[Elecraft] DSP value?

[Dale Boresz]

Andrew Catanzaro wrote:

> Headphones are absolutely necessary for good CW copy because putting 
> the source of the CW at the ear eliminates multipart distortion that 
> causes the brain to work overtime in copying even in-the-clear 
> signals.  So when I hear something on the speaker I want to hear 
> better, I just put the cans on my head.  I leave the filtering 
> wide-open on the TimeWave and use the KAF2 when needed.
>
I agree completely. However, when you put on the headphones, you are 
also able to hear the noise surrounding the signal that much clearer as 
well. This is where the noise-reduction of the KDSP2 really helps; it 
reduces that surrounding noise to a level that makes it much less 
distracting, without changing the level of the desired signal. The 
result is that your ear/brain doesn't have to work as hard to separate 
the signal from the noise, and copy is far more enjoyable.

> It's a great filter that doesn't ring, and there's no digital bandwidth
> that's narrower that's more useful!
>
I have been a long-time fan of the KAF2 (being primarily a cw op), and 
being one of the KDSP2 field testers, I have also had the opportunity to 
work with the KDSP2 on the air for some weeks now. While I've always 
liked the character of the audio with the KAF2 filter engaged, it 
accomplishes this at the expense of reduced bandwidth - whether the 
reduction is needed or not. Many times I have engaged the KAF2's filter 
only to help lift a weak signal out of the noise, even when there were 
no other signals around. Being one who prefers a wider bandwidth for 
general operation, I find the ability of the KDSP2 to reduce noise 
independently of bandwidth, to be one of it's most appreciated features.

In short, the KAF2 is a wonderfully elegant and effective product, but 
the versatility and effectiveness of the KDSP2 is what keeps it firmly 
attached to my K2.   :-)

73, Dale - WA8SRA


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