I’ve heard several amateur radio operators say they are running a Barefoot setup. But what does it mean?
It has nothing to do with what is or is not on your feet. But simply means transmitting without an amplifier.
While power helps, the best thing you can do to fix your signal is your antenna. It doesn’t matter how much power you put out if your antenna is facing the wrong way, or not tuned in correctly. If you are struggling to be heard and sure your radio is set up correctly, I would look at the antenna first.
Some operators think there are two types of radio setups, thoughts with amplifiers, and thoughts without. Some see using an amplifier as cheating. I am not sure I would go that far, but if you are putting out a thousand watts, then yes people will hear you, but this doesn’t help you hear them when they put out 100 watts.
So, are you a barefoot operator or not? Perhaps you are on some bands or radios, but not on others?
Why not leave a comment below.
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