John Smith wrote:

Cecil:
Yes Cecil, there is wisdom in your words...
However, as I pointed out, I am now focusing on "received signal", its'
quality and strength.
After having given it some thought, that is what is most important. In an
grave emergency I have the ability to bring multiple kilowatts on line (yes,
I have the generator to support it.) What I can't do is guarantee that for
the fellow at the other end of the contact. So, I am focusing my attention
towards his/her benefit--in the refinement of my ability to pull
sub-nano-watts from the ether...
EZNEC and all other calculations are great, I appreciate what can get me to
ballpark figures with matching, lengths, spacings, predictions, etc.
But, in the end, the humble s-meter on a known transceiver, compared against
know signals and similar conditions will be my final guide and the
determining factor.

I think you'll eventually end up finding out you just need a big tower
and a big beam.

ac6xg