[Elecraft] OK, odd question

[Chuck Chandler]

Something that bugs me just a tiny wee bit.

 

So, for years I used a Kenwood or two, then a Yaesu or three, then a
Ten-Tec.  Much of the time on CW.  When I tuned a band, say 20M, I would
start at the bottom of the band and tune upwards in frequency.  When I did
this, as I approached a CW signal it would be higher-pitched.  As I tuned it
to zero-beat with my 500-Hz CW offset the pitch would drop until it matched
my 500 Hz spot.  If I tuned too far, the pitch would drop below 500, then
drop off the scale as I tuned past it.  Similar in fashion to tuning a USB
signal.

 

My Elecraft tunes similar to one other rig I have owned, an iCom 706 MkIIG.
As I tune up the band I first hear a low-pitched CW signal, then it centers,
then it gets higher in pitch.  Similar to tuning an LSB signal.  

 

This doesn't make a difference in usability, I guess it's due to the
receiver architecture.  And, yeah, I can go to "CW-R" and it works the way
all those other radios did.  

 

My question is, is there a reason for it working this way?  Does it provide
some advantage?  Or is it just the way it happened. like, not enough room
towards the edge of the napkin when it was drawn up?

 

Curious.

 

73 de Chuck, WS1L

 

Chuck Chandler

chandlerusm at gmail.com