Help With Tuning an NC-300 for CW

[W1TTL]

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

[Pete, WA2CWA]

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.

[W1TTL]

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

[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