Motorola Micom 2E ALE instruction manual

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MICOM-2E ALE

HF-SSB Transceiver

Owner's Guide

68P02952C60-O

COMMERCIAL WARRANTY (STANDARD)

Motorola radio communications products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) YEAR, (except for crystals and channel elements which are warranted for a period of ten (10) years), from the date of shipment. Parts, including crystals and channel elements, will be replaced free of charge for the full warranty period but the labor to replace defective parts will only be provided for One Hundred-Twenty (120) days from the date of shipment. Thereafter purchaser must pay for the labor involved in repairing the product or replacing the parts at the prevailing rates together with any transportation charges to or from the place where warranty service is provided. This express warranty is extended by Motorola Communications and Electronics Inc., 1301 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60196, to the original purchaser only, and only to those purchasing for purpose of leasing or solely for commercial, industrial, or governmental use.

THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MOTOROLA BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES TO THE FULL EXTENT SUCH MAY BE DISCLAIMED BY LAW.

In the event of a defect, malfunction or failure to conform to specifications established by seller, or if appropriate, to specifications accepted by Seller in writing, during the period shown, Motorola, at its option, will either repair or replace the product or refund the purchase price thereof, and such action on the part of Motorola shall be the full extent of Motorola's liability hereunder.

This warranty is void if: a. the product is used in other than its normal and customary manner;

b. the product has been subject to misuse, accident neglect or damage; c. unauthorized alterations or repairs have been made, or unapproved parts used in the equipment.

This warranty extends only to individual products, batteries are excluded, but carry their own separate limited warranty. Because each radio system is unique, Motorola disclaims liability for range, coverage, or operation of the system as a whole under this warranty except by a separate written agreement signed by an officer of Motorola.

Non-Motorola manufactured products are excluded from this warranty, but subject to the warranty provided by their manufacturers, a copy of which will be supplied to you on specific written request.

In order to obtain performance of this warranty, purchaser must contact its Motorola salesperson or Motorola at the address first above shown, attention Quality Assurance Department.

This warranty applies only within the United States.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE COPYRIGHTS

The Motorola products described in this instruction manual may include copyrighted Motorola computer programs stored in semiconductor memories or other media. Laws in the United States and other countries preserve for Motorola certain exclusive rights for copyrighted computer programs including the exclusive right to copy or reproduce in any form the copyrighted computer program. Accordingly, any copyrighted Motorola computer programs contained in the Motorola products described in this instruction manual may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of Motorola. Furthermore, the purchase of Motorola products shall not be deemed to grant either directly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license under the copyrights, patents or patent applications of Motorola, except for the normal non-exclusive, royalty free license to use that arises by operation of law in the sale of a product.

MICOM-2E ALE

HF-SSB Transceiver

 Motorola Inc., 1997

Motorola, Inc. Land Mobile Products Sector 1301 E. Algonquin Road Schaumburg, IL 60196

Owner’s Manual

68P02952C60-O

September, 1997

Table of Contents

Glossary.......................................................................................................v

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................VII

ENERAL..................................................................................................... VII

FCC INFORMATION...................................................................................... VIII

TRANSMITTER ...............................................................................................IX

RECEIVER ......................................................................................................X

MILITAR Y AND INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS...........................................................XI

INFORMATION FOR SAFE, EFFICIENT OPERATION.......................... XIII

XPOSURE TO RADIO FREQUENCY ENERGY.................................................. XIII

Potentially Explosive Atmospheres.................................................................... xiv

Blasting Caps and Areas...................................................................................xiv

GUIDELINES AND WARNINGS .........................................................................XV

Symbols..............................................................................................................xv

Installation Safety Warning.................................................................................xv

Operational Safety Warning ...............................................................................xv

Vehicles With an Air Bag................................................................................... xvi

Restrictions........................................................................................................xvii

INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................1

MICOM-2E HF-SSB R MICOM-2E O

RANSMITTER FEATURES................................................................................2

ECEIVER FEATURES......................................................................................3

REQUENCY SOURCES ...................................................................................3

OWER SOURCE ............................................................................................3

EYING OPERATION.................................................................................3

CW K

ROGRAMMABLE FEATURES............................................................................4

PTIONS AND ACCESSORIES........................................................2

ADIO FEATURES..........................................................1

OVERVIEW..................................................................................................5

RANSCEIVER CONTROLS...............................................................................5

NDICATORS............................................................................................6

LED I LCD D I T A

ISPLAY.................................................................................................7

CON INDICATORS............................................................................................8

RANSCEIVER REAR PANEL.............................................................................9

LERT TONE INDICATIONS ...............................................................................9

MICOM-2E ALE Owner’s Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.................................................................. 11

CTIVATING THE RADIO................................................................................. 1 1

LOBAL OPERA TIONS...................................................................................12

SING WORKING MODES..............................................................................13

Working with Channel Mode...............................................................................13

Working with Frequency Mode ...........................................................................17

Working in Scan Mode........................................................................................20

Working in BITE Mode........................................................................................21

Working in Lock Mode........................................................................................22

Working in Program Mode..................................................................................23

Working in Password Mode................................................................................24

Working in Transmit Mode..................................................................................26

Checking the RF Power......................................................................................26

Working in DIM Mode.........................................................................................27

PROGRAMMING THE RADIO..................................................................29

ROGRAMMING CHANNELS ...........................................................................30

Channel Options.................................................................................................30

Setting the Tx Power Level.................................................................................33

Setting the Frequency.........................................................................................34

Choosing the Band Type ....................................................................................35

Setting the Operating Mode................................................................................36

Using Automatic Gain Control (AGC) .................................................................37

Setting the Band Width.......................................................................................38

SETTING RADIO PARAMETERS.......................................................................39

Baud Rate (BAUD) .............................................................................................39

Data Power (DPWR)...........................................................................................40

Microphone Side Tone (MST).............................................................................41

Accessory Side Tone (AST) ...............................................................................41

PTT Release Beep (PTBP).................................................................................41

Keyboard Beep (KBBP)......................................................................................42

Tone ...................................................................................................................42

Alternate Display Time-out (ADT).......................................................................43

SETTING RADIO OPTIONS .............................................................................44

AUTOMATIC LINK ESTABLISHMENT (ALE)..........................................45

CTIVATING/DEACTIVATING THE ALE..............................................................46

LQA M A

EMORY..............................................................................................48

UTOMATIC SOUNDING ................................................................................. 48

Sounding Cycle Time..........................................................................................48

Immediate (Manual) Sounding............................................................................50

Optional Handshake/Call Reject.........................................................................50

Contents

BI-DIRECTIONAL HANDSHAKE........................................................................51

ROGRAMMING.....................................................................................51

ALE P

ECEIVING CALLS.........................................................................................52

Receiving an AllCall............................................................................................52

