Posted by
Brian Hunt on
Aug 25, 2020; 8:54pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/APF-Primer-tp7664298p7664320.html
Kevin -
Here's my take on the APF. I use it a lot during QRP Fox Hunts and I just used it to pull G3SED out of the weeds on 20.
Best conditions are when only random band noise is in the passband for my technique although it can be used in conjunction with the NB (the IF blanker, not the DSP option). The passband should be QRM free.
I set the DSP passband to about 700 Hz and turn on NR set to NRm5-3 or so. This is fairly light noise reduction with a level of unprocessed noise+signal mixed in. Since there is only random noise in the passband that level of NR works well. I use this to tune around looking for the Fox.
When I find a signal of interest, I turn on the APF and peak the signal in the very narrow passband using FINE tuning. I also frequently use an audio spectrum display on the PC to center the signal on the marker which is set to the CW pitch frequency. Although the APF is very narrow: ~30 Hz at -3 dB, the sharp peak is more like 5 Hz wide so FINE tuning is needed and the marker helps because my ears aren't that good at matching pitch. You can set the DSP filter narrower than 700 Hz to eliminate some QRM but that seems to be the sweet spot for the NR to work well.
To your other questions ...
Make sure the noise level is not activating the AGC or it will be working against you.
Really no band preference but it's better not to have big static crashes to deal with. Set AGC to fast if there are.
It took me a while to figure this out. Have fun!
73,
Brian, K0DTJ
-----Original Message-----
From: "kevinr" <
[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2020 19:33
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <
[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] APF Primer?
1) What are the best band conditions to try APF? Does it work under
medium QSB against medium to high noise levels? Is it better on 80, 40,
or 20 meters?
2) What are the procedures to use APF on your K3, KX2, KX3, etc.? How
should I set the bandwidth of the filter I'm already using? How do I
peak the APF performance? Does the set up change on a per band basis or
does one setting fit all cases?
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