MFJ MFJ-299 User Manual

MFJ-299

Deluxe Desktop Microphone / Ham Station Console

Thank you very much for your purchase of the MFJ-299 Deluxe Desktop Microphone / Ham Station Console.
To enjoy this unit to full satisfaction, please read the instructions carefully.

SPECIFICATIONS

Microphone High Sensitivity Ceramic Microphone Element
Compressor Level High: 45dB, Med: 30dB, Low:10 dB
S/N Ratio (Graphic Equalizer) 80 dB
Distortion Factor 0.05% (at flat)
Graphic Equalizer 4 Elements (270, 540, 1000, & 2000 Hz)+12dB range
Output Voltage COMP: 0 – 30 mV (RMS)
Matching Output Impedance 500 ohms – 100K ohms
Power Voltage DC 6~9 V
Current Consumption (EQ off) Receive – 3.5 mA, Transmit – 4.5 mA
(EQ on) Receive – 10 mA, Transmit – 11 mA
Alarm Sound Approximately 4.5 kHz Intermittent Tone
Size 8.937(W) X 5.118 (D) X 12.598 (H) inches
Weight 2.2 Lbs.

FEATURES

1. High Sensitivity Ceramic Microphone Element.

2. High Quality Compressor Amplifier. For constant transmission at an optimum level without distortio n
regardless of audio input.

3. Equipped with Graphic Equalizer for Optimum Audio Output Quality. The 4 Element Graphic
Equalizer with center frequencies of 270, 540, 1000, and 2000 Hz can control the audio output quality.
It gives the best audio quality for FM and maximum efficiency for SSB and DX.

4. Triple input socket for most transceiver models.

5. Battery check circuit built in. Press the power switch and the level meter indicates the battery
condition with power voltages for a few seconds.

INSTALLATION

1. Install a fresh 9V battery (not included) in the battery compartment.

2. The MFJ-299 must be used with one of the following cables (sold separately):

•

MFJ-5397I - compatible with most ICOM transceivers that have an 8-Pin round connector.

•

MFJ-5397K - compatible with most Kenwood transceivers that have an 8-Pin round
connector.

•

MFJ-5399Y - compatible with most Yaesu transceivers that have an 8-Pin round connector.

•

MFJ-5397MX - compatible with most transceivers that have an 8-Pin modular connector.

3. Plug the cable into the Microphone Output Connector and set the Microphone Output Connector
Switch as follows:

•

Position A for all ICOM transceivers.

•

Position B for all Kenwood and Yaesu FT-100 transceivers.

•

Position C for all Yaesu transceivers (except FT-100).

CAUTION:

•

Please be sure to use MFJ conversion cables. The MFJ-5399 is compatible with most transceivers that
have an 8-Pin round connector. The MFJ-5399M is compatible with most transceivers that have an 8­Pin modular connector.

•

Please be careful about high SWR of antenna and incomplete grounding. This may cause RF Feedback
and noise depending on coaxial cable layout.

•

Please be sure to turn the power switch off after use to ensure long battery life.

•

Do not subject the microphone in high temperatures or place in direct sunlight.

CONTROLS (Front and Rear Panel)

1. Power and Graphic Equalizer ON/OFF Switch.
Slide the switch to the “ON/B.CHECK” position. The Level Meter (#12) will indicate the condition of
the battery. The MFJ-299 will function as a desktop microphone without enabling the graphic
equalizer. To enable the graphic equalizer slide this switch to the “EQUAL ON” position.

2. Compressor Level Selector Switch:

•

HIGH (45 dB): Select this position when speaking softly or if you a more than 12 inches away
from the microphone. (The microphone will pick up any noise around the microphone.)

•

MED (35 dB): This is optimum position for normal QSOs. You can enjoy QSOs with enough
voice level at 4 inches away from the microphone.

•

LOW (10 dB): The compressor function will activate the microphone only when you speak
directly into microphone. This position should be selected when you operate in a noisy area.

3. “On Air” Indicator: When the Power ON/OFF Switch (#1) is moved to either ON position; the LED
will flash on and off to indicate the unit is in stand-by mode. When the PTT (#5) or LOCK (#6)
buttons are pressed, the LED will light up continuously. The LED will remain lit during transmission.

4. Output Level Volume: This controls the audio output level of the microphone. Adj ust t he level from
MIN to MAX to find the optimum output level. The output level should be adjusted so that the meter
indicator does not exceed 0dB. This control is independent of the compressor control.

5. PTT Switch: Use this for short QSOs. When this button is pressed, a beep will sound and the “ON
AIR” LED indicator (#3) will be continuously illuminated thus indicating the unit is in transmit mode.
When this button is released, the “ON AIR” LED will begin to flash indicating the unit is in stand-by
mode.

6. LOCK Switch: Use this for longer QSOs. When this button is pressed, a beep will sound and the “ON
AIR” LED indicator (3) will be continuously illuminated thus indicating the unit is in transmit mode.
When this button is released, the “ON AIR” LED indicator will remain illuminated. To end
transmission, press the PTT button (#5).

7. UP/DOWN Switch: The UP button will adjust the frequency of your transceiver up and the DOWN
button will adjust the frequency of your transceiver down.

8. Function Key: These four buttons are specifically designed for KENWOOD transceivers. These
buttons may or may not work with other types of transceivers.

•

CALL – Selects the call frequency.

•

VFO – Selects VFO mode for manual tuning.

•

MR – Memory recall selects preset memory tuning.

•

PF – Activates the Preset Function feature.

9. Microphone Output Connector: Connect a MFJ conversion cable (not included) to the Output
connector compatible with your radio.

10. Microphone Output Connector Switch: Select position A for ICOM transceivers, position B for
Kenwood transceivers, and position C for Yaesu transceivers (Note: the switch should be in position B
for the Yaesu FT-100 transceiver).

11. Graphic Equalizer: The Graphic Equalizer consists of 4 elements with center frequencies of 270, 540,
1000, and 2000 Hz. The output level of each element can be adjusted freely between the +12dB level
and –12dB level. If you speak in a low voice tone, the 270 and 540 Hz levels should be adjusted down.
For DX operation, it is recommended that the 1000 and 2000 Hz levels be set at a high position. When
you are in a local QSO, adjust the higher tone levels back to normal. The adjustment level of each
element is about 12dB. If all elements are adjusted to the +12dB level, the overall output level of the
microphone will increase by +12dB. When all elements are at the +12dB, the Output Level Volume
should be adjusted accordingly so that the output does not exceed 0dB.