Receiving an Individual Call................................................................................53

Receiving a Net Call...........................................................................................54

Receiving a Sound Call ......................................................................................55

TRANSMITTING CALLS...................................................................................56

Transmitting AllCalls...........................................................................................56

Transmitting Individual Calls...............................................................................58

Transmitting Net Calls........................................................................................60

LINK MODE...................................................................................................62

SING THE CALLER STACK............................................................................63

ONITORING THE SPEAKER...........................................................................65

UNING THE ANTENNA TUNER........................................................................66

INSTALLATION.........................................................................................67

ENERAL.....................................................................................................67

Government Regulations....................................................................................67

Inspection...........................................................................................................67

Radio Installation Planning.................................................................................67

BASE STATION INSTALLATION.........................................................................68

RONT

F T

NSTALLATION PROCEDURES..........................................................................73

MODEL INSTALLATION......................................................................69

RUNK MODEL INSTALLATION........................................................................71

Mobile Mounting Kit............................................................................................73

DC Power Connection........................................................................................73

Microphone Clip..................................................................................................76

Final Connections...............................................................................................76

External Speaker Installation..............................................................................77

Operational Checks............................................................................................78

CONNECTORS..............................................................................................79

Microphone Connector J1 ..................................................................................79

Antenna Connector J2........................................................................................79

Accessory Connector J3.....................................................................................79

DC Connector J4................................................................................................81

VEHICULAR NOISE REDUCTION......................................................................82

MAINTENANCE.........................................................................................83

NTRODUCTION.............................................................................................83

UILT-IN-TEST EQUIPMENT (BITE)................................................................83

REVENTIVE MAINTENANCE..........................................................................83

iii

MICOM-2E ALE Owner’s Manual

System Integrity..................................................................................................83

Periodic Calibration.............................................................................................83

Using BITE .........................................................................................................84

TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................85

ERVICE......................................................................................................87

Radio Checks .....................................................................................................88

PROCEDURES..........................................................................................89

Index ..................................................................................................Index-1

Glossary

AGC Automatic Gain Control ALE Automatic Link Establishment AMD Automatic Message Display AME Amplitude Modulation Equivalent ARQ Automatic Repeat Request BITE Built-In Test Equipment CW Continuous Wave DSP Digital Signal Processing DTCXO Digitally Temperature Controlled Crystal

Oscillator

FEC Forward Error Correction FSK Frequency Shift Keying GND Ground HF High Frequency HSM High Speed Modem LED Light Emitting Diode LQA Link Quality Analysis LSB Lower Side Band LSM Low Speed Modem MCW Modulated Continuous Wave OCXO Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator PEP Peak Envelope Power PLL Phase Lock Loop PTT Push To Talk RGC Receiver Gain Control RSS Radio Service Software

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

RTTY Radio Telex Teletype SINAD Signal to Signal Noise Distortion Ratio SSB Single Side Band USB Upper Side Band VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio XMIT Transmit

Technical Specifications

General

Frequency Range Number of Channels

Scanning Frequency Stability Frequency Drift (Aging) Synthesizer Lock Time Frequency Resolution Audio Bandwidths @ -6dB

Operating Temperature Range Humidity Operating Voltage ALE

Current Drain @ 13.8 VDC

Receive

Transmit

Dimensions and Weights

Front

Squelched 2.2A Full Audio 3A

Voice 14A 2 Tone 23A 1 Tone 28A

Height (mm/inch) 92/3.7 Width (mm/inch) 302/11.9 Depth (mm/inch) 270/10.7 Weight (Kg/pounds) 5.7/12.5

1.6 MHz to30MHz Tx, 100 kHz-30 MHz Rx 200: User programmable; Simplex or Half

Duplex 5 groups with up to 100 channels per group

0.6 PPM, 0.1 PPM optional 1 PPM per year 10 msec max. 10 Hz Voice: 350 to 2700 Hz

CW: 650 to 1150 Hz Low speed data: 1450 to 1950 Hz High speed data*: 350 to 3300 Hz

-30° to +60°C 95% @ 50°C

13.8 V DC ±20% Neg. Ground Per FED-STD 1045 and MIL-STD 188/141A

Optional, for authorized users only.

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MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Trunk Mount

Trunk Mount Control Head

Height (mm/inch) 92/3.7

Width (mm/inch) 302/11.9 Depth (mm/inch) 285/11.3 Weight (Kg/pounds) 5.9/13

Height (mm/inch) 60/2.36 Width (mm/inch) 187/7.36 Depth (mm/inch) 70/2.75 Weight (Kg/pounds) 0.32/0.71

FCC Information

Emissions FCC Applicable Parts of Rules FCC Type Acceptance Number With High Stability Option

J3E, R3E, H3E, J2A, J2B 15, 18, 90 ABZ9QCC1635 ABZ9QCC1634

viii

Transmitter

Technical Specifications

Output Power Reduced Power Levels Audio Bandwidth Ripple Intermodulation Harmonic Emissions Spurious Emissions Carrier Suppression Undesired Sideband

Suppression Audio Distortion 1/2 Power Mic. Sensitivity Hum & Ripple Inband Noise TX/RX Switching Time Tx Tuning Adjustments

125W P.E.P. and average 25W, 62W, 100W (RSS programmable) 3 dB

-31 dB/P.E.P (-35 dB/P.E.P Typical. Note 1)

-64 dB/P.E.P (-70 dB/P.E.P Typical. Note 1)

-50 dB/P.E.P

-55 dB/P.E.P

2.5% 25 to 125 mV (RMS)/600 Ohms

-50 dB

-60 dB (30 Hz BW) 10 msec None

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Receiver

Sensitivity (SINAD) SSB (Voice)

1/2 Rated Power Sensitivity Selectivity

Image IF Undesired Sideband Spurious Intermodulation Cross Modulation Desensitization Reciprocal Mixing Audio Power @ Speaker RGC Range

RGC Time Constants

Voice

Data

0.5 µV for 10 dB SINAD (0.35 µV Typical. Note 1)

0.1 - 1.6 MHz reduced performance 1 µV for 2.5W audio @ speaker

-6 dB @ 350 to 2700 Hz

-60 dB @ -1 kHz; +4 kHz

-80 dB

-85 dB

-55 dB @ -1 kHz

-80 dB

-100 dB @ 100 kHz

-100 dB @ 100 kHz 5W @ 2.5% distortion 5 µV-1V (2 dB change in output level)

Attack time 10 msec Release time 1500 msec

Attack time 10 msec Release time 10 msec

Squelch Clarifier Range Receiver Tuning

Adjustments Preselector Sections Maximum Antenna Input

Constant SINAD (digital) ±200 Hz in 10 Hz steps None

Sub-octave (1.6 MHz to 30 MHz range) 20 kV maximum transient, 100V RMS for 2 minutes

Military and Industrial Standards

Vibration

Shock

Rain

Dust

Salt Fog

US MIL-STD 810C Method 514.2 US MIL-STD 810D 514.3 US MIL-STD 810E 514.4 US MIL-STD 810C Method 516.2 US MIL-STD 810D 516.3 US MIL-STD 810E 516.4 US MIL-STD 810C Method 506.1 US MIL-STD 810D 506.2 US MIL-STD 810E 506.3 US MIL-STD 810C Method 510.1 US MIL-STD 810D 510.2 US MIL-STD 810E 510.3 US MIL-STD 810C Method 509.1 US MIL-STD 810D 509.2 US MIL-STD 810E 509.3

Technical Specifications

The MICOM-2E also meets the EIA-RS152B for shock, vibration and applicable test procedures, US FCC and Canadian DOC for channel occupancy, spurious, interference and frequency tolerance. It is manufactured according to the demanding standards of ISO 9000 and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility).

