MFJ MFJ-1278, MFJ-1278T User guide

MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.

Model MFJ-1278

Multi-Mode Data Controller

Revision

SYSTEM MANUAL Third Edition

9

1990

*****+*

This MFJ-1278 System Instruction Manual (Third Edition) is

for

If you have the MFJ-1278 with Revision board and your MFJ-1278 has not been aware that some features and information mentioned in Instruction Manual may not apply to your MFJ-1278.

Pre-revision Inc. installable on certain board revisions.

MFJ-1278 with Revision 9 and later mother board.

for

upgrade information. Some new features may not be

Important Notice: Please Read

9

MFJ-1278 owners may contact MFJ Enterprises,

MFJ

Enterprises, Inc.

8

or

upgraded,

earlier mother

**+***

please be

this

TNC

2 SOFTWARE SOURCE

Copyright

Systek

CODE

(c)

and

1985

TNC

FIRMWARE

MFJ-1278 SOFTWARE SOURCE

Copyright

MFJ

Enterprises, Inc.

All

rights reserved.

or

Reproduction

translation that permitted by Sections States Copyright express permission

Act

(or

of

the copyright owner

as noted below. Requests

of

107

its

for

further information should be addressed to Inc.

The

carefully checked and However, MFJ any product

P.

0.

Sox

494,

Yississippi State,

information contained in this document has been

is

believed to be entirely reliable.

no

responsibility

Enterprises,

Inc.

to

improve reliability, function

reserves the right to make changes to

without obligation to purchasers

MFJ

Enterprises, Inc. does not assume any liability arising

out of the application

or

use of any product

described herein; neither does

its

patent rights to others.

CODE

(c)

and FIRMWARE

1989

any part of this work beyond

or

108

of

the 1976 United

legal successor) without the

is

unlawful except

permission to copy

MFJ

Enterprises,

39762,

USA.

inaccuracies.

is

assumed

MIS

for

or

of

previous equipment.

or

it

convey any license under

or

for

design

circuit

TABLE

OF

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

Introduction Acknowledgments

MFJ

Terminal Software Starter Packs Serial Port Signals Computer with Specific Serial Interfaces

Apple Macintosh Commodore C64/Cl28 IBY PCjr Radio Shack Color Computer Radio Shack Model

IBM

PC/XT/AT and compatibles & other with RS-232C Port2-6

Other Computers with Nonstandard Serial Ports

Software Requirements Requirements

Apple Macintosh Apple 11. Commodore C64. C128 IBM PCjr IBM PC/XT/AT & Compatibles Radio Shack

Radio Shack Model MFJ-1278 Serial Port Pin Functions Computer Baud Rate

Autobaud

Changing Terminal Baud Rate

Verifying Serial Port Operation Parallel Printer Port

Printer Port Connection

Printer Consideration

Printer Port Test

...........................................

........................................

CHAPTER 2 COMPUTER INTERFACING

....................................

.....................................

............................................

.....................................

II+.

IIe.

...........................................

Color

.....................................

............................................

I

INTRODUCTION

....................

...............

or

VIC-20

.........................

..........................

100

and NEC

8201

..................

.....................

IIc

..............................

or

VIC-20

.......................

.........................

Computer

100

and NEC

.........................

8201

..................

....................

by

SET

Menu

........................

.................................

............................

..............................

..................................

.......

2-10

2-10 2-10 2-10 2-11

2-12 2-12

.............

2-12

2-13

2-14

2-15

2-16

1-1

1-2

2-1

2-2

2-4

2-5

2-6 2-6

2-7

2-8

2-9 2-9

CHAPTER 3 RADIO INTERFACING

MFJ-1278 Radio Ports Radio Ports Connection Handheld Radio Connection

...................................

.................................

..............................

3-1

3-2

3-3

.

Radio Interfacing Methods

Method

Transmit Audio Level Adjustment (17 Setting the Receiver Audio Input Level

Method

Transmit Audio Level Adjustment

Receiver Audio Setting Harmonics Interference Monitor Speaker Connection

CW

Installation

DC

Key Paddle Connection

1:

Direct Connection to Micro hone and Speaker

2:

Accessory Jack

.......................................

Keying Connection

..............................

or

Interface

.............................

................................

............................

................................

...............................

(11)

..

................

.............

Box

Connection

..

................

3-10 3-11 3-11

3-12

3-4

3.4

3-5

3-6

3.7 3-9

CHAPTER 4 BASIC

First Steps

Basic Parameters Setup Serial Port Configuration

Parity and Word Length

Ethos

New Lines and Line Wrapping The MFJ-1278 Multi-Mode Modem Operation Mode

Verifying Operation Status

Mode Switching with the MODE Command

Radio Port Switching

Memory Buffers

Loading Memory Buffers

Memory Buffers Transmitting

Buffer Serial Number Memory Repeat & Buffer Repeat Time Chaining the Memory Buffers

Tuning Indicator Operation: Packet

Basic VHF Packet

A

Digipeating Unsuccessful Connections Monitoring Channel Activity

Your First Packet

Special Input Characters

Basic

HF Packet Operation Hints

Operation:

Receiving CW

Transmitting CW

Transmitting from Memory Buffers CW Weighting

............................................

...............................................

.........................................

......................................

.....................................

...................................

Connecting and Disconnecting Exercise

.....................................

Starting the Digipeating Monitoring on the Air

HF

Packet

CW

.........................................

QSO

..................................

....................................

.......................................

....................................

OPERATION:

..............................

.........................

..........................

................................

..............................

.........................

................................

......................

........................

QSO

...........................

.............................

........................

.......................

ALL

MODES

................

..................

.........

.....................

................

4-1 4-2

4-2

4-3 4-3 4-4

4-5

4-6

4-8 4-8

4-9 4-9

4-10

4-12

4-14

4-15

4-16

4-17

4-18

4-19

4-20

4-23

4-24

4-25

4-27

4-28

4-29

iv

Radio Tune Random Code Generator

Setting Up

Operation: CW Contest Memory Keyer

Sending CW with External Key Paddle

Operation: Modulated CW

Operation: Baudot

Setting RTTY & ASCII Receiving RTTY & ASCII Transmitting

Operation: AMTOH

Mode A "ARQ"

Mode A 'IARQ" setup Mode A "ARQ" Operating Mode A IrARQ1' Monitoring

Mode B "FEC"

Setup Operating Mode

Mode S "SELCALL'I

AVTOR Status LED Indicators

Operation: Navtex

Navtex Stations and Frequencies

Navtes Operation

Operation: FAX

FAX Formats FAX Frequency FAX Operation Installation FAX Printer Connection Receiving FAX

FAX Printing to Printer

Display FAX on Computer Screen & Save to Disk

Two Levels FAX Pictures Format Multi-level FAX Pictures Format Terminating FAX Printing

Transmitting FAX

Two Levels FAX Transmitting Multi-level FAX Transmitting

Creating FAX Pictures

Operation: SSTV

SSTV Formats SSTV Installation

Printing Connection

Receiving

SSTV Printing to Printer SSTV Printing to the Screen Saving

Terminating SSTV Printing Transmitting Creating SSTV Pictures

.........................................

..............................

for

Code Practice

...............................

Up

for

ASCII and RTTY Operation

ASCII

........................

RTTY

&

.............................

..........................

......................................

.......................................

..............................

..........................

.........................

.......................................

for

Mode

B

................................

B

................................

...................................

........................

.....................................

...................................

........................................

.........................................

......................................

.........................

.............................

......................................

.........................

...................................

for

Transmitting

.......................................

..................................

.............................

SSTV

Pictures

............................

........................

SSTV

Pictures

............................

.......................

SSTV

Pictures

.........................

.............................

....................

................

............

....................

...............

..............

.....................

....................

.............

.....................

...

4-30 4-30 4-31 4-33 4-35 4-34 4-35

4-35 4-36 4-36 4-38 4-38 4-39 4-39 4-40 4-40 4-40 4-40 4-41 4-41 4-43 4-43 4-44 4-46 4-47 4-48

4-49 4-49 4-49 4-50 4-51

4-52

4-53 4-54 4-54 4-54 4-55

4-57

4-58

4-59 4-59 4-59 4-60

4-60

4-63 4-64 4-64 4-64 4-66

V

CHAPTER

5

ADVANCED

OPERATION : PACKET

Packet Special Characters Packet Operating Modes

Command Mode Entering Data-Transfer Nodes Converse Mode Transparent

Flow Control

XON/XOFF Flow Control Hardware Flow Control Type-in Flow Control

Detail

Detail HF Packet Operation

MFJ-1278 Host Mode

KISS

VHF Packet Operation Station Identification Automatic Operations Unattended Operations Packet Formatting Commands Affecting Protocol Packet Timing Functions

'Transmit Timing Packet Timing Radio Baud Rate

Special Protocol Times Monitor Functions Real-Time Clock and Time Stamping Multi-Connect Guide

Setting the MFJ-1278

How

to

Easy-mail Mailbox

Setting Up

Mailbox Operation

Mailbox Slotting and Acknowledgment Priority

Description

New

Parameters

Other Related Parameters

Initial

What to Expect Packet Picture Transfer

Receiving Packet Picture on Printer

Using PKTPIX

Packet Pictures Transfer to the Computer Screen Radio Setup

Operating

Interface for TCP/IP

........................................

.......................................

Mode

....................................

...........................................

..................................

...................................

..................................

Invoke Multi-Connect

Your

Messages

Easy-mail Mailbox

.....................................

..................................

Parameter

..................................

for

HF Packet

HF

Packet

&

TNC-2

.............................

.................................

........................

...............................

................................

...........................

.............................

...............................

..............................

........................

............................

.................................

..........................

................................

to

Normal Operation

.................................

...............................

................................

........................

Setting Summary

...........................

............................

..........................

................................

Mode

.......................

.............................

..................

........

.....................

...............

............

..

5-1

5-2

5-3

5-4

5-5 5-6

5-7

5-8

5-9

5-10

5-11

5-12

5-13

5-14

5-15

5-17

5-18

5-19

5-21

5-23 5-26 5-27 5-27

5-29

5-32

5-33

5-34

5-36

5-35

5-36

5-38

5-42

5-49

5-50

vi

CHAPTER 6 OPERATION COMMANDS

Entering Commands Command Explanation

Command

Default

Commands

Packet Messages

Mailbox Messages Command Mode Link Status Messages

1278 Specifications General Description Detailed Circuit Description

Oscillator

Dividers

CPU

Serial Interface Watch-dog Modem

Power Supply RS-232C Handshaking Protocol Jumper Functions Parallel Printer Port Pin Function . 512

External

Multi-Level Interface Connector

External Modem Interface Connector

Modem Disconnect . 54

HF

Tuning Indicator

List

Command Name Parameters

............................................

and Baud-rate Generator

Complex

Timer

...............................................

1/0

Interface Port Pin Function

......................................

....................................

........................................

.....................................

..........................................

.......................................

CHAPTER 7 MESSAGES

........................................

....................................

Error

Messages

.........................

................................

CHAPTER 8 HARDWARE

....................................

...........................

..........................................

....................

.........................................

....................................

.....................................

........................................

...........................

.......................................

.

513

.................

.

514

.................................

...................................

..............

.

CNI

........

..............

6-1 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-2

6-5

7-1 7-2

7-3

7-5

8-1

8-2

8-3 8-3 8-3

8-4

8-5

8-6

8-6 8-7

8-8

8-10

8-11

8-12 8-15

CHAPTER 9 TROUBLESHOOTING

General

Step Step 2: Obvious Problems

Step

Specific Symptoms

Tests

1:

3:

4:

..........................................

Power Supply Assembly Problems

Cabling Problems

......................................

...............................

...........................

..........................

...........................

vi

i

9-1 9-1

9-2

9-2 9-2 9-2

Symptom: MFJ-1278 appears dead

Oscillator and Reset Circuits

Digital Logic Lines Symptom: Modem won't calibrate or key transmitter Symptom: Uncopyable transmitted or received packet

Terminal Interface Troubleshooting

Symptom: MFJ-1278 won't sign on to the terminal Symptom: MFJ-1278 appears to be signing Symptom: MFJ-1278 signs on but won't accept commands Symptom: MFJ-1278 appears

..............................

to

.....................

....................

.....................

on

but

have

"lock-up"

........

..

.

....

.....

9-3 9-3

9-3

9-4 9-4

9-5 9-5

9-6

CHAPTER

Explanation of Protocol

Physical Layer Data Link Layer

HDLC Frames

AX.25 Level Two Channel Use and Timing Functions Channel Flow Control

Appendix Appendix Appendix C Appendix D Appendix Appendix Appendix Appendix

...........................................

A

.

Hookup for Specific Radios

B

.

Modulator and Demodulator Calibration

.

Audio Output Adjustment

.

HF Radio Alignment

E

.

Converting to "Like-TNC

F

.

2400

G

.

Jumper Functions and Location

.

Command Summary

H

10

PACKET RADIO PROTOCOL

...............................

.....................................

....................................

.......................................

..................................

APPENDIXES

.....................

Packet Operation

........................

......................

.............

...

................

2"

.............

..................

..........

10-1

10-2 10-2

10-2

10-3 10-6

10-8

APX-1

APX-2 APX-17 APX-19 APX-21

APX-23 APX-25 APX-28

viii

Fig

.

Fig

.

Fig

.

Fig

.

Fig

.

Fig

.

Fig

.

Fig

.

Fig

.

Fig .

Fig

.

Fig

.

Fig

.

Fig

.

2.1

2.2A

2.2

2.3

3.1

3.2

3-

3.5

3.6

3.7

E.1

E.2 (3.1

FIGURES

.

Serial port

.

TTL

port wiring

.

Serial port wiring for Radio Shack Color

Computers

Serial port wiring with jumpers

.

auxiliary signals

Radio Ports

.

Radio Port

HT

3

4

.

Special Keying Circuit JMP L and Method One Interconnect

Accessory Jack Interface

External Interface Box Header U27 Header U28 Jumper Connector Location

wiring

for

Apple Macintosh

for

Vic.20. C64 and C128

...............................

.......................

1

and Radio Port 2 Connector

Cable

with Connector

...................

JMP

K

Location

....................

.....................

....................

......................

...............................

................

TABLES

......

....

for

....

.............

APX-21 APX-22 APX-27

2-4 2-5

2-6 2-7

3-1

3-2

3-3 3-3

3-4

3-7

3-8

Table 2.1 Table 2.2

Table 2.3 Table

Table 2.5 Table Table 4.2

Table

Table Table 4.6

Table Table Table 4.9 Table 10.1 Table

2.4

4.1

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.7

4.8

A.1

Serial port signals required

.

Computers

instructions

.

MacTerm

.

. .

.

MFJ-1278 RS-232C Pin Designations Parallel Printer Port Pin Functions Modem and Operation Modes Tones & Shifts Produced by the MFJ-1278 Modem Mode Command Codes and Baud

CW

Prosigns and Punctuations

NAVTEX

FAX

Formats

FAX

Station Frequencies

FAX/SSTV Multi-Gray Pixtones

SSTV Formats

AX.25 Control Codes

.

Hookup for Specific Radios

wii3

specific

serial

............................

option settings for operation

................................

......................................

Stations & Frequencies

...............................

..............................

.......................

by

interfacing

..................

Rates

..............

.............

...................

..............

...............

MFJ-1278

with

.......

..........

...

2-11 2-15

4-26 4-43

4-47

4-48 4-57 4-59

APX-1

2-3 2-3 2-9

4-5

4-7

10-5

ix

MFJ-1278 Instruction

Manual

INTRODUCTION

Welcome Communications. By choosing the MFJ-1278, you have chosen the most versatile and powerful Multi-mode Data Controller manufactured for the Amateur Radio Service.

The MFJ-1278 interfaces your radio computer that has an RS-232 terminal program. work, WFJ recommends the who have computers. With an terminal program mode that pictures.

This compact versatile controller employs the genuine TAPR

TNC 2 AX.25 protocol packet tures

CW,

level board gives you multi-gray level FAX and

1278

MFJ-12'78 also The MFJ-12'78 also

Mailbox. This mailbox messages

You also get MFJ's 20-segment,

Indicator that makes

that

indicator

modes of operation,

tuning methods for different modes.

to

IBM

to receive and transmit

ASCII,

lets

are

require precise tuning easy. This unique tuning

the exciting world

or

TTL level

While

or

compatible, Macintosh or Commodore C64/128

IBM

gives

lets

you transmit and

most communications programs

use

of MFJ Starter Pack for those

or

compatible computer, the MFJXFER

you a new Packet Picture Transfer

firmware

RTTY,

you monitor the new and growing NAVTEX system.

not limited

has

Facsimile,

the

a

Contest

gives

tuning

also

provides a uniform tuning method

so

you don't

VHF

and

ability

SSTV

to

pictures. In addition,

Memory Keyer mode.

you

the

has

soft-partitioned memory

a

certain number

for HF Packet and other modes

of

packet, HF packet, AMTOR,

SSTV.

to

Amateur

with

any personal

Serial

receive

plus many added

The new SSTV multi-

receive

EGA

and transmit

Digital

Port and

and

will

fea-

MFJ-

new Easy

10

Hz Precision Tuning

have

to remember different

Mail

of

Personal

characters.

for

CGA

all

a

so

In

addition,

has

ignore background noise while

a

features installed. This new technology helps prevent many packet collisions inherent in the current packet protocol.

A

as

device

been optimized for HF packet.

valid data

--

new

IC

the new MFJ Picture Perfect Digitizer

socket type

is

not designed specifically for your type computer.

the

advanced new

carrier.

Prioritized Acknowledgments and Slottime

New

1/0

Port

Chapter

DCD

circuit

It

still

"packet collision prevention''

lets

being able to respond to

you add peripherals such

I

Page

1

can

in

the MFJ-1278

be

adjusted to

--

even

if

are

the

MFJ-1278

You

also get a Key Paddle jack

as

an

memory buffers function. In addition you also get contest serial numbering

and

a

A

speaker jack

transmit

received and transmitted by your MFJ-1278. Speaker output also provides packet connect signal alarm.

A

Centronics compatible parallel printer port (DB-25)

you

printing received

Instruction Manual

Iambic Keyer

random code generator.

and receive audio and

are

lets

or

Memory Keyer. Ten user-programmable

provided

you plug in a speaker and monitor

so

for

you can

the

contest memory

CW

side

INTRODUCTION

use

your YFJ-1278

tone

as

keyer

it

is

lets

directly interface your printer to the MFJ-1278 for

text,

Packet,

FAX

and

SSTV

pictures.

Dual

once in any combination. Independent transmit audio output adjustment

You

demodulator filter The MFJ-1278T has a 2400 modem installed.

does not have the 2400 modem installed,

separately (MFJ-2400) and installed by the user.

2400

and 2400 packet. The only difference between and the MFJ-1278T installed.

Your MFJ-1278 package includes the following

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Radio Ports for

is

provided

also

modem installed, your MFJ-1278 can operate

One

One Two Radio Port cables One 8-pin connector the

One

get

MFJ-1278 Multi-Mode Data Controller

AC

adapter Power Supply

MFJ-1278 Instruction Manual.

a

HF

and

VHF

let

you connect 2 radios at

for

each radio port.

