Qmac HF-90 User Manual - HF
Contents
1. This display shows that Scan has been enabled on the given channel Press the ZERO 0 key to toggle between Scan settings and then press the STAR key to save Do not program more than 8 channels as scan channels 6 is ideal otherwise you will experience problems receiving Selcalls due to the time it will take to scan around all channels Once you have pressed the STAR key to save the Scan setting the display will show your channel mode setting For example This display shows that USB mode sideband has been enabled on the given channel Press the ZERO 0 key to toggle between mode settings and then press the STAR key to save and loopback to the start or press the HASH key to save and exit Section 1 1 1 INTRODUCTION About this Guide The main purpose of this guide is to provide you the HF 90 user with all the information you require to ensure optimum performance from your HF 90 radio The Guide explains in detail how to operate the HF 90 once it has been programmed by an authorised Q MAC Representative It also contains an Addendum concerning Field Programming which is relevant only to international users outside of Australia who are licensed to program their own operating frequencies The Guide also covers basic principals of installation by way of check lists It does not give comprehensive instructions on how to install the HF 90 We recommend that the insta2. Lowey t A tL This display shows that the Selcall is being sent ie in transmit mode Several seconds after pressing the STAR key to send the Telcall you should hear a series of high pitched beeps This is the Telcall Confirmation being transmitted from the Telephone Interconnect Station to let you know that your Telcall has been received successfully If you do not hear the Telcall Confirmation you should repeat the procedure outlined above on the same channel or a new channel If your Selcall is not successful this may be due to inappropriate frequency selection or excessive interference refer to Section 2 3 of this Guide If your Telcall is successful ie you hear the Telcall Confirmation you will hear the telephone ring at the other end This will take several seconds as the Telephone Interconnect Unit has to complete its dialling After the person at the other end picks up the telephone you will generally have to wait for a start tone before proceeding with your call Please note that communications will be in simplex mode HF radio mode therefore you should inform the telephone user that you are calling from an HF radio and that all speech should be ended with the word OVER If the telephone at the other end is not picked up try again later Telcall Hang up If your Telcall is successful and you have managed to get through to the telephone user you should complete the call ie hang up b
3. Scanning may be cancelled manually by pressing the PTT switch on your microphone or one of the CHAN scroll keys Section 5 7 Tune key The tune function allows you to transmit a continuous carrier signal at reduced power for manually tuning long wire antennas and un tuned whips when used in conjunction with an antenna tuning unit ATU Activating the tune function To activate the tune function press and release the TUNE key Your HF 90 will transmit a continuous carrier signal at reduced power for several seconds You will hear a continuous tone and the display will appear as follows This display shows that the tune function is in process 42 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide 27 Section 5 8 LED display Default display The default display on your HF 90 will appear as follows It will either show the channel number last in use Australian Version only OT It will show the freguency last in use International Version and Frequency Hopping Version This default display is always preceded by the channel last in use which times out after approximately two seconds Your HF 90 radio will always revert to a default display in the following circumstances n When it is first switched on 7 When you have cancelled a function or n When a function has automatically timed out Automatic display time out The HF 90 incorporates an automatic display time out facil
4. Programming the Selcall ID Number front panel keypad DTMF keypad A AI lt Bx Dx L AZ aa 4 digit Selcall ID instruction only applies to the International Version which has The above Australian Version or the not been set up for Field Programming 45 Section 6 6 Advanced functions summary Below is a summary of the steps key presses involved in working through the advanced functions Please note that the letter X is used to denote any individual number Send Selcall DTMF keypad p 4 digit Selcall ID Resend last Selcall DTMF keypad Send Telcall DTMF keypad x lt gt lt Dx x le Dx gt Bx eee ee Resend last 4 digit Selcall ID Telephone No Telcall DTMF keypad 28 4 6 Telcall Hang up DTMF keypad 4 44 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 5 6 b USB LSB mode selection key This function is available only on the International Version The HF 90 will operate in either USB Upper Sideband or LSB Lower Sideband mode LSB decimal indicator If LSB channels are pre programmed in the HF 90 or manually selected a decimal indicator will appear on the bottom left of the display The decimal indicator appears just above the LSB label which is printed below the display window For example if Channel 245 is selected and it is set to LSB mode the display appears as follows LSB This displ
5. Q MAC Electronics Pty Ltd Western Australia Represented by HF TRANSCEIVERS amp ANTENNA SYSTEMS A MAC Electronics Pty Ltd lt E O ye TS phi sceiver HF SSB Tran www gmac com s h f ried 4 A ad f m 3 iv f gt SG h 4 hd ly f L S E P dg p 7 a 4 gt 7 X Ze A ML ot ae ohhh ab omy WAY os 3 S S PTA 4 r 6 i ho ys SEET oy V j o aad f i R 4 Sia 2 AY p r S ay a Yi 5 vy AK 7 P bol 7 CAAM No part of this manual may be copied transcribed translated or reproduced in any manner or form whatsoever for commercial purposes without obtaining prior written permission from Q MAC Electronics Pty Ltd However limited copying is permitted for private use providing authorship is acknowledged Copyright of O MAC Electronics Pty Ltd Print date May 2000 Literature Reference Number GUIDE06 PUB HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Q MAC Electronics HEAD OFFICE PO Box 1334 Osborne Park Business Centre Western Australia 6916 Phone 61 0 8 9242 2900 Fax 61 0 8 9242 3900 E mail sales qmac com Website http www qmac com Notes NOTES TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1 Introduction 1 1 About this Guide s525 lt cixcaticddessctedextadeiadiveinceiesteisianinces 1 1 2 Glossary Of TOF olda at eel no n Sao 2 Section 2 Understanding HF SSB 2 Wh
6. supplied with the Advanced Model HF 90 Section 6 of this Guide gives detailed instruction on how to use each of these controls The Addendum concerning Field Programming also covers operation of the DTMF microphone handset Press to talk PTT switch STAR key Numeric keys AIO HASH key The HF 90 when ordered together with the avionics interface is supplied with a modified front panel which incorporates all of the standard operating controls opposite left together with a DTMF keypad top Refer to Section 7 2 of this Guide 15 Section 5 1 5 STANDARD FUNCTIONS OON OFF switch Switching the HF 90 on To switch the HF 90 on move the ON OFF switch downward to the ON position When the set is switched on an audible beep is heard and the front panel display appears as follows This display shows the version number of the radio HF 90A for the Australian Version OR This display shows the version number of the radio HF 90E for the International Version OR This display shows the version number of the radio HF 90H for the Frequency Hopping Version 16 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 8 2 7 When using the TA 90 autotune system ensure that the whip antenna is undamaged the white antenna insulator is clean and undamaged the red wire feeding the top of the insulator is clear of metalwork by at
7. unsuccessful Selcall Resend Please note that you can resend the last recorded Selcall quickly and easily by pressing the STAR key twice Receiving a Selcall When receiving a Selcall you will hear a series of continuous loud beeps which cannot be adjusted with the VOLUME control knob this is the Selcall Alarm In addition your display will flash the Selcall ID of the station that is calling you For example This flashing display shows that you have received a call from Station No 4321 You can respond to the call immediately by pressing your microphone PTT switch and commencing communications with the calling station Pressing the PTT switch immediately cancels the Selcall Alarm Once the Selcall Alarm has been cancelled the display will revert to the default channel display When a Selcall is being received you should not adjust the user controls as this may result in the incoming call being lost 33 Section 6 1 Special Note Using the TA 90 autotune system If the Selcall Alarm is not cancelled the audible alarm will time out after sixty seconds However the display will continue to show that a call has been received by flashing the Selcall ID of the calling station until the PTT switch is pressed This provides a call recording facility for when the radio is unattended However if another call is received before the radio operator returns the new call will be recorded and the previous call
