[Elecraft] K3 Cw Filter Choices

[Jim Brown]

On 12/15/2011 8:36 AM, Lou Kolb wrote:
> I use the 400 hz filter for CW and find it is more than adequate for my
> casual, rag-chewing oriented operation.  Once i get a station tuned in
> satisfactorily, I crank the DSP down to 100 hz or so and enjoy the quiet.

It's important to remember that the plug-in filters are ROOFING filters. 
The function of traditional plug-in filters in other radios is provided 
by DSP in the K3, so we can set the IF as narrow or as wide as we 
desire. The primary effect ofl the plug-in filters is to protect the DSP 
from overload by very strong signals very close to your frequency, and 
in casual operation, that's not needed. You already have 2.7kHz and 1.8 
kHz filter to do that. The time you need the narrow filter is during a 
contest, when bands are crowded with big signals.

If I were you, I would try operating with the radio as is, and buy 
another filter only if you decide to get into contesting. I'm a serious 
contester, so I DO need those filters, but you probably don't need them.

73, Jim K9YC