The AM Forum

Hi everyone,

I’d like to know if you have any advice for tuning in CW signals on an NC-300.  I am doing everything by the book.  However, no matter which filter setting I use (even in the 500Hz setting), the band is crowded with CW signals.  It’s like there’s a contest going on.  Is there a way to reduce the sensitivity?  When I flip the antenna over to my Kenwood TS-520SE, the band (40m) is nice and quiet except for the strong signals.  Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks and 73,
Tony W1TTL

Barring that the receiver doesn't have any internal problems (alignment, AVC problems, etc.)  you might try the following.
In the NC-300 manual:
On page 2, read Section 1-6 Two-way RF Gain Control. This can help reducing strong signals.
On page 10, read Section 3-3 CW Reception
For CW, selectivity should be in he 500 Hz position.
De-tuning the antenna trimmer can also help with strong signals.

Hi Pete,

Thanks for the advice.  I had been following the directions on page 10 to a "T."  I figured out my problem.  I was confusing the IF Selectivity Control with the Select switch.  D'oh!  It's a little better and if I adjust the phasing so that the signals aren't too strong, I can pick out signals a bit better.

73,
Tony W1TTL

Just as a follow up to this thread... I did a complete RF alignment of my NC-300 following the manual (the radio definitely off as I went through the procedures).  The alignment helped -- CW reception is much better and the filtering has improved.

73
Tony W1TTL