Threshold control for optimizing your for different modes

is

that the MFJ-1278T has the 2400 modem

for

with

TTL

5-pin port.

of

llOV

AC.

DIN

it

male

operation.

If

your MFJ-1278

can

be

300,

the

items:

connectors.

purchased

With

XFJ-1278

the

1200

6.

One

MFJ-1278 Fast-Start Manual.

Chapter

1

Page

2

MFJ-1278 Instruction

Manual

INTRODUCTION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

MFJ Enterprises, Inc. wishes to thank the following persons

who contributed to the development of the MFJ-1278: Howard Goldstein, N2WX, who wrote the firmware for the

1278.

Jim

Criffith,

MFJ-1278 and his suggestions for improving HF packet and

RTTY

Eric Gustafson, N7CL, who helped make the MFJ-1278 modem superior to all others. He also helped in documenting sections

HF

Lyle Johnson, WA7GXD, who helped us with the MFJ-1278

schematic Dan Morrison,

1278

Buck Rogers, the new innovations and firmware for the MFJ-1278 and its

packet picture standard and make operation mode in the MFJ-I278 more powerful and easier than ever.

contributions to the development of the MFJ-1278.

modes.

of

Packet operation.

.

CW

and Contest Memory Keyer modes the best ever.

supporting software.

Bob

Slomka,

Also

to countless unnamed others for their various

WA5RAX,

this instruction manual: Modem calibration and

KV'IB,

K4ABT,

WD4MNT,

for

his hours spent beta testing the

whose suggestions helped make the MFJ-

who has spent hours in beta testing all

whose software innovations establish the

of

every digital

MFJ-

Finally, to you, the user, the air and furthering the cause of digital communication ham radio. Our greatest thanks go to you!

Chapter

for

putting another MFJ-1278 on

1

P8gr

3

in

MFJ-1278

Inrtruotion Manual

COMPUTER INTERFACING

You

are

now ready to attach your MFJ-1278 to your station

or

computer the

term

use to communicate with your MFJ-1278.

terminal. Throughout this manual

"computer" to

refer

to the computer

COMPUTER

INTERFACINO'

we

or

terminal you

will

use

The MFJ-1278 communicates with your computer through

serial

called RS-232C. Why computer in production today either incorporates an RS-232C style available manufacturer In addition to the RS-232C port, the MFJ-1278 has in

TTL

In order to use the MFJ-1278 with your computer, the computer must have an RS-232C port program emulator,

Since there

impractical for this chapter to provide detailed

instructions for each computer. Detailed information given for some of the popular models United States. Also provided

Information.

port using signals corresponding to

an

RS-232C interface? Nearly every

serial

as

TTL

port to allow interfacing with computers which need

signals such

and

a

will

port

an optional accessory, either from the computer

or

from a manufacturer of computer accessories.

program to support the

typically be called

or

communications program.

are

as

a

standard feature,

as

the Commodore

so

many computers on

C-64,

serial

C-128

port,

a

the

or

modem, terminal

market

or

TTL

a

or

the VIC-20.

a

TTL

port. The

today,

available

is

general computer interfacing

standard

has one

a

built-

serial

in the

it

a

is

Chapter

2

Page

1

MFJ-1278

MFJ

Starter Packs

Instruction

Manual

COMPUTER

INTERFACINQ

MFJ Enterprises, Inc. offers most popular computers. terminal

program

and a

cable

your computer. The Starter Packs

a

Starter Pack

These

for

Starter

connecting

available

for

Packs

the

are

some of the

contain

a

MFJ-1278 to

as

follows: MFJ-1282: Commodore VIC-20, C64, C128 in 5-1/4" diskette. MFJ-1283: Commodore VIC-20, C64 in tape. MFJ-1284: MFJ-1284M: MFJ-1287: Apple Macintosh, in 3-1/2"

Computer

If

you are using one the cable provided to connect computer. Follow the instruction manual provided Starter the MFJ-1278 to your computer. 1278 to your computer you can then proceed to Baud

Rate"

IBM

Interface

Pack

to operate

section in

PC/XT/AT

&

clones in 5-1/4"

PC/XT/AT & clones in 3-1/2"

diskette.

with

of

MFJ

the

this

Starter Pack

MFJ

Starter

the

Pack, you should use

MFJ-1278 and your

terminal program and to connect

After

connecting

chapter to continue installing

diskette.

the

with

the

MFJ-

"Computer

the MFJ-1278.

Computer

Interface

without

MFJ

Starter Pack

If

you

are

not using one of

the

MFJ Starter Packs then you

should follow the following instruction in

computer interfacing.

Serial

The

panel and

available

standard normal operation. such

operations, you may want to

case,

Port Signals

serial

port connector on

is

at

this

as

binary

see

MFJ-1278

marked

your

*'SERIAL.'' There

MFJ-1278

connector. You won't need

For

file

transfer

Serial

some special applications,

or

use

more

Port Pin Functions in

are

some Bulletin Board

of

chapter.

The pins

-

must be MFJ-1278

on the

connected

serial

are

connects to

port connector shown in

a

computer exactly

Table

of 2-1. Note that the

as

this

is

chapter

on

the

for

rear

several signals

all

of

them.

them

In that

for

this

the MFJ-1278 that

if

the

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

COMPUTER

INTERFACINO

were

used your computer MFJ-1278 in the ordinarily

If

fic

MFJ-1278 to your computer.

a

standard RS-232C modem.

use

Table

Pin Signal

2 Transmit Data Serial data

3

7

your computer

2-1. Serial port signals required by MFJ-1278.

Receive

Signal Ground The common ground for both

information in the following sections to connect your

Table 2-2. Computers with specific

Manufacturer

Apple Macintosh (tm) Commodore VIC-20

I

BM

Radio Shack Color

NEC

with

to communicate with the modem.

is

a telephone modem, hook

same

Name

Data Serial data

listed in Table 2-2,

interfacing instructions.

way.

Mode

Apple II,II+,IIe,II-gs(tm)

C-64 C-128

PCjr,

most compatibles

1000,

1

Model 8201

(tm)

200,

If

Use

Description

computer to your computer.

-

data

lines.

1

(tm)

PC-XT, Computer (tm)

IOOOHD,

2000,

100/102

you have successfully whatever program

to

the MFJ-1278.

from

refer

it

up to the

from

the

to the speci-

your

MFJ-1278

serial

PC-AT

IOOOEX,

3000HL,

(tm)

and

clones

3000

IOOOSX,

you

Many computers require

cards incorporate the circuitry necessary to add

the

port to

are

Radio Shack computers, and the Sanyo

have one

If

should skip your computer has a 25-pin RS-232C

section Otherwise dard Serial Ports.

-

the

you have another computer

computer. Some popular models in

Apple

of

on

refer

I1

series,

these computers with

to

one of the sections on "other computers.Il

Other Computers with 25-pin RS-232C

to the section Other Computers

a

serial

the

IBM

Chapter

2

port adapter card. These

Personal Computer,

MBC-55X

an

I1add-int1

we

haven't mentioned,

serial

Page

3

series.

serial

port,

an

this

refer

with

RS-232C

most popular radios. The

not guaranteed. You should

1-MIC.

AUDIO

2-GND

3-PTT

4-REC.

AUDIO

We

need to

FM

You can also

will

radio

on

discuss

wire

lists

of

the

two

HFJ-

L

Two 5-pin

MFJ-12713

radio.

male

for wiring to the microphone connector

DIN

connector cables are provided with the

CHECK THIS CABLE WITH

BEFORE

WIRING

IT

TO THE

Chapter

AN

OHM METER

MIC

CONNECTOR

3

Page

TO

THAT

2

lector

for

your

IDENTIFY EACH WIRE

FITS

YOUR RADIOS.

MFJ-1278

Handheld Radio Connection Some HTs key

current from Radios

(tm)

Instruction

the

with

and Yaesu FT-x09, FT-x3, FT-727

this

Manual

transmitter by drawing a small amount of microphone input pin (see Fig. type

of

RADIO INTERFACING

special keying circuit

(tm)

and others.

3-3

are

below).

ICOM-2AT

Appendix

pin designation instruction manual of your radio.

If

your the microphone remove jumper at Installing JMP soldering Rx"

shows the location

MFJ-1278 mother board, the

R140

find installing change

9e

are installed on

and

sure to remove JMP

to

1278

A

at

the

end of this instruction manual provided

for

some of the radios. Also consult

HT

has

this

the

cover of the MFJ-1278 and install

JVP

L

for Radio Port

I'Cx"

the

your radio

the

value of R140

another type of radio.

Push

and

rlRx'l resistor for Radio Port 2

JYP

L

To

Talk

like

K

or

clRx"

or

type

the

JMP L will

to the microphone cable. "Cx" and

the

of

JMP L and JMP K connectors.

still

JMP

K,

or

K

or

of

microphone input, you can

one shown in Fig.

1

MFJ-1278 mother board. Fig. 3-4

rlRxfl

would not key properly after

it

may be necessary for you to

R107

JMP

MFJ-1278

.-:-=-y;

Transmit Audio

4-l

I

C(X)

I

3-3

I

HT

Special Keying

Receive Audio

FIG.

3-3

or

you can

a

shorting

or

JMP K for Radio Port 2.

eliminating

resistor for Radio Port 1

to

a

smaller value.

L

when connecting

,-~

1

I

-

is

the

R107.

,

,-J

Mlcrophone

10

need of

On

If

the

Input

";::

-

Circuit

the

wire

the

is

you

MFJ-

FIG.

3-4

MFJ-1278 JMP L and

Chapter

3

Page

JMP

3

K

Location

MFJ-1278 Instruction

Manual

RADIO

INTERFACING

RADIO

The

modifications to the radio

devices in presented.

Method

For

be

connected auxiliary jack, and

will

receiver audio speaker speaker can

1278. This allows

INTERFACING

YFJ-1278

1:

Direct

Method

fed

be

1,

directly

adjusted

jack

METHODS

was

the

designed to allow hook-up without any

cables.

Connection

shown in Fig.

into

will

and

be

connected to the

the

to

give a proper modulation

be

fed

directly to

or

Two interfacing methods are

to

3-5,

microphone connector

taken from an earphone plug

you

to monitor the channel.

SPEAKER

any signal

Microphone and

the

MFJ-1278's audio

the

output

the

MFJ-1278.

SPEAKER

level

of

jack

balancing

Speaker

or

the

level.

A

of the NFJ-

TNC

will

similarly

MFJ-1278

monitor

The

or

RADIO

I

~

zi

FFJ

-

\-

- - -

-

--

__--------

GND

SPK

I

The

pre-set most radios. However, if the transmit audio

or

procedure to calibrate:

R

1

transmit audio levels

at

distorted, adjustment may

Fig,

250

I

3-5

mV

p-p to

Hethod One Interconnect.

for

be

compatible with

Chapter

be

3

both

Page

1

radio

needed.

4

ports

Use

SPEAKEF

:Audio

are

the

mic

is

the

I

factory

input

too

following

of

low

MFJ-1278 Instruction

Manual

RADIO INTERFACING'

Transmit Audio Level Adjustment for Method I Interface

I.

--

Connect your Turn on

the

MFJ-1278

-

and radio as shown in Fig.

and computer and terminal program. Connect the radio to and listen to the transmission

with

another nearby

start

a

dummy load

radio.

2.

Enter

the

modem calibration procedure by typing

CALIBRA

3.

and

board to key until

the

transmitter

be

circuit.

will

mitter

watch-dog

With

transmitting transmit audio level screwdriver, adjust trimpot for radio

er.

until

monitoring receiver.

a

carriage return. Press

the

transmitter, then tap

the

higher

K

key again

of

the

will

has

unkey the transmitter.

been keyed for

two tones

shut off automatically by

As

you perform the adjustments below, you

have

to periodically unkey then re-key

by typing

timer,

the

2)

Turn

the

no

increase in output level

the

K

key.

install a shorting jumper

MFJ-1278

the

higher

keying

of

the

as

follows.

(R157

while you listen to

adjustment on

the

K

key on your key-

the

space

is

heard.

After

a

few

seconds,

the

If

transmit watch-dog

the

you

wish

the

to

defeat

at

JMP4.

transmitter and

two tones, adjust

With

for

radio

the

monitoring receiv-

1

trimpot clockwise

is

heard

Pressing

it

a

or

at

3-5.

your

bar

the

will

trans-

the

small

R158

(CW)

the

4.

Rotate until

the

reduced by

estimated

voltage

with

5.

Press

exit

if

have

mately

If

you notice a significant hum level in

in Step

shielded

an oscilloscope

the

you placed

now

the

3,

wire

audio circuit. phone gain control, try reducing

adjustment on the trimpot counter-clockwise

audio signal

half

by

at

the

K

key to return to receive mode and type Q to

of

ear

or

transmitting audio pin

calibration routine.

it

to

set

your transmitter deviation to approxi-

on

the

monitoring receiver

the

maximum level.

This

accurately by measuring

of

the

or

A.C.

voltmeter.

Be

sure to remove

defeat

the watch-dog

correct level.

the

monitored audio

take measures to remove

it.

This may require

(recommended in any event) in your microphone

If

your transmitter

has

an adjustable micro-

the

sensitivity of

transmitter microphone circuit and increasing

level from the

MFJ-1278

to minimize hum

or

problems.

Chapter

3

Page

5

can

the

output

radio port

timer.

the

other

signal

noise

is

be

JMP4

You

the

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual

RADIO

INTERFACING

Setting the

The

modem in your phase coherence type data threshold control and

can

be

used in combination to

level for

the

for

With

your radio

control

Receiver

Audio Input Level

MFJ-1278

the

modem and to optimize the

various methods

in

the

so

that

a steady

is

equipped

carrier

a

sensitive tuning indicator. These

set

the

of

operation.

receive

hiss

mode, open the squelch

is

heard on a speaker.

with

detector

an advanced

(DCD)

correct receive audio

DCD

characteristics

with

Set

the volume control to the minimum volume position. The

tuning indicator on

side

of

the

display and become stationary. enough to disappear off advance

the

point near minimum audio

the

audio output level

tuning indicator "springs to

the

middle

level

volume control until much audio present at the estimated by

voltmeter.

for

degrade

NBFM

the

amplifier

ear

This

operation. Levels higher than this

modem performance

is

capable

the

of

MFJ-1278

the

end of the display. Slowly

the

display. This

should drift off to one

It

may drift

with

the

volume control until

life"

and dances around

is

the absolute

for marginal copy. Continue to advance

or

measured

will

be

there

receiver

near the correct amount of audio

is

with

approximately

output.

This

twice

can

an oscilloscope or

will

as

of

long as

producing the chosen output level

the

receiver audio

as

be

A.C.

not

without distortion (clipping).

While

the

1278

data produce approximately a when receiving unsquelched

still

DCD

listening to unsquelched

threshold control on

clockwise until the

carrier

indications. This control should be

the

DCD

LED

10%

duty cycle of

NBFM

receiver noise.

receiver

front panel

just

flickers

false

noise, rotate of

your

with

DCD

MFJ-

false

set

to

activity

a

The

bandwidth

receivers

false setting. In

modem sensitivity to false

of

the

audio coming out of

produce wideband audio which

DCD

activity regardless of

this

case,

set

the

DCD

will

DCD

threshold control to

be affected

the

will

the

threshold control

receiver. some NOT produce any

maximum clockwise rotation. Modem performance

affected.

Chapter 3 Page

6

by

will

not be

the

its

MFJ-1278 Instruction Manual RADIO INTERFACING

Method

If

your

audio,

through

and receive

this

Acceseory Jack or Interface

radio

has

an accessory jack with

audio

signals, the interface can be done

jack (shown in Fig.

3-6).

Box

Connection

PTT,

TNC

transmit

2:

r------

MIC

Input

RCVR

Accessory

Jack

I

1

I

Jz

PTT

SW

Fig.

3-6

Accessory Jack Interface.

Chapter 3 Page

7

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

RADIO

INTERFACING

If your radio does not have an accessory jack and you don't wish to add a connector to your radio, you

separate external interface box. This simultaneous connection schematic of an external interface

of

your MFJ-1278 and a microphone.

box

is

may

box

shown

construct a will permit

A

in Fig.

3-7.

An interface box similar to the one shown in Fig. available

Regardless of whether you use an accessory jack

from

MFJ Enterprises, Inc. Model

No.

is

or

3-7

is

ME'J-1272.

an exter-

nal interface box, you should use shielded wire for all

signal-carrying leads. The connector types and pinouts will

be

determined by the connector jacks

EXT

SPU

A

on

your radio.

Fig.

3-7

External Interface

Chapter

3

Page

Box

8

MFJ-1278

If

you built the external interface box

follow this procedure to adjust

Instruction Manual

R(s).

RADIO

as

in Fig.3-7, then

INTERFACINO

1.

2.

Transmit

1.

Install

Temporarily solder a variable resistor'in place Fig. determined by experiment, but

cases.

microphone to the radio,

is

listen to Adjust

Turn on the MFJ-1278 and computer and terminal program. Enter the modem calibration procedure

by typing

Press

space Pressing the

After

it

will

dog circuit.

will

transmitter by typing

the

watch-dog

JMP J on the MFJ-1278 PC board.

3-7.

Connect your MFJ-1278

being used. Connect the radio to a dummy load and

R(s)

-___

Audio Level Adjustment

The maximum value

or

the

transmission with another nearby radio.

for proper modulation

of

this resistor must

500K

to

to the interface box

for

Interface Method

should handle most

the radio. Connect the

as

follow:

start

CALIBRA

the

K

key to key the transmitter, then tap

bar

the transmitter has been keyed for

have

until the higher

R

key again

be

shut off automatically by the transmit watch-

As

you

perform the adjustments below, you

to

periodically unkey then re-key the

the

timer,

place a shorting jumper

of

will

K

key.

the

two tones

unkey the transmitter.

a

If

you

few

wish

is

to

at

of

R(s)

be

if

one

TI

your

the

heard.

seconds,

defeat

JMP4.

2.

With

transmitting the higher of transmit audio level

3.

Adjust modulation level (typically between deviatio.

available, adjust monitoring receiver

level. determined by measuring the output voltage across speaker with an oscilloscope

there

make adjustment output level radio port audio output

mV

the MFJ-1278 keying

R(s)

is

p-p.

the variable resistor installed for proper

for

Amateur FM).

This

not adequate audio level from

can

of

the MFJ-1278 by adjusting

1

or

R158

of

both radio ports

Chapter

as

follows.

R(S)

is

be

estimated

R(s),

the

two tones, adjust the

If

FM

until the audio signal on the

reduced by half of

by

or

then you can increase the

transmitter and

3.0

and

test

ear

A.C.

equipment

the

or

accurately

voltmeter.

the

MFJ-1278 to

4.5

is

maximum

R157

for radio port 2. The transmitting

is

3

Page

factory

9

set

at

kHz

not

the

If

for

250

MFJ-1278

4.

