Kenwood MFJ User Manual

MFJ Microphone Control Center Instruction Manual

MFJ Microphone Control Center

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the MFJ Microphone Control Center. It allows you to mix and match microphones and radios, with push-button convenience. Switching from a boom mic/headphone to a desk or hand mic, a hi-fi ragchewing mic to a hard-hitting DX mic, or a hand mic to a desk mic. Switching microphones and radios has never been so fast and easy.

This manual is for three different models of the Microphone Control Center, the MFJ-1263, MFJ-1261 and MFJ-

1260. The MFJ-1263 allows the use of two microphones with two radios. The MFJ-1260 allows the use of two microphones with one radio, while the MFJ-1261 allows the use of one microphone with two radios. There is information about all three Microphone/Radio Switches models on our website located at:

http://www.mfjenterprises.com.

Movable jumpers allow you to make most 8-pin microphone compatible with most radios. Plug in an external pushto-talk foot switch like the MFJ-1709 to free your hands for contesting and DXing. Alternatively, let a computer or voice keyer control the PTT line for automated operation. Plug in headphones and set the volume to privately monitor the selected radio’s audio output. Or, use the speaker ON/OFF switch to route your radio’s audio output to an external speaker. Front panel pushbutton selection is available to insert an external audio input such as a sound card, a voice keyer, a TNC, etc, into the microphone line to one radio (of your choice). Voice keyers ordinarily are connected through a microphone input.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Before rushing into getting the product connected up and ready to use, please take the time to check the contents of the package to ensure that everything is in the box. Here is what is supposed to be in the package:

MFJ-1263 Comes With:

Item

√

(1) MFJ-1263 Microphone Control Center (1) MFJ-5397MX, 8-pin Modular-to-Modular Radio Cable (1) MFJ-5398, 8-pin Modular-to-8-pin Round Radio Cable (1) Instruction Manual

MFJ-1261 Comes With:

Item

√

(1) MFJ-1261 Microphone Control Center (1) MFJ-5397MX, 8-pin Modular-to-Modular Radio Cable (1) MFJ-5398, 8-pin Modular-to-8-pin Round Radio Cable (1) Instruction Manual

MFJ-1260 Comes With:

Item

√

(1) MFJ-1263 Microphone Control Center (1) MFJ-5397MX, 8-pin Modular-to-Modular Radio Cable (1) MFJ-5398, 8-pin Modular-to 8-pin Round Radio Cable (1) Instruction Manual

MFJ Microphone Control Center Instruction Manual

The cables that are sent with this unit should cover most unit to radio setups. However, some setups may require two modular-to-round cables or even two modular-to-modular cables. If your setup requires two of the same type cables, you can obtain additional cables from MFJ Enterprises, Inc. You call our Order Desk at 800-647-1800 to order additional cables; MFJ-5397MX for the Modular-to-Modular cable and MFJ-5398 for the Modular-toRound cable.

FRONT PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS:

Here is a small picture of the front panel of the MFJ-1263 showing the different connectors and controls. We have also included a short explanation of each connector and control. While the information below is for the MFJ-1263, the MFJ-1261 and MFJ-1260 are similar. Some of the information may or may not apply to these models.

MIC SELECT

MIC A

MIC B

AUX

INPUT

RADIO

A B

PHONES

SPEAKER

A B

MFJ

MFJ-1263

Microphone/Radio Switch

VOLUME

MIC A Consists of two separate connectors. One of the connectors accepts a standard 8-

pin microphone plug, while the other accepts an 8-pin modular microphone plug. Only one type of microphone can be connected and used at a time.

MIC B Consists of two separate connectors. One of the connectors accepts a standard 8-

pin microphone plug, while the other accepts an 8-pin modular microphone plug. Only one type of microphone can be connected and used at a time.

MIC SELECT A pushbutton switch used to select either MIC A or MIC B. The OUT position

selects MIC A, while the IN position selects MIC B

AUX INPUT Enables an external audio input from a device such as a soundcard on and off. If

AUX A is programmed, this switch must in the OUT position. If AUX B is programmed, this switch must be in the IN position.

RADIO SELECT A pushbutton switch used to select either RADIO A or RADIO B. The OUT

position selects RADIO A, while the IN position selects RADIO B.

PHONES A standard ¼ inch stereo jack that accepts a standard ¼ inch stereo plug for

headphones. When headphones are used as the listening source the external speaker output is switched off.

SPEAKER A pushbutton switch used to select the external speaker as the listening source. In

the OUT position the external speaker is off, while the IN position sets the external speaker output ON.

VOLUME Sets the headphone listening level. The external speaker listening level is

controlled by the volume control on the radio.

