I see what you mean, as I did from the beginning. The early adopter thing cracks me up because amatuer radio has been around so long. I consider myself to be somewhat late getting into it/back into it.

I understand that not many have it. I belive that that particular trend will be changing very soon, if for no other reason than the reliability of the whole thing.

Do you have a scanner? You should spend a few minutes and find some of the repeaters in your area and have a listen. It's a different world compared to CB or FRS.

Also, when the time comes that you are ready and want to take your tech exam, let me know. I'll hook you up with some really good resources and help you in any way I can. It's not FrankR's ham radio <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Funny as it may be, your confirmation of this statement is a key to me saying 'early adopter'. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I've been looking around a bit, and I think if you do the same, you'll see that there are nearly as many hams that are also 4-wheelers as there are CB'ers. Just driving around my new home town, I'm seeing many, not just a few.

Very funny.

What I want to know is how you improve reception by using a 250 watt linear amplifier?



Is that some new method of voodoo?



That might have had some impact on your results. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Frank <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Pretty much every CB linear I've seen has a receive boost circuit. Both of mine have these as well.

Then what it is.... is a linear amplifier for TX that also contains a band pass filter/preamplifier circuit for RX. A good radio with a good antenna - properly tuned - shouldn't need that for trail use.

Frank

You just aren't happy unless you're being critical about something, are you?

It sounds like you might be the one being critical. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I was only trying to be helpful. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Sorry for the intrusion into amateur land, but I did hear my name called.

Frank <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Gentlemen, please confine the discussions to the topic.

Many linear amps to contain receive pre-amp capability.

However, proper operation of ANY radio starts with a good antenna system.

As such, there needs to be a discussion about proper antenna installation and trimming for optimal VSWR.

That benefits both transmit and receive.

A bad antenna install can negate any perceived gain from a pre-amp.

I'm wondering if these linears are limited to 11 meter only. Since linears are supposed to increase output while preserving the input frequency, do I need a different linear for other HF work? I have 2 of these 250 watt amps. They were garage sale purchases found by my wife, otherwise I wouldn't have considered owning them.