Press the K key to return to receive mode and type Q to

exit the calibration routine. You have now

Instruction Manual

RADIO INTERFACING

set

transmitter deviation to approximately the correct

level.

5.

Carefully remove the variable resistor and measure value. This

Remove

JMP4

is

if

you placed

the

proper value of

it

in Step

4.

R(S)

for your

particular radio.

6.

Select the nearest standard value fixed resistor watt

R(S)

7.

If

that

3

adjustment with controls,

is

fine) and permanently install this resistor

in the interface circuit.

you have access to

the

modulation

to

4.5

kHz

deviation.

R157

for

FM

level

the

Radio

MFJ-1278

1

test

is

If

or

equipment, check to

still

it

within the

is

not,

limits

make

transmit audio level

R158

of

Radio

2.

Receiver Audio Setting

a

your

its

(1/4

as

see

of

final

The

phase coherence type data

modem

in your

MFJ-1278

is

equipped with an advanced

carrier

detector

(DCD)

with threshold control and a sensitive tuning indicator. These can

be

level

used in combination to

for

the modem and to optimize

set

the

correct receive audio

the

DCD

characteristics

for the various methods of operation. With your radio in the receive mode, open

so

control

that a steady hiss

is

heard on a speaker.

the

squelch

Set

the volume control to the minimum volume position. The tuning indicator on

side

of the display and become stationary.

MFJ-1278

should

drift

off to one

It

may

drift

the

enough to disappear off the end of the display. Slowly advance the audio output

the

point near

tuning indicator "springs to

the

middle

level

with the volume control until

life"

and dances around

of the display. This

is

the absolute

a

minimum audio level for marginal copy. Continue to advance

the volume control until there much audio present at the estimated by voltmeter. This

for

NBFM

ear

or

measured with an oscilloscope

will

operation. Levels higher than this

receiver

be

near the correct amount

degrade the modem performance solong

is

amplifier

capable

of

producing

is

approximately

output. This can

as

the receiver audio

the

chosen output level

twice

or

A.C.

of

audio

will

as

be

not

without distortion (clipping).

While

the

1278

data

still

DCD

clockwise until the

carrier

listening to unsquelched receiver noise, rotate

threshold control on the front panel of your

DCD

LED

just flickers with

indications. This control should be

false

set

MFJ-

to

Chapter

3

Page

10

MFJ-1278

produce approximately when receiving unsquelched NBFM

The

bandwidth

receivers produce wideband audio which

false

setting. In maximum clockwise rotation. Modem performance

affected.

Instruction

modem sensitivity to

of

the

DCD

activity regardless

this

Manual

a

10%

audio coming out of the receiver. some

case,

set

RADIO

duty cycle of false

false

the

receiver

DCD

will

of

DCD

noise. be affected by the

will

the threshold control

threshold control to

NOT produce any

INTERFACING

DCD

activity

its

will

not be

IMPORTANT

If

you experience interference from one of the harmonics of the crystal oscillator in the MFJ-1278, C47 (near the crystal) can be adjusted to move

the

of

Monitor

MFJ-1278 has a built audio amplifier to provide audio external monitor speaker. Monitor speaker such

280

can be can be connected to the SPEAKER jack on

1278. Only one speaker MFJ-1278 radio port in used.

If

wiring of a speaker plug

(1/8") mono plug and the speaker automatically in use.

The

received and transmitted audio including also used to provide a signal to the operator when connection

MFJ-1278 to drive the

monitor speaker board. provide adequate volume you may use an external audio amplifier.

NOTE:

harmonic.

Speaker

will

so

that

sleeve is

speaker

is

If

Harmonic8

Interference

trimmer

capacitor,

the

frequency

Connection

as

the

is

needed for

automatically switch monitor speaker to the

is

necessary, use

or

stereo plug for this connection.

the

tip

of

the

plug

is

connected

needed for both radio ports. MFJ-1278

switch

jack

made.

the speaker to the correct radio port

on

the

MFJ-1278

A

small

audio amplifier

external

can

be adjusted by

the

internal amplifier

is

to

ground. Note that only one

speaker. Volume of the

RADIO

connected to the speaker

is

1

for monitoring of

CW

side tone.

is

R160 of

on

the

the MFJ-1278 does not

the

and

RADIO

a

3.5

Wire

a

built in the MFJ-1278 main

for

an MFJMFJ-

2.

mm

the

will

It

is

packet

You can packet connect tone from the speaker monitor

a

trace

Appendix

disable

between the pins of

G

for the locations and functions of JMP jumpers.

received audio, transmitted audio

the

following jumpers. See

Chapter

3

Page

11

jack

or

the

by cutting

MFJ-1278

JMP

X

JMP

Y

JMP Z :

Instruction Manual

:

Transmitting Audio

:

Receiving Audio

Packet Connect Tone.

RADIO

INTERFACING

For example, do not wish to hear the racket of packet, then you should disconnect disconnect

CW

Installation

Besides being able to send and receive computer, the you to connect an iambic paddle to the

MFJ-1278

Connect

-

DC

Connect

or

radio. The keying jacks of the

RCA

keying output and tube type radios should used the

BLOCK

use, try both outputs. The keyout outputs

are

constant key down

the

Keying Connection

DIRECT jack

phono plug. Solid

keying output.

protected.

if

you like to have the packet connect tone but

JMP

so

you can use

MFJ-1278

a

two conductor shielded cable from the

X

to disable the transmitted audio and

Y

for

received audio.

MFJ-1278

of

the

expands

the

for

CW

MFJ-1278

state

If

you are unsure

If

the wrong output

effect

on the transmitter.

CW

operating fun by allowing

KEY

input

MFJ-1278

operation

to the keying input

radios should use the

as

a

as

MFJ-1278

keyer to send

follow:

accept a standard

of

is

used you

by using your

jack

of

the

CW.

GRID

of

BLOCK

your

DIRECT

GRID

which output to

of

the

MFJ-1278

will

notice

a

Key

Paddle Connection

The

USE

conductor fully shielded cable should be used. tip of plug cable for

KEY

(1/8")

A

for

paddle input jack

stereo

MONO

the

the dot contact.

plug. (Radio Shack

plug, IT

plug

the

for

paddle ground contact.

of

the

MFJ-1278

Part

WILL

the dash contact and the

SHORT OUT THE

Be

sure to use the shield

Chapter 3 Page

12

No.

274-2641.

KEY

accepts

INPUT.

ring

a

3.5mm

DO

A

Wire

of the

of

NOT

two the

the

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

GETTING STARTED

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

'This

all

chapter

the

modes of

will

guide you through the basic operation on

the

MFJ-1278.

It

contains

information required to operate Packet,

AMTOR,

NAVTEX,

FAX,

SSTV and

CW

Memory Keyer.

First Steps

1. Make sure that your computer 232C port or

the

TTL

port on the MFJ-1278 according to

is

connected to

Chapter 2.

2.

Make

according to Chapter

3.

Turn on your computer. Load and run

sure

that

your radios

3.

are

connected to the MFJ-1278

ram.

4.

tlcmd:'t prompt sign.

the the

Turn

on

the YFJ-1278. The MFJ-1278

If

the

MFJ-1278

return key on your computer a

NFJ-1278

+:J

will

sign-on as

as

fails

few

follow:

times

bbRAM:LOADED WITH DEFAULTS

IA

MFJ ENTERPRISES,

MODEL

AX.25

Release

Checksum cmd

MFJ-1278

Level

:

2

XXXXX

XXX

INC.

Version

(date)

2.0

-

32K

RAM

the

basic

RTTY,

the

will

ASCII,

the

terminal prog-

sign on with

to sign-on, press

in succession,

CW,

RS-

Note:

tal

The

normally

The

letter

first

ttIAtt

from

five

see

may display

"Att

through

lines are

only when you power up the MFJ-1278. Command Mode prompt cmd: Command Mode and sign-on Before

the

MFJ-1278 can be fully operational, some of

basic parameters must

is

MFJ-1278

ready to accept your instructions. Upon

is

be

Chapter 4 Page

as

a

ttJ1l.

the

will

defaulted to the

vertical-bar and any capi-

sign-on message, which you

appear when the ME'J-1278

VHF

set.

1

will

The

is

in

packet mode.

the

MFJ-1278

Basic Parameters Setup

--

Instruction

------

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

MODES

With

the

MFJ-1278

sign-on and default to mode, you are now ready you defaults changed!

Type prompt.

for

Your "address. previous

will

use.

for

Let's

cmd:MYCALL

MYCALL

cmd

the

text,

Of

course, you should substitute your own

K5FLU.

call

sign

value

You may

now, but

try entering your call sign. Type:

K5FLU

was

:

MYCALL KSFLU, following

Don't

The

of

NOCALL

forget

will the

be

IYFJ-1278

MYCALL

Command Mode prompt.

the

Y5

the

with:

FLU

the

command by

MFJ-1278

Vow try typing just

cmd:MYCALL

MFJ-1278

You can

the

command that

This

will

;4Y

see

verifies

respond

CALL

the

that

current value of most parameters by typing

sets

the

VHF

to

start setting up

be

satisfied

a

few

parameters

with

the

parameters

most of

will

have to

the

command mode

call

the

<CR>

at

the

end

of

the

used by the MFJ-1278

responds by telling you parameter, and gives you a new

itself:

parameter followed by just a

accepted your

call

sign.

packet

the

sign

line.

as

its

the

<CR>.

be

The

configure

the

MFJ-1278

for

the

commands you

proper

text

particular computer. You may not use unless you change computers

Serial

Port Configuration

This section describes

the

MFJ-12'78

to work best

Chapter

or

terminal programs.

the

commands you

with

your computer.

4

Page

2

will

use

display for your

these

commands again

will

use to

set

to

up

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

Parity Word Length

If

you are using one of the optional starter packs by MFJ

Enterprises, Inc. then you should follow

the

instructions

given by the terminal program documentation

starter pack. then you should

you are not using

use

the following instructions to

the

I4FJ starter pack

If

parity and word length for the MFJ-1278.

If

messages from the MFJ-1278 appear garbled,

incorrectly displayed

MFJ-1278's

that

the

value

bits

you have baud rate needs to

is

as data, you may have to

may otherwise

characters.

8

serial

set

bits

To

and no parity.

be

characters,

you may need to change

port parity and word length.

the

baud rate correctly. See Chapter

be

changed.) The MFJ-1278's default

If

your computer receives

set

space parity,

interpreted

set

8

bits,

as

graphics

or

space parity, use

(We

since

other special

the

combination:

MODES

with

following

set

assume

the

with

the

2

if

8

text

AWLEN

PARITY

For

wordlength

AWLEN PARITY

One of

are terminal

these

more likely to require a different setting

rather

your terminal port

If

your computer requires odd parity,

computer

detects

AWLEN

PARITY

for shorter

AWLEN

PARITY

8

0

of

7

bits,

7

3

combinations

than a computer,

for

some special application.

framing errors, try setting

7

0

characters.

8

1

or

PARITY

(8-bit words) (no parity bit)

even parity,

(7-bit words)

(

even parity

will

(7-bit

(no parity

satisfy most computers. You

or

if

words)

bit)

For longer characters,

(8-bit

words)

3

Echos You may

ter

you type, for example:

see

two characters

on

your screen for every charac-

set

if

you have

you have configured

set

PARITY

1.

If

set:

a

your

Your

cmd

computer

:

RREESSEETT

is

echoing

Chapter

the

characters you type, and

4

Page

3

the

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC OPERATION: ALL

MODES

MFJ-1278

FULL

is

also echoing

on

your terminal to stop the terminal from echoing

them.

In

this

case,

set

duplex to

characters to your screen.

New

Lines

__~____

If

everything displayed appears to computer displays a carriage return

the

MFJ-1278 from also adding an

equipment you may have to

1278's

The

width

<CR>

screen-width parameter

(or

been displayed on a line.

tically break long lines, you

width to

computer using

SCREENLN

lines, you should

the

FIFJ-1278.

and Line Wrapping

is

adding an extra linefeed (<LF>) whenever

automatic linefeeds.

of

many

<CR>

40.

CRT

displays.

<LF>

the

if

AUTOLF

width of your display. For example, for

a

TV

set

If your computer

set

SCREENLN

Otherwise,

be

double-spaced, your

(<CR>).

set

AUTOLF ON

is

set

The

MFJ-1278

is

ON)

If

your computer does not automa-

will

Set

AUTOLF

<LF>.

OFF

If

you change

to restore

by default to

when

80

need to

will

send an

characters

set

the screen

the

80,

for a display, you would

does

you

automatically break long

0

to

disable this feature on

will

get two

<CR>s

when the

to keep

extra

line wraps around.

A

few computers

a

line when several lines are typed in rapid succession, for example, in more

<CR>),

by

time

or

NULLS,

NULF

will

the

frequently lose

sign-on message. You can give

between lines by setting

ON

which

(delay

sets

after

<LF>).

a number of character-times for the

the

first

NUCR ON

The delay

characters of

the

computer

(delay

is

after

adjusted

delay.

it

MFJ-

the

have

a

set

With

the

basic parameters

set

up

which

enable to be able to communicate with your computer, discuss some basic functions and features of

Chapter

4

Page

4

the

MFJ-1278

we

can now

MFJ-1278.

MFJ-1278 Instruction Manual

The MFJ-1278 Multi-Mode Modem

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

The MFJ-1278 modem has five components. These allows the MFJ-1278 to be used in

various modes include ASCII,

(including Weather

monitoring of NAVTEX. Each

each mode of operation. Xodem re-calibration

for

the

The modes used with each modem tqnes

4-2.

MODEM

...........................................................

VHF HF

set

of

receiving

modes listed.

and

Table

I

P H

V

I

of

operation. These modes

Packet, HF Packet, AMTOR, VHF RTTY,

ASCII,

modem components

shifts produced by each modem

4-1:

VHF Packet, 2 levels FAX

HF

AMTOR,

VHF

CW,

Yodulated

FAX),

SSTV

is

or

transmitting when switching among any

MFJ-12'78 Nodem and Operation Modes

OPERATION MODES

Packet,

RTTY,

HF

NAVTEX

VHF ASCII

Baudot RTTY, HF ASCII,

sets

CW,

with gray

independently calibrated for

are

shown in Table 4-1. The

of

pre-set modem

of

operation

HF

RTTY, VHF

CW

Memory Keyer, FAX

scales

is

not required

are

shown in Table

its

and

of

C M

P

H

V

C

I

CW,

Vemory Keyer, Modulated

I

Multi-level FAX, Multi-level

I

2100

I

2319

I

29'75

I

850

I

1300

I

2110

I

2125

I I

I

----

Chapter 4 Page

5

I

CW

SSTV

800

200

850

----

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

Operation

Mode

Verifying Operation Status Upon power up,

and

the

radio

port connection operating status of command

MODE

the

HFJ-1278

baud

rate

is

defaulted to radio

the

is

defaulted to

YFJ-1278

after the display of

operation mode, type: MODE

'The

followed

'Iode Switching

Since

to familialize yourself

<CR>

YFJ-12'78

with

the

MFJ-1278

will

the

With

respond

cmd:

is

with

prompt.

the

MODE

Command

a multi-mode controller, you

with

the

one operating mode to another.

The

mode operation mode and modem to can command

MFJ-1278

of

operation.

be

used by

is:

provides an easily used command to change

The

MODE

select

used. Table

the

MODE

command allows you to enter any a

4-3

command.

defaulted to

1.

at

any

the

CMD:

VHF

Packet

1200

baud. Radio

You can verify the

time

by using the

prompt.

To

modem status display lines

will

commands

desired

lists

The

for

changing from

radio baud rate and

the

valid codes which

format for

the

mode

check

need

the

MODE

Where

Table

the

xx,bbbb,m

xx

is

a

4-3,

bbbb

desired modem

specified then

the

Most of baud

specify

selected

rate

HF

mode using

the

time,

and modem need not

R'r'rY

baud and using you would type:

MODE

HB

Any of

the

other two.

baud

while

MODE

HB,110

<CR>

the

three

using

<CR>

2

letter

is

the

as

MFJ-1278

operation at the default baud rate

the

default narrow shift modem, for example,

parameters for

RTTY

<

CR>

operation mode code

desired

listed

the

defaults

will

baud rate

in Table

select

modem

will

be

specified.

may

be

4-1. the default modem

as

listed in Table

changed without affecting

example, to change

with

Chapter

the

same modem, you would type:

4

Page

6

or

speed,

If

be

sufficient

So

the

baud rate to

as

listed in

no modem

in order to

and

so

of

m

is

for

4-1.

the

45

110

MFJ-1278

Similarly, to select the wide shift modem without changing

either

Instruction Manual BASIC OPERATION: ALL MODES

the

operating mode or the baud rate you would type:

MODE HB,IIO,V <CR>

If you select an invalid code or baud rate, MFJ-1278 respond

?

BAD

cmd

:

Note that to default settings.

On

CW,

selecting a baud rate you entering

speed,

is

20

MODE OPERATION CODE MODE

...........................................................

VP HP VB

HB

VA

HA

FX

CW

with

YCW

the

WPX.

Table

an error message:

with

a

the error message,

and Memory

number from 5 thru

last selection

4-3:

MODE

Keyer

Command Codes and Baud Rates.

operation modes, instead

will

99.

will

!DEFAULT ;BAUD RATE1 BAUD RATE/SPEED/FORMAT

I

VHF

I

HF

Packet

lVHF

Baudot

HF

Baudot

IVHE'

Ascrr

I

HF

ASCII RTTY

Packet

RTTYI RT'l'Y

RTTY

1200

I

300

45

45 I

I

110

I

110

FAX /3(120L/M)I

I

CW/

Yem.

KeyerI

20

the

select

be

used.

I

1

300,

300

I

45,

150,

45,

150,

1

45,

150,

I

45,

150,

60,

360,

I

5

WPM

MFJ-12'78 has changed

CW

sending speed

If

you do not select a

The

default value

SELECTABLE

1200

50,

57,

75,

180,

WPM

100,

100, 110,

100,

200,

50,

200,

50,

200,

50,

200,

90,

480

thru

300

57, 75,

300

57,

300

57,

300

120,

(Lines/Min.)

99

will

of

by

110, 110,

110,

240,

MC

TV

I

Modulated

SSTV

CW

AM I AYTOR/NAVTEX

Chapter 4 Page

i

1

I

20

!

(8.5s);

100

1

5

WPM

6.5,

100

12,

(

seconds)

7

thru

17,

99

WPY

24,

36

MFJ-1278 Instruction Manual BASIC OPERATION:

Radio Port Switching

ALL

MODES

MFJ-1278

Radio

1.

Upon

by typing

MFJ-1278

with

cmd:

provides two independent radio ports (iiadio 1 and

2).

Upon power up

the

cmd: command prompt, you can

"RAD

1"

or

will

display a new operation status and end

MFJ-1278

"RAD

2"

will

default

then press llReturntf.

prompt.