Note 1: Values noted as “Typical” are valid over 90% or more of the frequency range.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

xii

(blank)

Information for Safe, Efficient Operation

Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy

In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted updated RF energy exposure guidelines for wireless products regulated by the FCC. Those guidelines are consistent with the safety standards* previously set by both U.S. and international standards bodies. The design of your Motorola two-way radio complies with the FCC guidelines and these standards.

*American National Standards Institute (C95.1 - 1992); *National Council on Radiation Radiation Protection and Measurements

(NCRP-1986); *International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection

(ICNRP- 1986) To assure optimal radio performance and to insure that exposure to RF

energy is within the guidelines in the above standards, properly install antennas externally on the vehicle, following recommended installation procedures.

Transmit only when people inside or outside the vehicle are 1 to 3 feet away from the properly installed, externally mounted antenna; distance guidelines for the different power levels are summarized in the table below:

Rated power of Distance of people from Vehicle-Mounted Radio Transmitting antenna

15 Watts or less 1 Foot 16 to 50Watts 2 Feet More than 50Watts 3 Feet

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MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Potentially Explosive Atmospheres

Turn your radio OFF when in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere, unless it is a type especially qualified for such use (for example, FMRC Approved). Sparks in such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death.

Areas with potentially explosive atmospheres are often, but not always, clearly marked. They include fuelling areas such as below deck on boats, fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities; areas where the air contains chemicals or particles, such as grain, dust, or metal powders; and any other area where you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine.

Blasting Caps and Areas

To avoid possible interference with blasting operations, turn your radio OFF near electrical blasting caps or in a “blasting area” or in areas posted: “Turn off two-way radio”. Obey all signs and instructions.

xiv

Information for Safe, Efficient Operation

Guidelines and Warnings

Symbols

The Warning symbol denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure or practice that could result in personal injury if not performed correctly.

The Caution symbol denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure or practice that could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the product if not performed correctly.

Installation Safety Warning

Consider the occupants’ safety when you choose a location for the radio. Do not mount the radio overhead or on a side wall unless you take special precautions.

If someone were to remove the radio and does not replace it properly, then a road block could bump the radio loose and the falling radio, could in some circumstances, cause serious injury to the driver or a passenger. In a crash, even when properly installed, the radio could break loose and become a dangerous projectile.

If you have to mount the radio overhead or on a sidewall, give it the added protection of a retaining strap.

Operational Safety Warning

For vehicles equipped with a electronic anti-skid systems, see “ANTI-SKID BRAKING PRECAUTIONS” publications, Motorola No. 68P81109E34.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

It is mandatory that radio installation in vehicles fueled by liquefied petroleum gas conform to the following standard:

National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 58 applies to radio installations in vehicles fueled by liquefied petroleum (LP) gas with LP gas container in the trunk or other sealed-off space within the interior of the vehicles. The standard requires that:

1. Any space containing radio equipment shall be isolated by a seal from the space in which the LP-gas container and its fittings are located.

2. Remote (outside) fitting connections shall be used.

3. The container space shall be vented to the outside.

Vehicles With an Air Bag

An air bag inflates with great force. Do not place objects, including portable or mobile two-way radios, in the area over the air bag or in the air bag deployment area. If improperly installed or placed wireless equipment is in the air bag deployment area and the air bag inflates, serious injury could result.

Installation of the MICOM-2E radio should be performed by a professional installer/technician qualified in the requirements for such installations. An air bag’s size, shape and deployment area can vary by vehicle make, model and front compartment configuration (e.g., bench seat vs. bucket seat).

Contact the vehicle manufacturer’s corporate headquarters, if necessary, for specific air bag information for the vehicle make, model and front compartment configuration involved in your communication equipment installation.

xvi

Information for Safe, Efficient Operation

Restrictions

Because this radio contains a transmitter, federal law prohibits unauthorized, non-licensed personnel from adjusting or maintaining it. If any operational difficulties should arise while using this product, report them to authorized service personnel as soon as possible.

Do not attempt any unauthorized modification to the radio.

xvii

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

xviii

(blank)

Introduction

Welcome to the MICOM-2E HF-SSB radio family! Your choice of a MICOM-2E radio means you have selected the highest of standards in design, quality, and performance. This manual is design to acquaint you with the features, care, and installation of the MICOM-2E radio to better serve all your communication needs.

MICOM-2E HF-SSB Radio Features

The MICOM-2E has the following features:

• Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

• Built-in Test Equipment (BITE)

• RF power indicator

• 200 Channel capacity, simplex or half-duplex

• Channel scan or ALE

• Priority and guard channels

• Automatic IF shift

• Clarifier

• Excellent transmitter and receiver performance (as described

herein)

• High frequency stability option

• Voice activated digital squelch

• Mil-Spec 810C, D and E performance

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

MICOM-2E Options and Accessories

• RS232 remote control interface

• Linear amplifier interface

• Phone patch interface

• Data/fax modem interface

• Interlink interface

• RSS for PC

• High (0.1 PPM) frequency stability

• Phone patch

• Interlink

• Desktop microphone

• Automatic antenna tuners

• Continuous duty data transmission kit

• AC power supply

• 1 kW amplifier

• Antennas and grounding

• Data/fax modems

• CW key and headphones

• External speaker

Transmitter Features

The maximum output power of the transmitter is 125 W PEP (Peak Envelope Power), with an average transmission duty cycle of 1 to 4, thus enabling even the CW (Continues Wave) signal to be transmitted at the maximum available power. Output power can be preprogrammed to one of the four possible levels: 25W, 62.5W, 100W and 125W. Accurate sensors are used to keep the output power within the nominal value.

The transmitter includes thermal protections. If, for any reason, the transmitter internal temperature exceeds the maximum permitted temperature, the output power is automatically reduced to avoid any fault due to excessive heat.

