[Elecraft] question for psk users

[Jim Brown]

On 5/3/2012 5:51 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
> That's not true.  Every rig manufactured today provides a CW filter
> option that works very well for reducing/controlling the AGC blocking
> issue.  The FT-950 provides selectivity down to 500 Hz in its "PKT"
> modes as do many other "affordable" rigs.

Yes, but some rigs are more versatile than others, and some operators 
don't bother to learn enough about their radios to use the options that 
they provide.  Some rigs may not allow digital transmission at the 
frequency where that filter is centered, or may not allow it  to be 
switched in for SSB modes.  In other cases, the architecture of the rig 
may require that a different input of the radio be used for the digital 
modulation.  For example, I think I remember correctly that I had to 
feed the Patch input of my FT1000MP for AFSK to center it in my RX 
filters and for VOX to work. Or maybe it was the Packet input as you 
noted for the FT-950.  There's also the matter of learning to use all 
the controls on the radio to best advantage, including, as others have 
suggested, the RF gain control.  Back in the old days, AGC was rarely 
used on CW, we set AF gain to a suitable level and rode the RF gain 
control as needed, and switched in a crystal filter  to bring out the 
signal we were interested in.

One of the things about becoming a better operator is taking the time to 
learn these things. Those who choose not to do so will continue to be 
limited by their ignorance.

73, Jim K9YC