8. entering its tune sequence refer to Section 7 1 of this Channel configuration When scrolling up and down channels you may notice that your channel numbers do not follow a regular sequence such as 1 2 3 4 5 For example they could appear as 1 2 13 56 245 This will depend on how your HF 90 has been programmed and for what use The maximum number of channels you can have programmed into the HF 90 is 255 Please note that when scrolling the channel numbers will wrap around from highest to lowest and vice versa For example the channels on your HF 90 could appear in a sequence such as this 253 204 255 1 2 3 If you have an Advanced Model HF 90 you may notice when Special Note scrolling between the lowest and highest channel number that Advanced Model the display shows the word SCAN This is a separate channel designated for Selcall Scan refer to Section 6 4 of this Guide 20 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Power source Grounding Section 8 1 You should use the HF 90 in conjunction with a Q MAC Battery If you plan to use any other type of battery pack you must contact your Q MAC Representative to ensure that the battery you have chosen is suitable The HF 90 must be properly connected to a suitably charged 12 24 Volt battery If the set does not receive adequate voltage it will not operate properly there may be speech distortion on transmit and the LED display will begin to d
9. handset when speaking over HF SSB radio As a general rule you should speak clearly and a little slower and louder than normal when speaking over HF SSB radio Instructions for making a Selcall Selective Call are outlined in Section 6 1 of this Guide Section 10 10 ACCESSORIES Q MAC supplies a whole range of support accessories for the HF 90 transceiver Whether you intend to use your HF 90 as a portable vehicle mount base station or multi role transceiver Q MAC can provide suitable accessories for your requirement Some of the accessories which we supply include 7 Antennas and antenna tuning units manpack portable vehicle and base station 7 Batteries rechargeable and non rechargeable m Battery chargers mains power vehicle battery and solar 7 Mains power supply units Canvas backpacks olive drab or blue and weather proof fibreglass carry cases grey or red m External speakers c w audio mute squelch facility microphones and telephone handsets m CW Telegraph keys and headphones m Vehicle Installation Kits For more information on the accessories which are supplied by Q MAC you should speak to your Q MAC Representative 10 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide 59 Section 9 DB 25 connector rear panel of avionics interface male oe eee ee ee ee ee Dy oe E 2 The illustration above shows the pins on the DB 25 connector which is found only on the re
10. least 50mm and that the ground connection to the TA 90 Tuner is adequate 7 When using a tapped whip antenna always ensure that the tap selected corresponds to the channel frequency in use on your HF 90 radio usually the channel frequency is engraved next to the tap In addition the excess portion of the wander lead should be wrapped tightly around the antenna Minimising engine interference m Correct grounding will go a long way toward minimising engine interference 7 Q MAC can also provide an interference suppression kit which further reduces the likelihood of engine interference 53 Section 8 2 Power source m The HF 90 must be properly connected to a suitably charged 12 24 Volt battery If the set does not receive adequate voltage it will not operate properly there may be speech distortion on transmit and the LED display will begin to dim 7 The power cable supplied by Q MAC is designed to minimise voltage drop between the vehicle battery and the HF 90 Installing a light core cable will result in severe transmitter distortion and could damage the radio In a vehicle installation O MAC recommends that you fit a cartridge fuse 20 Amp in the active wire close to the battery This will protect the power cable from the risk of damage through short circuit Section 5 1 The display on the previous page will be shown for half a second immediately followed by another display showing relevant software inf
11. test the alarm function or transmit an RFDS Emergency Alarm Testing the alarm function To test the alarm function press and release the ALARM key Your display will appear as follows This display shows that the test alarm is being generated In conjunction with the above you will hear the sound of the two tone test alarm being generated In this instance the alarm is not being transmitted The test alarm signal will continue sounding for sixty seconds or until another key is pressed from the left or right key column Transmitting an RFDS Emergency Alarm To transmit the RFDS Emergency Alarm press and hold the alarm key for two seconds Your display will appear as illustrated on the following page 23 Section 5 5 Important This display shows that the RFDS Emergency Alarm is being transmitted In conjunction with the above you will hear the sound of the two tone RFDS Emergency Alarm being transmitted The RFDS Emergency Alarm will continue to transmit for sixty seconds or until another key is pressed from the left or right key column Please ensure that you use the RFDS Emergency Alarm only when you have a genuine emergency situation 24 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 6 6 Send Beacon Request DTMF keypad 4 x x 2 lt Dx 28 _E 4 digit Selcall ID Initiate Selcall Scan DTMF keypad front panel keypad Press down or to select Scan
12. tis EE59B none utca en euniddelcteteh es 3 2 2 How does HF SSB work 0 ceccccccceeeccccceceeccceeeecees 4 2 3 Factors which affect HF SSB communications 7 Section3 Speaking on air 3 1 How to make a voice Call ee 9 3 2 RAdo Alphab l ssziispsdno dada dednlhia b ene 11 Section 4 Overview of the HF 90 4 1 HF 90 Versions and Models ee 12 4 2 Operating the HF 90 4 z esse add dada onde 14 Section 5 Standard functions Dili ON OFF switch zase sono modes 16 5 2 Volume control KNOb su s arukisslisad nao dssniksa 18 5 3 Channel up down scroll keys cceeseeeeeteeeeseees 19 5 4 Clarifier up down scroll keys eee 21 I Ala KES nerean okr ou te Fane ak 23 5 6 USB LSB mode selection key 25 STe PINS AC ZVE atta on APOS MPR OREA 27 SS SIGE Display ddd oie a E EAEE o 28 59 Erase functions nirea ee EEE snov 29 5 10 Press to talk PTT switch eeeeeeeeeeseeeeereeess 30 70 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Addendum 1 4 Section 6 Advanced functions Field programming summary Gal Selca 0 sonb coats bad eu dans OKE E 31 6 2 LEICA ern r eree tne a aE rea a AEE EE E A neasi 35 E 10 E TETES 40 i Global settings Channel settings GA lt S lCall Scaieni iiini iei 42 6 5 Selca Mutere naoin EA 43 6 6 Advanced function
13. volume level on your set will remain at the When mode selection has been disabled new setting until an incoming Selcall Telcall is received Please note that if manual mode selection has been disabled on your set you will not be able to alter the pre programmed mode settings In this instance when you press and release the MODE key your display will show the word When you receive an incoming Selcall Telcall whilst CLOSED It will appear as follows Selcall Mute is activated the HF 90 immediately detects the incoming Selcall and breaks the mute In other words es the volume level on the set is automatically reset to an o E l A audible level so that you can begin communications when NR KN ONEN TEN TE necessary Receiving a Selcall This display shows that the mode selection function is CLOSED ie disabled The incoming Selcall Telcall is then received normally as outlined in Sections 6 1 and 6 2 of this Guide When you see the above message on the display you will l If you wish to reset the Selcall Mute once you have received know that the operating mode cannot be manually adjusted a Selcall simply repeat the procedure as outlined above Warning Some countries have restrictions regarding the operating mode s which can be used on an HF radio Special Note Audio Mute Please note that an audio mute squelch facility is also available via the Q MAC External Mount Speaker
