[Elecraft] Sidetone or zero beat

[Bill Tippett]

 >I can zero beat a signal a lot quicker that fiddling
around trying to match up tones.  I then adjust
the offset to either side of the carrier to my liking.  Before anyone says it
just takes practice, I'll have to say that 23 years is probably enough
practice. ;-)  I can do it, it just takes longer.

         You are actually "zero-beating" the signal
in both cases above.  In one case you are matching
the tones of your CW pitch (e.g. 400 Hz = 400 Hz) and in
the other case the carrier (e.g. 0 Hz = 0 Hz).  Unless
you are tone deaf, it is much faster to zero beat the
pitch since then you are then ready to send.  If you
zero beat the carrier, then you must then manually offset
to the pitch you like before sending, unless your ears
have a good response at 0 Hz!  :-)

         For tone deaf folks, Elecraft offers a CW tuning
indicator which may be better for you.

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3FAQ.htm#CW_Spotting

                                 73,  Bill  W4ZV