[CQ-Contest] TS-850SAT and Optional Filters - Opinions Wanted

[dave]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Coker, Timothy J" <TJCoker at lasd.org>
To: <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2002 12:50 PM
Subject: [CQ-Contest] TS-850SAT and Optional Filters - Opinions Wanted


> Hello, I use a Kenwood TS-850SAT at home for DXing and Contesting. I
> am currently building up my CW speed/proficiency after 8 years off of the
> radio. My main activities now are SSB and using CW comes 2nd at this point
> in time, but may soon change to even usage. I am looking for opinions
about
> the optional filters that can go into the radio's 3 optional IF filter
> slots. There are 2 8830 slots and one 455 slot. Based on your experiences
> with contesting and dxing what would you opt for?
>
> I am currently thinking of purchasing all Inrad filters. The models
> 93 (455khz - 1800hz SSB), 95 (8830khz - 1800hz SSB), and 103 (8830khz -
> 400hz CW). The radio has stock 2700hz filters in both IF's that I
currently
> use for SSB.
>
> Lastly... I currently have one Kenwood YK-88C-1 (8830khz - 500hz CW)
> filter currently installed in the radio. Would you agree that I should
sell
> this filter and replace it with one from Inrad? I have read many people
> consider the Inrad filters to be better than the Kenwood filters but have
no
> basis to judge this on personally.
>
> Your opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tim N6WIN.

For cw, I like a pair of Kenwood 500 Hz filters. I used to have a TS-830
with both Inrad 400 hz filters, and I thought it was too narrow. You
really had to ride the RIT to pick up callers even slightly off frequency.

For SSB, I like the stock Kenwood 2.7's. I have an Inrad 1.8, but hardly
ever
use it. I think it hurts intelligibility while reducing bandwidth, and the
net
result is negative. The 850 does not have passband tuning as such, so you
will
probably have to adjust the carrier set point with the narrow ssb filters.
Even
after doing that, I still think it hurts more than it helps.


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
K6LL at despammed.com