Memory Buffers

The

MFJ-1278

gives you ten user programmable memory buffers. slemory buffer numbers are from buffers buffer memory buffers can Yemory buffers Vemory Keyer

There

Memory buffer 0 can memory buffer

'To

load

type

:

are

accessible by

is

capable

modes.

are

ten memory buffers provided by

9

the

memory buffer, under

can

is

of

storing up to

be

used

be

set

the

command

be

chained together in any order.

€or

RTTY,

repeated. by

S'JFTIMZ.

the

BUF.

120

characters.

4SC11,

Time

CYD:

to

Radio port

select

0

thru

radio port

9.

Memory

Each memory

All

CW,

the

NCW

i4FJ-1278.

between repeats

command prompt,

ten

and

fGi

CMD:BUF#

Where

3.

to

Note: Notice but

remember

the

buffer message.

--

Memo= buffers Memory buffers can

command.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX......XXXXX

#

is

XXXXXXXXX....

120

characters.

__~__

If

the memory buffer number, from

that

..XXXX

there

is

the

NO

space between

to put a space between

Transmitting

be

transnitted by using

RUFKEY

is

left with

<CR>

buffer message of up

the

default value

(TAB key), user can transmit any buffer

the

Once to receive mode.

back

rrTAB"

the

key followed

buffer message

to receive.

with

is

User

do not have to type

Chapter

a buffer number

transmitted,

4

Page

YFJ-1278

8

0

thru

"BUFtl

and

"Q"

buffer number and

the

BUFKEY

of

'lgll

(0-9)

by pressing

(0

thru

will

"C'I'RL-R"

revert

to

9).

go

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

BUFKEY

for

press

transmit and you

1278

If you are using

can only

RTTY

a

to

the

be

used in the

CW/MCW

mode.

It

or ASCII modes. For RTTY and ASCII modes you

"CTRL-TI'

and a buffer number to initiate a buffer

will

press

a

"CTRL-R"

to revert the

receive mode.

the

MFJ-1278

with

MFJCOM,

program, you must change the BUFKEY value of

to

II

',

I1

(

$5C

1

key.

euffer Serial Number

If

will

Suffer

the

serial number counter value

a maximum

If for any reason

return to

I_--

the

memory buffer

replace

is

------

text

the

transmitted. The number

#

serial number counter,

of

the

65535,

CMD:

where

the

serial number must

command prompt and enter

includes a

with

a

SERIALNO.

is

the

counter

tf

sign, the

number

is

each

the

current value of

Once used,

incremented by one up to

rolls

be

changed, you may

the

number by typing:

CMD:SERIALNO

Where

to

65535.

#####

I?$'##+

<CR>

is

the

desired serial number from

is

not valid

will

MFJ-

IBM

terminal

"TAB"

YFJ-12'78

time

(3)

key

that

this

over to zero.

new serial

0

--

"iemory

-

kpe_a_t_

The buffer 0 repeat

followed by a number from 0 to

gpd_

Ruffer

time

Re_ee&

is

set

Time

by using

65535

seconds. BUFTIME of

seconds represents no repeat after Ecuffer

RUF'rIIflE

RUFTIqE

RIIFTTl?E

This

then you must example, if you want message and

5

add

19

seconds, then you must

is

usable in

is

not effective

is

the

TOTAL

means that

set

the

seconds to

CW,

YCW

and Yemory Keyer modes.

for

memory buffers

time

if

your buffer message

the

a

for one cycle of Buffer 0 message.

BUFTIME

5

second delay between

longer than ten seconds. For

beginning of message to be repeated, then

the

total message

set

BUFTIME

time.

for

second delay.

If your buffer

Memory Buffer

0

message

0

to repeat every

is

10

seconds long, and you want

5

seconds, under

command prompt, type: CYD:BUFTIME

15

<CR>

Chapter

4

Page

9

the

is

command

0

is

transmitted.

1

thru

9.

10

seconds long,

the

end of

If

your message

15

seconds for a

R'JF'l'IME

0

the

is

5

CMD:

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

MODES

Yemory buffer memory buffer

If

EUFT1,qE

will

receive mode between repeats. This allows you to monitor the frequency. during the pre-set delay

repeat until buffer

ChaininA the Kemory

___

All

while

memory buffer

together in one transmission.

program the message in memory buffers as follows:

From

CYD:BUFO

CY3:

CWC:BUF5

automatically release the

-

-_-

ten memory

being transmitted.

CYD:

BUF2

dhere program into the memory buffers.

command prompt, type:

XXXXXXXXXXX....XXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXX.

XXXXXXXXXXX..

0

9

from repeating,

is

-

-I

buffers

3,

XXXX

will

set

0

Buffers

- - -

nenory buffer 2 and memory buffer

is

repeat every 5 seconds.

set

BUFTIME

to a nonzero value, the

PTT

line and revert to the

If

the

YFJ-1278

time,

is

interrupted.

-

-_

-

may

be

For

CTRL-T

. . .

XXXXX

.

XXXXX

the desired

CTRL-T <CR>

chained together in any order

example, you may transmit

To

it

achieve this, you should

2

<CR>

5

<CR>

text

TO

0.

is

not interrupted

will

you wish to

continuously

To

stop

NFJ-1278

5

In

transmitted, then Suffer

0,

to

Vote: If automatically mode between repeats. This allows you to monitor the

frequency. If the pre-set delay

3

Tuning Indicator

Your

is

for tuning to signals for optimum reception but also

filter

the example shown above, whenever Suffer

the

5.

Buffer 2 and Buffer 5 repeatedly, then add

the end

of

the

RJFTTME

release

time,

is

interrupted.

MFJ-1278

sensitive, very accurate and extremely useful not only

MFJ-1Lld

If

you want the

Buffer

5

is

a non-zero value,

the

P’i’l

i*IFJ-1278

it

will

is

equipped with a tuning indicator which

will also transmit Suffer

YFJ-1278

content.

to

transmit Buffer

a

MFJ-1278

line and revert to the receive

is

not interrupted during the

continuously repeat until buffer

3

“C’I’RL-‘I‘

will

for

alignment and audio

Chapter

level

4

indication.

Page

10

is

2,

0”

MF

J-

1

278

I

ns

t

r

uc t ion Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

The

for

position

of

the

tuning indicator

tuning a signal under the following conditions:

1.

The

station

is

transmitting data (both tones

a single carrier).

2.

The

within

3.

There

for

Assuming that station

the

receiver frequency

centered in

represent

be

used.

The

use

CCD

LED

the

capture range of the

is

sufficient audio output from

proper operation

the

conditions above are

with

of

the

tuning indicator

the

display. Actually there

the

center

the

tuning indicator

is

lit

indicating that

of

so

that

of

the display.

later in each mode of operation.

LED

is

only meaningful

the

PLL

demodulator.

the demodulator.

met,

is

quite simple. Just

the

tuning indicator

are

Either

will

be further discussed

NOT

just

the

signal

receiver

is

tuning in a

set

2

LEDs

or

both may

LED

is

which

Chapter

4

Page

11

MFJ-1278 Instruction Manual BASIC OPERATION: ALL MODES

OPERATION:

VHF

Packet

If you

learn quite actually transmitting anything. the

hlFJ-1278

bezone If you

you may not the other nodes .sf operation

!)isconnect your radio from the

Y?<J-12{5.

analog loopback Ccnnect your computer cable. Lurn

p r og

r

an,

Faacket radio

sets

insures

disconnect process, which 1e3ve:: bath stations

new

'3ther packet stations

froin

~1p

333s.

one station

PACKET

are

riot familiar

a

bit about

will

be "talking to itself," allowing you

familiar

are

already farciliar with the packet operation, then

-

with

w3nt

Install the dtgital loopback jumper,

t.3

jum?er,

on

2S3s

the "han3shaking" setween the two stations that

errar-free

Packet

t3

with

it

before you

perform this

the computer and

are stsrted co'nlnunii-at ions.

3SOs

which

the other Jver a specified route.

packet operation, then you can

it

with the

For

your

go

on the

sxercise.

in

this chapter.

YFJ-1278

ts

.:'I,:P'i,

the

should

'1F2-12/3

by

a

connect process, which

3SOs

can

al:o

can automatically relay packets

make

YFJ-1278

first

air.

In

and turn

not

with your

start

are

terninated by

use

of disipeaters,

be installed.

your

without

experiments,

this

free

case

off

.JMP13.

terminal

ta

the The

serial

start

t3

go

a

To

see

itself. Since 1,7op-back, the following:

replacing generates packets initiating The packets aren't actually converted to audio signals and transmitted over the radi~~, but they packets you

The

was

lit

line. You Try

how this

KSFLU

***

CONNECTED

successful. You should up and that you

it.

Type your

works,

y3u

it

will receive

with your

will

are

be

now

y,3u can have the

h3v3

transmittin5

to

message

do

in

Converse Yodel ready to start talking.

message,

Chapter

not

set,

the

MFJ-1278

311

packets that

own

call

aid

confirming the connection.

lster

tells

also

see

endjng the

4

you

notice that the

a

new

Page

Mr7J-12'78

sign. The

are

otherwise just like

on.

that

cmd:

prompt on the next

line

12

up for digital

connect to

it

sends. 'Try

MFJ-1279

the connection

CON

LED

with

a

<CR>.

has

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

Hello, there,

-1

Hello there.

~

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

The

"packetized," and transmitted.

<CR>

causes your message to

be

put into a packet,

(We

explain in

the

or

next chapter how you can use a different character to send packets.)

received

Converse Node anything you type packet addressed to transmitted.

the

In automatically after command

The

underlined

in a packet and displayed. Whenever you

If

there

packet

the

will

be

example above, the

the

YFJ-1278

text

the

isn't

is

a

message

will

station you are talking to and

a

QSO

(connection) in progress,

sent to the address

MFJ-1278

the

connect took place. You can also

to

move back and forth between Command

entered Converse Xode

that the MFJ-1278

are

be

assembled into

CQ.

in

a

hlode and Converse Mode.

To

return to Command Mode, you must enter a special charac-

ter,

signal. "Control" characters

Control-C (abbreviated <CTRL-C>),

are

usually entered by holding

or

else

send a

BREAL

down a special control key and then typing another key without releasing

have a key marked

documentation for your computer

how to enter control cial transmission (not ter

may

be

able to produce.

NOTE:

something to

the

If

<CTRL-C>

control key.

CTRL

or

something similar, consult

characters.

an

ASCII character) which your compu-

will

interfere

If

your keyboard doesn't

or

terminal program to

A

cause

BREAK

your

signal

is

a

computer to do

with packet operations,

the

see

spe-

such as halting the terminal program, and you can't send the character

BREAK

that

signals, you

will

have to change

returns you to Command Mode. See the section on "Special Input Characters," below.

Now

C>,

type a

but

<CTRL-C>.

The

you should immediately

To return to Converse Mode,

<CTRL-C>

cmd:CONVERS Whatever Whatever

<

CTRL-

cmd

To terminate

DISCONNE

command.

terminating

:

the

I

type

I

type

C>

QSO,

you must end

The

conversation and notify you when the

Chapter

NFJ-1278

enter

in

Converse Mode

doesn't echo the

see

a

Command Mode prompt.

the command

in Converse Mode

the

connect by giving the

MFJ-1278

4

Page

will

13

<CTRL-

CONVERS:

is

transmitted.

is

transmitted.

transmit packets

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC OPERATION: ALL

MODES

disconnect

is

complete:

cmd:DISCONNE

***

DISCONNECTED

An actual course. In that message without having issued

You have just performed

4SO.

to

begin

disconnected from

Digipeatinq

You may

is

beyond your tion talk to are in range of relay your packets.

initiate the connection. cally include the routing information in sends.

The diagram below shows an example situation in which digipeating

is

QSO

might

You established a connection with the desired station

the

qS0,

wish

to have a

on the air and both you and

is

useful.

be

case,

the

direct

terminated by the other station,

you would

the

basic

sent and received some messages, and

station

QSO

radio range.

this

You

at

with

third

set

up the packet routing when you

The

MFJ-1278

see

the

*++

DISCONNECTED

command.

operations

the end

another packet station

the

station, that station can

of

If

a

station you want

will

of

any packet

the

QSO.

third packet sta-

then automati-

the

packets

of

that

to

it

AD7

I

and

set

VIA

list

4

\

you

which

up a connection to

AD71

Page

N2WX

You are station with

in

located on and

You

AD71

You can specify a routing

stations. For example, consider ple above:

N2WX.

simplex range of

There

the

NZWX.

direct

as an intermediate digipeater as follows:

the

cmd:CONNECT

K5FLU,

is

ridge,

MFJ-1278

I

a

mountain

each

other. However

AD71,

to

N2WX

Chapter

K5FLU

want to have a packet

in

the way and

there

is

in

range

you

are

is

a station

of

both you

N2WX

of up to eight intermediate

a

modification

14

of

the

QSO

not

using

exam-

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

/-

N2WX

AD71 has turned off going around you

issue

You specify them going from your station to

wish

Your

tions. This doesn't require any special actions part your station your transmitter keying during lulls in your own conversations.

IJnsuccessful Connections Sometimes

completed.

be

typed

response to You make attempts

this

the

to connect.

station can also

--

within range of your station.

the

can control

with

number of transmissions,

message

the

mountain through

the

connect command like this:

cmd:CONNECT

the

digipeaters

the

MFJ-1278

is

digipeating, you may occasionally notice

you

will

The

station may not

other call sign,

its

first

the

command

is

10.

If

.-

/ \

KV7D

his

station, but you can contact

N2WX

act

will

initiate a connect sequence

connect

the

number

RETRY.

the

MFJ-1278

\

K5

FLU

. . .

NK6K

N2WX

NK6K

VIA

NK6K,

in

the order you would encounter

the

as a digipeater for other sta-

do everything automatically.

be

If

the

packet,

of

attempts The default number

doesn't get an answer after

it

and

KV7D.

This

KV7D

station to which you

on

that

can't

on the air,

You

may have even

MFJ-1278

it

the

will

give up and display

or

it

does not get a

will

try again.

MFJ-1278

of

your

may not

mis-

will

retry

by

time

If

be

***

retry count exceeded

***

DISCONNECTED

The

retry count

transmission sent to the other station

ACKed

that

indicated means by

tions. Sometimes

the

from another packet station other channel noise.

soon enough,

retry count.

by

the

other station,

packet

that

which

is

also used once the

other station, and

was

received and

it

was

received without errors. This

packet radio can ensure error-free communica-

a

packet won't

either

it

retransmits the packet and increments

If

the

because

If

the

count

Chapter

vice

that

be

of

(a

collision),

MFJ-1278

set

by RETRY

4

Page

15

accidental interference

QSO

has started. Each

is

"acknowledged," or

versa. The

the

received correctly by

or

doesn't get an

is

exceeded,

ACK

means

CRC

checksum

is

because of

the

ACK the

the

MFJ-1278 Inetruction Manual BASIC OPERATION: ALL

MODES

MFJ-1278

message:

The

nel under hopeless conditions.

without disconnecting. conditions, such as

0

never

automatic disconnect feature keeps

indefinitely retransmitting digipeater might have been

might other operator might have even turned off

to

will

***

*

have

disable

reached).

deteriorated to

automatically disconnect and display

retry count

D I SCONNE CT

all

a

automatic disconnects

exceeded

ED

a

shut

the

If

marginal

you are operating under special

a

MFJ-1278 from

packet and tying up the chan-

For

example, an intermediate

down,

point of being unusable.

HF

channel, you can

or

(the

the

his

retry

the

RF

channel station

set

limit

same

The

RETRY

is

Monitoring Channel Activity

in addition to displaying messages connected to, packet activity on the channel. You can displaying packets between other stations. The MFJ-1278

will

This

also

section

the

keep

will

MFJ-1278

track

of

describe some of the monitor functions.

can

stations heard during a session.

from

the

station you

allow you to monitor other

"read

the

are

mail,"

is

the

it.

enabled

is

a

address

For

Monitoring You can try this out in digital loop-back mode while disconnected. Type:

cmd:MONITOR

cmd:CONVERS

This

KSFLU>CQ:This

Since you aren't connected to another station your packets

are sent to

sent

was lfheard" by the

the

sending station and

If

you also want to being used, you can useful you are monitoring and to reach display

if

you later want to connect to one of

:

WB6YMH>WDOETZ,KV7B:HelloL

This

packet

was

sent

or

disabled by the

ON

test

see

packet.

is

a

test

"CQ,"

MFJ-1278

the

destination.

any intermediate digipeater stations

set

MRPT

will

example, you might

from

Chapter 4 Page

need a digipeater route in order

WB6YMH

packet.

i.e.,

ON.

anyone.

and displayed, along with

Bill!

via

KV7B

16

This

see

MONITOR

The

packet you

feature would be

the

the following

to

WDOETZ.

command.

stations

MFJ-1278

If

are

the

setting

Instruction

Manual

there are several digipeaters, long,

the

display may

address header on a separate line from

HEADERLN

ON:

WB6YXH>WDOETZ,KV7&

Hello, Bill!

BASIC OPERATION: ALL

or

if

the

message lines

be

difficult to read. You can put

the

text

MODES

by

Ordinarily, packets

if

converse without interruption. activity while connected to a packet station,

To

display a

the

YFJ-1278

will

stop displaying monitored

you connect to another station, permitting you to

If

you want to monitor

set

MCON

ON.

list

of

stations heard since the last

time

your

NFJ-1278 was powered up, type

cmd:MHEARD

AD7

I

iJA7GXD

N2WX

NK6K

KV7

B"

The

NFJ-1278

was heard digipeating

his

last

own.

several

are

stations whose packets

displayed.

The

entry

a

packet rather than sending one

were

";tV7B*"

You can clear the "heard log" with

heard

by

your

means that KV7B

of

the

command

MHCLEAR.

You can above,

Your

Although familiar probably eager to get on Arrange to have another packet operator get on the air to help you get started. close enough to ensure solid copy, noise. operator to help you get started. ners, try to on

low

see

as

well

First

there

with

It's

power

the

settings

of

the

monitor parameters

as several others, by typing DISPLAY

Packet

are

QSO

still

a

number of features you should be

for comfortable packet operation, you

the

air

and try out the MFJ-1278.

Make

best

have

or

if

you can get an experienced packet

both stations in the same

into dummy loads.

sure that your friend

with

If

you are both begin-

described

MONITOR.

are

will

be

no FM "popcorntr

room

and operate

the

Remove radio

to

and your radio.

digital loopback jumper,

the

YFJ-1278.

Be

Turn on your computer, the

sure

radio according to one of

3.

When

the

other station transmits,

Chapter

JMPIO.

you have adjusted

the

methods

4

Page

described

the

17

Connect your

the

MFJ-12'78,

MFJ-1278 and

in Chapter

DCD

LED

on

the

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

MODES

XFJ-1278

transmission. You can work through examples in

the

air.

