In my short 4 years in the hobby I've not found 80 voice to be a good place to call cq. First I think most people use the band to check into thier nightly gallbladder net . Not many or any folks tuning up and down the band looking for some calling cq like I see on 20m during the day and evenings.
Or one can try to call cq but then it seems to draw the sad and lonely and nasty types that will start throwing carriers or other qrm and make such cq calling impossible or no fun.
But an amp would probably help get some replies to your cqs. When I call cq on 20 during the day the number of responses when running barefoot vs 500 w is significant. Signal is covering more area and your s/n is better.
Anyway just my thoughts. Hope to catch u calling cq some place.
John K1JRF
I'm a ARRL Tech specialist and I'm here to help.
Stand by and LISTEN UP.
Calling CQ on 80 meters is about as dumb as picking up a hooker who turns out to be a cop. Then having to explain it to your wife.
Do you have a Elmer?
Do you listen to 80 meters?
Not sure about your noise.
Do you have common sense?
First get common sense then find a Elmer who has way more than you do and knows about Ham Radio.
P.S. NEVER EVER call CQ on 80 meters. It's reverse CB Radio.
Good luck.