TenTec
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: [TenTec] Omni VI+ the best and other great radios

To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Omni VI+ the best and other great radios
From: John Peters <k2lot@roadrunner.com>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:48:42 -0500
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
Thank you for your explanation on the DSP 599sx.   John   k2lot

 On Jan 30, 2010, at 1:48 PM, Richards wrote:

> I don't understand the bit about it adding greater selectivity.
> 
> It is an audio filter, which applies after the radio has completed its work.
> I cannot see how it would improve "selectivity"  - it merely uses an 
> algorithm to reduce background noise.  Are you using this term in a 
> relative manner, as in making  the wanted signal easier to distinguish 
> from unwanted noise?  If so, then it does that, but that is not how I 
> would describe its operation.
> 
> The value of the Timewave DSP 599zx depends upon what you expect from 
> it.  It will reduce background noise, and the more aggressive you do 
> that, the more unwanted digital artifact and distortion will be 
> introduced.
> 
> I once used used the Timewave 599+ and now use a Timewave DSP-599zx with 
> all my HF receivers.   I like it, and it is very useful- but one must 
> recognize it is not a cure for background noise and you may not want to 
> use it all the time.
> 
> What is good about it -
> 
> It DOES reduce random background noise and it can make a noisy signal 
> more readable.   The auto notch ("Tone") button kills unwanted tones and 
> squeals and that, alone, can be a huge benefit.  Faster and easier to 
> use than the notch filter on the rig.  Instantly, gone.
> 
> It has high an low pass audio filters - you can tailor the audio as if 
> you had a two or three band equalizer - you can roll off the low and 
> high frequencies - I like to cut the audio between 250 Hz and 3000 Hz 
> which kills a lot of high pitch hiss and eliminates low pitch hum. 
> There is a low cut and high cut control, and it is easy to tune that on 
> the fly - far easier than working the rig menu and the adjusting the rig 
> settings.   Also the rig settings are quasi-permanent, in that you have 
> to enter the rig menu to change them.   In contrast, the knob on the DSP 
> filter is out front and always available and quickly, and easily, 
> adjusted, at least easier than accessing the rig's equalizer menu 
> settings.  It has a few, not many, memories so you can have multiple 
> settings for different needs.  I have a light, med, and heavy 
> (aggressive) filter settings, respectively.
> 
> I do do much with digital modes, but those who do like the DSP 599zx for
> what it can do for those modes.   I understand it really shines on the 
> digital
> modes, whereas it use with SSB signals is less effective.   But I like 
> mine on SSB work and would not sell or trade it at this point.  Not a 
> cure, but sometimes a big help.
> 
> 
> What is bad about it -
> 
> It DOES introduce some unwanted digital artifact and can distort the 
> signal if you over do it. Using this filter aggressively involves a 
> trade-off between noise reduction and signal distortion.   Finding the 
> sweet spot is essential, but in a pinch, it can make the difference 
> between working a station or not.    Also, it cannot cure all noise and 
> only provides a help.  You want to avoid overloading it - easy to avoid, 
> but you do want to watch the little red light that tells you it is being 
> overloaded.
> 
> Bottom line -
> 
> Only you can decide if it is worth the cost.   The DSP_599zx currently 
> available is, in my view, much better than the older model DXP-59+ I 
> used to have.  I purchased the WestMountainRadio  Clear-DSP unit at 
> Dayton, but have yet to try it out.   I will likely do that soon.  I 
> expect it will have less aggressive filtering effect, but also less 
> deleterious impact on the final audio.  Time will tell as I work it on 
> line and try it.
> 
> That is MY take...  anyway.
> 
> ====================  K8JHR  ==============================
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec

_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>