Mismatch protection is also included. If the VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) rises to more than 2:1, the transmitter will be inhibited in order to avoid any damage and a message will be displayed.

Receiver Features

The radio utilizes Digital Signal Processing for implementing most of the reception functions like demodulations, narrow filtering, automatic gain control, noise blanking, and squelch.

The automatic digital noise blanker is activated whenever repetitive noise (e.g. ignition spikes) is encountered in the received signal. The digital syllabic (speech identifier) squelch is activated whenever speech is identified, thus opening the audio path. However, if speech is not received, the audio path is muted, thus preventing background noise from disturbing the operator.

Frequency Sources

Two types of frequency sources are available for the MICOM-2E radio. The standard 0.6 PPM DTCXO frequency source which assures a frequency stability of better than ±18 Hz. For frequencies lower than 10 MHz, it assures a frequency stability of better than ±6 Hz.

When higher frequency stability is required, the G478 0.1 PPM OCXO frequency source can be ordered. It will assure a frequency stability of better than ±3 Hz at 30 MHz.

Introduction

Power Source

The radio is designed for 13.8 V ± 20% negative-ground operation and may be connected to a standard 12 V battery.

CW Keying Operation

When the CW key is pressed, the radio transmits a continuous wave (at the full programmed power) and stops transmission when the key is released.

CW keying operation is enabled by connecting the Morse key, between CW (pin #10) and ground (pin #18) at the accessory connector. If you wish to operate CW keying with external headphones, the S809 Interface can be used, thus enabling a standard PL55 headphone and standard PL99 Morse key to be connected to the accessories connector.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Programmable Features

The radio can be programmed using an IBM-PC and the Radio Service Software (RSS). Using this software, the radio can be preprogrammed for the following features:

• Up to 200 simplex/half duplex channels at SSB (J3E), AME (H3E),

or Pilot (R3E) modes of transmission.

• Up to four levels of output power (up to 125W PEP and average).

• Five scanning groups of up to 200 channels, each with guard

channel.

For further details, refer to

, Motorola Publication No. 68P02942C80.

Guide

MICOM-2, HF-SSB Transceiver, RSS User’s

Overview

Transceiver Controls

No. Name Description

1. ON/OFF VOLUME knob

2. TX LED indicator A light that turns on when the radio is transmitting -

see page 6.

3. Display The MICOM-2E has a three-line liquid-crystal

display (LCD) that displays either alphanumeric messages or feature information.

4. Mode function keys Three keys that are used in entering and

programming MICOM-2E:

Displays the main menu screens in the display.

Returns the display to the previous screen. Confirms entries that you make in the

working mode and registers them in MICOM-2E.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

No. Name Description

5. Keypad A set of touchpad keys through which you enter numbers or alphabetical data entries into MICOM-2E.

6. Function keys Four function keys (F1, F2, F3, F4) whose functions change according to the working mode. The function that the function key defines appears above the function key in the LCD display in the third row of characters.

7 MORE button Scrolls to display additional menu options when a

right arrow appears at the end of the options row (item 6 on page 7).

8. UP/DOWN buttons Scroll up/down the parameters of the mode displayed; e.g. in Channel mode, scroll the active channel numbers, in Frequency mode, change the offset frequency, etc.

9. Microphone socket Microphone and RSS cable input.

LED Indicators

The three LEDs, located on the left hand-side of the control head, indicate radio operating conditions.

LED Color Indicates

TX Red Transmission.

Orange Not used. Yellow Not used.

LCD Display

No. Name Description

1. Mode indicator Indicates the current working mode.

2. Icon indicators Indicate active parameters - see page 8.

Overview

3. Mode information Text that relates to the current operation in the current working mode.

4. Rcv/Tx level In Transmit mode, displays the output power level. In Receive mode, displays the received level.

5. Tx bar When PTT is pressed, this bar appears.

6. More options icon Press menu options; its presence indicates that there are more options not displayed.

7. Third row options A list of options available in the current working mode.

when this arrow appears to see more

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Icon Indicators

Ten icons appear in the upper right area of the LCD display to indicate parameters that are active when you work with MICOM-2E.

Icon Indicates

Upper side band is active. Lower side band is active. Squelch is active.

Monitoring is off.

Noise blanker is active

Clarify - frequency deviation is other than 0. Notch filter is active. Not standard band width filter. Fast Automatic Gain Control active. Page located in stack.

Transceiver Rear Panel

No. Name Description

1 Antenna socket

Overview

2 Accessory

connector (J3)

3 DC connector (J4) Power. 4 Ground screw

25-pin connector used to connect the radio to external accessories such as: personal computers, external modems, Morse key, etc.

Alert Tone Indications

The MICOM-2E generates some audible tones, enabled via the RSS or front panel programming, to indicate radio operating conditions. The intensity of the tone, low or high, may also be set using the RSS or by programming through the front panel.

Tone Description

Valid key press: A beep is sounded when a keypad key is pressed to

indicate that the key was accepted.

PTT release: A beep is sounded on the remote radio to indicate

that the PTT button was released.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

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Operating Instructions

Activating the Radio

To turn the radio on:

1.Turn the ON/OFF VOLUME knob clockwise until

it clicks. The display shows the words SELF TEST for about

three seconds.

When the self test procedure is completed, the display enters the last operating mode: CH, ALE, SCAN, or FREQ.

If a self test fails, the display shows the word ERR and the number of one of the errors listed in Table 4 on page 84. The second line shows a short description of the error.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Global Operations

MICOM-2E assigns specific operations that are in effect in all working modes to six controls:

Used to turn the radio on and off and to control the volume.

Always used to scroll between values that are already programmed into MICOM-2E, whether they be channels or numerical values.

Always used to display the MICOM-2E main menu. Cancels the last operation and returns to the previous screen. Always confirms the selection and/or entered value and saves it

in MICOM-2E. Scrolls to menu options not displayed in the current screen. This

button is active only when the right arrow of the third row in the display.

appears at the end

Operating Instructions

Using Working Modes

The following sections describe how you use the various working modes in MICOM-2E.

Working with Channel Mode

The first menu option you see when you press is Channel mode. Channel mode is used for choosing channels already programmed in MICOM-2E.

To enter Channel mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

2. Press [CHAN].

MICOM-2E blinks the last active channel in the display.

3. Press

Once you are in Channel mode, the mode options appear in the LCD display:

to confirm your choice.

• BAND - toggles between upper side band (USB) and lower side band

(LSB).

• SQ - toggles the noise squelch on and off.

DSP - displays the Digital Signal Processing

•

menu. This menu includes submenus:

• CLAR - Clarity mode

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

• NF - Notch filter

• CLIP - Clipper

• NB - Noise Blanker

• ATTN - Attenuator On/Off

PWR - displays the Power Setting menu.

•

MODE - displays the Mode menu.

•

AGC - toggles the Automatic Gain Control.