14. 90H Version refer to Section 11 of this Guide HF 90 Models In addition the HF 90 is available in two different formats Namely The Standard Model and The Advanced Model 12 HF 90 Operation 8 Installation Guide Section 9 9 EXTERNAL CONNECTORS Microphone connector front panel male 8 7 Pin No Function 1 Microphone 1 2 6 2 Transmit data 3 5 3 Receive data 4 Loud speaker 4 The illustration above shows the 5 Press to talk pin numbers on the front panel microphone connector 6 Ground 7 Microphone 2 8 5 Volt Power connector rear panel male 4 Pin No Function 1 Ground 3 2 Loud speaker 2 3 Aux power The illustration above shows the 4 12 to 28 pin numbers on the rear panel Volt power connector 57 Section 8 3 Antenna The best antenna for a base station system in terms of radiation efficiency is one which has been cut to length and pre tuned These antennas usually accommodate a limited number of frequencies If you wish to have maximum flexibility in terms of frequency selection a broadband dipole is the best type of base station antenna You should discuss your antenna requirements with your Q MAC Representative Ensure that the coaxial cable which connects the antenna to the HF 90 is no longer than necessary Base station antennas must be mounted away from overhanging power lines and telephone lines Ensure
15. Alternatively if you have an HF 90 with avionics interface audio mute is enabled or disabled by simultaneously pressing and then releasing the 2 and 5 keys centre top two keys on the DTMF keypad 26 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide 43 Section 6 4 Selcall Scan The HF 90 Advanced Model incorporates a Selcall Scan function Selcall Scan allows you to monitor up to eight programmed channels for incoming Selcalls Telcalls The optimum number of channels which should be programmed for Selcall Scan is no more than six Activating Selcall Scan To activate Selcall Scan simply press the 0 key on your DTMF keypad Alternatively you may select Scan by using the CHAN scroll keys on the front panel of the HF 90 Scan lies between the highest and lowest channels programmed in your radio think of it as being Channel 0 When scan is initiated your display will temporarily appear as follows This display shows that Scan is selected Once Scan been selected and the key released scanning will commence You will see the channels being scanned in sequence and hear a clicking sound as each new channel temporarily locks into place Selcall Scan will continue until an incoming Selcall Telcall is received at which point the HF 90 will stop scanning and lock on the appropriate channel The HF 90 will then respond in accordance with normal Selcall Telcall procedure as described in Sections 6 1 and 6 2 of this Guide
16. Special Note Using the TA 90 autotune system Section 6 2 You can respond to the call immediately by pressing your microphone PTT switch and beginning communications with the telephone user Pressing the PTT switch will immediately cancel the Selcall Alarm Once the Selcall Alarm has been cancelled your display will revert to the default channel display If the Selcall Alarm is not cancelled the audible alarm will automatically time out after sixty seconds However the display will continue to show that a call has been received by flashing the Selcall ID of the calling station until the PTT switch is pressed This provides a call recording facility for when the radio is unattended However if another call is received before the radio operator returns the new call will be recorded and the previous call will be overwritten If you ever leave your radio unattended and then return to find that someone has sent you a Telcall you will know immediately which station has called you by looking at the Selcall ID on your display If the telephone user has left their telephone number for you to call them back you can retrieve this number by pressing the STAR key followed by the HASH key The telephone number will scroll across the left side of the display After pressing these two keys to retrieve the telephone number press the STAR key once more to return their call These three key presses in sequence will initiate the Telcall Resend functi
17. ake and receive calls to from another radio easily and directly by a simple method of digital signalling Selcall allows you to send a coded alarm signal to alert a specific radio user that they are being called If the Selcall is received successfully by the other radio user their set will automatically transmit a positive confirmation alarm back to your set For you to be able to use Selcall the radio which you wish to communicate with must also have the Selcall function The HF 90 uses a Selcall format which is compatible with all major Australian brands and Telstra Radphone Services relevant only to users within Australia Please refer to the end of Section 6 1 for instructions on how to program the Selcall ID number Sending a Selcall Tosenda Prior to sending a Selcall ensure you are on the correct Selcalluse the Sejcall channel We recommend using the Beacon facility PAME c to select the appropriate Selcall channel refer to Section 6 3 handset of this Guide or front panel if using HF 90 with avionics interface First press the STAR key Pressing this key initiates the Selcall procedure Your display will appear as follows This display shows that Selcall has been initiated 31 Section 6 1 Next press the numeric keys to select the appropriate Selcall ID four digits of the station you wish to contact As you press each individual numeric key the corresponding number will appear on
18. al Selcall The procedure is as follows Press the HASH key followed by the Selcall ID of the station you wish to communicate with then press the STAR key to send the Beacon Request You will hear the same varying high pitched tone as you do with a Selcall and your display will appear as follows This display shows that the Beacon Request is being sent ie in transmit mode 40 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 5 9 Erase function Special Note The HF 90 incorporates a direct entry Erase Function which allows the operator to guickly and easily erase the memory of the HF 90 This feature may be required if you wish to reprogram the HF 90 in the field refer to Addendum at the back of this Guide or if you wish to ensure that channel frequency information remains secure in circumstances Where the HF 90 falls into enemy hands relevant to military paramilitary operators only To erase the memory of the HF 90 simply hold down the CHAN up and CLAR up keys together for six seconds The display will appear as follows This display shows that the Erase Function is in progress The display will show the word ErASE for twelve seconds whilst the memory is being erased Finally the HF 90 will reset as though being turned on for the first time refer to Section 5 1 of this Guide Please note that this function will erase all channels in memory except for on
19. all facility allows you to make and receive direct calls to from a normal DTMF touch pad telephone without the need for a telephone operator The HF 90 uses a Telcall format which is compatible with all major Australian brands and Telstra s Radphone Services relevant only to users within Australia Telcall must be used in conjunction with an approved Telephone Interconnect Unit or Service Sending a Telcall To send a Telcall use the DTMF keypad on your mic handset or front panel if using HF 90 with avionics interface Prior to sending a Telcall ensure you are on the correct Selcall Telcall channel We recommend using the Beacon facility to select the appropriate Selcall Telcall channel refer to Section 6 3 in this Guide First press the STAR key Pressing the STAR key will initiate Selcall the first step required in sending a Telcall Your display will appear as follows This display shows that Selcall has been initiated Next press the numeric keys to select the appropriate Selcall ID four digits This will be the Selcall ID of the Telstra Radphone Station relevant only to users within Australia or other Telephone Interconnect Station As you press each individual numeric key the corresponding number will appear on the display until all numbers have been selected As this point all numbers will appear on the display together An example is illustrated on the following page 35
20. ar panel of the avionics interface Pin No Function 1 2 3 14 15 Ground 11 12 13 24 12 28V DC 25 5 Microphone active 9 Loud speaker audio 17 Microphone ground 22 PTT 7 19 20 Aux supply to TA 90 Tuner 58 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 3 2 Radio alphabet When it is necessary to spell out words over the radio you should use the following words to denote individual letters The Radio Alphabet listed below is used in all countries as an International Standard Letter Word Letter Word A Alpha N November B Bravo o Oscar C Charlie P Papa D Delta Q Quebec E Echo R Romeo F Foxtrot S Sierra G Golf T Tango H Hotel U Uniform I India V Victor J Juliet W Whisky K Kilo X X ray L Lima Y Yankee M Mike Z Zulu 11 Section 4 1 4 OVERVIEW OF THE HF 90 HF 90 Versions and Models HF 90 Versions In order to satisfy the requirements of different users Q MAC Electronics have developed the following software versions for the HF 90 radio The HF 90A Version referred to as the Australian Version The HF 90E Version referred to as the International Export Version and m The HF 90H Version referred to as the Frequency Hopping Version relevant to military paramilitary and peace keeping forces Throughout this Guide you will notice references to all three versions A separate Guide also covers specific aspects of the HF
