - Mike Meek
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