Let me add another perspective:
I use a Kachina - sorry about that, guys! - and the DigiPan PSK31
program. I have found that the DigiPan display provides an outstanding
realtime panoramic display of audio signals within the receiver passband.
This is of little use on SSB but for CW it has proved to be an
outstanding operating aid, especially when operating in pileup
situations. Hearing all the different competing signals is one thing, but
being able to SEE the signals as well completely changes the overall
perception of the operating situation.
Operating QRP in pileups has been much more effective as a result.
While this not precisely the same as the carrier-frequency pan display
under discussion, it is relevant to "competitive operating" especially
for CW.
The Kachina provides a very good Band Scan feature which I must confess I
have used very little although it works well. As Dale points out, this
form of pan display just doesn't seem to have the resolution and
real-time capabilities that would make such information useful.
Many years ago I used the Heathkit pan adapter and even though it was
full-time analog, etc. it was of limited use in SSB operation, and the
resolution was so poor that it was of little use at all for CW.
Bottom line: operating an audio spectral estimation program such as
DigiPan or SpectroGram while operating CW can add a whole new dimension
that I have found to be invaluable in tough operating situation. And this
approach can be used with *any* radio and a soundcard. The software is
free. I routinely operate with a 3.5 KHz passband to "see" a broad swatch
of the band, and then zero in with the 100 Hz filter when conditions
warrant.
72/73, George
Fairview, TX 30 mi NE Dallas in Collin county
Amateur Radio W5YR, in the 54th year and it just keeps getting better!
R/C since 1964 - AMA 98452 RVing since 1972 Kachina #91900556
"Dale L. Martin" wrote:
>
> >I firmly believe that my Ten Tecs can butt heads with most any of the rice
> boxes. One thing I have never heard >about, however (and I think it is
> probably
> the only thing lacking on a T-T rig), is a panoramic display. This would
> >allow
> for genuine competitive operating.
>
> >So, what recommendations can you make for adding some sort of pan display to
> my Paragon I or Omni-V?
>
> Hi, Mike.
>
> I'm not sure I agree that a panoramic display is or would be effective for
> 'genuine competitive operating'. I believe they are more a nicety than a real
> benefit to 'competitive operating.' Beyond seeing any other band activity
> while
> on an essentially 'dead' band, I've found it to be of very little use or
> benefit. In fact, when I'm operating a radio containing one, after a bit, I
> don't even notice the display.
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