Starting

---

You are ready to initiate a connect. ple, sign, and sure you

should glow steadily for

we

this

the

QSO

-__

will

we

are

chapter

while

continue to use

will

use

WBOQRP

in Command Mode, and type

the

you try out

For

SSFLU

for

in place

your friend's

duration

of

remainder of

the

MFJ-1278

the

sake

of

of exam-

your

call.

the

on

call

Make

cmd:CONNECT WBOQRP

After

and you

a moment you should

***

will

be

CONNECTED

in Converse :lode. Your friend

to

see

the

WBO2RP

message

will

see

the

message

***

CONNEC'rED

and

he

first

will

QSO.

also

be

If you have trouble connecting,

drive

level

is

set

properly, as

t3

K5FLU

in Converse Mode. You have begun your

make

described

sure your microphone

in Chapter

3.

It

may be helpful to have an experienced packet operator listen to your transmissions and monitor

the

also try should

set

packets. other. concentrate on and

the

demodulator and receiver of

can try experimenting

the

sending TNC. Set TXDELAY

solves

that

the

works consistently.

following procedure. Both

MONITOR

Each

If

only one station

the

problem, you can

ON,

enter Converse Mode and send some

station should display packets sent by

modulator and transmitter of

is

with

the

back

with

his

TNC.

you

and your friend

You can

the

"hearing" properly, you can

that

the

other station. You

station

TXDELAY timing parameter for

64

for a long delay. off to

the

smallest

If

value

this

Exchange several messages to get

If

you monitor

the

speaker audio from

idea of

of

get to

the

what

time,

the

keyed briefly and your friend

his

speaker.

his radio

will

hear a "brraap" on your speaker. This

packet acknowledgment coming

the

radio transmit indicators and listen to

the

is

happening. You radio

even

while

two rigs, you

you

are

end of a line and type a

will

As

will

be keyed

your message

Chapter

is

for

an even shorter

back.

4

Page

a

feel

for this

will

be

new

mode.

have a better inactive most

actually typing. When you

<CR>,

displayed on

18

your radio

will

hear a Mbrrrraaaapt'

his

computer,

The

time

is

HFJ-1278

the

takes

and

ACK,

note

be

on

you

or

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

that the packet was received correctly, but nothing displayed on

Now

that you are on the air, you and your friend can try out the more interesting participating, but stat ions.

Return to Command Mode and disconnect from the other stat ion

Now

As

call for WBOQRP. You are requesting a connect to yourself, as you did before in digital loop-back mode, but this time

you are using a

to your friend's TNC, which relays them back to you. When the connection is established you will

MFJ-1278's

:

issue the following command.

before, substitute your call

your

<

CTRL- C>

cmd:DISCONNE

***

cmd:CONNECT

screen.

digipeating capabilities. This is actually

if

you have at least three stations

you

DISCONNECTED

KSFLU

sort

of RF loop-back.

can get the feel for it with two

VIA

WBOQRP

for

KSFLU and your friend's

You

transmit packets

see

is

***

CONNECTED to K5FLU

and you will be in Converse Mode. Your friend won't see anything displayed on his computer and his TNC's state won't be affected at all by your

issue this connect request,

cmd :CONNECT

and

packets and the acknowledgments back and forth. Monitoring This is a good time to try out the MFJ-1278's monitor connected, type

you

can carry on two separate conversations completely independently. Monitor the radio transmit indicators and listen to the speaker audio. See if you can follow the

on

the

Air

functions. While you and your friend are separately

Chapter

QSO.

WBOQRP

VIA

4

Page

VIA

WBOQRP

In fact, your friend could

KSFLU

19

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL MODES

CCTRLcmd:MONITOR

cmd:MCON

C>

ON

cmd:CONVERS

'You

will

friend's conversation.

Special

The

iilF'J-1278

used to control

characters

they

be able to

see

both your "conversation'l and your

Also

try HEADERLN

Input Characters

has

a

number of special characters that can be

its

actions. Many of

can

be

used to "edit" commands and packet text

are

entered. These features can all

ON

and

MHEARD.

these

be

customized to

special

as

suit you and your computer. Most of the special input

characters

and

Converse Mode; the exceptions

'The character used to return to Command :.lode Yode

is

works.)

you accidentally enter command line.

ter

with the command

mands that

we

will

by default a

This

character

You

set

special character functions.

describe are active in both Command Mode

will

<CTRL-C>.

(Sending

does nothing in Command Mode,

it

twice

can change

COMMAND.

you won't

the

Command Mode entry charac-

This

be noted.

from

a

BREAK

mess

is

one of several corn-

You

Ccnverse

signal also

up the next

can choose

so

if

any character for this function, by entering the ASCII character code for the key.

<C'I'RL-E>

to enter Command Mode by setting

For

example, you can use

a

cmd

:

COMMAND

was

'Ihe

XFJ-1278

displays

also enter character codes in hex

5

$03

the

previous value in hex, and you can

if

you prefer.

All

of the special characters described below can be changed in the same way

We

as

COMMAND.

have already mentioned that you can

erase

mis-typed

characters by typing the <BAC<SPACE> character. You can

change

DELETE ON, you can

character; setting DELETE You

ter

more commonly used than you aren't sure whether your rubout key produces <DELETE>

this

character with

erase

will

probably want to use the

normally uses to

the

command DELETE.

If

characters by typing the <DELETE>

OFF

returns to using <BACKSPACE>.

same

rub

out characters. <BACKSPACE>

by personal computers.

key that your compu-

you

set

is

If

or

<BACLSPACE> characters, you can try both settings of the

DELETE command and

When you rub out a mis-typed character, the attempt to correct the screen display. This most computers

as

see

well

Chapter

which works.

as

display-type terminals.

4

Page

20

MFJ-1278

will

work for

It

will

won't

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

work

computers.

out a character, try setting BKONDEL

not try to correct

with a

correction by setting

If

your mind, you may want rubbing out the characters one

the

<3ACKSLASH> followed by you

The

acter by the command CANLINE.

If

characters, you may want to

input, especially

will R>

for hardcopy-type terminals

If

your display doesn't look right

the

display but

"\"

character

you make several mistakes in a line,

(<BACKSLASH>).

BKONDEL

to

ON.

cancel the whole line rather than

at

line by typing

will

you have changed your input

see

a

new prompt:

cmd:Hi,

[You started typing

cmd:CONVERSE

Hi,

John,

cancel-line character can be changed to any ASCII

<CTRL-X>.

<CR>.

John, how

text

how

are

The MFJ-1278

If

are

you?<CTRL-X>\

while in Command Mode.]

you?

by

see

if

retype the

:

line

you have

you

set

BKONDEL

are

entering when you type

or

possibly with

after

OFF.

will

You can restore display

a

time.

you are in Command Yode,

rubbing out and retyping

a

"freshtt copy

The MFJ-1278

indicate the rubout

or

if

you change

You can cancel

will

OFF.

The MFJ-1278

a

you rub

will

display

char-

of

your

<CTRL-

few

a

cmd:CONNECT KB7\\\WA7<CTRL-R>\

LYOU

mis-typed cmd:CONNECT

Here

call for

characters correctly and redisplayed the line,

typing character can be changed command REDISPLA.

If

read

display by typing <CTRL-S>. To resume output from the

1278

be changed to any ASCII character by the commands STOP and

START, respectively.

You may occasionally want to include one of the special

input characters in lines

<CR>

the

sign and rubbed them out. The MFJ-1278 displayed

each character rubbed out. The user then retyped

the

it

to

at

in the packet

user

the

call sign on the

MFJ-1278

before

your computer, enter <CTRL-Q>. These characters can

once

in

the

call

sign.J

WA7GXD

mis-typed the

displays information

it

scrolls

a

packet.

the

same

at

the end of each line, bypassing

first

new

to

off

packet, you would have to include

line.

any ASCII

the screen, you can halt the

For

Chapter 4 Page

three characters

of

the

it\tt

the

He

finished

The redisplay-line

character

faster

than you can

by the

MFJ-

example, to send several

its

21

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

"send-packet" function except

You

packet. all special acter,

<CTRL-V>.

Ordinarily, this message

prefixing the

it

all pass command

We

at

character

PASS.

will

next chapter. modes which

can include any character in a packet including

characters

I

wasn't

What

happened?

first

once,

can

discuss

For

the

ME'J-1278

For

at

but

be

operation

now

by prefixing

example,

the meeting.<CTRL-V><CR>

would

<CR>

with

maintains changed to any

of

let

us

discuss

is

capable

at

the

actual end

it

with

be sent

CCTRL-V>,

the

as

<CR>

ASCII

two

the

in the text. The

character

packet in more

the

operation

of

operation.

of

the

pass char-

packets.

operator sends

by

the

detail

in

of

the

other

By

Chapter

4

Page

22

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual BASIC OPERATION:

HF Packet Baeic Operation

ALL

MODES

The requirements for optimum performance with a typical

or

OSCAR

10

path are very different compared to local

VHF

HF

FYI

environment. Lower signal to noise ratios require lower baud rates, noise spikes and fades require shorter packet lengths, and a higher the total usable dynamic range in the audio input.

1278

hardware and software are configured to improve throu-

ghput in

these

environments. The

rate

of false

carrier

MFJ-1278s

detects lowers

The

YFJ-

settings of

MAXFRAME and PACLEN provide the possibility of several

continuous frames of long data length.

300

baud,

The

NFJ-1278

detect

detect signal

LED.

interval

to

be

signals may should

missions can

AXDELAY

should

If you are operating

we

recommend setting MAXFRAME to

detects

signal from

is

Each

time

which

must elapse before

DCD

a busy channel by monitoring

the

demodulator. The presence

indicated by the Data Carrier

goes off

the

MFJ-1278

the

available. On a noisy channel spurious lock-detect

be

set

to

be

DWAIT

set

0

for

generated.

to

0.

be

disabled by setting TXDELAY

the

required keyup delay.

this

application.

The

a

For

HF

random

full-duplex radio station

(simultaneous transmit and receive) such as an OSCAR station, you should always electrically capable

this

parameter causes

set

FULLDUP

of

full duplex operation, but

the

protocol to behave differently in

acknowledging packets. In addition,

the

state

of

the

DCD

line.

For

HF

operation

at

1.

will

channel

the

of

Detect

start

is

considered

lock-

a lock-

(DCD)

a

DWAIT

and OSCAR operation you

wait

before retry trans-

0

and using

Of

course,

AXHANG

10

ON.

the

The

MFJ-1278

will

is

ignore

Although intuition reduce

small

the

number of packet

range between !'too fast" and "too slow.t1

tells

packet takes longer to transmit and

for

target

be

received correctly in order to

of

1200

HF

activity may generally

Use

LSB

stations use

fades and static crashes.

baud have been used on both HF and through OSCAR

or

USB

-

it

LSB

when referring to the suppressed carrier

you

that

retries,

be

found on

really doesn't

lower baud rates

there

is

therefore

The

entire packet must

accepted. Data rates

7.093

matter

frequency).

few

Tune through a

find a point at which

continue tuning, you

packet signals. Tune slowly! You

the

display becomes bright.

will

see

the moving bar display

across your tuning indicator. When one of

Chapter 4 Page

23

will

is

usually a

A

slower

a larger

or

14.107

!4Hz.

(although most

will

As

slide

the

center

LEDs

10.

you

MFJ-1278

is

copy

Instruction

illuminated, you

the

packets.

Manual

are

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

tuned in and you should

MODES

be

able to

Each

Thus,

tune your transceiver direction depends on manner in

or

to

the

Yany

frequencies. Call

If

frequencies,

Be

propagation beacons and give packet

Other

2.

3.

bar

on

the

tuning indicator represents about

if

a

two

the

other

BBS

you can't

careful on

+/-

2KHz

-

HF

1.

Try Set

time

packet comes through and you

40

Hz

in

the

sideband you

which

tries

left

side

around

you have

will

quickly

the

tuning indicator oriented. One

tell

of center indicate you should tune higher, while

of center means to tune lower.

station forward

CQ

a

raise

but

20

QSY

meters

14.100

couple

anyone, call

immediately afte2 establishing contact!

MHz

traffic

KHz

especially that

(you

Operation Hints:

to

keep

MAXFRAME

all

packets below

to

1.

This

.

indicated direction. The

you which way to go!

away from such channels.

CQ

will

a

80

will

are

4

bars off,

selected

on

HF

at

the above

on one of

you

the

don't operate

cause interference to

bad

name.

..)

characters in length.

minimize transmission

Avoid multiple connections and digipeated packet operation.

3.

5.

Qsy

as Set

away from

possible.

FRACK

to a sensible long value.

the

standard calling frequencies

10

and

as

Hz.

re-

the

Bars

above

soon

More detail on HF packet operation

chapter in

this

instruction manual.

Chapter 4 Page

is

discussed in

24

the

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

OPERATION:

The

that are not found in other multi-mode controllers.

The

for normal positive

The

radios in radio PTT line down and feeds keyed audio into the

microphone input.

Morse code can be using

MFJ-1278.

1278

Ten memory buffers are provided in the you to program your own buffer memory, numbering. Dotlspace weight ratio can WEIGHT command. leading circuits. code practice. tuning

MFJ-1278

CW

provides many unique features in

can be used to directly key your

CW

operation. The

(direct)

the

a

key paddle connected to

When keying with the key paddle, the

is

transformed into a full fledged Memory Keyer.

or

trailing edge delays in many transceiver keying

The

or negative (grid block) keying voltages.

can also be used for code practice on

modulated

sent

by using the computer keyboard

MFJ-1278

This

built

A

in

TUNE

command

MFJ-1278

CW

(MCW)

messages.

provides automatic serial

is

to allow compensation for

random code generator allows

is

can accommodate

mode. This mode holds

the

"CW

MFJ-1278

In addition to the

be

also built in for radio

the

CW

transceiver

Key-In" of

set

by using

.

CW

mode

either

VHF

to allow

the

or

the

MFJ-

the

FM

by

CW

Chapter

4

Page

25

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual BASIC OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

MFJ-1278

supports all Alpha and Numeric characters. It

also will transmit and receive punctuations and major

prosigns

............................................................

I

I I

I

as

listed in Table

Table

PROSIGNS I ASCII CHARACTER PROCEDURE

SK

AS

4-4:

1

I

I I

CW Prosigns and Punctuations

Keyboard Symbol

AR BT

SN

KA

K

DN

KN

I

I I

I

I I I I

(

4t

&

+

1

!

P

K

/

4-4

below:

I

End of

1

I

Wait

I

End

I

Break Understood

I

Signal Starting

I

1

Invitation to Transmit

I

Response from Contacted;

I

Call Only

I

Work

of

Message

I

I I

I

1

I

Chapter 4 Page

26

MFJ-1278 Inetruction Manual BASIC OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

Receiving

The

WPM.

MFJ-1278

From command mode, put the MFJ-1278 in the

CW

receives

international Morse Code from 1 to

CW

Mode by

89

typing:

MODE

The

end

CW,xx <CR>,

MFJ-1278

with

speed speed to

the

is

selected, MFJ-1278

20

will

respond

where

tfxxfl

with

is

the mode status lines, and

command prompt. Note that

will

WPM.

the

CW

default

transmit speed.

if

no transmit

its

CW

transmit

Enter CONVERSE mode by typing:

K

<CR>

The

MFJ-1278

CW

tuning

the

your

DCD

receiver

when there

that between code elements (dots and dashes),

tuning indicator

signal indicator, further CAREFUL tuning should reveal

where

the

incoming code. you must rotate the THRESHOLD control on clockwise until

the

DCD

is

LED

is

LED

is

now ready to receive Morse code.

done

with

on the front panel of

the aid of the tuning indicator and

the

MFJ-1278. Tune to approximately center the tuning indicator a

CW

audio tone actually present. Note

will

approximately tuned in by

DCD

is

If

the

lit,

LED

the

DCD

indicate randomly.

flashes in synchronism

DCD

LED

but

LED

flashes

is

does not light, then

with

the

CW

not flashing with the

Once

the

with

the

MFJ-1278

signal.

the the

tuning

a

spot

the

If

CW

signal, then you must rotate the THRESHOLD control

counter clockwise until the

DCD

LED

flashes

with

the

CW

signal.

The

demodulator narrower than have such a careful tuning You should attempt to tune the

DCD

flashes

that spot,

(counter clockwise) to stops flashing

is

an extremely narrow

the

500

Hz

CW

filter

will

the

THRESHOLD control setting should be reduced

with

in

the

radio).

be

required for proper

for

the center of

the incoming

a

point

the incoming

filter

CW

just

in

above where

CW

critical adjustment and should be

of

judgment

it

can

the

receiver frequency control.

best

be

copy. Once the optimum setting

pre-set and

Chapter 4 Page

all

remaining tuning done

27

filter.

your radio

This

means that very

CW

It

is

(if

demodulation.

the

range

where

much

you

tone. Once tuned to

the

DCD

LED

tone. This

set

based

is

on

is

a

your

found

with

MFJ-1278

Once feature

the

speed of

MFJ-1278.

greatly,

the

only

initiate a

the

change

takes place , then

new transmit speed.

detai

If

the

tuned-in

Instruction

the

incoming signal

of

the the

If

the

MFJ-1278

Manual

MFJ-1278

signal.

the

speed

AUTOTRAC

will

new speed and continue tracking

a

large change

LOCK.

is

1

s.

AUTOTRAC

CW

small. If

signal,

The

is

of

speed

MFJ-1278

the

newly locked speed also becomes your

See

OFF,

it

must received signal. Type a process. and proceed to copy

It

1

o

c

ke

d in, the

"Locking.. .xxwpmlf.

speed from

the

station you're listening

The

1

thru

i4FJ-1278

the

llxxll

89.

You shouldn't have to re-lock unless

speed.

BASIC OPERATION: ALL MODES

is

properly tuned, the AUTOTRAC

will

the

automatically

the

is

received signal changes

of

defaulted to

LOCK

automatically initiate a

the

signal. Note that

will

CWSPEEDMatch

cause

simply

the

track

is

MFJ-1278

the speed

ON

and

ON

for

LOCK

when a

TRACK

the

to to

if

LOCK

CWSPEEDMatch command for further

before

"Ctrl-U"

will

the

be

locked to

MFJ-1278

can copy

the

speed of

to start the locking

respond with "locking..

the

.

'I,

code. Once the speed has been

YFJ-1278

is

the

to

will

speed of

changes

respond with

the

received

its

CW

sending

CW

Transmitting

The to

The

YFJ-1278

99

WPM.

CW

speed can

15

WPM

15

or

uses

text

WPM,

15

1278

that

to MSPeed

CW

will

transmit International Morse code from

transmitting speed defaults to

be

set

by using

less

is

selected, and FARnswor

15

WPM

characters but spaces

sent at the slower speed. To

the

MSPeed command.

type:

<CR>

20

WPM.

is

ON,

the

characters

set

If

the

or

MODE

MSPeed

CW,l5

Be

sure

or

Since

it

speed to

<CR>

the

MFJ-1278

MODE

command.

is

always a good

the

person you are talking to,

is

provides another way to CWSPEEDM command. The

your

signal as

MFJ-1278

it's

to adopt the speed transmit

in command mode when issuing the

idea

to match your transmit

the

set

the

CW

speed matching feature

CW

speed. This

transmit by using the

of

the received

is

the

speed that was last locked in through AUTOTrac

use of

CW

lock command,

CONTROL-U.