•

BW - displays the Band Width menu.

•

RCLV - displays the receive level while is pressed.

When ALE is active, three additional options appear:

• [CALL] - initiates an ALE call (see pages 58-61).

• [PAGE] - displays stacked received messages (see page 63).

• [MON] - monitors the speaker (see page 65).

Choosing a New Channel

To choose a new channel:

1.In Channel mode, press the desired channel on the

keypad.

If you enter a channel that has not already been programmed into MICOM-2E, you see a message indicating that the channel is not programmed. To read how to program a new channel into MICOM-2E, see the section entitled “Programming Channels” on page 30.

2.Press to confirm your choice. OR

Operating Instructions

Press

to browse among the programmed channels.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Example: you want to choose Channel 12. The last active channel was Channel 1.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

If Channel 12 was not already programmed, you see an error message at this point. If it has already been programmed, the active channel is now 12.

Enter Channel mode (if not in already).

Press the digits “1” and “2” on the keypad so that the number “12” blinks in the LCD display.

Press to confirm your choice.

Working with Frequency Mode

To enter Frequency mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

2. Press [FREQ].

3. Press the function key beneath the frequency option

of your choice (see the section entitled “Setting Frequencies” on page 19).

Operating Instructions

4. Press

to confirm your choice.

NOTE

Frequency mode is accessible only if the radio is not locked.

Once you are in Frequency mode, the mode options appear in the LCD display:

• T/R - sets the transmit and receive frequencies and frequency type.

• BAND - toggles between upper side band (USB) and lower side band

(LSB).

• SQ - toggles the noise squelch on and off.

DSP - displays the Digital Signal Processing

•

menu (see pages 13-15 for submenus).

PWR - displays the Power Tx Setting menu.

•

MODE - displays the Mode menu.

•

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

AGC - toggles Automatic Gain Control on/off.

•

BW - displays the Band Width menu.

•

RCLV - displays the receive level while is pressed.

• STOR - stores the frequency parameters in the channel.

• [<-- -->] Set the scroll frequency digit.

When ALE is active, three additional options appear:

• [CALL] - initiates an ALE call (see pages 58-61).

• [PAGE] - displays stacked received messages (see page 63).

• [MON] - monitors the speaker (see page 66).

There are two ways to change the frequency.

To change the frequency value in the LCD display:

A. 1. Press the function keys beneath the arrows to move the cursor to

the digit in the frequency value that you want to change. The blinking digit indicates the cursor location.

2. Press

B. 1. Enter the value with the keypad.

to scroll to the value of your choice.

2. Press to confirm your choice.

Setting Frequencies

MICOM-2E offers four frequency options:

•

Simplex Frequency (SMPX)

frequency.

•

Duplex Frequency (DPLX)

on a different frequency.

•

Receiving Only Frequency (RXO)

only.

•

Transmitting Only Frequency (TXO)

transmission only.

- transmits and receives on the same

- transmits on one frequency and receives

- defines a frequency for reception

- defines a frequency for

Operating Instructions

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Working in Scan Mode

Scan mode is available only if ALE is turned off or not included.

In Scan mode, MICOM-2E surfs among the programmed channels. Up to five scan groups, A to E, may be created via the RSS, each containing up to 200 channels. When a guard channel is selected, it is monitored after every other scanned channel.

To enter Scan mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

2. Press [SCAN].

MICOM-2E blinks the last active group.

3. Press the function key beneath the group you want to choose.

4. Press

5. Once you are in Scan mode, the mode options

appear in the LCD display:

• STOP/SCAN - toggles between activating the scan and stopping it.

• SLOW - decreases the scan speed.

• FAST - increases the scan speed.

• GRP - selects a scan group.

to confirm your choice.

Operating Instructions

Working in BITE Mode

BITE mode is a testing mode that you use for maintaining MICOM-2E.

To enter BITE mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

2. Press [BIT].

Once you are in BITE mode, the mode options appear in the LCD display:

•

See the section entitled “Built-In-Test Equipment (BITE)” on page 81 for more information regarding the use of this mode.

[FULL] runs a full test of the hardware device. [CHAN] tests the device on the current channel. [L.RF] low RF; tests the reception path only.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Working in Lock Mode

When you want to lock the radio to prevent others from changing the programming and frequency settings, you enter Lock mode to lock the radio with a password.

The default password that comes with MICOM-2E is password contains up to six digits.

To enter Lock mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

2. Press to scroll to the second Menu screen.

3. Press [LOCK].

4. Enter the password number to lock the radio.

5. Press to confirm your choice.

123456

. The

Operating Instructions

Working in Program Mode

Program mode is the mode in which you program the parameters used in MICOM-2E.

NOTE

Program mode is accessible only if the radio is not locked.

To enter Program mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

2. Press to scroll to the second Menu screen.

3. Press [PROG] to enter Program mode.

4. Press

mode.

When you press when in any option in Program mode, you return to the Radio Programming menu.

Refer to the chapter entitled “Programming the Radio” on page 29 for information regarding the use of Program mode.

[RAD] to enter Radio Programming

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Working in Password Mode

To be able to lock the radio, it is necessary to use a password. For security reasons, you may want to change the password often. You enter a password and make changes in Password mode.

To enter Password mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

2. Press to scroll to the second Menu screen.

3. Press [PSW].

Setting a Password

MICOM-2E comes with the default password 123456 already programmed. To set a new password, in effect, you change the default password to a new password. See the following section for the procedure.

Changing a Password

To change the password:

1. Enter Password mode.

2. Enter the old password with the keypad.

You can use the function keys to move the cursor to the left or right or to clear the display to start over, as shown in the display when you start to enter the password.

3. Press [O.K.] after you enter the old password. If you enter the wrong password, MICOM-2E

displays an error message.

Operating Instructions

4. Enter the new password with the keypad.

5. Press [O.K.] to confirm the new password.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Working in Transmit Mode

NOTE

Before transmitting, ensure that the RF output of the radio is connected to a tuned antenna or to a dummy load.

To transmit:

1. Press and hold down the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button on the side of the

microphone and speak slowly and clearly after the channel is clear. The TX LED will remain lit until the PTT button is released to indicate that

you are “on-the-air”.

Checking the RF Power

When you press the PTT button, you will see on the display:

The received filter changes according to PTT activity.

Filter set to:

CW filter LSM filter

Voice filter HSM filter

After first CW PTT After first data PTT and only if the filter

channel is programmed to LSM filter. After microphone PTT or voice PTT. After first data PTT and only if the filter

channel is programmed to HSM filter.

Operating Instructions

Working in DIM Mode

DIM mode controls the brightness of the display.

To enter DIM mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

2. Press to scroll to the second Menu screen.

3. Press to scroll the dimmer.

MICOM-2E offers four levels of display brightness, ranging from DIM Level 0 (dimmest) to DIM Level 3 (brightest).

