[Elecraft] Brain vs Hardware filters

[J F]

Hi Ken,

I concur the brain is a wonderful filter, and it
generally is my preferred tool. 

The example you give a wide open filter is a good
idea, once you learn how to process that info
mentally.

In contest situations, if I'm running, I generally
like to keep my filters relatively broad. Folks call
off frequency as they slide up and down the band.
(Figuring out if they are really calling you is
another matter...)

But... In search and pounce, I prefer relatively
narrow filtering. In the Top Band contests and the big
DX contests (particularly on 40 and 20), the band are
so congested that additional hardware help goes a long
way towards minimizing fatigue. In addition, many of
the little guys can be picked out between the big boys
piled close together.

I would speculate the same situation holds true if
you're say BS7H (pick your favorite rare DXpedition
here) trying to pick signals out of 35 kHz of wall to
wall needy souls. Or perhaps, if you're trying to hear
them thru the band cops, jammers, folks who forgot to
go split before transmitting (guilty) and frequency
owners...

There are valid arguments for both methods. I look at
hardware filtering as another useful tool.

Cheers,
Julius
n2wn