[CQ-Contest] Receiver adjustments in CW contest conditions

[Kevan Nason]

I'm only a marginal CW op so use "tricks". Besides what Hans said about low
tone, four things things come to mind. 1) Well known aid. I use a TS590
which doesn't have APF, but loved it when using Orion rigs. It definitely
helps to tweak that to your liking. 2) I do a lot of S&P being low power,
but this helps me while running too. I have a programmed macro key on the
left side of my keyboard to very quickly switch an 80 Hz filter in and out.
No reaching to the rig. Great for finding mult in a big S&P pileup or a
single signal when running. For SSB it switches passband between a 100-1600
filter or a 500-2100 Hz one. Which is used depends on where the QRM is. Use
the keyboard up/dn arrow keys to move freq as needed so don't have to reach
over to the VFO or RIT. N1MM allows adjustment of step size for a single
arrow push. Nearly instant freq change when arrow pressed so popping it
quickly three times moves you quite a bit, or just once for a little.
{CLEARRIT} in F-key macros (CQ, TU, Wipe) automatically puts you back on
freq when running. Could use that on a Touch Port controlled touchpad next
to the keyboard. 3) Rx equalization. Formant Pass setting on the TS590 is
my preferred audio frequency profile to make it easier to hear -- both with
and without QRM. 4) Typed too much and forgot what it was.

Kevan N4XL