[TenTec] Re: Al Gavenas' position on Front-End atenuation

[tentec@mailman.qth.net]

When on the DX end of pileups, I fix the audio setting and run the RF
gain control. Even with modern gear, the AGC will pump and not running
AGC (albeit in FAST mode) makes extended operation tiring because the
strong guys blast through and the AGC pumping makes copy difficult.

True, some modern gear does not suffer from the intermod problems of
older stuff. The better gain distribution also results in less noise
being contributed throughout the receiver chain making it more practical
to ride the RF gain.

The argument regarding 'hum' had me LOL. If you've got hum in your
modern gear, you've got problems that should not be there. Especially
considering it's all running on DC!

My operating procedure is to adjust the RF and Audio gain so that I can
hear the weak guys and then ride the RF gain to make working the guys
in the middle 'comfortable'. The guys who are really loud get worked
first, unless they persist in calling on/near freq while I am working
someone. Then they are lucky if they get worked at all.

Same goes for field day ops where it's not always possible to isolate
the rigs/antennas as well as one might. The RF gain is indispensible
here.

Personal operating preference? You bet!
For everyone? There are many ways of skinning and cooking the cat.

-bob
ah7i