Transmit

a speed

the

MFJ-

MFJ-1278

causes

same

or

by

5

of

so

CW

the

Chapter 4 Page

28

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

The CWSEndch (nnn) command provides user contralling how by using and

MCW

To

have more control over when pending transmit characters

the

modes.

are sent, enter setting nnn to

CW/'4CW

will

be transmitted from keyboard

key paddle. CWSEndch

it

as the new CWSEndch value.

$02

will

cause the MFJ-1278 to buffer

is

more

only effective for

characters for transmission until a CTRL-B always transmits the buffer) character

If nnn

gill

space terminal program such

buffers the transmit data, then

is

left at the default value

transmit everything right away, without waiting for a

or

CAR.RIASE-RETURN.

as

Note:

llPROCOM!'.Ift for

a

is

of

255,

If

CARSIAGE-RETURN

flexibility in

For

(or

CTRL-R

typed.

the MFJ-1278

you

IBPl

are

PC/XT/AT

exaaple,

needed to transmit.

The YFJ-1278 employs full

transmitting.

the

MFJ-1278

1215

mode

to transmit.

at

the

effective for both

-_

Transn\tt&ng

-

The

program

BUFKEY

R

single key to transmit a memory buffer. BUFKEY

defaulted

feature buffer

is

(0-3)

bilffer number message

is

automatically without a

ASC"

modes a

transnission

llsers

to

receive or to press Ctrl-T to force

end

ft-oj

(nnn)

to

the

used in

:?gr~m-y

command

do not have to press

YFJ-12'78

of

each transmission.

CW

and

will

'led

gu_ffe_rs

is

't?ABtt

CW

or

key

YCW

by pressing the

(3

thru

3).

transmitted, VFJ-1278

"CTRL-R"

to

revert back to receive. Also

l'CTRL-Rtf

is

needed

CW

break-in

Ctrl-R

in

always go back to receiving

CW

break-in

mode.

installed to allow

(9).

mode,

In

Wherever memory buffer

user

"TABfr

CW/MCW

will

can transmit any key followed mode, once the buffer revert to receive mode

the

been issued. In

at

the end

of

the buffer a

to force

RTTY

nust ?recede BUFKEY to transmit.

or

CW

which

using

a

that

will

the

be

CW/MCW

'VlFJ-

is

user to

is

with

a

and

t'CTRL-T't

If

you

Note:

are using

not be able to use the

MFJCOM

ttTABft

terminal program, you

key

as

BUFKEY to another key on the keyboard.

in Chapter 5 for nore detail.

CW

Weighting

-

The

of

paddle. Weight Qefault

of

between

-_-

MFJ-1278

code elements generated

3f

1:l. The value

0

allows you

is

set

to

by using the

the weight factor

of

weight

thru

255.

The default weight ratio of

Chapter 4 Page

increase

is

or

by

the keyboard

set

for

is

represented by a number

29

will

the BUFKEY. Change

See

BUFKEY command

decrease the weight

a

dot

WEIGHT

to

space ratio

or

command.

key

1:l

is

MFJ-1278

Inetructlon

Manual BASIC OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

equal to a weight factor of

1

to

from

127

number from

(weight).

WEIGHT

Where

from

128

Radio

The

command.

The

To

###

<CR>

###

is

to

Tune

YFJ-1278

TUNE

to INCREASE

128

a

255

to

change

number

to

decrease

lets

255

the

from

you tune your radio

command must

command can

0

(WEIGHT

the

dot/space ratio. Select

to DECREASE

weight, you would type:

1

to

127

weight.

be

issued from command mode.

be

used

in any

mode.

TUNE

30

mode.

the

command activates

seconds

To

MFJ-1278

abort tuning before

keyboard.

the

will

PTT

automatically return to command

line for

30

Random Code Generator

If

you want to improve your

the

CW

Random Code Generator helpful.

CW

proficiency, you

Generator can be invoked by using

Pseudo random code can two formats. Normal uses

which

the

setting

of

the

format to send when

be

generated

CW

and Farnsworth FARnswor command to determine

RANDOMCW

random code generation, type:

0).

the

Select a number

a

dot/space ratio

to increase weight, or

with

YF'J-1278

30

seconds.

the

TUNE

operating

After

seconds, press any key on

The

the

is

RANDOMCW

by

CW.

turned on.

will

CW

Random Code

the MFJ-1278 in

The

To

find

command.

MFJ-1278

end

CW

CONTROL-

C

to return to command mode and then type:

RANDOMCW

CW

random code speed

OFF

<CR>.

is

set

by using

the

MSPEED command

described above.

CW

Many find training for

tests

code generation more valuable.

recognition

at

a

speed

with a FARNSWORTH method of

It

teaches

fast enough to avoid

letter

the

common learning "plateau". Some people have trouble

passing the plateau as they increase their code speed

because

sound

To

as

of

the

select

the

letters.

CW

speed

is

increased, they must relearn

the Farnsworth method

Chapter

4

Page

30

of

the

random code

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

generation,

the

RANDOMCW

transmits keyboard and

timing

the

for

inter-character spaces to cause

the slower selected When FARNSWOR

set

the

FARNSWOR

mode. When

CW

characters generated by random code generator,

the

contest keyer using

command to

FARNSWOR

ON

before entering

is

ON

the

15

words per minute

code elements (dots and dashes) but increases

the

text

to

be

rate.

is

turned

OFF,

all

code elements are sent at

the selected speed.

Setting You can monitor the random code sent by

-

Up

the

---

MFJ-1278

fo_r

Code

Practice

the

MFJ-1278

a radio connected. This can be done by attaching speaker to

Note: transmit the random code, the radio should

YFJ-1278

while

Under the

MODE

The

MC,##

MFJ-1278

verifying

the

If

a

radio

will

RANDOMCW

cmd:

the

key

is

command prompt, type:

<CR>

will

operation mode, and cmd: prompt

"SPEAKER" jack in the back of the

is

connected and you do not wish to

PT'T

ON.

(##

line and

is

the

keying output

the desired code speed)

be

MFJ-1278.

turned

is

respond with the IfModem Status" display,

will

MFJ-1278

sent at

without

a

small

OFF.

active

appear.

RANDOMCW

type

K

:

<CR>

ON

,

<CR>,

then type: Ctrl-T.

MFJ-1278

the

computer screen.

characters as

screen. You can then

will

generate

5

letter

If

you do not

are

sent, you can turn

turn

on

groups

and

wish

off

the computer

display

your computer

screen

finish copying the code and compare the result.

To

stop the random code sending, type:

Ctrl-R.

To

start

the

random code again, type:

Chapter

4

Page

31

to

them

see

on

the

once you

MFJ-1278

Ct

rl-T.

To

exit random code practice, type:

Instruction

Manual

Ctrl-C

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

MODES

MFJ-1278

random code

will

by

return

typing:

to

cmd:

RANDOMCW

command prompt,

OFF

<CR>.

Turn

off

Chapter

4

Page

32

MFJ-1278

Inetruction Manual BASIC OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

OPERATION: CW CONTEST MEMORY

For

CW enthusiasts who like to use a key paddle to send CW, the MFJ-1278 provides an input See CW

KEY

PADDLE INSTALLATION

KEYER

for

an iambic key paddle.

in chapter 3 in this YFJ-1278 manual for installation of your iambic key paddle.

Sending CW with External Key Paddle Key paddle generated CW can be sent from The key paddle transmission speed defaults to

Transmit speed can be set by using MSPEED.

1278

MSPEED

to

15

WPM, you would type:

15

<CR>

5

WPM to

99

WPY.

20

'To

set the MFJ-

WPM.

Be sure you are in command mode when issuing the MSPEED command.

Since it is always a good idea to match your transmit CW speed to the person you are talking to, the MFJ-1278 provides another way to set the CW transmit speed, the CWSPEEDM command. The CW speed matching feature causes

your YFJ-1278 to adopt the speed

of

the received CW at it's transmit speed. This is the same CW speed that was last

locked in through AUTOTrac

or

the

use

of

the CW lock

command, CONTROL-U. The CWSEndch (nnn) command provides user more flexibility in

controlling how CW/MCW will be transmitted from the key

MCW

paddle. CWSEndch is only effective for CW and

modes.

When sending CW with key paddle CWSEndch should be left at the default value of

255.

MFJ-1278 will transmit everything right away. Once the CW transmission is completed, MFJ-1278 will revert to receive mode automatically.

Buffer transmission in the Memory Keyer Mode is the same as

in the CW mode. Weighting can also be set by the WEIGHT

command as described above in the CW mode section.

4

Chapter

Page

33

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual BASIC OPERATION: ALL

OPERATION: MODULATED CW (MCW)

The

MF'J-1278

over a

VHF

When using Modulated line of

the

microphone input of your radio. Radio

be

used

allows

FM

Radio port and

for

MCW

operation.

the

transmission

radio by

CW,

means

the

send

of

Modulated

MFJ-1278

a keyed audio tone to

CW

code practice

CW

will

port

key the PTT

I

or

MODES

(MCW).

the

2

may

You Modulated

the

MODE

do

not have to

CW.

You can

other modes of operation.

To

enter

MCW

mode type:

MC <CR>

The

MFJ-1278

the command prompt Operation

refer

to

"CW

will

of

MCW

OPERATION"

will

is

rewire

use

respond

display.

the

same

for

the

Radio cable when operating

the

same cable that you use

with

a

mode status

as

in

standard

line,

CW.

further details.

for

then

Please

Chapter 4 Page

34

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual BASIC OPERATION: ALL

MODES

OPERATION: BAUDOT RTTY & ASCII

The

FIFJ-1278

to

copy

XFJ-1278

57,

MFJ-1278

110,

The and narrow shift for RT'IY/ASCII tones of R'TTY/ASCII

Hz

and

In RTTY mode, the American Western Union and the internationally recognized transmit and receive 7 bit ASCII code.

The transmit tone

all

75,

100,

150,

NFJ-1278

2310 Hz

RXINVERT

or

in the inverted,

modems can be configured with the mode command

shifts including

will

2125

or

transmit and receive RTTY

110,

150,

transceive

200

and

300

transmits both wide shift

is

a

standard

Hz

and

is

200 Hz

respectively.

the

MFJ-1278

CCITT

receive

character

and

TXINVERT

RTTY/ASCII in the standard

200

baud.

2975 Hz

shift with mark and space tones of

170, 425

and

300

at

speeds

HF

RTTY/ASCII. Wide shift

850

Hz

respectively. Narrow

will

set.

commands allow the

MARK

for

and

850 Hz

at

speeds

baud. In ASCII mode, the

of

45,

50,

for

VHF

shift with mark and space

receive

In

ASCII mode

LOW

and transmit both

tone mode.

shift. The

of

57,

RTTY/ASCII

MFJ-1278

YARK

45,

75,

100,

shift

2110

will

for

HIGH

50,

VHF

HF

to

MFJ-1278

The ten memory buffers when in one of the asynchronous modes. Memory buffer programming and use operation.

Setting

From command mode, you can RTTY

MODE Where

ASCII mode. Code designations

When

MFJ-1278

RTTY and

Up

or

ASCII mode by using the

##

<CR>

##

VHF

HF

VHF

HF

no

also

for

is

RTTY

ASCII ASCII

baud

will

110

baud for

allows you to transmit from any one of the

are

the

same

as

ASCII and RTTY Operation

set

the

the two

for

=

VB

=

HB

=

VA

=

HA

rate

for RTTY or ASCII mode

select

MFJ-1278

MODE

letter

RTTY and ASCII modes

the default

ASCII

Chapter

code for the desired RTTY

modes.

4

Page

command. Type:

rate

You

35

into the desired

are

as

follow:

is

of

can

specified, the

45

baud for

select

a

for

CW

or

all

desired

MFJ-1278

speed by typing the baud rate after the two character code.

For

example, to enter

type:

Instruction Manual

110

baud

BASIC

VHF

Baudot

OPERATION:

RTTY,

ALL

MODES

you would

MODE

Note: The only baud rates that you can

'dFJ-1278

Selecting

bad?

and return to the command mode.

CCNVerse

MFJ-1278

by your radio.

decoded. Fine tune your

will

be encrypted. encrypted, you can

VB,110

respond with an error message, such as:

In this case the

RTTY

and ASCII Receiving

After

ASCII mode, type

Set the volume of your radio then

is

If the displayed speed may be incorrectly

inversion pattern

properly setting

tune

centered, If the signal

light and

<CR>

is

an

mode. The STA

is

the radio until you hear a desired signal to be

capable of receiving and transmitting.

illegal baud rate

F1FJ-1278

the

"Ktt

on the computer keyboard to

ready to

receive

receiver

14SJ-1278

text

If

you suspect that the receiving signal

of

will

appears to be garbled, your

use

the RBITMASK command to match the

the signal.

will

LED

set

will

change to default settings

MFJ-1278

on the

RTTY

for

cause the

to the desired

MFJ-1278

or

ASCII

normal listening

until

is

tuned properly, the

start to decode the signals.

or

the receiving signal could

select

are those the

MFJ-1278

RTTY

to

or

enter

will

signals tuned

the tuning indicator

light.

level

DCD

in

and

LED

receive

is

If the speed of the receiving signal does not match the speed you using

RTTY

While the command mode, you can initiate typing:

K

CONTROL-

the

and ASCII Transmitting

<CR> , then type:

set

MODE

command.

MFJ-1278

T

on the

is

in

Chapter

MFJ-1278,

R'iTY

4

you can change speed by

or

the ASCII mode and

RTTY

Page

or

36

ASCII

it

is

in

transmission by

MFJ-1278

The

MFJ-1278

the

keyboard. The

is

received from your computer.

Instruction Manual BASIC OPERATION:

is

now ready

MFJ-1278

ALL

to

transmit. Type your message on

will

transmit your message

MODES

as

it

Messages transmitted when in RTTY

stored in memory buffers

or

ASCII mode. To transmit from

0

thru

buffer, when already in transmit mode, type:

Ctrl-T then, type

The

MFJ-1278

selected.

Note:

If

will

the

transmit the

MFJ-1278

receive mode), then in order buffer, you must type CONTROL-T

for

the

buffer. You can

mode, by observing the PTT

LED

is

lit,

MFJ-1278

Once transmission

MFJ-1278

to receiving mode.

extinguished and STA

a

number from 0 thru

message

is

not in transmit mode

to

initiate transmission

twice

tell

if

the

LED

on the front panel.

is

in transmit mode.

is

completed, press CONTROL-R to return

Note

LED

is

lit

stored in

then enter

MFJ-1278

that

the

when

receiving mode. For

some

may not characters do not function assign the

1278

detail

terminal programs, the CONTROL-T and CONTROL-R keys

be

to

on

used

for

the

ASENDCHAR

other

the

ASENDCHAR and

as

MFJ-1278.

in

RTTY

and the

the

or

transmit and receive

If

the CONTROL-T and CONTROL-R

ASCII mode, you

ARCVCHAR

keys. See Chapter 6 of

ARCVCHAR

commands.

will

commands of

this

9

can

9.

the

(i.e.

a

is

in transmit

PTT

MFJ-1278

need to

the

manual for

buffer

from

number

If

PTT

LED

is

switch

re-

MFJ-

be

in

a

is

in

Note:

you operate

When operating RTTY

at

about

50%

of

or

ASCII

it

is

recommended

full power. This

is

to prevent

that

damage to the finals of your radio. Some modern radios allow consult

acceptable power

operation

the

owner's manual of your radio to

of

RTTY and ASCII

level

at which your radio should operate.

Chapter

4

at

Page

full power. You should

see

what

is

the

37

MFJ-1278

Instruction

OPERATION: AMTOR

Manual

BASIC OPERATION: ALL

MODES

AMTOR

protocol suite, modes are available with

From command mode,

MODE

Note

(AMateur

AM

that

the

Teletype

is

<CR>,

MFJ-1278

Over

fully supported by

AMTOR.

ANTOR

Radio), an error correcting

the

MFJ-1278.

mode

These

is

are

mode A and mode

entered by typing:

displays an "a-cmd:" once the mode has been entered. This tta-cmd:" command prompt know that you are in recognized by the commands you

(

"cmd : command prompt) by typing

Operation of

same

as center burst

Mode

LED

of

A

IIARQ"

will

the

all other modes. Simply tune

segment

AMTOR

signal

Automatic request

"Mode

A",

is

similar to packet radio in a number

The calling station must know exactly

AMTOR

MFJ-1278.

have to return

mode and only AMTOR commands

To issue other non

to

Tuning Indicator

of

the

Tuning Indicator

received.

for

re-transmission mode, known as

the normal command mode

"CTRL-C"

in

the

.

AMTOR

signal

is

lit

mode

so

of

the

ID

of

the called

station in order for communications to occur.

lets

is

that

with

ways.

Two

B.

AMTOR

you

are

AMTOR

the

each

The

"ARQ"

a

packet

This

QSOs and SELCALL

ARQ

Mode A introduces

command causes a link attempt. This

CONNECT

is

a one-on-one protocol meaning

is

for

more

command.

not appropriate

on

broadcasts).

a

few

new

for

broadcast

terms.

is

similar to

that

it

is

(see

used

FEC

for

and

"Information Sending Station" (ISS) and "Information Receiving Station" (IRS). In

ARQ,

a

station that

is

One becomes an

station must

(with

the

ARQ),

link (through

CHANGE)

is

requested.

transmitting data

ISS

or

+?),

be

either

the

is

ISS

or

called

the

IRS, and

ISS.

either by issuing a successful

when

the

ISS

relinquishes control of the

or

finally,

Chapter

4

if

Page

an IRS link

38

CHANGE

AMTOR

the

call

(see

MFJ-1278

Mode

11

"ARQ":

Instruction

Setup

Manual

BASIC OPERATION: ALL

MODES

First you should decide upon a

it

enter taking

of

it,

than four characters, then add the front of

Examples are:

AMTOR

If

you find

that

the

call

the

table

Example

When MYSELCALL respond to

-

Mode

A

as your YYSELCALL.

the

suffix

the

first

the

call

depends on everyone having a unique selective

there

you would

district that you're in. Select

below:

:

N2WX becomes

AMTOR

"ARQ":

Operating

of

letter

ID

N2WX WB2SPE

is

use

is

set

calls.

your callsign and adding to the front

of your callsign.

string.

is

already a station using

then you may need to base your

NWWX

the MFJ-1278

selective

A

selective call

NNWX

WSPE

(using zone 2)

call

first

a

is

ready to receive and

If

letter

the

letter

identifier and

is

formed by

there

TWICE

same

based upon

are

to the

call.

ID

less

call

upon

To

start the

return.

1278

start

station responds, you can you can abort

When

may now type CONVERSE transmitting data. extinguishing at various you transmit and how good

When you are through transmitting, always ending signal since station you're working

information sender sends a

If

mode

The

CON

keying on and off repetitively.

