[Elecraft] KX1 Filter Explanation for Dummies

[Leigh L. Klotz, Jr WA5ZNU]

Burke,
There are two issues:

1. When you set the sidetone frequency in the KX1 menus, you are also 
choosing the offset at which you hear received signals.
So if you set it to 600 Hz, you'll be right on frequency with the other 
station when the signal you hear is a 600 Hz tone.
You can match this tone by ear by goign back to the menu to StP or StL 
(better since it doesn't accidently change StP) and listening for the 
same pitch, within about 10 Hz. 
Once you get on the same frequency, turning the filter down to about 1 
Khz will cut out most of the QRM and QRN and will give you a pleasant 
listening experience.  If you're off frequency, the received signal will 
fall outside the filter passband and you'll be treating it as you would 
a QRM or off-frequency station, and it will be attentuated.

2. If you turn the filter below 1 Khz, and more prominently, below 500 
Hz, the center frequency of the filter itself shifts down a bit, so you 
may need to re-tune slightly to get the signal back to full strength.  
Unfortunately, if you do this, you'll also be shifting your transmit 
frequency, so you can use the RIT feature of the KX1 just to shift the 
received frequency and leave your transmit frequency alone.  You 
probably won't need to do this unless you need to crank the filter way 
down, as in a contest, or with a very noisy band.  So you can safely 
ignore this for now and use the filter at about 1 Khz until you feel the 
need to learn more.

Does this answer your question, or do you have a different issue that 
I've misunderstood?

Leigh/WA5ZNU
KX1 #712
> Okay, so now that I am actually using my KX-1, I need some help.  I am
> really a newbie when it comes to this stuff.
>
> Can someone please give me an explanation (at a basic level) of how you are
> actually supposed to use the filter on the KX-1?
>
> If I am listening to a signal, and then turn the filter, I seem to lose the
> signal.  Is this because I am not tuned exactly to that signal?
>
> Thanks for being patient, someday it will all make sense.
>
> Burke Jones
> N0HYD
> http://N0HYD.com <http://n0hyd.com/>
> Olathe, KS
> _