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

[k6ll at despammed.com]

----- 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. 
> 

I like the pair of Kenwood 500Hz filters. I used to have a TS-830 with a pair of
400 Hz filters, but it was a little too narrow. You really had to ride the RIT to avoid missing callers who were even slightly off frequency.

For SSB, I like the stock Kenwood 2.7 filters, with four or five clicks of low cut cranked in. I have an Inrad 1.8
in one of the IF's, but find that, while it noticeably improves selectivity, it hurts intelligibility
of the desired ssb signal. If you do get the narrow ssb filter, you will probably have to adjust the carrier set point frequency. Even after doing that, I find that the loss of intelligibility is too much for my liking.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
K6LL at despammed.com