To change the display brightness level:

1. Enter the DIM menu.

2. Press

repeatedly until you reach the desired brightness level.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

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Programming the Radio

MICOM-2E is already configured for use at the time of purchase. However, at times, it is necessary to change the configuration. The following sections relate to MICOM-2E’s Programming mode.

You can find your radio parameter and change it by pressing a function key under the parameter name, or you can press the scroll arrow keys to scroll through the parameters.

To enter Programming mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

2. Press to scroll to the second Menu screen.

3. Press [PROG] to enter Program mode.

4. Press

mode.

In this menu, you program:

[RAD] to enter Radio Programming

• channels

• radio parameters

• radio options

The following sections explain the programming procedures in detail.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Programming Channels

When you choose the CHAN option in the Radio Programming menu, you see a menu with the following options:

• GET - Get programmed channel

• STOR - Store channel

• ERAS - Erase programmed channel

• PWR - Tx power level

• FREQ - Frequency

• BAND - Band type

• MODE - Radio mode

• AGC - Automatic Gain Control

• BW - Band width

The use of each option is explained in the following sections.

Channel Options

The first three options, GET, STOR, and ERAS, are used for programming channels in MICOM-2E.

GET retrieves channels already programmed in MICOM-2E. Once a channel is programmed in MICOM-2E, it is stored with all its parameters. Retrieving a channel retrieves all the parameters defined for the channel.

Programming the Radio

To copy a channel’s parameters to another channel:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press [GET].

4. Enter the number of the channel to which you want

to copy the parameters with the keypad.

5. Select the source channel.

6. Press

Note that the channel number is flashing, which indicates that you can change it or leave it at the current number.

7. Enter the number of the channel to which you want to copy the parameters with the keypad.

If you need to backspace, press [BACK]. If you want to clear the display, press

8. Press

[STOR].

[CLR].

to confirm.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

To delete a channel from MICOM-2E:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press [ERAS].

4. Enter the number of the channel to which you want

to delete.

If you need to backspace, press [BACK]. If you want to clear the display, press

[CLR].

5. Press

to confirm.

Setting the Tx Power Level

Four power levels are possible for a programmed channel:

• LOW

• MED

• HIGH

• MAX

To set the channel’s Tx power level:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press [PWR].

Programming the Radio

4. Press the function key that appears below the power level of your choice: Low, Med(ium), High, Max(imum).

5. Press to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Setting the Frequency

MICOM-2E offers four frequency options:

•

Simplex Frequency (SMPX)

frequency.

•

Duplex Frequency (DPLX)

on a different frequency.

•

Receiving Only Frequency (RXO)

only.

•

Transmitting Only Frequency (TXO)

transmission only.

- transmits and receives on the same

- transmits on one frequency and receives

- defines a frequency for reception

- defines a frequency for

To set a channel’s frequency:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press to scroll to the FREQ option.

4. Press [FREQ].

5. Press the function key beneath the frequency option of your choice.

6. Enter the frequency of your choice with the keypad.

7. Press

twice

to confirm, to cancel.

Choosing the Band Type

MICOM-2E has two band types:

• USB - upper side band

• LSB - lower side band

To set the channel band:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press to scroll to the BAND option.

4. Press [BAND].

Programming the Radio

5. Press the function key beneath the band option of your choice.

6. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Setting the Operating Mode

MICOM-2E offers three operating mode options:

• SSB - single side band

• AME - amplitude modification equivalent

• PLT - pilot mode

To set the operating mode:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press to scroll to the MODE option.

4. Press [MODE].

5. Press the function key beneath the mode of your choice.

6. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

Programming the Radio

Using Automatic Gain Control (AGC)

MICOM-2E offers two AGC speeds: SLOW and FAST.

To set the AGC speed:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press to scroll to the AGC option.

4. Press [AGC].

5. Press the function key beneath the AGC speed of your choice.

6. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Setting the Band Width

MICOM-2E offers four band width options:

• 2700

• 3300

• LSM - Low Speed Modem

• CW - Continuous Wave

To set the channel band width:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press twice to scroll to the BW option.

4. Press [BW].

5. Press the function key beneath the band width of your choice.

6. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

Setting Radio Parameters

Baud Rate (BAUD)

MICOM-2E offers four baud rate options:

• 1.2 - 1200 bps

• 2.4 - 2400 bps

• 4.8 - 4800 bps

• 9.6 - 9600 bps

To set the baud rate:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [PRMT].

Programming the Radio

3. Press [BAUD].

4. Press the function key beneath the baud rate of your choice:

1.2 = BAUD - 1200

2.4 = BAUD - 2400

4.8 = BAUD - 4800

9.6 = BAUD - 9600

5. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Data Power (DPWR)

MICOM-2E offers four data power levels:

• LOW

• MED

• HIGH

• MAX

To set the data power level:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [PRMT], Radio Parameters.

3. Press [DPWR], Data Power.

4. Press the function key beneath the DT power level of your choice.

5. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

Programming the Radio

Microphone Side Tone (MST)

This menu toggles between enabling and disabling the microphone sidetone.

Press Press

Press

[YES] to enable the microphone sidetone. [NO] to disable the microphone sidetone.

to confirm, to cancel.

Accessory Side Tone (AST)

This menu toggles between enabling and disabling the accessory side tone.

Press Press

Press

[YES] to enable the accessory sidetone. [NO] to disable the accessory sidetone.

to confirm, to cancel.

PTT Release Beep (PTBP)

This menu toggles between enabling and disabling the beep for the

push-to-talk (PTT) button. Press Press

[YES] to enable the beep. [NO] to disable the beep.

Press

to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Keyboard Beep (KBBP)

This menu toggles between enabling and disabling the beep for the keyboard (keypad).

Press Press

Press

[YES] to enable the keypad beep. [NO] to disable the keypad beep.

to confirm, to cancel.

Tone

This menu sets the keyboard beep tone to high or low volume.

Press Press

Press

[YES] to set to low volume. [NO] to set to high volume.

to confirm, to cancel.

Programming the Radio

Alternate Display Time-out (ADT)

This menu sets the time-out time of the menu display. You define the

number of seconds that elapse before the display returns to the

previous screen.

To set the time-out time:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [PRMT].

3. Press to scroll to the ADT option.

4. Press [ADT].

5. Press

Press Press Press

6. Press

[<--] to decrement the displayed value by 1. [-->] to increment the displayed value by 1. [1], to quick-set the value to 1. [10], to quick-set the value to 10.

to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Setting Radio Options

MICOM-2E offers three programmable radio options:

• Tuner (TUNE)

• Accessory (ACC)

• ALE

To set the radio option:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [OPTS].

3. Press the function key beneath the option of your choice:

TUNE - toggles the tuner.

ACC - sets the accessory setting.

