Hi Martin,
I have a somewhat different solution to your problem, and it consists of
multiple parts.
First, I set averaging to maximum (I set it years ago, don't ask me
numbers). :)
Second, I set Scale to 24 dB when I'm not contesting, 32 dB for 100W
contests, 42 dB for high power contests.
Third, I set reference level so that the noise level as at the bottom of
the amplitude display , which causes the waterfall to be black where
there are no signals.
Fourth, I set Tracking Mode ON, so that when I tune, the signals on the
band stay put as I tune across them. Without this setting, Averaging
would reset every time the changes frequency.
A major benefit of averaging is that it causes random noise to cancel
itself out, leaving only signals (and noise that is NOT random). Now,
both the amplitude display and the waterfall will show only real signals
plus noise that's more or less stable in frequency, like clocks from
microprocessors, and "lumps" of noise which may drift a little or a lot.
Those lumps are generated by power-handling devices like switch-mode
power supplies and variable-speed motor controllers.
I don't use monochrome display, but I do see signals against a nearly
black background.
73, Jim K9YC
On 5/12/2018 8:05 PM, Martin Sole wrote:
In the situation I have here where it is unusual to have any signals
on any band at more than S7-8, nearest centre of any appreciable
activity is several thousand miles away so mostly fairly weak signals,
in this case I find having the waterfall in monochrome, spectrum
display is still in colour, to be quite an advantage. It is quite
possible to set an almost black waterfall with signals barely above
the noise floor showing as grey marks, often much more discernible
than anything on the spectrum display.
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