[1000mp] MK 5 filter recommendations request

[J. Mc Laughlin]

For CW:
    I very much like a pair of 400 Hz filters (a 400 Hz filter in each
IF path).  That pair, and occasional use of the audio pass band filter,
works most of the time.  However, there are times when 250 Hz filters
are called for.
    In the main receiver, I would go for 400/250 Hz combination.  I also
use a 400 Hz filter in the second receiver.  A number of people like the
500 Hz Collins filter with its broad skirts.  They say that it makes it
more easy to hear/find stations working DX.
    For narrow SSB, I use 1.8 kHz to great effect.  The 1.8 kHz pair is
not used much, but when needed it makes all of the difference in the
world.  None of the new filters are from Yasu.
    Other than the conventional, narrow AF filter in the Mark V, DSP has
little value.  Have the real filters do the work.
    Audio signals are too wide as it is.  I can not fathom why one would
widen the transmit path.  I have found that if you set the mic. gain and
compression with care, the intelligibility of the SSB signal is first
class.
    Let us all know what you do.
            73   Mac   N8TT
J. Mc Laughlin  -  Michigan USA
Home:  JCM@Power-Net.Net

----- Original Message -----
From: "Al Toothaker" <n6ta@arrl.net>
To: <1000mp@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2003 4:32 PM
Subject: [1000mp] MK 5 filter recommendations request


> I am also ready for an HF transceiver upgrade from a dying TS940 and
the MK
> 5 is one of two choices I am considering.  Anyone care to elaborate on
the
> filter subject or why you may or may not like the Collins for CW?
>
> I operate a lot of CW and have been using the Kenwood crystal filters
at
> 500Hz for years and have not really become familiar with other filter
> options.  With 500Hz now, I find that there are still times when there
are
> other stations too close for comfort.  Like when a DX station is
working
> split but not wide split and some callers are too close to the DX
station's
> frequency for my comfort.  Not sure if a 250Hz is needed or if the
other
> electronic filtering is adequate.  I guess I could try first and buy
the
> Inrad later...
>
> Also, there is a feature called VBT, variable bandwidth tuning, on the
> Kenwood that does narrow the BW but at the cost of attenuating the
desired
> signal.  This is bad when I am trying to work a weaker station.  I
wish to
> avoid a filter and setting combination on the Mk 5 that does something
> similar so prefer to get the right filters installed.
>
> If this is not enough, any comments about what to put in the sub
receiver?
> I think I would use if for spotting while working DX and is not as
critical,
> performance wise.
>
> So, I am looking for a recommendation as to which filters to install
in both
> IF's.  The Yaesu info does not say which to put in first:  2nd IF or
3rd IF
> or if both together are required.
>
> Thanks a lot for any comments.
>
> Al, N6TA
>
>
>