21. ay shows that the channel in use Channel 245 is set to LSB mode Note the LSB label below the display window Changing the operating mode To change the operating mode for a particular channel first select the appropriate channel refer to Section 5 3 of this Guide then press and release the MODE key The new mode will now be selected and the display will show this change For example This display shows that USB mode is selected OR 25 Section 5 6 Section 6 5 a L Selcall Mute This display shows that LSB mode is selected The Selcall Mute function is used to mute the HF 90 receiver whilst you wait for an incoming Selcall Telcall The Selcall Mute cuts out all noise on the receiver including voice ie it is not selective You can operate Selcall Mute when the set is tuned to a particular channel or when it is in Subsequent presses of the MODE key will simply allow you to move back and forth between USB and LSB modes Once the operating mode has been changed for a particular channel this setting will remain in place until another Scan Mode channel is selected or until the HF 90 is switched off When returning back to the original channel the operating mode is Activating Selcall Mute not saved ie it will go back to its original programmed setting To activate Selcall Mute simply turn the VOLUME control knob in an anti clockwise direction until the noise level is diminished The
22. ble is unusually long it is good practice to ground the coaxial connector where it enters the radio This can be done by using heavy copper braid connected to a local ground stake This may also result in improved rejection of local noise 55 Section 8 3 Base station systems When using the HF 90 in a base station configuration you should observe the following check list Positioning the HF 90 Power source Ensure that the HF 90 is mounted in a position which allows easy access for operation In addition the loudspeaker should be positioned close to where the operator will sit The HF 90 must be mounted in a position which allows a free flow of air through the rear heatsink cooling fins When installing the HF 90 in a base station you should use the Q MAC HF 90 Mounting Cradle Assembly instructions are provided with each cradle Do not expose the HF 90 to direct sunlight for extended periods In a base station installation the HF 90 should not be placed directly on top of the Mains PSU Some PSUs can generate an excessive amount of heat Do not connect the HF 90 directly with AC mains supply This will cause serious damage to the HF 90 and may result in personal injury 54 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 4 2 DTMF microphone handset controls Special Note HF 90 with avionics interface The following illustration shows the operating controls which are on the DTMF microphone handset
23. d for one system is not necessarily good for another The way in which your system is installed is also extremely important Certain rules which must be observed for HF SSB installations such as correct antenna positioning and proper grounding will affect the success of your communications sometimes quite dramatically Installation is covered in more detail in Section 8 of this Guide To ensure no mistakes are made with your system configuration and or installation you should speak to your Q MAC Representative special Note Please note that communications on any HF SSB radio will sound different to that on a VHF Very High Frequency radio UHF Ultra High Frequency radio or telephone Because of the nature of HF SSB propagation a marginal level of background noise is always expected This is normal 8 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide 61 Section 11 11 FURTHER READING Other publications and documents produced by Q MAC include HF 90 Technical Manual TA 90 Technical Manual m HF 90 Frequency Hopping User Guide Ouick Reference Guide HF 90 Programming Package 7 Quick Reference Guide HF 90 Manpack Ouick Reference Guide HF 90 Portable Package m Quick Reference Guide HF 90 Vehicle Package Ouick Reference Guide HF 90 Avionics Package m Australian Frequency List In addition to the above Q MAC can supply Data Sheets on the various HF 90 packages and accessories which are availabl
24. e the lowest channel This is because the HF 90 requires a minimum of one channel programmed in memory at all times 29 Section 5 10 Press to talk PTT switch To begin communications Special Note Using the TA 90 autotune system To begin communications ie to transmit simply press and hold down the PTT switch on your microphone handset and then communicate in accordance with radio protocol refer to Section 3 of this Guide Please note that if you are using the HF 90 in conjunction with the TA 90 autotune system you will hear a continuous high pitched tone for a few seconds once you have presses the PTT switch for the first time on a new channel This is the TA 90 Tuner entering its tune sequence refer to Section 7 1 of this Viewing the transmit frequency To view the transmit frequency simply press the PTT Switch on your microphone or handset The display will show the frequency in kHz Because the channel resolution of the HF 90 is 100Hz the frequency is displayed to one decimal place For example ME Ea O eee This display shows a transmit frequency of 12650 0kHz which is the same as 12 65MHz Cancelling a function To cancel any function simply press and release the PTT switch on your microphone handset This will immediately cancel the function and the current display The HF 90 will then revert back to the default display 30 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide
25. e Please ask your Q MAC Representative for further details 60 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 3 1 3 SPEAKING ON AIR How to make a voice call Example Here follow a number of rules you should observe when making a voice call on your HF 90 radio or any HF SSB radio Select the appropriate channel according to its frequency Before voice calling the other station listen to the channel to see if it is busy If the channel is busy you should wait until communications have ceased If the channel is free you can proceed with your call Press and hold down the PTT switch on your microphone handset and give a long voice call 5 10 seconds indicating the station you are calling on Perth base Perth base Perth base this is Mobile 5ABC Mobile 5ABC Mobile 5ABC calling on Channel 50 Over Please note this is also the recommended method of voice calling any Telstra Radphone Station or RFDS Royal Flying Doctor Service Station relevant only to users within Australia It is better if you can end all of your communications with the word OVER This indicates clearly to the other user that you have finished what you wish to say so that they may speak This is very important particularly when you are speaking to someone who is on a telephone via a telephone interconnect unit Section 3 1 Ensure that your mouth is always close to the microphone or mouthpiece on a telephone
26. has a limited number of frequencies programmed into it as you may only be able to communicate effectively at certain times of the day The above rule the higher the sun is the smaller the distance covered for a particular frequency also applies to the season or month of the year Generally speaking you will need to use a higher frequency to communicate effectively during Summer months than you would need to in Winter Section 2 3 Addendum Weather conditions Certain weather conditions will also affect the success of your HF SSB communications You may find that in stormy conditions the background noise on your radio will increase as a result of static caused by lightning Man made electrical interference Interference of an electrical nature can be caused by overhanging power lines high power generators air conditioners thermostats refrigerators and vehicle engines when in close proximity to your antenna The result of such interference may be a continuous or intermittent increase in ADDENDUM the level of background noise System configuration and installation Note that the following addendum only relates to The equipment you choose and the way in which it is set up the HF 90 International Version will also affect the success of your HF SSB where field programming has been enabled communications With respect to system configuration your choice of antenna system and power supply is critical What is goo