ALE - toggles ALE option on/off.

4. Press to confirm, to cancel.

Programming the Radio

MICOM-2E is already configured for use at the time of purchase.

However, at times, it is necessary to change the configuration. The

following sections relate to MICOM-2E’s Programming mode.

You can find your radio parameter and change it by pressing a

function key under the parameter name, or you can press

the scroll arrow keys to scroll through the parameters.

To enter Programming mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

2. Press to scroll to the second Menu screen.

3. Press [PROG] to enter Program mode.

4. Press

mode.

In this menu, you program:

[RAD] to enter Radio Programming

• channels

• radio parameters

• radio options

The following sections explain the programming procedures in detail.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Programming Channels

When you choose the CHAN option in the Radio Programming menu, you see a menu with the following options:

• GET - Get programmed channel

• STOR - Store channel

• ERAS - Erase programmed channel

• PWR - Tx power level

• FREQ - Frequency

• BAND - Band type

• MODE - Radio mode

• AGC - Automatic Gain Control

• BW - Band width

The use of each option is explained in the following sections.

Channel Options

The first three options, GET, STOR, and ERAS, are used for programming channels in MICOM-2E.

Programming the Radio

To copy a channel’s parameters to another channel:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press [GET].

4. Enter the number of the channel to which you want

to copy the parameters with the keypad.

5. Select the source channel.

6. Press

Note that the channel number is flashing, which indicates that you can change it or leave it at the current number.

7. Enter the number of the channel to which you want to copy the parameters with the keypad.

If you need to backspace, press [BACK]. If you want to clear the display, press

8. Press

[STOR].

[CLR].

to confirm.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

To delete a channel from MICOM-2E:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press [ERAS].

4. Enter the number of the channel to which you want

to delete.

If you need to backspace, press [BACK]. If you want to clear the display, press

[CLR].

5. Press

to confirm.

Setting the Tx Power Level

Four power levels are possible for a programmed channel:

• LOW

• MED

• HIGH

• MAX

To set the channel’s Tx power level:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press [PWR].

Programming the Radio

4. Press the function key that appears below the power level of your choice: Low, Med(ium), High, Max(imum).

5. Press to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Setting the Frequency

MICOM-2E offers four frequency options:

•

Simplex Frequency (SMPX)

frequency.

•

Duplex Frequency (DPLX)

on a different frequency.

•

Receiving Only Frequency (RXO)

only.

•

Transmitting Only Frequency (TXO)

transmission only.

- transmits and receives on the same

- transmits on one frequency and receives

- defines a frequency for reception

- defines a frequency for

To set a channel’s frequency:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press to scroll to the FREQ option.

4. Press [FREQ].

5. Press the function key beneath the frequency option of your choice.

6. Enter the frequency of your choice with the keypad.

7. Press

twice

to confirm, to cancel.

Choosing the Band Type

MICOM-2E has two band types:

• USB - upper side band

• LSB - lower side band

To set the channel band:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press to scroll to the BAND option.

4. Press [BAND].

Programming the Radio

5. Press the function key beneath the band option of your choice.

6. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Setting the Operating Mode

MICOM-2E offers three operating mode options:

• SSB - single side band

• AME - amplitude modification equivalent

• PLT - pilot mode

To set the operating mode:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press to scroll to the MODE option.

4. Press [MODE].

5. Press the function key beneath the mode of your choice.

6. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

Programming the Radio

Using Automatic Gain Control (AGC)

MICOM-2E offers two AGC speeds: SLOW and FAST.

To set the AGC speed:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press to scroll to the AGC option.

4. Press [AGC].

5. Press the function key beneath the AGC speed of your choice.

6. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Setting the Band Width

MICOM-2E offers four band width options:

• 2700

• 3300

• LSM - Low Speed Modem

• CW - Continuous Wave

To set the channel band width:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [CHAN].

3. Press twice to scroll to the BW option.

4. Press [BW].

5. Press the function key beneath the band width of your choice.

6. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

Setting Radio Parameters

Baud Rate (BAUD)

MICOM-2E offers four baud rate options:

• 1.2 - 1200 bps

• 2.4 - 2400 bps

• 4.8 - 4800 bps

• 9.6 - 9600 bps

To set the baud rate:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [PRMT].

Programming the Radio

3. Press [BAUD].

4. Press the function key beneath the baud rate of your choice:

1.2 = BAUD - 1200

2.4 = BAUD - 2400

4.8 = BAUD - 4800

9.6 = BAUD - 9600

5. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Data Power (DPWR)

MICOM-2E offers four data power levels:

• LOW

• MED

• HIGH

• MAX

To set the data power level:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [PRMT], Radio Parameters.

3. Press [DPWR], Data Power.

4. Press the function key beneath the DT power level of your choice.

5. Press

to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Keyboard Beep (KBBP)

This menu toggles between enabling and disabling the beep for the keyboard (keypad).

Press Press

Press

[YES] to enable the keypad beep. [NO] to disable the keypad beep.

to confirm, to cancel.

Tone

This menu sets the keyboard beep tone to high or low volume.

Press Press

Press

[YES] to set to low volume. [NO] to set to high volume.

to confirm, to cancel.

Programming the Radio

Alternate Display Time-out (ADT)

This menu sets the time-out time of the menu display. You define the number of seconds that elapse before the display returns to the previous screen.

To set the time-out time:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [PRMT].

3. Press to scroll to the ADT option.

4. Press [ADT].

5. Press

Press Press Press

6. Press

[<--] to decrement the displayed value by 1. [-->] to increment the displayed value by 1. [1], to quick-set the value to 1. [10], to quick-set the value to 10.

to confirm, to cancel.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Setting Radio Options

MICOM-2E offers three programmable radio options:

• Tuner (TUNE)

• Accessory (ACC)

• ALE

To set the radio option:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (steps 1-4 on

page 29).

2. Press [OPTS].

3. Press the function key beneath the option of your choice:

TUNE - toggles the tuner.

ACC - sets the accessory setting.

ALE - toggles ALE option on/off.

4. Press to confirm, to cancel.

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

The MICOM-2E unit incorporates Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) to select the best working channel from the channels programmed into the unit automatically without user intervention. The ALE incorporates all advanced data transmission techniques required by MIL-STD-188/141A and FED-STD-1045. The ALE feature thus ensures the user of the best possible link without requiring prior knowledge of radio communications.

Previously, HF radio operations had to be familiar with the constantly varying nature of the ionosphere, the atmospheric layer that reflects HF radio waves back to earth. A knowledge of the ionizing effects of sunspots, the seasons, time of day, and fluctuations in the earth’s magnetic field was essential for the operator to find the best frequency for any particular link.

Manufacturers of HF-SSB equipment tried numerous methods to assist the operator in this difficult task. For example, various squelch circuits are employed to overcome operator fatigue from interference noise. Another aid is the use of several receivers so that the operator does not have to search continuously for incoming calls. More advanced are scanning receivers combining selective calling.

