MFJ MFJ-498X, MFJ-498 User Manual
Table of Contents
Features ............................................................................................................1
Introduction........................................................................................................2
Installation .........................................................................................................3
Power......................................................................................................3
Keying Output.........................................................................................3
Keyboard ................................................................................................3
Iambic paddle .........................................................................................3
Lithium Battery Removal and Installation ..........................................................3
LCD Contrast Adjustment..................................................................................4
Basic Operation.................................................................................................4
Keyboard Operation ..........................................................................................4
Paddle Operation...............................................................................................5
Adjusting Code: Speed, Weight, And Tone.......................................................6
Code WPM Speed (F10) ........................................................................6
Weight (W)..............................................................................................6
Sidetone Frequency (T)..........................................................................6
Message Memories...........................................................................................7
Embedded Commands...........................................................................7
Typical Settings for a Contest............................................................................8
Code Practice Utilities .......................................................................................8
QSO Simulator........................................................................................8
FCC Exam Simulator..............................................................................8
Random Word Generator .......................................................................8
Random Code Generator .......................................................................9
Learning Code with the Random Code Generator ............................................9
Teaching Code .......................................................................................9
Entering Commands..........................................................................................10
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual
MFJ-498 Display Keyboard Keyer
Features
Memories:
Eight independent 4000 character message memories.
32 Character Liquid Crystal Display:
The MFJ-498 has a 32 character display on which memories, simulations, and
keyboard entered text may be viewed.
Type Ahead Buffer:
The MFJ-498 has a 150 character type ahead buffer with audible "buffer full"
warning.
Built-In Iambic Keyer:
Using the paddle jack makes the MFJ-498 a keyboard controlled iambic keyer.
Embedded commands:
Auto-incrementing serial numbers, Timed pauses to 99 minutes 99 seconds,
Message loop.
Adjustable Parameters:
Code speed is variable from 5 to 100 WPM, weight varies from 5 to 95 %.
Sidetone Speaker:
Internal sidetone speaker with adjustable volume and frequency.
Morse Code Trainer:
Random code generator with 5 character or random 1-8 character length
words. Random characters are selectable from alphabetic, numeric, prosign,
and punctuation types; or specific 6 character sets.
Random Word Generator:
Sends from a database of many common words used in amateur radio.
FCC Exam Simulator:
Sends a random QSO, just like an FCC code test.
QSO Simulator:
Simulates "real" contacts with the keyer to practice on-the-air operation by
calling or answering CQ.
Keying Modes:
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual
Introduction
The MFJ-498 Display Keyboard Keyer is a powerful tool for the radio amateur. The
MFJ-498 functions as a contest keyer with 8 memories, a code teaching and practice
tool with 4 separate methods of learning, from beginner to expert, and a display
keyboard keyer, all code being sent or stored with the keyboard is displayed on the
32 character LCD. The MFJ-498 is also a powerful iambic keyer with all paddle code
parameters conveniently controlled by the keyboard interface.
The MFJ-498 has eight 4,000 character message memories which can be loaded by
keyboard. When saving a message embedded commands can be inserted that
repeat the message continuously, insert timed pauses within the message, and
insert an auto-incrementing serial number. Embedded commands allow your keyer
to perform contest, foxhunt or beacon operation.
The MFJ-498 has controls for speed and volume on the front of the unit. The paddle
jack connects to any iambic or single lever (dual contact) key paddle. The keyboard
port allows use of the AT compatible keyboard for keyboard keying operation. The
MFJ-498 has both Direct and Grid-Block outputs.
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual
Installation
Power
The MFJ-498 Morse Keyboard requires a 12 VDC 500 milliamp power supply. The
power jack accepts a 2.1 mm coaxial plug with the center conductor positive and
shield ground. An optional DC supply, the MFJ-1315, is available from MFJ
Enterprises. Connect your MFJ-1315 Power Adapter or compatible DC supply into
the jack marked POWER on the MFJ-498 back panel.
Keying Output
This unit supports both positive and negative keyed radios. The MFJ-498 has both
Direct or Grid Block outputs. Use the Direct output for a positive keyed radio (most
solid state radios). Use the Grid Block output for a negative keyed radio (most
radios with tube finals). Use a standard shielded RCA cable between your radio key
input and to either the Direct or Grid Block key output.
Keyboard
The MFJ-498 is supplied with an IBM-AT compatible keyboard. The MFJ-498X
package does not include a keyboard. The unit is guaranteed to support the
supplied keyboard but may be used with other standard 101 key AT-style keyboards.
However, the use of an AT-compatible keyboard from other manufacturers may
cause an increase in susceptibility to radio frequency interference.
If using a switchable keyboard, move the A-X switch on the back of the keyboard to
the "A" position. Using an XT style keyboard or turning a switchable keyboard
to "X" mode may damage both the keyboard and the MFJ-498. This unit will
function only with AT compatible keyboards. Plug the keyboard into the 5 pin
DIN connector marked KYBRD IN on the MFJ-498.
Iambic paddle
An iambic or single lever (dual contact) paddle
connects to the 1/4" stereo phone jack with a
shielded cable through the back of the unit.
Connect the dot wire of the paddle to the ring on
the plug and the dash wire to the center conductor.
