[TenTec] TEN-TEC SSB NETS ON SUNDAY

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

Yes John.  That raises the topic of radios that have the SPOT function vs. 
radios that do not have that function for CW.  Also some offer the feature 
to automatically lock onto the incoming signal thus and automatic spot 
function.    And too, some operators seem to be more proficient in using the 
SPOT function while I suppose some choose not to use the function.

The general idea of mine is that some folks, due to hearing constraints, may 
choose to use different side-tone frequencies or prefers to listen to a CW 
signal of some higher or lower frequency than the default value or 
programmed value of the sidetone frequency.  If one person uses a 700 Hz 
side-tone then their radio is automatically set for a 700 Hz correction on 
receive.   If they choose to tune in a signal with a 650 Hz CW note or maybe 
a 750 Hz CW note then they will be some 50 Hz difference in frequency.   In 
looking at CW signals using any software that provides a waterfall display, 
I most often see two stations in a QSO that are not on the same frequency. 
This confirms your comment about CW stations not being on the same 
frequency.

Although this causes no frequency utilization concern, it does cause a 
challenge when net operations exists and multiple stations are active thus 
they get scattered over several hundred Hz.  With today's narrow and 
efficient DSP BW systems, often stations are not heard and they wonder why. 
In many cases using a 100 Hz DSP BW, if a station is more than 50 Hz from 
the center frequency, they aren't heard.

Again as I've said earlier and elsewhere, we need to become more proficient 
in tuning with our ears as opposed to the digital readouts on today's 
radios.

73
Bob, K4TAX





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Huffman" <hjohnc at gmail.com>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2013 3:24 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] TEN-TEC SSB NETS ON SUNDAY


> My experience is that if a ham didn't get started on HF, but got started 
> in 'channelized' communications, CB or 2-Meters, they have a hard time 
> understanding that frequencies on HF are flexible.
>
> On the other hand, I am amazed how many folks can't get on the same 
> frequency on CW.  Most of us don't use crystals any more, it shouldn't be 
> that tough.
>
> 73 de K1ESE
> John
>
>
> On 3/17/2013 10:01 AM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:
>> Oh yes as I was in a QSO with one station.  It was his opinion that the 
>> "frequencies" to be used are always those that end with  x.xxx.000.   The 
>> fellow couldn't understand why I was operating on 7.263.255.  My reason 
>> for operating there, I have a "birdie"  that is heard 24/7, thus I find 
>> quite annoying if I operate on 7.263.000.   FYI - that birdie is external 
>> to the radio and I've found it originates from a near-by communications 
>> site.
>>
>> Of course I could activate the Auto Notch feature but the birdie, 
>> although the signal is not very strong, it does have effect on the 
>> receiver AGC. As I said earlier, we need to hone out skills in tuning by 
>> using our ears and not the digital display on the radios.
>>
>> 73
>> Bob, K4TAX
>>
>>
>
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