MFJ Microphone Control Center Instruction Manual

REAR PANEL CONNECTORS:

Here is a small picture of the rear panel of the MFJ-1263 showing the different connectors. We have also included a short explanation of each connector. While the information below is for the MFJ-1263, the MFJ-1261 and MFJ1260 are similar. Some of information may or may not apply to these models.

RADIO

SPEAKERPUSH-TO-TALK

AUX

OUTIN

PUSH TO TALK A standard ¼-inch mono phone jack for a PTT device or signal such as the MFJ-

1709 PTT Footswitch.

SPEAKER OUT This is an output configured in a 3.5 mm mono jack for audio output to a speaker.

SPEAKER IN This is an input configured in a 3.5 mm mono jack for audio input from a radio.

AUX IN This is an audio input configured in a 3.5 mm stereo jack for audio input from a

device such as a soundcard, etc.

RADIO B This is an 8-pin modular jack for supplying all microphone signals and voltages to

RADIO B with one of the supplied cables.

RADIO A This is an 8-pin modular jack for supplying all microphone signals and voltages to

RADIO A with one of the supplied cables.

MICROPHONE AND RADIO CONNECTIONS

Different manufacturers for the different radios available may wire the same style connectors differently. The Microphone Control Center has internal headers that use small movable jumpers to enable you to work around this problem. For microphone input connections, the Microphone Control Center uses a common round 8-pin microphone jack as found on most transceivers as well as an 8-pin modular jack which many transceivers now use. Internal jumpers are used to program connections for most radio that connects to the pre-wired connectors. This feature eliminates the need for soldering plugs or jacks and buying adapter cables.

NOTE: Some microphones and radios will not match up due to differences of microphone functions. If the

microphone pin-outs and functions do not match the radio that is to be used, be CAREFUL when making the jumpers. Most radios have DC voltage on the microphone jacks. This voltage is used in the microphone for various functions. Remember that all microphones have a GROUND connection. Be CAREFUL not to accidentally jumper the DC voltage to GROUND, this could damage the radio and/or microphone. Make sure that all microphone pin-outs and functions match before deciding to use the microphone.

The microphone/radio setup procedure requires a few minutes of your time. Taking the few minutes needed to set the internal jumpers correctly, will save you time in troubleshooting later on. Before you start, you will need the manual for your radio and microphone for reference.

MFJ Microphone Control Center Instruction Manual

DEFAULT JUMPER SETTINGS

The jumper headers in the examples below are the “factory default settings” for MIC A/RADIO A and MIC B/RADIO B. These settings work when using the original factory or compatible microphones with the radio.

Also, whichever set of headers you are using, be sure to set the MIC A/B and RADIO A/B switches to their proper positions. If you are not using the original factory or compatible microphone with your radio, then you should proceed to the CROSS-BRAND MICROPHONE TO RADIO JUMPER SETTINGS section.

8-PIN ROUND PLUG RADIOS USING SAME BRAND MICROPHONES:

This section deals with the jumper configuration for radios using 8-pin round microphones of the same brand or compatibility. For instance, a Kenwood TS-570S using the standard factory Kenwood microphone. This also holds true for all after market microphones with the same pin-outs as the factory microphone. Use the MFJ-5398 radio cable provided. DO NOT try to mix different microphones with non-standard radios, otherwise this jumper layout will not work. Go to the next section when trying to use a different brand microphone with a different brand radio.

RADIOS WITH 8-Pin Round Microphones (Factory Default Settings)

Microphone A & B

Jumpers

Radio A & B

Jumpers

This diagram may cover some other radios with 8-pin round microphones.

If there are any questions concerning the information provided, please refer to your RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

MFJ is neither liable nor responsible for any mistakes or errors in the information provided.

These jumper settings are to be used when using the original factory microphone with the radio. Such as using a Kenwood TS-570S radio with the original factory microphone

Note: This diagram also applies to after market microphones such as HEIL, that have the same pin-outs as the original factory microphone.

8-PIN MODULAR PLUG RADIOS USING SAME BRAND MICROPHONES:

This section deals with the jumper configuration for radios using the factory 8-pin modular microphones. For instance, a Kenwood TM-251A using the standard factory microphone. This also holds true for all after market microphones with the same pin-outs as the factory microphone. . DO NOT try to mix different microphones with non-standard radios, otherwise this jumper layout will not work. Go to the next section when trying to use a different brand microphone with a different brand radio.

RADIOS WITH 8-Pin Modular Microphones (Factory Default Settings)

Microphone A & B

Jumpers

Radio A & B

Jumpers

This diagram may cover some other radios with 8-pin modular microphones.

If there are any questions concerning the information provided, please refer to your RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

MFJ is neither liable nor responsible for any mistakes or errors in the information provided.