The shield on the plug should be attached to paddle ground.
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual
LCD Contrast Adjustment
The MFJ-498 has a contrast adjustment pot accessed through the case on the left
side. Insert a small screwdriver or flat tuning tool into the pot and turn to adjust the
LCD viewing angle. The LCD will widen the viewing angle as you turn clockwise or
close the viewing angle as you turn counter-clockwise.
Basic Operation
The MFJ-498 is simple to operate. After turning the unit on, it will send the
characters "ON" in Morse code over the sidetone speaker and display "MFJ-498
Display Keyboard Keyer" on the LCD. This tells you the MFJ-498 is ready for
operation.
Start sending with a paddle or keyboard. Adjust the volume and speed to your
preference. If the speed is still too fast or too slow, adjust the range of the speed
knob by pressing F10. See Adjusting Code on page 6.
All characters or code sent by the user are played on the sidetone speaker This
allows the user to hear what he is keying or typing.
Only when the keyer is used with a paddle is the code sent as soon as it is keyed.
When using the keyboard you may type ahead of the code that is being transmitted.
This allows you to enter words and phrases faster than the transmitted code. The
buffer permits smoother code with less pauses. You can fix misspelled words and
think about your next sentence while the previous sentence is being sent.
When you are entering commands or saving memories the key outputs are disabled.
This keeps all erroneous code off of the air.
Keyboard Operation
The keyboard on the MFJ-498 is like that of a computer, not like a typewriter. A key
is pressed and immediately released. If a key is held down, a character will be
repeated until the key is released. To make word breaks press Space Bar. Press
Space Bar several times to make a longer break.
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual
pressed. These characters are lost and will not display on the LCD. As code plays
the buffer will empty and eventually the bottom line will catch up with the top.
AAA
MIM
WG
DN, IMI, DU
HH, AL, SX, KA
KN, KK
AA
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual
Pressing the backspace key will remove a single character from the "type ahead"
buffer before it is played. While the buffer is being sent you may clear it by pressing
Esc. The buffer will clear, all text in it will be lost, and the keyer will stop playing
code. Now you may enter new text or play a stored message.
If you press Pause while your type ahead buffer is playing your message will stop
playing. You can now insert text with the paddle. Press Esc and your type ahead
buffer will continue playing where it stopped.
Prosigns
The following prosigns are assigned to keyboard characters:
, AF,
and AL. See Page 16 for a complete chart showing keyboard assignments. To
create prosigns not included on the keyboard, use the Alt key. The MFJ-451
produces prosigns by removing the intercharacter spaces from characters of keys
while the Alt key is pressed.
ex: To produce the prosign
release Alt
Message Memories [F1-F8]
The function keys F1 through F8 are used to store and send messages. The Alt key
is used with a function key to store a message. The function key is then used alone
to send the stored message. See the Message Memories section for more details.
Command Mode (F9)
The command mode is accessed by selecting the F9. This selection is followed by a
one-character keyboard command.
Code WPM Speed (F10)
To change code speed use the F10 key. The speed can then be varied using the up
and down arrow keys or direct two-character entry. Press ESC to exit. See
Adjusting Code on page 6.
Output Tune (F11)
An output tune is activated by selecting F11. A constant key is sent to the antenna
, IQ, BT, AR, SN,
(.-.-) hold the Alt key down, press A twice, then
, K, AS, SK,
,
, KR, OS,
,
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual
in the hand key mode. While in the hand key mode all other features of the MFJ-498
are disabled. The speed, weight, and tone for paddle operation is the same as that
for the keyboard.
The iambic paddle has a unique feature that the single lever paddle does not have.
The two key paddles are independent and can be squeezed together. When both
the dot and dash contacts touch ground, the MFJ-498 sends alternating sending
code elements, ".-.-" or "-.-.". This is called iambic keying.
Iambic keying has two modes: A and B. In iambic B mode. the keyer will send an
extra alternating element when you release both paddles. In iambic A mode, no
extra elements are sent. The iambic paddle modes, A and B, are selected with the
"I" and "B" commands. See the "Entering Commands" section on page 10.
Adjusting Code: Speed, Weight, And Tone
NOTE: While changing parameters or loading memories, the MFJ-498 disables the
output key so that erroneous code is not sent over the air.
Code WPM Speed (F10)
Code speed is set using the front panel control and the F10 key. The front panel
control changes the wpm speed range while the "F10" key changes speed within that
range. If you cannot set the speed high or low enough with "F10" you must change
the range with the front panel control. When the front panel control is fully counter-
clockwise the speed range is from 5-24 wpm. When the front panel control is fully
clockwise the speed range is from 24-100 wpm.
When you press "F10" the MFJ-498 sends a series of dot-dashes over the sidetone
speaker to indicate the current speed. There are two methods to change code
speed. The up and down arrow keys can be used to vary the speed gradually. Code
speed can also be set to an approximate words-per-minute by pressing two numbers
(i.e., 05 or 13). The speed will then change automatically. When you have found a
speed that is comfortable for you, hit the "Esc" or "Enter" key.
Weight (W)
Weight is set with "F9 to enable command mode and press "W". After pressing "W",
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