CON

this

you

wish

with

ARQ

and

STA

call,

leds

type

must be four characters long. The

will

IIARQ

light and your transmitter

start

the

call by typing

or

STA extinguishes, a link

or

i(

to enter the data mode and start

CON

and STA

times

the

link

will

to end

a

CTRL-C

NEVER

not relinquish the

the

and type

Chapter

use

a

will

contact,

be unable to transmit until the

"+?'I.

'IQRT".

4

Page

<selcall>"

sending data (see below)

QRT

or

R.

is

established. You

will

depending

be lighting and

on

is.

"K"

(like 'over to you

ISS

go

back to

function and the

39

and a carriage

MFJ-

will

If

the other

how

use

much

the

data

AMTOR

KK')

AMTOR

command

or

MFJ-1278 Inrtruction Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

While

any new data to

break in for some reason before

if+?tt,

command mode

remote

you

are

the

current receiving station, you can't send

the

other station. Should you

and you want to become

ISS

with

to revert to the

CTRL-C

and type

the

IRS.

transmitting data.

If

you encounter a

"ARQ"

MFJ-1278

factory

remove

mode,

not being

set

the

it

at

cover mother board frequency counter

loss

could

4.91520

of

for

or

of

sync

be

caused by

set

properly.

IYZHz.

the

proper

MFJ-1278

CPU

oscilloscope

(rephasing) problem during

Tf

adjustment oscillator frequency.

adjustment.

slode

The

ARC)

LISTEN.

synchronized, at which

receive.

Since

occasional errors

how

LISTEN

A-

I'

A

R

Q

I'

:

LISTEN

command

contacts.

Both

ARQ

well

monitoring

or

mode

_------

M

on

i

t

o

r

i

n

g

is

useful for monitoring other people's

To

use, tune in a mode A signal and type

CON

and STA

or

garbage characters. This depends on

will

time

is

not error protected you may

light until

the

poorly you hear both is

most

useful

for allowing amateurs to

continue to self police their bands.

wish

other station sends

transmitter,

CHANGE.

This

go

to

forces the

Then you can start

the

CPU

oscillator of the

The

and adjust

is

MFJ-1278

sides

CPU

oscillator

is

necessary,

C47

needed to make

the

station

of

will

the

start to

QSO.

AMTOR

on

this

to

is

the

A

is

see

The

Mode

.'{ode

B

"FEC":

8

FEC

is

:Jnlike packet

setup,

:{ode

nor

g

tfFECt':

does

Setup

Setup for mode

selective

Mode

To

g

receive mode

MFJ-1278

or

the

call

"FEC":

Operating

detects the synchronization pattern either

STA

LED

a

"One transmitter, many

or

ARa,

it

have a re-transmission feature.

3

is

not required

B

will

FEC

does not have

FEC

is

FEC,

the

tune in

same as

the

light (which depends

Chapter 4 Page

FEC

40

signal. When

receivers1!

mode.

a one-on-one link

ARQ,

on

although a

the

CON

the exact point

MFJ-1278

in

the

will

begin to appear on the terminal.

Instruction

Manual

BASIC OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

transmission that you tune to) and received data

lJse

mode

B

FEC

for

calling

(or

finding other's)

CQs,

operating in round tables, and for transmitting bulletins

to more than one station FEC type

FEC

and a carriage return. Your transmitter key up. Now type CONVERSE and you're on

be

broadcast.

the

air

with

When you're done transmitting, return to

with

CTRL-C and type

release the transmitter.

will

signal

Mode Mode

station can

automatically attempt to synchronize to any mode

it

hears.

S

ttSELCALLtl:

S

is

exactly

select

like

one

Mode

or

transmission. By turning the AMTOR SRXALL command

enable messages address

AMTOR Status

The

CON

the

from

.

and STA

ID

matching, you specify that you'll only print mode S broadcasts addressed to your MYSELCAL

LED

Indicators

LEDs

have special meanings

at

a

or

time.

K

To

to enter

transmit

the

FEC. Anything you type now

AMTOR

R

or

QRT and

At

this point again

B,

a

group of stations to

a

carriage return

EXCEPT that the broadcasting

in

AMTOR

YODE

will

data mode

command mode

the

receive

will

to

MFJ-1278

the

OFF

to

modes.

B

STA=OFF

This

respond to mode

CON=OFF

is

the standby mode. The MFJ-1278

A

rrARQtf

calls,

print mode

is

B

(according to SRXALL and MYSELCAL) print mode

'I

SEL C AL

STA=OFF

This

1278 station

transmitting any In mode

CHANGE

'I

b

r

CON=ON

is

the

is

A

this

is

o

ad

c a s t s

idle

.

mode.

If

in

a

receive

mode,

receiving an AMTOR "idle" signal. The other

still

being received ok, though

text.

signal could also mean that a send-receive

pending

or

that

the

sender

is

repeating a

block.

Chapter 4

Page

41

ready to

"FEC",

the

he

is

and

MFJ-

not

S

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual BASIC OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

STA=ON

'This sending

STA=ON

This

this

establish

error.

If

CON=ON

signal

CON=OFF

is

the

traffic

or

receiving

CON=ON

is

the

phasing error mode.

means that

a

the

t4FJ-1278

means

is

active.

the

link

the

mode, The MFJ-1278

text.

If

in a mode A contact,

YFJ-1278

or

is

hunt

sending indication of a receive

in mode

for

is

either trying to

L

"LISTEN"

a

synchronization to

is

currently

then

re-

STASON

the

Chapter

4

Page

42

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual

OPERATION: NAVTEX

BASIC OPERATION: ALL MODES

Navtex is a new direct printing service operating on KHz.

NAVTEX stands for Navigational Telex. It broadcasts urgent weather, navigational and other information that is intended

for ships.

Navtex Stations Navtex Stations currently cover most coastal areas

and the Eastern United States. West Coast Stations for the United States are in various phases tion, and will begin transmitting within a few years.

Currently operational Navtex stations in the United States include locations in Portsmouth, Virginia, Boston, Miami, and New Orleans.

be received in many parts Several Navtex stations are planned

struction on the West coast, including locations in San Francisco, Astoria, Oregon, Adak and Kodiak, Alaska, Long Beach, California and Honolulu.

The system

way to becoming an international standard

informat ion.

and

Frequencies

of

planning

A

station in Sydney, Nova Scotia can also

of

the United States.

or

is

fully installed in Europe, and

of

or

construc-

already under con-

is

for

well on its

navigational

518

Europe

A

partial list

listed in Table

Table

Station aTH Station

...........................................................

Miami Portsmouth New Orleans

San Juan Bermuda*

...........................................................

+Bermuda station is not yet

of

stations and their broadcasting time

4-5

below:

4-5

Navtex Station & Frequencies

ID

0

FI

G

R

B

on

Chapter

4

Broadcast Time (UTC)

0000,

0130,

0300,

0415,

0100,

line.

Page

43

0600,

0730,

0900,

1015,

0700,

1200,

1330, 1930 1500, 2100

1615, 2215 1300, I900

is

1800

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Navtex Operation

Manuel

BASIC OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

Navtex transmission

a

station and type of message followed by

00

is

part of the Mode B (FEC) AMTOR mode. Each Navtex

is

prefaced by

the

four character code of two

to

99

that

identifies

the

characters

letters

that identify the

a

particular

ZCZC

followed by

number code from

message.

This prevents your MFJ-1278 from receiving messages that have already been received. In addition, you can use the

MFJ-

1278 commands NAVMSG and NAVSTN to prevent your MFJ-1278 from receiving certain types of Navtex messages and/or certain Navtex stations

The

Z).

particular

first

The

two characters consist

first

letters

area.

stations). The second

message.

Refer

to the following explanation

you

don't want to

of

identify

(Each receiving

letter

receive.

two

the

area

letters

station within

is

(from

limited

A

to

a

26

identifies the type of

of

the

NAVMSG

command for the different types of messages that are identified by

The

types of

The

To enter

typing

MODE

this

second

letter.

NAVMSG and NAVSTN commands allow you to choose both the

other command

messages

NAVTEX

:

AM

<CR>

you receive and

that

applies

is

the

stations you receive.

the

NAVTEX command.

mode, you must first enter AMTOR

mode

by

then type: NAVTEX MFJ-1278

indicating that

ON

<CR>

will

display 'In-cmd:

it

Tune your radio to

To receive start

message,

NAVTEX,

followed by described above. message

NNNN

the

Navtex message.

MFJ-1278

will

received error. MFJ-1278 they exit

are

the

not be received.

be

received and the MFJ-1278

remember

with

less

will

re-transmitted

"a-cmd:" command prompt, the preamble memory

erased. Emergency

messages

'I

Navtex command prompt

is

ready to monitor any Navtex

518

KHz.

MFJ-1278 must

the

If

this

the

than

last

l/8

is

of

not reprint any

from

are

that Navtex station.

numbered

Chapter 4 Page

first

four

character preamble

not received

At

the end

will

200

four character preambles

its

characters received in

of

these

00

and

44

messages.

receive

the

intact,

of

the

message,

stop receiving

messages

If

will

always be

ZCZC

the

when

you

is

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

MODES

printed

regardless

of

whether they have already been

received.

To

prevent your

stations, just type "NAVSTN

the

Your

letters,

For

P,

three

If

leave then

received

identifying

list

of stations to receive may contain up to

each

example, then you type "NAVSTN ACP". Only signals from these

stations

you want to prevent

off

while

You may also type IINAVSTN

receive

NAVMSG

all

Navtex stations.

works

used to exclude

MFJ-1278

letter

from receiving certain Navtex

XXXXXXXXXXXXX"

of

the

station you want to receive.

representing a station.

if

you want

will

the

be

list.

to

receive only stations

received by your

certain

stations from being

MFJ-1278.

Then, those stations

others within the receiving

like

the NAVSTN command

all,

or

to specify the type of messages to

ALL"

(the

with

where

each

A,

received,

will

area

will.

Default value) to

the

ALL

parameter

receive.

The

types

of

Navtex

A:

Navigational warnings

B:

Storm Warnings

C:

Reports of

D:

Search/Rescue Information

E:

Weather forecasts

F:

Pilot Service

G:

DECCA

H:

LORAN-C

I:

Omega Systems

J:

SATNAV Systems

System

messages

Ice

Messages

currently

are:

X

C

not

is

26

and

be

i(

thru-Z are not in use

at

this

future use. To

exit

NAVTEX

YFJ-1278

NAVTEX

OFF

will

mode, type:

return to another Control-C to enter non-amtor operation.

NAVTEX commands

are

explained

this instruction manual.

Chapter

time.

a-cmd:

the

"cmd:ft

in

4

Page

They

command

are

reserved for

mode.

Issuing

command prompt

for

the COMMANDS chapter in

45

MFJ-1278 Instruction Manual

OPERATION: FAX

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

MODES

The and receive supported by the include Weather

(FAXMODE

1278

than prograa

FAX

special computer your Epson graphics compatible printer. However, to print

?,AX

operations. software for some computers to support this operation.

Tnis

near

pictures saved on printer,

MFJ

operati3n

1.

MFJ-1278

I).

will

2

levels for your computer

operation of the

a

pictures

software allows you

real

or

Terminal programs which

are

MFJ-1294

1/4Itdisk.

provides an independent modem to transmit

FAX

with multi-level of grays.

MFJ-1278 FAX (FAXMODE

However, the built-in printer port of the

support 2 levels

in

FAX,

FAX

picture to your computer

to

disk, you need software that allows these

YFJ

you

or

software to receive

Enterprises, Inc. offers terminal

t3

time

and to save

disk

recalled to screen

as

follows:

for

can

I?;&!

are

listed in Table

3)

and

FAX.

must

t3

support multi-gray

M?J-1279

print

?AX

be

support

?C/XTIA'I

In order to support more

have the specific terminal

does not require any

FAX

pictures to screen in

pictures to disk.

re-transmitted,

at

any

time.

on

and compatibles in

FAX

4-5.

wire

FAX

screen

screen 2-levels

photographs

levels.

pictures on

3r

to save

sent to your

modes These

MFJ-

FAX

5-

3.

4.

PF'J-128'7

h!".T-1232

for Apple Vacintosh computer

for

Commodore

Chapter

2-54

4

and

Page

C-123

46

in

3-1/2"

in

5-1/4"disk.

dis!c.

MFJ-1278 Instruction Manual

FAX Formats

BASIC OPERATION: ALL

MODES

The MFJ-12’78

modulator and demodulator

to allow MFJ-1278

FAXMODE

(n)

...........................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

will

I I

I

60

I

90

I

123 line/min.

I

240

I

360

I

480

i

lets

FAX

operation without any recalibration.

support

Table

Lines per Minute

line/rnin. line/min.

line/min. line/rnin.

line/min.

180 line/min.

you receive and transmit FAX.

FAX

4-6:

of

the

formats listed in

MFJ-1278 FAX Formats

I

Lines per

I

Second Service

I

line/sec.

1

1.5

line/sec.

I

2

line/sec. I Weather FAX

I

4

line/sec.

I

6

line/sec.

I

8

line/sec.

I

3

line/sec.

MFJ-1278

i

I

Wire

I

Satellite Weather FAX

I I

I

are

Table

4-6.

Type of

Photographs

The

pre-set

The

You

command mode, type:

FAXMODE n

Where

may change

<CR>

n

is

a number from 1 thru 7 as listed in the Table

the

5.

For

example,

per minute), type:

FAXMODE 1

The

1.

MFJ-1278

if

<CR>

will

you want to change to FAX format 1

format with the FAXMODE command. From

(SO

lines

be

set

to receive

Chapter 4 Page

or

transmit FAX format

47

4-

MFJ-1278 Instruction Manual

FAX Frequency

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

FAX transmitting stations are usually found on the HF bands. Weather FAX stations are generally upper sideband. Some of these stations maintain a regular schedule. Table

4-7

lists the frequencies of some FAX stations.

Service

Table

I

Band

4-7:

I

FAX STATION FREQUENCIES

Frequency

(KHz)

............................................................

We at her

Photographs!

Other FAX Frequencies

~-

The f Popular Communication Magazine:

FREQUENCIES

...........................................................

4,2710.00 9,890.00 13,510.00

8,502.00 12,750.00 9,389.50 11,035.00

4,793.50 10,185.00 12,201.00 14,671.501

!

USB

LSB

ol

lowing frequencies were obtained

(KHz,

\

3,357.00 4,268.00 4,975.00 10,865.00 12,125.00

\

10,680.70 17,673.90 18,434.90,

20,738.00

USB)

20,015

I

LOCATIONS

I

Halifax, Canada

I

Boston,

I

Brentwood,

Washington, DC

6,946.00

from

MA

NY

9,157.50 17,447.50 8,080.00 10854.00 16,410.00 4,802.50 9,440.00 13,862.50

7,770.00 11,090.00 13,627.50

8,459.00

4,346.00 8,682.00 12,730.00 17,151.20 8,646.00 17,410.50

I

Mobile, AL

\

Norfolk,

1

Hawaii

I

Hawaii

!

Alaska

1San Francisco,

!

San Diego,

VA

CA

...........................................................

Chapter

4

Page

48

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL MODES

FAX Operation Installation

Radio interface for

operation

is

the same

FAX

modes of operation. Radio connection of your radio

is

described in Chapter 3 of the

Printer Connection

If

you have a terminal program which supports

the

to to your computer printer port and not to

this

receive attached to the PRINTCRA command

computer screen, then you should attach your printer

the

case turn

the

PRINTGRA command OFF.

FAX

picture and send

MFJ-1278

ON.

If

it

to the printer that

parallel port then turn the

as

for other

the

MFJ-1278

FAX

MFJ-1278.

manual.

printing

to

you intend to

In is

To insure successful

you must make sure that your printer

sure that your printer compatible graphics mode. This DIP switches mode

first.

then you should

on

set

FAX

pictures printed to your printer,

is

set

the

printer.

If

"EPSON"

graphics mode does not work,

your printer to

to

is Select

"IBM1I

is

properly

"EPSON"

usually

"EPSON" graphics

graphics mode and

try again.

Receiving

From command mode, the

FAX

MFJ-1278

can

be

set

by typing:

MODE

Select

FAXMODE n

n

For HF

mode

format).

FX

<CR>

the

desired

is

the

FAX

weather

for

MFJ-1278

This

stations. in

Set

Table

4-6.

the

PRINTGRA command to

picture to

<CR>

format

For

other

the

FAX

mode by typing:

as

FAX,

is

indicated by

select

is

FAXMODE

the

format used by most weather

FAX

format

FAXMODE

3

ON

use

if

FAX

3.

(120

other n value as listed

you

are

printer attached to the

Format Table

The

lines per minute

printing the

MFJ-1278

printer port. Set the PRINTGRA command to

printing the

to print

terminal program

FAX

picture to the computer screen. Note that

picture to the computer screen requires

which

will

perform

this

function.

,

selected

to

default

OFF

if

set.

"IBM"

FAX

parallel you

Make

or

by

mode

4-6.

FAX FAX

FAX

are

a

Chapter

4

Pap

49

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

MODES

Set your radio to a desired frequency. familiar

select

Weather minute.

lines per second. you can determine to receive

After

control to maximum clockwise rotation. Tune that

INDICATOR

You

will

tuning indicator Once you achieve this,

b1FJ-1278

-

FAX

This

graphics compatible printer attached to

the ."lost commands that affect

which

the

audio output of your radio to normal volume. Tune

with

one of

FAX

This

the

tuning in

the

will

DCD

notice that

move toward

is

recognizing

the

weather

is

usually

is

a horizontal scanning rate

So

what

signal.

the

desired

LED

remains

of

the

MFJ-1270

the

center. Tune

is

centered at the end of each

ready to decode

Printing Printer

section applies

YFJ-1270.

will

allow successful printing. However,

If

you are not

FAX

signals, may want to

FAX

frequencizzu listed above.

transmitted

at

120

lines per

of

by listening to the scanning rate,

format you should

FAX

frequency,

with

the

if

you

FAX

lit.

while

each scan

FAX

the FAX

Now observe the TUNING

fine tuning your radio,

signal

signal.

have

your "EPSON"

printing default to

the

set

the

MFJ-1278

set

the THRESHOLD

the

radio

tuning indicator

radio

is

so

that the

FAX

tuned in and

or

the

parallel port

a

scan.

ttIBM'r

value

on

so

the

of

before printing, make sure the commands EPSON and PRINTGRA

are

ON.

not function unless EPSON and PRINTGRA are

Printing a

FAX

image directly to a printer

ON.

will

2

After

command mode and enter mode the

that distinctive period hears the onto printer

The

selecting the

MFJ-1278

the

MFJ-1278

"tic-tic"

at

the

beginning of a

"tic-tic"

the

signal and start printing to

will

MFJ-1278's

print upon each scan

built-in

desired

the

is

in standby-receive mode. This means

is

listening to

FAX

CONVERSE mode. Once in CONVERSE

that indicates the synchronization

well

enough,

LOCK

mode, type

the

picture.

it

will

the

of

the

detects

the beginning of

i(

to leave

radio

If

the

for

MFJ-1278

the

establish a lock

printer. The

FAX

picture.

each picture before starting to print. This insures each picture want picture, you may force

printer

force a lock, you simply type

FAX

will

the

will

be printed from top to bottom.

printer to start to print in the middle

begin to print upon the Ilforce lock".

standby-receive mode.

