[R-390] Weak Signal Work with R-390A??

[2002tii]

I wrote:

>If you are not hearing with another, decent HF receiver and your
>preamp and converter are working properly, you need more antenna
>and/or better aim, not a more sensitive HF Rx.  (Note: one ALWAYS
>needs more antenna for EME work.)

It is worth noting that home-built high-gain antennas often (usually, 
IME) do not have full gain exactly on-axis.  Some commercial antennas 
suffer from the same problem.  Even a quite carefully built antenna 
can easily have 10-15 dB less gain exactly on axis than you 
expect.  The full gain is usually there -- just not located dead 
ahead, but 2-10 degrees off-center.  And one degree is a clean miss 
where the moon is concerned.  Of course, most hams don't have access 
to an antenna testing range, so finding out where the hot spot of a 
home-built antenna is for EME work can be a real chore.

Best regards,

Don