Bandwidth & Filters

Bandwidth & Filters

The sBitx features ring-free, smooth filtering. A good operator can use these filters effectively to dig out weaker signals.

Having a narrow bandwidth of reception, decreases the noise around the signal. Decreasing it too much can make the signal unintelligible too. 

Filter for FT8

For the FT8, the settings should always be 4 KHz. This wide bandwidth setting enables the sBitx to receive almost twice as many signals as a conventional analog radio. It also eliminates the need to use SPLIT to transmit or receiver at greater offset from the base frequency.

Filters for SSB

For SSB, filters between 1.8 KHz and 3 KHz are suitable. The 2.2 KHz filter is a good choice for all voice modes including the SSB.

Filters for CW, RTTY and PSK31

On CW, you can use wide and narrow bandwidths very effectively.

You should use a wider filter while hunting for CW signals. Having a very narrow filter, let’s say 200 Hz while hunting CW with a step of 1 KHz will result in skipping of many signals (in the remaining 800 Hz of the skipped step). Usually, when hunting for stations, it is a good idea to use a wide filter. 

Once you have selected a signal, switch to a smaller tuning step size (10 Hz is ideal for this), a narrower filter (try 400 Hz)  and center the signal inside the bandwidth strip for best decoding and pleasing audio