[RTTY] More GRITTY observations [now, AFC ON or OFF?]

[Ed Muns]

I want to know precisely the RF Mark frequency of stations I'm working.  I
prefer to see that frequency on my receiver VFO.  I can quickly tell someone
exactly how many Hz high or low they are, which may help in troubleshooting
on their end.

I like to work pileups and I want to choose which signal I tune in.
Sometimes I want to reward callers who zero-beat me.  Other times I want to
reward callers who call off zero-beat.  I don't want a strong signal
capturing my AFC when I'm trying to work a weak station.

I want to be in control of my receive frequency for these and other reasons.
It is very unsettling to me to have seemingly clever technology moving my
receive frequency around.

Most people can learn to quickly tune in a RTTY signal by ear to within
10-20 Hz.  The reference lines on our various decoders can aid in getting
closer, if desired.

It's different for CW where the brain can choose any audio pitch among
multiple callers.  Not so with RTTY where the decoder copies a signal far
better on precisely one audio tone pair.  So, the AFC algorithm chooses one
of the multiple signals and I may not agree with the algorithm's choice in
all cases.

I am not advocating that everyone should turn off their AFC.  I'm only
clarifying for readers on this reflector that AFC ON for running is not a
"should" for everyone.  (OK, my opinion.)  It is a choice that each of us
should make thoughtfully.

Ed W0YK

_________________________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----
From: RTTY [mailto:rtty-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bill Turner
Sent: 27 April, 2015 15:04
To: RTTY Reflector
Subject: Re: [RTTY] More GRITTY observations

------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped)

On Mon, 27 Apr 2015 10:35:50 -0700, you wrote:

>I disagree that AFC should be on when running.  I prefer AFC OFF all the
>time, so that I can choose where my VFO is tuned, rather than leaving that
>decision to my equipment.
>
>Ed W0YK

REPLY:

I'm trying to think of what advantage that gives one. Can you explain?

73, Bill W6WRT