Chapter

If

of

a

lock on the picture and the

the

4

Page

letter

50

I1Ltt

while

in the

you

the

To

MFJ-1278

The

FAXMODE

LOCK

Instruction

LOCK

detect feature on the MFJ-1278

3.

at

the

Manual

For other FAXMODEs, you

BASIC

OPERATION:

will

ALL

MODES

is

effective

want to force a

for

beginning of the picture to insure proper

printing.

If

the

right, you can type the

left.

picture right, use

shift

needed to

press

the right

If

your picture

you can correct this by setting the ASPECT ratio. ASPECT

used to establish

FAX picture appears to be printed shifted to

ll<lf

Each repetition of

l/lOfl

the

picture to

the

"<"

or

to the

the

rr>rl

key. Each repetition of

shift

the

key ten

left at any

is

left.

the

picture to the

times.

elongated horizontally

a

key to shift the picture to the

the

rr<ll

key

will

To

right

time

shift

1/10".

The picture can

during printing.

the picture to

the

II>II

For

example,

left

1 inch, you would

be

or

reasonable aspect ratio between

the

shift

key

if

the

will

you

shifted to

vertically,

is

horizontal and vertical presentation of FAX graphics. ASPECT ratio can be optimum aspect ratio for weather FAX.

the

ratio of

by using

8.

If

the

you find

MFJ-1278

command ASPECT followed by a number from 2 thru

set

between 2 thru

is

2. The ASPECT ratio can be

that

your picture

8,

with

The

2

default ASPECT

seems

being

to

the

set

be

elongated horizontally, you should decrease the value of aspect.

increase

If

the

picture

the

aspect value.

is

elongated

vertical,^,

you should

If

you notice spaces in the printed picture, you should GRAPHLF to OFF. MFJ-1278

on

every line

will

most printers

If

the printed picture appears to be slanted to

The

CRAPHLF command determines

issue a line feed before

of

graphics. CRAPHLF defaults

GRAPHLF

should

be

set

to

ON.

whether

the

carriage return

to

the

OFF. For

left

set

the

or

to the right, this indicates that the master CPU clock on the MFJ-1278 may not be in frequency with the transmitting signal. To correct

the

cover of

trimmer,

C47.

the

this

MFJ-1278 and adjust

This

adjustment does not require any special

equipment. Simply adjust

let

the

picture

the

picture

Display

The

computer screen

files.

computer

printer print a

seems

to

be

opposite direction. Repeat this procedure until

is

straight vertically.

FAX

Picture

on

MFJ-1278 firmware does not support printing to your

or

allow

You need special software for your particular

that

provides these features.

problem, you

C47

1/8

few

lines of the FAX picture.

will

the

rotation at a

getting worse, rotate the

Computer Screen & Save

you

to save FAX pictures in

Chapter

4

Page

51

need to remove

white capacitor

it

to Disk

time

trimmer

and

If

in

the

disk

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual BASIC OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

For

C64/128 users,

will

screen. SSTV/FAX pictures can also software supplied disk may be re-transmitted, recalled to print to

or

PC/X'I'/AT

IBM

PC/XT/AT

allow you to

sent to

the

or

compatibles, MFJ-1287 for Macintosh computer and

or

MFJ

offers an optional Starter Pack which

receive

with

printer

compatibles, Macintosh and Commodore

SSTV/FAX in near

be

the

Starter Pack. P.ictures saved on

at

any

time.

Order MFJ-1284 for

real

sav.ed on

time

disk

the

to the

with

screen

IBM

XFJ-1282 for Commodore C64/C129.

If

you should first turn PRINTCRA given

on

the

For graphics and display may

be

When pictures received

attached

the

terminal thru format thru

(MULTIFAX

The

or

display

are

in

the

screen

those who

using one of the above terminal program

software documentation to

or

wish

useful for you.

the

MFJ-1278

default

PRINTGRA command of

to

the

YFJ-1278 printer port.

will

the

OFF)

or

is

the

on

your computer screen, the terminal program you

to

save

to

will

the

write

it

on screen,

be

direct RS-232C port of

RS-232 port

multi-level

2

levels

OFF.

pictures

Follow

receive

to

the

disk

instructions

FAX pictures

files.

special software to handle FAX

you

the

following information

the

MFJ-1278

is

ON,

FAX

sent to the graphics printer

If

the

picture graphics to your

will

raw

the

be

data

data format.

PRINTGRA

MFJ-1278. This FAX

in

either

format (MULTIFAX

To

save to

is

OFF,

2 levels

ON).

disk

used must be compatible with the multi-level raw data format

or

it

must

be

compatible

with

the

2 levels

"FAX

frame"

format:

Two Levels FAX Pictures Format

l'he

FAX

frame

sent to

the

user's

terminal contains

carriage control information, graphics setup information and tlnnnrf columns

LF,

Special note: in order to allow through without special handling, each frame characters of ASCII value

CR,

of

6-row high dot graphics.

ESC x

is

x,

biased

ESC x

upward

x x,

with

$30

<<nnn character of graphics>>

the

FAX frames

the

value $30 (Hex),

through $7F

character

are

to

in the

so

sent to

pass

only

the

terminal.

A

few

side

1.

FAX

ASCII

effects

frames

or

logged to disk

of

the special handling:

pictures may be transmitted

and

without concern

Chapter

4

Page

52

in PACKET

for

binary

or

MFJ-1278 Instruction Manual

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

transfers.

2.

The

determining the forinat of the FAX picture (since

the

you are aware of which format

r'~"

values in the FAX header

8

Sit lengths are lost). This

are

is

not serious provided

a

FAX picture

not useful for

2

was

under.

The

number of graphics characters, "nnnrr, following a FAX

See

frame header, depends on the FAXMODE. density under the FAX?iODE command

for

more information.

horizontal

MODES

bits of

copied

Yulti-level FAX Picture

in

FAX

mode the YFJ-1278 can provide data thru the

Raw

Data

Forinat

RS-232

port in raw data format. With special terminal software which can support this data format, you can display and save aulti-gray levels pictures. The number the determined by

8

To invoke multi-level type

VULTIFAX then, make sure that you

MODE

Type

raw

levels

:

FX

K

date format provided thru

the

command TVBREAK. Current

of

gray.

FAX

receiving, under

ON

<CR>

are

in the FAX mode by typing:

<CR>

to enter CONVERSE mode, then type

receiving raw FAX data. Note that with MULTIFAX turned

you must type L to

levels format which the

beginning of

FAX

picture, in multi-level FAX the terminal program

a

FAX

start

receiving data. Unlike the

MFJ-1278

picture and also signal the end of the

of

gray

the

TVBREAY

the

levels

RS-232

port

is

crnd: prompt,

L

to start

which

set

On,

is

to

2

firmware detects the

will

establish synchronization and decide when to start and when

to finish printing picture to the screen.

Uote that when MULTIFAX

is

turned

ON,

PRINTGRA command

will

be ignored. This means that in FAX mode and with YULTIFAX turned terminal regardless of

ON,

EFJ-12'78

will

the

start

to send

raw

setting of PRINTGRA command.

data to the

For those who wishes to

write

program to support this multilevel raw data format, the following information useful to you:

Upon typing the

raw-data

stream.

L

distinctive sync

character,

Terminal program pattern

Chapter 4 Page

MFJ-1278

at

this

will

should

time

53

start

to send the

look

to detect

will

be

for the

the

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

beginning of the picture. Raw-data

be

sent thru the

pattern

is

detected

for multi-level

RS-232

or

FAX

the terminal program

port until the end of picture

a

"CTRL-C"

stream

is

will

continue to

received. Therefore

is

responsible

for

attaining synchronization to begin a picture and to detect

the end-of-picture

Yaw

mJlti-level data

biased

with

respect). The leftmost ?-bit pixel, in bits

in the below exanple,

and

"c"

pixels.

Each pixel

366.56

us interval.

represents

There

are

unbiasing)

is

being received.

reflects

a

2.5

three exceptions.

is

tine position,

Fxainple:

bit

ii

?at2

Date byte decoded

'I

6

xxsabbcc

to

+3OH

TIS

"PI',

I1qf1

3

4

x

=

d3n'

a,b,c

stop printing.

are

packed three pixels-per-byte and

(similar to the 2 level format in this

5

and

4

come

first in

the sampling

Fvery

"snapshot"

"ql',

llplt

means

or

data byte of

If

the actual

'lrll,

it

the second, and

3

2

13

t

care

=

first, second, and third pixel

time

of

with respect

the received

sf

three

audio

the receiver.

data

then the

1230

byte (before

Hz

was received in the

Irrlr

tne third.

to

pixels

SYNC

("all)

I1bl1

at

tone

first

a

grocps.

Terninating Printing

of

FAX

Printing

a

FAX

picture can be terminated during the printing. You must type order to terminate to command mode, and printing

Transmitting The

YFJ-12'78

FAX

is

gray levels pictures Two Levels

-

---I-

in 2 levels in

FAX

---

FAX,

mode must be stored required by the transmitted

to

the instruction manual

will

FAX

printing. The

capable

in

will

of

transmitting 2 levels

the

FAX

stop.

mode.

Transmitting

pictures to

MFJ-12'79.

be

on

transmitted disk and must be How

a

file

depend on the terminal program used.

of

Chapter

your

4

terminal

Page

54

at

a

I1ESC1I,

MFJ-1278

by

of

is

program.

any

time

CTRL-C

will

or

the

KFJ-1278

in

return

rnulti-

the format

recalled and

Refer

MFJ-1278 Instruction

Manual

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

MODES

Enter the FAX mode by using the

MODE

The

or

The

listed

In

?IT!

re-transait listed in Table

4fter

forirat

K

FX

<CR>

MFJ-1279

2

lines

:.I\:<

format

'1L-5-1273

in

Table

2

levels

kransaitted

receiv?

entering the

t2

transmit, enter the

defaults

per

second).

can

be

to FAXM3DE

Set

changed by using the

supports receive

4-5

in

both transmit

TAX,

Fictures saved under one

under 3 different format.

and

S~VP

d

FAX

picture under FAX

it

under FAX

4-5.

TAX

node and selecting the

%ODE

MULrlFAX to

or

transmit

format

2

CONVERSE

command. Type:

3

(120

lines per ninute

OFF

(default).

FAXMCIGE

of

and

For

all

receive.

format

may

instance, y3u can

format

or

another

FAX

desired

mode by typing:

command.

FAX

formats

bdOI'

3,

format

be

then

4s

FAX

then, type: CTRL-T. The

M'J-127'3

with: ''Send

not

key the transmitter until

around

is

?lX

1,500

now ready

t:,

Xow". In

characters

transmit a picture and resp,>,nd

FAX

transmit mode

it

of

.FAX graphics.

'4FJ-121.3

will

has Seen given

'Jser

should

follow the normal "File Upload" procedure yiven by the

terninal

program.

Tn

2

semis

levels

I.;*

FAX,

(P.S?EC'L'+I

when the

))

rows

MSJ-12'78

of

synchronization pulses bef3re

keys the transmitter starting to transmit the picture. The

MFJ-1273

by

lookin:: at the transnission sends

an

seconds. This siznals the end

K3T:::

YF'J-127:3

will

If your co#nputer does not

result.

determines

its

is

13LE

inpiit

assumed complete, and the

signal

t'iat

buff.?r:

for

it

is

finished transmitting

If

the buffer

approximately

of

the transmission.

transmit

the data to the

rapidly enough, partial picture transmission

4193

if your computer does not support

flow control, incorrect operation may result.

The

RFJ-1218

pictures.

is

capable

To

achieve this

Chapter

transmitting

of

you must use

4

Page

55

inulti-gray levels

a

terminal program

is

i.75-J-1278

15

to

it

empty,

tnen

1d

MFJ-1278

Instruction

Manual

BASIC OPERATION: ALL

MODES

which supports

Mk(J-127:j.

Each produced by the pro.luced by the

13131'3,

ZSQ;,

155C, IGDC,

2953,

3102,

the multi-level

level of gray

MFZ-12/9

biFJ-1279

1650,

2153,

moden. The

bAX/SS:'J

1730,

3?:?0,

data

1750,

and

;he tJne being transmitted determines the shade

tne

picture. lhe higher tne tone the lighter the gray.

1510

Hz

is

for

tne

sync,

1550

format required by the

is

represented by

I6

tones which can be

modern (in

1300,

18150,

2250.

Hz

is

black and

Hz)

are:

1900,

of

2350

a

tone

1950,

gray in

Hz

is

whit?. The other tones determine the shades between the

trle

S::'r,J

i-,

iJhite

PIXTONES

set

the

bl?ck and

'the

command

..A:<

a2d

P21'0~IE5

lsv?ls

of

achieve this you

the m.11ti-sray levels

Pi..(:!)NES

?I

<-

1hl.S

is

defined

aaa,

hbb,

areas.

is

L;se;l

to

set

the millti-gray levels

pictures 5eiig transmitted. The current

t3

9

gray

SS'rV

5

must

as

ccc ,ddd,

level.;.

SAX

transmitted

use

.2

terminal program which supports

SS'Lb'

f

r<'A.:<

fsllows:

eee,

ff

PIXNNES

by

the

transaitting.

f,

%qy,hhh

defines the gray

ME',J-1279.

To

where,

33a

the trans

is

the vsliie which determines tne "white"

9

ic

t

ure

r.

i

5

Led

.

area

of

hhh

the

The vall~es betnreen

of

PIXL'ONES

Kate

1219

value:; you have chosen.

FAX

transmitting.

If the picture transmitted does contrast, try and vslues which represent the transmitted

Tn

SS'L"I

is

the v31ue which deter.nines the "black" area of

transmizted picture.

aaa

the transmitted ,pictures.

$e3,53A,

that if 4 gray-levels

will

automatically

.F38,

$913,658,

3€

select

PIXIXNZS

reset

is

listed in Table

and

',lLlL'rIFAX

mode,

and

hhh defines the

btiil,

$90,

$A0

SSTV

or

FAX transmission,

only four

does not affect

not

seem

to

the PIXTONES values. The

PIXIONES

4-9

NL'J-1278

for the pictures to

below.

automatically transmit

the syne tone. Therefore, sync tone does selected

for

PIXTONES

parameters.

Chapter

4

Page

56

gray

of

the PIXTONES

2

areas

levels

have the right

not

need to

YFJ-

HEX

be

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

Table

PIXTONES Values

(not selectable)

$00

$

A0

$90

$

BO

$88

$

A8

$98

$

Ba

$

BC

$

BA

$BE

$

B9

$

BD

$

BB

$

BF

Creating

FAX

Pictures

4-8:

(HEX)

FAX/SSTV Multi-Gray PIXTONES

I

FAX/SSTV Transmit Tones (Hz)

1500

(sync)

1550

1600

1650

1700

1750

1800

1850 1900

1950

2000 2050

21

00

21

50

2200

2250

for

Transmitting

on

FAX pictures captured by the MFJ-1278 and saved

be

re-transmitted. However,

same

format

MFJ Starter Packs

computers can be used

generating programs available to

and graphics.

MFJ-1292 "Picture Perfect" Video Digitizer for

and compatible computers allows you to digitized a picture

with

a

stored to disk and can be transmitted by the MFJ-1278 in any of the FAX formats.

Contact concerning the MFJ-I292 Video Digitizer and other graphics generating programs for use with the MFJ-1278.

with

Camcorder

us

or

which

it

for

in

or

video camera.

your MFJ dealer

Chapter

it

must

was

saved.

the

IBM

conjunction with other graphics

4

Pago

be

PC/XT/AT

create

The

for

57

transmitted

or

your own drawings

digitized picture

more information

disk can

with

compatible

the

IBM

is

MFJ-1278

Instruction Manual

BASIC

OPERATION: ALL

MODES

OPERATION:

?'he

ES,'J-12'78

pictures with the built-in printer

Yowever, with additional software

receive

levels

a

standard terminal program vith does not support screen

printing

111!14r1

port in order

If

SSrlr

Pictores received with printed

The

graphics compatible printer to the

you

pictures with 4 lsvcls

MFJ-1279

4-3.

pictures and print black and

graphics compatible printer.

7'0

use the program pictures that

?llows

SLOW

and transmit multi-gray levels pictures above the

provided by the

of

ars

using the

on

the printer with 4 levels

It

will

are

to

SCAN TELEVISION (SSTV)

lets

you

receive

PYJ-1278

SS'rV

pictures, you must attach a

t.3

allow printing of

MFJ-1278's

more

will

receive

SS'T'J

not required. this operation.

-node

screen

or

of

save

than 4 levels

all

color

the

MFJ-1278

Yowever,

to

black and white

port

for

firmware.

in

4

levels

your computer,

If

you

are

of

it

"EPSON"

SS'rV

parallel printer port, then

of

gray

SS'r'i

and black and white

white

disk,

MFJ-12'78's

pictures.

will

of

gray.

formats listed in Table

on

any

a

special computer and

if you intend to print

you

of

"EPSON"

will

be

gray

need

parallel

supported.

will

or

a program

SS'I'J

gray.

can

4

using

or

be

SST'J

11;i3"41f

Chapter 4 Page

58

MFJ-1278 Instruction Manual

BASIC

OPERATION:

ALL

MODES

SSTV

MFJ-12'78

Formats

provides a dedicated modem for SS'TV operation. The modulator and demodulator frequencies pre-set to allow SSTV operation The

MFJ-1278

The

SSTV format can

command. n

4-9.

For

supports all SSTV formats listed in Table

Table

is

I

1

I

1 2

3

4

5

example, to

4-9:

8.5

24

36

12 17

MFJ-1278

seconds seconds seconds seconds seconds

be

changed by using

a number from 1 thru 5 as

set

without

SSTV Formats

MFJ-1278

format, you would type:

of

the

MFJ-1278

any recalibration.

4-9.

listed

to

the

12

TVMODE

in

the

Table

seconds SSTV

are

(n)

2

TVMODE

The

MFJ-1278

12

seconds format.

<CR>

would be

set

to

receive

or

transmit SSTV in the

SSTV Installation

Installation of the other modes of operation. Installation of your radio

is

Radio port can

YFJ-1278

described

be

used to connect to your radio for SSTV

for

in

Chapter

SSTV operation

3

of

this manual. Either

is

MFJ-1278

the

same

operat ion.

Printer Connection

If

you have a terminal program which supports SSTV picture

printing to the computer

screen,

then you should attach your

printer to your computer printer port and not to the

1278.

intend

In

to

this

receive

case

turn the

PRINTGRA

command OFF. IF you

the SSTV picture and send

Chapter

4

Page

59

it

to

as

to

MFJ-

the

MFJ MFJ-1278, MFJ-1278T User guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual