Good point about S-meters, Kevin.  If you think about it, those readings
are pretty strange.  How could you really have a signal that's 40 DB over
S9?  Besides, I'll bet you won't find two radios whose S-meters are
calibrated the same way, and even if you do, are they really accurate?  In
some ways, the old RST (readability, strength, and tone) reports made more
sense.  Sometimes, I think I get just as much information when someone
says, "You're wall to wall and tree-top tall."

Steve

On Friday 8/29/03 11:02 Nathan, Kevin wrote:
>Hi Michael,
>
>The guys are right so far.  If I remember rightly, triple the power makes an
>S unit difference although it seems people will often report a greater
>difference in going from say 100 watts to 600 or 700 watts.  This may be due
>in part to lack of S meter linearity and partially to the difference in what
>the ear detects.
>
>On your second question I think you would effectively double the power for
>PEP so 400 continuous would equate to 800 PEP.
>
>I hope that helps and I hope I'm right.  <GRIN>  Take care and very 73.
>
>Kevin Nathan, Independent Living Coordinator
>Dept. of Services for the Blind
>3411 S. Alaska
>Seattle, Wa 98118
>Voice:  (206) 721-6450
>Cell:  (206) 604-4767
>Toll Free:  (800) 552-7103
>Fax:  (206) 721-6403
>Email:  [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Michael Ryan [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent: Friday, August 29, 2003 07:05 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject:
>
>
>Hi all:
>
>Is there a rule of thumb that can be used?
>IE:  you have a perfectly resonant antenna with 100W out.  What power is
>needed to get an improvement on the signal strength?  Will 200W make much
>difference or to receive an actual increase in signal strength, a power
>gain of lets say, 500W is required? Will a power output of 800/KW give much
>improvements to a 500W signal strength?  Also, If you have an amp rated at
>400W continuous or digital mode,  what would the PEP SSB rating be?
>
>Thanks to all & 73:
>Michael VO1RYN