27. her 5 units until the upper limit of 100 units is reached To adjust the clarifier level on your HF 90 in a downward direction thus decreasing the receive frequency press and release the CLAR down key The first time you press the CLAR down key the display will show the numeral zero as illustrated on the previous page Press and release the CLAR down key again This time the display will appear as follows This display shows that the clarifier has been adjusted by 5 units Each subsequent press of the CLAR down key will decrease the receive frequency by another 5 units until the lower limit of 100 units is reached Once the clarifier has been adjusted for a particular channel the new setting will remain in place until another channel is selected or until the HF 90 is switched off When returning back to the original channel the clarifier setting is not saved ie it will be set back at the zero level Section 7 2 Avionics interface The HF 90 may be supplied together with an avionics interface for installation within a fixed wing aircraft or helicopter The complete avionics unit incorporating the HF 90 and avionics interface is supplied within a General Aviation GA frame and comes together with the following m An extended front panel incorporating all standard HF 90 controls plus a DTMF keypad 7 A separate rear panel incorporating a DB 25 connector providing all interfacing to the avion
28. high pitched tone for a few seconds only if your volume level has not been muted after which voice communications can commence as normal Changing channel and transmitting When you change channel and then press the PTT switch on your microphone handset to transmit for the first time you will hear the TA 90 enter its tune sequence as outlined above Aside from pressing the PTT switch your HF 90 also transmits when receiving a valid Selcall Telcall or Beacon Request It transmits by way of a Selcall Telcall Confirmation or Beacon back to the originating radio refer to Section 6 in this Guide When this happens and you have not transmitted previously on the given channel the TA 90 enters its tune sequence prior to transmitting Receiving Selcall Telcall or Beacon Request in scan mode If you are scanning channels when you receive a valid Selcall Telcall or Beacon Request the HF 90 will stop scanning lock on the relevant channel and the TA 90 will enter its tune sequence prior to transmitting the Selcall Telcall Confirmation or Beacon 46 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide The ALARM key is for use in emergency situations so that you can alert the RFDS Royal Flying Doctor Service quickly and effectively To use the ALARM key you must be on an REDS channel a list of RFDS channels is printed on the Australian Frequency List supplied with your HF 90 Once you have selected an RFDS channel you can either
29. ics system refer to Section 9 of this Guide There is one additional function offered by the HF 90 avionics unit which is not available on the standard HF 90 Transceiver This is outlined below All other operations will be as per the HF 90 International Version Audio mute function There is an audio mute circuit incorporated within the avionics interface which can be enabled or disabled via the front panel DTMF keypad When enabled all background noise will be muted until such time as incoming audio or an incoming Selcall is received When incoming audio is received the mute is broken so that communications are audible If no audio is received after approximately three seconds the receive signal will once again be muted To enable or disable the audio mute simply press down the TWO 2 and FIVE 5 keys simultaneously These are located centre top of the DTMF keypad 22 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide 47 Section 7 1 Section 5 5 7 COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS a Alarm key This function is available only on the Australian Version TA 90 autotune system When using the HF 90 in conjunction with the TA 90 autotune system for vehicle use there are certain operating characteristics which you should be aware of In short whenever the HF 90 transmits for the first time on a given channel prior to a channel change the TA 90 Tuner will enter its tune sequence As the TA 90 tunes you will hear a
30. im Q MAC recommends that you have a fuse in line with the battery cable so as to avoid damage to the cable and battery in the event of a short circuit Q MAC offers a variety of battery charger options so that you can charge your battery from a solar source mains power terminal or vehicle battery In all manpack and portable systems an adequate ground earth is essential for satisfactory operation of the HF 90 radio If a counterpoise is provided with your portable antenna system ensure this is fully extended If a ground stake is provided with your portable antenna system ensure this is placed into the ground as far as possible Grounding will also be improved where the surrounding soil is wet or damp 49 Section 8 1 Section 5 4 Clarifier up down scroll keys Manpack and portable systems The clarifier function allows you to adjust the quality of audio to obtain maximum intelligibility by fine tuning the pitch of the received signal A clarifier adjustment may be When using the HF 90 in a manpack or portable system we required when receiving a signal which is slightly off recommend that you use the Q MAC Canvas Backpack or frequency Clarifier does not work while the set is in Weather proof Fibreglass Carry Case These are designed transmit mode and will not affect the transmit frequency to house the HF 90 radio and its accessories in a safe and convenient manner Ad justing clarifier All HF 90s which a
31. is display shows that the auto tune function is disabled tune off m The sky wave which travels upward and at an angle from the transmitting antenna until it reaches the ionosphere an ionised layer high above the earth s surface and is refracted back down to earth to the receiving antenna Press the ZERO 0 key to toggle between auto tune settings and then press the STAR key to save and loopback to the start or press the HASH key to save and exit Generally speaking ground wave is used to communicate over shorter distances in most cases less than 50km However because ground wave follows the contours of the earth it is affected by the type of terrain it passes over For example ground wave is rapidly attenuated reduced when it passes over hilly or mountainous terrain Sky wave is used to communicate over medium range and longer distances up to 3 000km and beyond in good conditions Because of the nature of sky wave propagation it is not affected by the type of terrain it passes over This means that communications can be achieved over medium and long distances in mountainous areas using HF SSB sky wave However sky wave propagation is affected significantly by other factors as outlined in Section 2 3 of this Guide Ground wave and sky wave examples are illustrated on the following page 4 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide 65 Addendum 1 2 Section 2 2 Programming of global settings Radi
32. ity which applies to the use of most advanced functions within the set such as sending Selcalls Telcalls or Beacon Requests The time out facility will take effect once you have pressed a function key from the DTMF keypad on your microphone handset Once the function is completed or if another key is not pressed the new display will automatically time out after a period of five seconds At this point the HF 90 will revert to the default display 28 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 6 3 Several seconds after pressing the STAR key to send the Beacon Request you will hear the Beacon as a series of three or four tones depending on which station you are making contact with The strength of these tones will indicate whether or not you are on a suitable channel to communicate with the other station If the Beacon is very weak you should repeat the above procedure on another channel Once you have achieved a strong Beacon you can then proceed with your Selcall or Telcall to that station Receiving a Beacon Request Special Note Using the TA 90 autotune system If your HF 90 receives a Beacon Request the response from your radio is automatic ie there is no need for you to respond manually No Selcall Alarm will be received or recorded when receiving a Beacon Request If your HF 90 is in scan mode when you receive a Beacon Request the scan sequence will restart immediately once the Beacon has been tran
33. llation of your HF 90 be carried out by a qualified Q MAC Representative 68 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 1 2 Glossary of terms ATU BITE CB DTMF HF Hz ID kHz LSB MHz PSU PTT RFDS Selcall SSB Telcall USB Antenna Tuning Unit Built In Test Eguipment Citizen Band Dual Tone Multi Freguency touch pad High Freguency Hertz measure of freguency Identification Kilohertz measure of freguency Lower Sideband Megahertz measure of freguency Power Supply Unit Press To Talk Royal Flying Doctor Service Selective Call Single Sideband Selective Call with Telephone Call facility Upper Sideband HF 90 Operation 8 Installation Guide Addendum 1 3 This display shows that freguency 3740 kHz has been entered Once the receive freguency has been entered and the STAR key pressed your display will now appear as follows This display shows that you are ready to view edit the transmit freguency The display above will disappear as soon as you release the STAR key At this point the display will appear with a transmit freguency which is the same as the receive freguency in kHz unless the channel has previously been programmed for split frequency use The transmit frequency displayed can be accepted by pressing the STAR key or modified by entering the six digit frequency and pressing the STAR key to save and proceed Transmit ca
