My view is that PSK31 is the most efficient from a spectrum usage and power usage point of view. Other modes have better error correction facilities but occupy more bandwidth. Olivia does a very good job copying signals that you can barely hear or see on the waterfall. For most people, 20 to 25 watts will work the world if the band is open. 5 watts is more of a challenge with the sunspot cycle being at the bottom but lots of people have many QSOs running 5 watts and a reasonable antenna.
A dipole, 35 ft up, clear from adjacent metal objects should work well. Higher is better but 35 ft is fine. Be sure to try 30 meters; that band has little QRM and has had some decent openings lately. Look around 10141 kHz. Use Andy's (K3UK) digital DX cluster to help you find openings. Good luck and have fun. 73, Bernie ----- Original Message ----- From: jeffnjr484 To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 7:54 PM Subject: [digitalradio] Comparsion Between CW and Digital Modes Im wondering does the digital modes transmit about the same as CW for distance coverage on a 5 watt signal with dipole up 35 ft ? If so which soundcard mode would be about the same in signal strength.? I know CW gets through the best throughout years past when on a noisy channel or for long dx contacts but is the digital modes about the same ? jeff Kd4qit
