Brain vs Hardware filters

[Julius Fazekas n2wn]

Hi Ken,

I concur the brain is a wonderful filter, and it
generally is my preferred tool.

The example you give a wide open filter is a good
idea, once you learn how to process that info
mentally.

In contest situations, if I'm running, I generally
like to keep my filters relatively broad. Folks call
off frequency as they slide up and down the band.
(Figuring out if they are really calling you is
another matter...)

But... In search and pounce, I prefer relatively
narrow filtering. In the Top Band contests and the big
DX contests (particularly on 40 and 20), the band are
so congested that additional hardware help goes a long
way towards minimizing fatigue. In addition, many of
the little guys can be picked out between the big boys
piled close together.

I would speculate the same situation holds true if
you're say BS7H (pick your favorite rare DXpedition
here) trying to pick signals out of 35 kHz of wall to
wall needy souls. Or perhaps, if you're trying to hear
them thru the band cops, jammers, folks who forgot to
go split before transmitting (guilty) and frequency
owners...

There are valid arguments for both methods. I look at
hardware filtering as another useful tool.

Cheers,
Julius
n2wn
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[Cathy James]

For relative newbies to CW such as myself, narrow filters
are a necessity.  It's all that I can handle to copy code
at 18-20 WPM without the distraction of 2 or 3 other signals
in the passband banging away at my brain.  I have noticed
that the real experts in my club often leave the filters
wide open and ignore the ones they aren't working, whereas
I have to narrow it down to at least 700 Hz to get clear
copy, 400 Hz is my default, and it drives me nuts when I go
down to 200 Hz and can *still* hear a second signal in the
passband!

Cathy
N5WVR

> The example you give a wide open filter is a good
> idea, once you learn how to process that info
> mentally.

> But... In search and pounce, I prefer relatively
> narrow filtering.

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[wayne burdick]

Cathy,

With the K3, you can narrow down both the 1st I.F. (crystal roofing
filter) and the DSP (2nd I.F.). This makes for *very* nice CW copy,
even if there are humongous signals outside the passband. You simply
won't hear them.

We also have a CW decoder built in that will either copy and display
the characters on the LCD, or tell you the code speed in WPM. The
decoder also works for PSK31 and RTTY, and you can transmit in these
modes just by sending CW with the keyer paddle (or an attached
keyboard). This eliminates the computer entirely, should you be so
enclined.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On May 2, 2007, at 8:47 PM, Cathy James wrote:

> For relative newbies to CW such as myself, narrow filters
> are a necessity.  It's all that I can handle to copy code
> at 18-20 WPM without the distraction of 2 or 3 other signals
> in the passband banging away at my brain.  I have noticed
> that the real experts in my club often leave the filters
> wide open and ignore the ones they aren't working, whereas
> I have to narrow it down to at least 700 Hz to get clear
> copy, 400 Hz is my default, and it drives me nuts when I go
> down to 200 Hz and can *still* hear a second signal in the
> passband!
>
> Cathy
> N5WVR
>

---

http://www.elecraft.com

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[Tony Morgan-2]

Cathy,
Stick with it and you'll be a real expert in no time yourself.

73,

Tony W7GO
----- Original Message -----
From: "Cathy James" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2007 8:47 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Brain vs Hardware filters

> For relative newbies to CW such as myself, narrow filters
> are a necessity.  It's all that I can handle to copy code
> at 18-20 WPM without the distraction of 2 or 3 other signals
> in the passband banging away at my brain.  I have noticed
> that the real experts in my club often leave the filters
> wide open and ignore the ones they aren't working, whereas
> I have to narrow it down to at least 700 Hz to get clear
> copy, 400 Hz is my default, and it drives me nuts when I go
> down to 200 Hz and can *still* hear a second signal in the
> passband!
>
> Cathy
> N5WVR
>
>> The example you give a wide open filter is a good
>> idea, once you learn how to process that info
>> mentally.
>
>> But... In search and pounce, I prefer relatively
>> narrow filtering.
>
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> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
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>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
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[Kevin Rock]

Hi Cathy,
    You are almost at the point where you will copy code at any speed.  I  
broke through at 22 wpm and it was easier from then on.  It is good to  
hear there are clubs where CW is respected and used.  I am still seeking a  
club which does not denigrate its use and practice.
    73,
       Kevin.  KD5ONS

P.S. My filter settings are 2 kHz, 1 kHz, 500 Hz, and 250 Hz.  While  
running ECN I use 1 kHz so I can hear folks a bit off frequency.  During  
Field Day or SS I run at 500 Hz or even 250 Hz depending upon the  
neighbors.  You will get to the point where you can copy more than one  
signal at a time.  Keep on practicing by getting on the air.
    KJR



On Wed, 02 May 2007 21:32:57 -0700, Tony Morgan <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Cathy,
> Stick with it and you'll be a real expert in no time yourself.
>
> 73,
>
> Tony W7GO
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Cathy James" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2007 8:47 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Brain vs Hardware filters
>
>
>> For relative newbies to CW such as myself, narrow filters
>> are a necessity.  It's all that I can handle to copy code
>> at 18-20 WPM without the distraction of 2 or 3 other signals
>> in the passband banging away at my brain.  I have noticed
>> that the real experts in my club often leave the filters
>> wide open and ignore the ones they aren't working, whereas
>> I have to narrow it down to at least 700 Hz to get clear
>> copy, 400 Hz is my default, and it drives me nuts when I go
>> down to 200 Hz and can *still* hear a second signal in the
>> passband!
>>  Cathy
>> N5WVR
>>
>>> The example you give a wide open filter is a good
>>> idea, once you learn how to process that info
>>> mentally.
>>
>>> But... In search and pounce, I prefer relatively
>>> narrow filtering.

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