Hi David,
Please study my example that led me to a different meaning. Sorry for technical terms...
" The DSP noise didn’t affect normal operation. For
example, the FT-450 made it possible for me to work 3B7C on 40 meter CW, since my own transceiver was on the fritz."
I first interpreted it that my own transmitter was aimed at the fritz while I was watching him on the FT-450.
Substituting your meaning instead of "on the fritz" gives a possible solution, that is my own transceiver was in faulty condition.
It would need more fluent English in my head to go further into the issue...
Anyway, fritz is a German, mainly soldier as far as I know.
Best regard: ha4yf a.k.a Bela Halmi