As a adjunct to the recent posts on using the Spot and CWT features . . .
There is a third capability that many long-time CW operators intuitively possess. It is the immediate recognition of the correspondence of an incoming signal's pitch to that of the operator's longtime /preferred /sidetone pitch.
Just as well known voices of loved ones and friends are instantly recognizable when their faces can't be seen, so also one's preferred sidetone pitch is likewise instantly recognizable when a signal is being tuned in and "hits" that pitch. This feature of the human brain requires no button pushes other than the initial setting of the sidetone pitch frequency. Once this is set, neither the SPOT nor CWT buttons need be used (on any rig). This "cerebral feature" is always there, regardless of the brand or model of rig being operated.
Several of us used this capability on Straight Key Night when operating a friend's FT-2000 with it's myriad of buttons, switches, and multi-layered controls. Once we set the sidetone pitch to our individually preferred frequencies, zero-beating was intuitive.
However, hearing impairment is a whole different issue and may well require the CWT visual aid.
73, Kent K9ZTV
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