34. me control knob Channel up down scroll keys Clarifier up down scroll keys Alarm key amp USB LSB mode selection key Tune key LED display Erase function ooo 9 O or Die 14 HF 90 Operation 8 Installation Guide Grounding Section 8 3 You should use the HF 90 in conjunction with the O MAC Power Supply Unit PSU If you plan to use any other type of PSU you must contact your O MAC Representative to ensure that the unit you have chosen is suitable The HF 90 must be properly connected to a 12 24 Volt PSU If the set does not receive adequate voltage it will not operate properly there may be speech distortion on transmit and the LED display will begin to dim The PSU used in conjunction with the HF 90 must be capable of providing 10 Amp continuous PSUs which are manufactured for use with CB radios are generally not suitable The power cable supplied by Q MAC is designed to minimise voltage drop between the PSU and the HF 90 Installing a light core cable is not recommended The HF 90 is protected against irregular power surges However if you are installing the radio in a location where there is a danger of lightning you should take adequate measures to further protect the HF 90 as the set cannot withstand a direct lightning strike Please enquire with your Q MAC Representative about the different types of lightning protection available If the length of antenna coaxial ca
35. n be inhibited on any channel by pressing the ZERO 0 key twice followed by the STAR key thus selecting frequency 00000 0 Once the transmit frequency is selected and saved the display will show your channel Selcall setting For example This display shows that Selcall has been enabled on the given channel Press the ZERO 0 key to toggle between Selcall settings and then press the STAR key to save 67 Addendum 1 3 Programming of channel settings To enter channel settings press down the STAR key on your DTMF keypad Your display will appear as follows This display shows that you have entered into channel settings First select the channel number you wish to program using the CHAN keys on the front panel of the HF 90 you have a choice of Channel 255 and then press the STAR key on the DTMF keypad to save and proceed Your display will appear as follows This display shows that you are ready to view edit the receive frequency The display above will disappear as soon as you release the STAR key At this point the display will show your current receive frequency in kHz Note that if no receive frequency has been programmed into the selected channel your display will appear as follows This display shows that the channel selected has not been pre programmed At this point enter the new six digit frequency using the numeric keys on you
36. ng mode press and hold down both CLAR keys together for two seconds from the front panel of the HF 90 At this point your display will appear as follows This display shows that you have entered into field programming mode Once in the field programming mode you are ready to program global settings or channel settings refer to following pages 62 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 2 3 Factors which affect HF SSB communications There are a number of different factors which will affect the success of your communications via HF SSB radio These are outlined below Your choice of frequency Time of day Season Generally speaking the higher the frequency you select the longer the distance covered Frequency selection is perhaps the most important factor which will impact on the success of your HF SSB communications Correct frequency selection is made easier with the use of a Beacon facility refer to Section 6 3 of this Guide for details on the HF 90 Beacon As a rule the higher the sun is the smaller the distance covered for a particular frequency This means that you can use a low frequency to communicate during times when the sun is low in the sky early morning late afternoon and evening but you will need to use a higher frequency to cover the same distance during times when the sun is high in the sky midday You will need to observe the above rule carefully if your radio
37. o propagation illustrated To enter global settings press down the HASH key on your DTMF keypad Your display will appear as follows This display shows that you have entered into global settings The display above will disappear as soon as you release the The following illustrations show the characteristics of ground wave and sky wave propagation during the day time and night time Each illustration clearly shows the level of the ionosphere In both illustrations Station A communicates with Stations B C and D Propagation from Station A to B is via ground wave You will notice how the time of day and level of the ionosphere does not affect ground wave Propagation from Station A to C and D is via sky wave You will notice how the time of day and level of the HASH key At this point the display will show the ionosphere affects sky wave message SEL Id briefly followed by your current four digit Selcall ID For example Under each diagram there are recommended working frequencies listed Please note that these will vary according i to time of year and other factors They are intended only as L a guide and are subject to change This display shows your current Selcall ID m DAY TIME You may now enter your new four digit Selcall ID using the lonosphere numeric keys on your DTMF keypad and then press the Sun is higher STAR key to save Your display will a
38. o select a channel higher than the one in use press the CHAN up key By pressing and releasing the CHAN up key you will proceed to the next higher programmed channel By pressing and holding down the CHAN up key you can scroll upward through a number of channels rapidly When the desired channel number is reached you simply release the CHAN up key and the display will stop on the new channel number For example This display shows that the selected channel is Channel 200 If you are operating an International Version HF 90 the channel display will time out after two seconds after which time the operating frequency receive frequency will appear For example This display shows a channel frequency of 12650 0kHz which is the same as 12 65MHz To select a channel lower than the one in use press the CHAN down key in the same manner as mentioned above for the CHAN up key 19 Section 5 3 Special Note Using the TA 90 autotune system Once the appropriate channel has been selected you are ready to commence communication To transmit simply press and hold down the PTT switch on your microphone handset refer to Section 3 1 of this Guide Please note that if you are using the HF 90 in conjunction with the TA 90 autotune system you will hear a continuous high pitched tone for a few seconds once you have presses the PTT switch for the first time on a new channel This is the TA 90 Tuner
39. ockwise direction The VOLUME control knob on the HF 90 uses an Incremental Shaft Encoder This means that there are no physical high low limits when adjusting the volume ie the knob will keep rotating without coming to a stop As you rotate the knob you will detect the high low limits Once a limit is reached turning the knob in the same direction will no longer affect the volume A small audible click occurs with each increase and decrease of volume Please note that the VOLUME control knob can also be used as Special Note a Selcall Mute contro on the HF 90 Advanced Model Please Advanced Model refer to Section 6 5 of this Guide 18 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 8 2 Vehicle systems All HF 90s which are purchased as part of a Vehicle Package are supplied with a Quick Reference Guide which explains how you can get the best results from your radio and antenna system Those users who are not supplied with a complete Vehicle Package or Quick Reference Guide should observe the following check list Positioning the HF 90 7 Ensure that the HF 90 is mounted in a position which allows easy access for operation In addition the loudspeaker should be positioned close to where the operator will sit 7 The HF 90 must be mounted in a position which allows a free flow of air through the rear heatsink cooling fins 7 When mounting the HF 90 in a vehicle you should use the Q MAC HF 90 Mounting Cradle As
