[1000mp] Narrow ssb filters (was 500Hz vs 400Hz filters)

[Dave]

> > what about 2100 vs. the 1800 for SSB??   anyone have comments?
>
> Very timely.  I'm just about to close a deal on a pair of 1.8 filters,
> primarily for SSB contesting, so I'm also curious to know if it's a good
> choice.

Ron,
    I have a pair of 1800 inrads in my MP. For contesting, I wouldn't trade
them for anything else I have used to date. The shift, width and carrier
point settings are very critical and very much a personal thing. Once you
find what you like ie what sounds good to you, they are razor sharp, and
with sufficient bandwidth for contest calls and reports. They are not very
pleasant for ragchewing though.. but that is easily solved.

FWIW I also use the Yaesu 500 / Inrad 400 combo on CW. I find it very
effective, and just about the right width. If I want broader, I switch to
the Inrad 1800 as the 455 filter. Still get excelllent system stopband from
the Inrad 1800, and the Yaesu 500 is not nearly as sharp as the Inrad 400 so
the widening effect is quite noticeable.   I also have the Inrad 250/250
combo installed, and I find very little use for them.  They work well for
isolating a station who is running simplex, and has a packet pileup on
him... BUT  I can achieve the same or better result using the EDSP functions
in the passband filter mode ( and save a bunch of bucks). Menu setting 4-5
allows you to choose between 60 , 120 or 240 hz BW.  I am not close enough
to my rig to check, but I believe I have mine set to 120.  Works swell _ If
you can already hear the station when you turn it on _ . I find that trying
to use it while tuning the receiver frequency is a detractor to becoming
aware of new signals as opposed to it being off. It is very good at
isolating and enhancing a detected signal. YMMV

   73 and HNY to you Ron, and all here in this fine reflector.

         Dave K2XR