[CW] Sidetone frequency versus transmit frequency

[David Ring]

With separate transmitters and receivers this usually didn't cause a
problem - except for nets where everyone was on the same (or should
be) frequency.

The problems I've found while researching and testing out this problem are:

1.) Often people prefer a different sidetone when sending than when receiving.

2.) The sidetone frequencies in some new transceivers are synthesized
in 50 Hz steps.

3.) The 50 Hz or more change in step (1) and the 50 Hz change in point
(2) can ADD making the offset (or not being "netted" (on the net
frequency).

4.) Sometimes stations being in transceive, jump around to "tune the
other station in" - resulting in a slow (hopefully) dance!

The best way to find out if you're zero beat (or "netted") to the
other station(s) is with a receiver than can receive the stations on
the air - including your transmitted signal.

A good way to see if you've set up the side tone to your real
preference is to do this:

Tune in a narrow i.f. filter - if you have 50 Hz even try that - tune
in the signal and then adjust the "tone" of the sidetone control (this
on newer transceivers controls both the transmit and received "tones"
or frequency offset - like the beat frequency oscillator of old.)

Then go to CW-Reverse and see if the tone jumps.  If it does change
the sidetone frequency a wee bit, then press CW (regular) and see if
the tone changes less or more - if more, change the sidetone in the
other direction, and keep on doing this until you you get the same
tone on CW-Normal and CW-Reverse.

Now after the sidetone offset tone has been calibrated to YOUR ears,
you should be able to tune with the widest CW filter and switch in the
narrowest filter and not lose the signal (meaning you don't have to
return).  You should also be able to press CW-Reverse and hear the
same signal in the narrow filter - clear as a bell without retuning.

That seems to be the best way I've found with just a transceiver!

73

David N1EA