What is the purpose of the Receiver Incremental Tuning (RIT) or "Clarifier" control?

The Receiver Incremental Tuning (RIT) or "Clarifier" control is designed primarily to fine-tune the receiving frequency of a signal. It allows a user to make minor adjustments to the frequency of their receiver without changing the main tuning dial. This is particularly useful in situations where signals may not be precisely aligned or when there is a slight offset in frequency due to various technical factors such as interference or frequency drift.

When a user adjusts the RIT, they can effectively shift the receiver to better match the frequency of the incoming signal, enhancing audio clarity and reception quality. The use of this control is critical in communications such as amateur radio, where clarity in receiving signals can significantly impact communication effectiveness. The adjustment made using RIT does not affect the frequency at which the transmitter operates, which is why the control is focused solely on refining the receiving frequency.