One hint from someone who is tone deaf: (I can't tune a piano but I can tuna fish).
I think most people pick an arbitrary pitch for receiving because the rig defaulted there or their elmer told them to use a certain pitch. They then try to use their ear to match that note. But it is not "their" note. To further complicate matters, the pitch that served you well ten years ago might not be the best now because your hearing has changed. I have found that if I pick a pitch that sounds just right to me, then zero beating is easier because it is the note I naturally want to hear. If you have your rig set up at 600 hz but your ear likes to hear CW at 800hz, you will have a hard time trying to zero beat. You will naturally tune higher because that is the tone you like to hear. So, my advice is to start over and listen to the various pitches available. Pick the one that sounds "sweet" to you and make that your default. Make sure it is the same on all your rigs. Tune yourself up like the orchestra does before a performance - listen to the SPOT function and fix it in your head before operating. I think then, you will find it easier to zero beat. On another note, I have to question why a pitch of 800hz is the maximum the K3 will allow. Some folks or conditions prefer a higher pitch particularly when the band noise is a low grumbling sound. The higher-pitched CW stands out better. k4ia "Buck" K3 #101 Fredericksburg, VA **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
