Digital signal levels: 1500/VAC, 6500/Signalink, and 6500/DAX. Interesting!

George KF2T

For the fun of it, I graphed the signal reports for my 3640 JT9 and JT65 contacts to date - all done with Flex radios. The results are interesting. While running 5 watts on the Flex 1500 (with VAC), I received about 2 db weaker reports than I gave. When the 6500 came along (with Signalink USB), the ability to go "QRO" equalized the reports pretty much. Finally, with the 6500 and DAX, I'm seeing my transmitted signal get better reports (1-2 db on average) than I'm giving. Now, the DAX-enabled data set is still pretty small (less than 100 contacts), so band conditions and just plain statistical flukes can be at work. It's interesting though, when you consider how much cleaner the DAX signal is, it does appear to be making a difference to the receiving stations. Software defined - and "free" - gain! Too cool. Happy New Year, everyone.