40. on Please note that if you are using the HF 90 in conjunction with the TA 90 autotune system you may hear a continuous high pitched tone for a few seconds having received a valid Telcall prior to the transmission of the Telcall Confirmation This is the TA 90 Tuner entering its tune sequence refer to Section 7 1 of 39 Section 6 2 Warning If the hang up command is not executed your call will still be in progress until the auto time out is activated After pressing the HASH key twice your display will appear as follows This display shows that Telcall hang up has been executed The HANGUP display will time out after three seconds and the default channel display will reappear Telcall Resend Please note that you can resend the last recorded Telcall quickly and easily by pressing the following keys in sequence STAR HASH STAR Receiving a Telcall When receiving a Telcall from a telephone user you will hear the Selcall Alarm In addition your display will flash the Selcall ID of the station that is calling you ie the Selcall ID of the Telstra Radphone Station relevant only to users within Australia or other Telephone Interconnect Station For example This flashing display shows that you have received a call from Station No 6101 38 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 6 1 6 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Selcall Selcall short for Selective Call allows you to m
41. ormation For example This display shows Option Level I Release 1 Version 05 The display showing software information will also time out after half a second If you have an Advanced Model HF 90 the display will then show your Selcall ID 4 digits for one second At this point the HF 90 will revert to the default channel freguency display refer to Section 5 8 of this Guide The channel freguency shown will be the one which was last in use Switching the HF 90 off To switch the HF 90 off move the ON OFF switch upward to the OFF position Grounding m In a vehicle system adequate grounding is provided by the metal body of the vehicle The area of metal is sufficient to allow good ground coupling m Ensure that the ground on your antenna system tapped whip antenna or automatic tuner makes a good connection to the chassis of the vehicle Failure to do this may substantially reduce the radiation efficiency of the antenna Antenna Where a bull bar is fitted a vehicle whip antenna should be mounted on the front of a vehicle on a special bracket welded to the bull bar on the passenger side of the vehicle 52 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide 17 Section 5 2 Volume control knob Adjusting volume To increase the volume of received signal on the HF 90 rotate the VOLUME control knob in a clockwise direction Or to decrease the volume on the HF 90 rotate the VOLUME control knob in an anti cl
42. ppear as follows lonosphere is higher AD JK i Optimum working This display shows that your new Selcall ID frequency is has been entered higher The display above will disappear as soon as you release the STAR key At this point the display will show your current power output setting For example 800 km 2 000 km m7 Not to scale A to B Recommended working frequency is 3 MHz A to C Recommended working frequency is 7 9 MHz This display shows that your current power A to D Recommended working frequency is 13 16 MHz output is set to high power hi power 64 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide 5 Section 2 2 NIGHT TIME Sun is lower lonosphere is lower lonosphere Optimum working frequency is lower p V V B 800 km 2 000 km Not to scale A to B Recommended working frequency is 3 MHz A to C Recommended working frequency is 5 to 7 MHz A to D Recommended working frequency is 9 to 12 MHz 6 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Addendum 1 1 Field programming function keys Standard function keys for field programming are as follows 4 Enter global settings OR Save and exit Enter channel settings OR Save and proceed O Toggle between options Note that by pressing down the PTT switch on your microphone you can abort the programming function Exiting field programming mode To exit the field programming mode simply pre
43. r DTMF keypad and then press the STAR key to save The frequency entered must comprise six digits down to 100Hz For example Section 2 1 2 UNDERSTANDING HF SSB What is HF SSB HF High Freguency is the section of the radio spectrum between 1 6 and 30 MHz SSB Single Sideband is a form of radio modulation HF SSB combines the characteristics of HF frequencies with SSB modulation to provide very efficient flexible and inexpensive communications HF SSB will enable short medium and long range communications over flat hilly or mountainous terrain without the need for expensive re transmission devices such as the repeaters used in VHF Very High Frequency communications Also unlike satellite communications there is no dependence on a service provider with all the associated ongoing costs In many remote areas around the globe and in certain conditions HF SSB is the only form of communication possible 66 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 2 2 Addendum 1 2 9 Press the ZERO 0 key to toggle between power output How does HF SSB work settings and then press the STAR key to save At this point the display will show your current auto tune setting When HF SSB radio waves are generated there are usually e two components 7 The ground wave which travels directly from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna following the contours of the earth and Th
44. re purchased as part of a Manpack or Portable Package are supplied with a Quick Reference Guide which explains how you can get the best results from your radio battery and antenna system The CLAR keys on the HF 90 will adjust the clarifier by increments of 5 units The clarifier function enables a maximum adjustment of 100 units To adjust the clarifier level on your HF 90 in an upward direction thus increasing the receive frequency press and release the CLAR up key The first time you press the CLAR up key the display will appear as follows Those users who are not supplied with a Manpack Portable Package or Quick Reference Guide should observe the following check list Using the HF 90 inside a backpack or carry case n Ensure that the HF 90 is placed in a position which allows easy access for operation The zero in the above display indicates that the clarifier has not yet been adjusted ie it is at zero level The HF 90 must be placed in a position which allows HOWE Of ai OVP R ie tear Do o cooling Press and release the CLAR up key again This time the display will appear as follows 7 Do not leave the HF 90 exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time This display shows that the clarifier has been adjusted by 5 units 48 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide 21 Section 5 4 Each subsequent press of the CLAR up key will increase the receive frequency by anot
45. s summary sseseseeesseesse100000 44 Selcall ID Select channel number 4 digits Channel 1 255 Section 7 Compatible products 7 1 TA 90 autotune system ee eeeccceeeeteeeeteeeeeteeees 46 y y 7 2 Avionics interface ssesseeeseeoeseessereseressressrreseee 47 Power output Receive frequency HI P or LO P 6 digits down to 100Hz Section 8 Installation v v 8 1 Manpack and portable systems 48 8 2 Vehicle systems bien eiieocencccosavnesiveccctusnt doting ceased 51 Auto tune setting Transmit frequency 8 3 Base station systems ccscccscssceseesscesseeeeneees 54 TUNEON or TUNEOF 6 digits down to 100Hz Section9 External COMMCCtOSS ccccsccceseceseeeseeeeeeeeeeeneees 57 Selcall setting k SEL ON or SEL OFF SECHION 10 ACCESSOMICS iseda onnaa 59 Section 11 Further reading ccccccceesssssessessesseeeeeeeeeseenees 60 i Scan setting SCANON or SCANOF Addendum ADDENDUM FIELD PROGRAMMING GUIDE 1 1 TAUPO AUCH Osada o R os eb 62 y 1 2 Programming of global settings eee 64 Mode setting 1 3 Programming of channel settings 66 USB or LSB 1 4 Field programming suMMAry cccccceeeseeeeseeees 69 Notes Notes jsscscisetiestsi Gasca ntirta sheatassattvcst ppewoucdieeesnepenecaan 70 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide 69 Addendum 1 3 Warning At this point the display will show your channel Scan setting For example
46. sembly instructions are provided with each cradle m In a vehicle installation the HF 90 may be mounted under the dashboard of the vehicle in the centre console up against the centre console with the front panel facing upward or in an overhead shelf console m The HF 90 should not be mounted on top of a vehicle dashboard where it is exposed to direct sunlight In some places the temperature within a car can reach temperatures in excess of 60 C The top of the dashboard is usually the hottest part of a vehicle 51 Section 8 1 Antenna For portable use an end fed broadband antenna or TM 90 Tuner with O MAC Long Wire Antenna Kit are the most efficient options These are simple to deploy and have omni directional characteristics If instant deployment and personal mobility are required a manpack system incorporating the TM 90 Tuner and whip antenna will be the most appropriate option You should discuss your antenna requirements with your Q MAC Representative Instructions on how to set up and operate manpack portable antennas are provided with all Manpack Portable Packages on the Quick Reference Guide If you are using a whip type antenna avoid touching the antenna as this will detune it There is also a risk of receiving an RF burn if touching the antenna when the radio is transmitting 50 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 5 3 Channel up down scroll keys Selecting a channel T