These jumper settings are to be used when using the same brand microphones with the same brand radios. Such as using a Kenwood TM-251A radio with the original factory microphone

MFJ Microphone Control Center Instruction Manual

CROSS-BRAND MICROPHONE TO RADIO JUMPER SETTINGS

This section shows different microphone jumper settings for various brands and models of radios. Use these if you want to use a microphone that is a different brand than the radio. Example, if you want to use a Kenwood microphone with an Icom radio, or a Yaesu radio with an Icom microphone. To make this work properly, the radio will be forced to conform to the microphone. So, the RADIO jumpers will be setup to match the microphone.

ALINCO 8-Pin Round Microphone with ICOM 8-Pin Round Radios

Microphone

Jumpers

NOTE: Alinco microphones either have or other special functions on Pin 6 that do not match up with Icom radios. Therefore, radio header #6 has no jumper placed in the diagram.

Radio

Jumpers

This diagram may cover some other radios with 8-pin round microphones.

If there are any questions concerning the information provided, please refer to your RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

MFJ is neither liable nor responsible for any mistakes or errors in the information provided.

NO CONNECTION

CAUTION:

for +8 VDC on the microphone. Due to some of the microphone functions such as DTMF control, +8VDC could possibly damage Alinco microphones. Exercise CAUTION when attempting to use Alinco with ICOM radios.

Alinco specifications call for +5 VDC on the microphone, while Icom specifications call

ALINCO 8-Pin Round Microphone with KENWOOD 8-Pin Round Radio

Microphone

Jumpers

NOTE: Alinco microphones either have or other special functions on Pin 6 that do not match up with Kenwood radios. Therefore, radio header #6 has no jumper placed in the diagram.

Radio

Jumpers

This diagram may cover some other radios with 8-pin round microphones.

If there are any questions concerning the information provided, please refer to your RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

MFJ is neither liable nor responsible for any mistakes or errors in the information provided.

NO CONNECTION

CAUTION:

call for +5 VDC on the microphone. Therefore, be aware that possible damage to the Alinco microphone may result due to the +8 VDC from the Kenwood radio.

Also, Kenwood specifications call for +8 VDC on the microphone, while Alinco specifications

MFJ Microphone Control Center Instruction Manual

ALINCO 8-Pin Round Microphone with YAESU 8-Pin Round Radios

Microphone

Jumpers

NOTE: Alinco microphones either have or other special functions on Pin 6 that do not match up with Yaesu radios. Therefore, radio header #6 has no jumper placed in the diagram.

Radio

Jumpers

This diagram may cover some other radios with 8-pin round microphones.

If there are any questions concerning the information provided, please refer to your RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

MFJ is neither liable nor responsible for any mistakes or errors in the information provided.

NO CONNECTION

KENWOOD 8-Pin Round Microphone with ALINCO 8-Pin Round Radios

Microphone

Jumpers

Radio

Jumpers

This diagram may cover some other radios with 8-pin round microphones.

If there are any questions concerning the information provided, please refer to your RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

MFJ is neither liable nor responsible for any mistakes or errors in the information provided.

NOTE: On later model Kenwood radios such as the TS-570, 870, 850, 440, 450 and others, microphone Pin 6 has no function. If using a Kenwood microphone with an Alinco radio there is no jumper placed on radio jumper header #6.

CAUTION

: Also, Kenwood microphone specifications call for +8 VDC on the microphone, while Alinco radio specifications call for +5 VDC on the microphone. Therefore, the audio from the Kenwood microphone to the Alinco radio may be a little weak due to the low bias voltage.

MFJ Microphone Control Center Instruction Manual

KENWOOD 8-Pin Round Microphone with ICOM 8-Pin Round Radios

Microphone

Jumpers

NOTE:

4 and 8 do not match a Kenwood microphone. There are no jumpers in place for these functions.

Special ICOM radio functions are not compatible with Kenwood microphones. ICOM radio pins

Radio

Jumpers

This diagram may cover some other radios with 8-pin round microphones.

If there are any questions concerning the information provided, please refer to your RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

MFJ is neither liable nor responsible for any mistakes or errors in the information provided.

KENWOOD 8-Pin Round Microphone with YAESU 8-Pin Round Radios

Microphone

Jumpers

Radio

Jumpers

This diagram may cover some other radios with 8-pin round microphones.

If there are any questions concerning the information provided, please refer to your RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

MFJ is neither liable nor responsible for any mistakes or errors in the information provided.

NOTE: On later model Kenwood radios such as the TS-570, 870, 850, 440, 450 and others, Pin 6 on the microphone has no function. If using a Kenwood microphone with an Yaesu radio there is no jumper placed on radio jumper header #6.

: Also, Kenwood microphone specifications call for +8 VDC on the microphone, while

CAUTION

Yaesu radio specifications call for +5 VDC on the microphone. Therefore, the audio from the Kenwood microphone to the Yaesu radio may be a little weak due to the low bias voltage.

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