[NLRS] InRad filter group buy

[John P. Toscano]

Ed A. Jacobson (WB0VHF) wrote:
> 
> A group is forming to purchase filters from International Radio
> (InRad). At this time, it looks like we will be able to obtain
> a 20% discount for the purchase.

Hi, Ed.  I am interested.  The reason I'm writing to the whole list
is that I am looking for some advice from the group on which filters
are the best choice(s) for my FT-847.  I've seen quite a few opinions
that seem unanimous in saying that the stock filters are no match
at all for the Inrad ones, and that any serious FT-847 user should
upgrade to Inrad filters.

The Inrad web site says they have instructions for installing one
or two of their crystal filters.  But the FT-847 has three filter
slots, one for SSB receive, one for SSB transmit, and one for CW
receive/transmit.  I also believe that the Inrad crystal filters
are too large to fit into the original spots, so they fabricate an
arrangement with a plug that goes into the original socket, with
attached coax to the filter, which is remotely mounted.  Maybe that
is why they imply only two of their crystal filters will fit.

Since I want to keep the radio usable for general-purpose rag-chewing
as well as contesting, I think I do not want the narrowest (1.8 KHz)
SSB filter, but would be happier with either the 2.1 or 2.8 KHz for
SSB receive.  Does anyone on the list have an opinion on the 2.1 KHz
filter in the receive position?  Is it also too narrow for my mixed
usages of the radio?

Then there is the matter of a CW filter.  Since I have such limited
experience at CW (I know, I'm only shortchanging myself, but heck,
right now my life is so busy I'm lucky to get enough time to eat and
sleep, much less practice perfecting my CW skills... Someday!), I
don't really know if the narrowest 125 Hz filter would be too narrow
for typical usage, and if so, should I go for the 250 Hz, 400 Hz,
500 Hz, or 1000 Hz?  I guess I understand the general principle, that
the narrower the filter, the clearer will be the one signal I am
interested in, and the easier it will be to work the station I am
tuned in on, so 125 Hz would be the best choice there.  But is it
so narrow that I will have a hard time tuning in a station, or finding
another station when I'm in search & pounce mode, etc?

Words of wisdom from someone more knowledgeable than me would be welcome
here.

Also, as long as I'm bending all your ears (or more precisely, clogging
your bandwidth), I might as well ask if someone has an opinion on the
value of buying a Collins Mechanical filter for the SSB transmit slot,
which (I assume) can fit in the original slot, if I bought the two
crystal filters discussed above.  Or is the original filter "good
enough" on SSB transmit?  Once again, I don't think I want the most
narrow  (2.0 KHz) transmit filter, since I mostly use the radio in
non-contesting situations, so I guess I'd be considering the 2.6 KHz
Collins if I ought to replace the transmit filter also.

Thanks in advance to all who will share an informed opinion.

I hope I can afford the opinions I get, even at 20% off!  :)
73 de W0JT