47. smitted Please note that if you are using the HF 90 in conjunction with the TA 90 autotune system you may hear a continuous high pitched tone for a few seconds having received a valid Beacon Request prior to the transmission of the Beacon This is the TA 90 Tuner entering its tune sequence refer to Section 7 1 of this Guide 41 Section 6 3 Beacon The Beacon facility is used to check the signal strength between two HF 90s or between an HF 90 and another HF transceiver fitted with the same Selcall format such as the transceivers used in the Telstra Radphone Stations relevant only to users within Australia It is recommended that you make use of the Beacon facility prior to making a Selcall or Telcall so that you can ascertain which frequency on which channel will enable the most effective communications for a particular time of day and for particular environmental conditions In short Beacon takes the guess work out of HF SSB communications Sending a Beacon Request To senda Beacon Request use the DTMF keypad on your mic handset or front panel if using HF 90 with avionics interface Sending a Beacon Request is very simple It is almost the same procedure as sending a Selcall the only difference being that instead of pressing the STAR key to initiate a normal Selcall you press the HASH key to initiate a Beacon Request The rest of the procedure is the same as if you were sending a norm
48. ss the HASH key on your DTMF keypad Your display should appear as follows This display shows that you have exited from the field programming mode Whenever exiting or aborting the field programming mode your HF 90 will reset and then proceed through the power on seguence refer to Section 5 1 of this Guide Special Note You may only exit field programming mode after certain settings have been programmed Details are as follows a You can exit from global settings at any time once the Selcall ID has been entered refer to Addendum 1 2 in this Guide a You can exit from channel settings at any time once the receive and transmit frequencies have been entered and saved refer to Addendum 1 3 in this Guide 63 Addendum 1 1 FIELD PROGRAMMING Introduction Field programming is available on all International Version HF 90s which have had this function enabled via the PC Programming Package The Frequency Hopping Version also incorporates field programming however the facilities available with this version are extended If you are operating the Frequency Hopping Version you should refer to the HF 90 Frequency Hopping User Guide Field programming is NOT available with Australian Version HF 90s In order to use the field programming function you require a DTMF microphone handset or keypad in the case of the avionics interface Entering field programming mode To enter into field programmi
49. that your base station antenna is mounted away from high power generators air conditioners thermostats or refrigerators 56 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Special Note Section 4 1 If you require basic functions the Standard Model HF 90 is quite suitable However if you require advanced functions such as Field Programming relevant to certain international users only or Selcall related facilities then you will need the Advanced Model HF 90 This is an additional option If you have a Standard Model HF 90 you can have this upgraded to an Advanced Model easily and cost effectively The upgrade comprises of new operating software and a DTMF Dual Tone Multi Frequency microphone or handset Simply enquire with your Q MAC Representative Section 6 of this Guide covers functions which are available only on the Advanced Model HF 90 All other Sections of this Guide are relevant to both Models Both the Australian Version and the International Version can be configured either as a Standard Model or Advanced Model However the Frequency Hopping Version MUST be configured as an Advanced Model 13 Section 4 2 Operating the HF 90 Front panel controls The following illustration shows the operating controls which are on the front panel of the HF 90 radio The next Section of this Guide Section 5 gives detailed instruction on how to use each of these controls ON OFF switch Volu
50. the display until all numbers have been selected At this point all numbers will appear on the display together For example This display shows that Selcall ID 1234 has been selected If in the process of selecting the Selcall ID you press an incorrect number you can clear the display by pressing and releasing the PTT switch on the microphone Once the Selcall ID has been correctly selected press the STAR key again to send the Selcall You will hear a varying high pitched tone as the Selcall is being transmitted and your display will appear as follows This display shows that Selcall is being sent ie in transmit mode Several seconds after pressing the STAR key to send the Selcall you should hear a series of high pitched beeps This is your positive confirmation known as the Selcall Confirmation being transmitted from the called station to let you know that your Selcall has been received successfully If you do not hear the Selcall Confirmation you should repeat the procedure outlined above on the same channel or a new channel If your Selcall is not successful this may be due to inappropriate frequency selection or excessive interference refer to Section 2 3 of this Guide In the event of strong interference it may be necessary to repeat Selcall up to three times 32 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Important Section 6 2 At this point your display will appear as follows
51. will be overwritten If you leave your radio unattended and then return to find that someone has sent you a Selcall you will know immediately who has called you by looking at the flashing Selcall ID on your display To return their call simply press the STAR key twice This will initiate the Selcall Resend function Please note that if you are using the HF 90 in conjunction with the TA 90 autotune system you may hear a continuous high pitched tone for a few seconds having received a valid Selcall prior to the transmission of the Selcall Confirmation This is the TA 90 Tuner entering its tune sequence refer to Section 7 1 of this Guide Programming the Selcall ID Number Special Note To program the 4 digit Selcall ID number first hold down the two CLAR keys simultaneously for two seconds Then release the CLAR keys to display the current Selcall ID this will be a 4 digit number To enter a new ID select the 4 digits from the numeric keys on the microphone and then press the STAR key to save To display the current new ID press the two CLAR keys simultaneously then release or switch the set off and then on again refer to Section 5 1 of this Guide The above instruction only applies to the Australian Version or the International Version which has not been set up for Field Programming 34 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Telcall Section 6 2 Telcall ie Selcall incorporating a telephone c
52. y pressing the HASH key twice 37 Section 6 2 This display shows that Selcall ID 5678 has been selected Once the Selcall ID has been correctly selected press the HASH key This tells the HF 90 that you wish to send a Telcall as opposed to just a Selcall Your display will now appear as follows This display shows that Telcall has been initiated Next press the numeric keys to select the telephone number As you press each individual numeric key the corresponding number will appear on the display until all numbers have been selected Please note that the display can only show a maximum of six digits characters therefore as you enter the telephone number the digits will scroll across the left side of the screen For example This display shows that a telephone number has been selected with 224555 as the last six digits If in the process of selecting the telephone number you press an incorrect number you can clear the display by pressing and releasing the PTT switch on the microphone Once the telephone number has been correctly selected press the STAR key again to send the Telcall You will hear a varying high pitched tone as the Selcall the first part of your command is being transmitted 36 HF 90 Operation amp Installation Guide Section 6 1 Your display will revert to the default channel display as soon as a Selcall confirmation is received or if the call is
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