Pour water into the strainer basket without letting it drip out, to see how many cups it hold without running over; perk the coffee to that much liquid each time; grind your own beans just before pouring the grinds into the filtered basket (use brown non-bleached filters) and grind tewo tablespoons per cup of water; let the entire reserve of water perk into the strainer and sit for three minutes once perking stops, then put the pot under the strainer and drain it; coffee will be fresher, less 'parched' flavor, and very strong. I looked for a pot that has an eight cup strainer, which I only fill that full if serving a second and third person. Four cups made this 'strong enough to walk on its own' is my morning jolt. I use only french vanilla creamer in my coffee, or drink it hot and black. Crispy oatmeal cookies dipped in the straight brew are a nice breakfast ...
Sounds like you did some experimentation.