Excellent summary, Bill
I would suggest the following during your ongoing attic adventures
- run more power, at least 25 watts. 3 watts on SSB is a lesson in frustration, IMHO
- get a decent CW audio filter such as the 4SQRP Hi-Per-Mite designed by NM0S.That filter will really help to cut the noise down on CW.
--
Bernie Murphy, VE3FWF
*Real* radios glow in the dark
Ham Radio