A more recent approach has been adopted to combine scanning with a “handshake” to establish a link. However, because the first link is not always the best, some manufacturers use Link Quality Analysis (LQA), which measures a few propagation parameters, such as the bit error rate (BER) and S/N. If the result is below a desired threshold, the search continues until a reasonable link is found. Here again, there is no guarantee that a better channel was not overlooked. Motorola’s ALE, a technological breakthrough in HF-SSB communication, combines scanning, selective calling, sounding, channel selection, and LQA. These features, all automatic, ensure that even with an unskilled operator, communication takes place on the channel with the best link quality.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Activating/Deactivating the ALE

The MICOM-2E implements Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) that selects the best working channel from the available channels that are programmed for use. Using ALE is highly recommended for users because it ensures the best link possible without an in-depth knowledge of radio communications. Pages 45-51 describe the ALE features in greater detail.

To disable ALE:

1. Press to obtain the Menu display.

2. Press

option.

3. Press [PROG].

4. Press [RAD].

Press mode.

6. Press [ALE].

7. Press [NO] to disable ALE.

8. Press to confirm.

to obtain the menu with the PROG

, [OPTS] to enter Radio Programming

To enable ALE (after disabling):

1. Press to obtain the Menu display.

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

2. Press option.

3. Press [PROG].

4. Press

Press mode.

6. Press [ALE].

7. Press [YES] to enable ALE.

8. Press to confirm.

to obtain the menu with the PROG

[RAD].

[OPTS] to enter Radio Programming

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

LQA Memory

The ALE builds a database of connectivity information based on calls and digital ALE “sounding” messages transmitted by other stations in the network. This information is stored in a special “LQA memory” and used to determine the link quality of all channels in the networks. The data in LQA memory is “time-weighted”, that is, recent information is given more value than old, thus compensating for changing propagation conditions.

Automatic Sounding

Automatic sounding is a method for testing the selected channels and the propagation path under field conditions. The sounding signal is a very short (beacon-like), unilateral identifying broadcast, carried out in periodic intervals on unoccupied channels.

Identifying the sounding signal sent from a station indicates a high probability of bilateral connectivity.

Long or short sounding cycles are mainly determined according to propagation conditions. In case of slow propagation changes, long intervals of about 1 or 2 hours may be sufficient. If, however, the propagation changes are erratic and rapidly changing, or if the connectivity information is critical, then shorter intervals are recommended. Each station may also measure BER and S/N, and update the LQA table accordingly.

NOTE

The maximum score for receiving an optimum sounding is 70%; the minimum score is 30%. The score given to a station that did not send any sounding or a station whose sounding has not been received is also 30%.

Sounding Cycle Time

The sounding messages is repeated at regular intervals on all channels in the network. A complete round of sounding messges, or “sounding cycle,” can be programmed to 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes when the automatic sounding is on. The sounding can be initiated manually when there is a specific need for it, even if the system is set to operate in the automatic mode.

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

To select the best sounding cycle time, the trade-offs must be considered. On the one hand, a shorter cycle ensures a more updated LQA memory; thus the channel with the highest LQA value will, in fact, have the best link quality at that point in time. On the other hand, a shorter sounding cycle increases network occupancy due to more frequent sounding messages, leaving less channel-free time for the users.

Figure 1 shows network occupancy in relation to sounding cycles of 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. (Note that both axes have logarithmic scales.) The chart also shows 80% and 95% occupancy in a 120-minute sounding cycle at a very rapid scanning rate (applicable only to multiplechannel networks).

Figure 1: Network Occupancy

It is clear from the chart that if there are two or three channels in the network, a sounding cycle of 30 minutes allows enough channel-free time, even for as many as ten users. The best way of using this chart is given in the following example: in a network of nine channels used by eight members, a 30-minute sounding cycle would result in 80%

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

occupancy. A 60-minute cycle would result in 40% occupancy. A 90minute cycle would result in 27% occupancy. A 120-minute cycle would result in 20% occupancy.

It can now be decided which sounding cycle is the best for any particular network, taking into account the trade-offs described above.

Under field conditions, the occupancy will usually be less than the value obtained from the chart because not every station receives all the soundings that are being broadcast on all channels. However, if the system manager wants to increase channel-free time for the users by reducing network occupancy, it is possible to do so through four methods, listed below in their order of preference:

1. Increasing the sounding cycle time (to 90 or 120 minutes).

2. Reducing the number of channels in the network (for example, by using different nets for different times of day).

3. Reducing the number of stations in the network by re-arranging the hierarchial subgrouping of stations.

4. Requesting all stations to set the fast scan rate option.

Immediate (Manual) Sounding

If it is required to perform a rapid sounding cycle on all channels instead of, or in addition to, the automatic sounding cycle, the Immediate Sounding procedure can be used.

Optional Handshake/Call Reject

The “optional handshake” is programmable. If selected, each time a sounding transmission is completed, the radio will listen for two seconds. If a call is received on the same channel, the radio will respond and establish a link.

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Bi-directional Handshake

The bi-directional handshake is a shorcut procedure to exchange LQA scores with other stations in the system without establishing a link. This procedure is useful in the following cases:

• The radio has only recently been switched on and an automatic

sounding cycle has not been completed yet.

• The operator wishes to update the LQA scores before initiating a call

to another station.

• When a new or passive station joins to the system.

• In case of sudden atmospheric changes, etc.

The bi-directional handshake can be carried out either with a single station or with all stations in the net; it can be carried out either on a single channel or on all network channels. An AMD message can also be added to the procedure.

At the end of the bi-directional procedure with a private station, the LQA matrix is updated. The operator can then initiate a call and obtain the best channel automatically. When the bi-directional procedure is

all

performed with a net,

stations in the net update their LQA tables.

ALE Programming

Motorola’s Mobile ALE is highly flexible. Its functions are programmed from an external computer using the ALE Radio Service Software (RSS) program. Refer to Motorola publication no. 68P02952C25.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Receiving Calls

MICOM-2E receives four kinds of calls:

• AllCalls

• Individual calls

• Net calls

• Sound calls

Receiving an AllCall

AllCall

is a broadcast message. MICOM-2E uses it to establish a

connection with all other stations.

1. When an AllCall is received, the display flashes an AllCall alert that alternates the words “ALL CALL” with the calling station’s name.

2. Press any key, including PTT. The calling station’s name appears fixed.

3. If the calling station’s name is longer than 15 characters, a right arrow appears in the display.

Press [-->] under the arrow to scroll the name to the right.

If only you received the call in ALE mode, the [LQA] appears for viewing the channel link quality.

4. Press Disconnecting returns MICOM-2E to ALE or Channel mode, depending on

which mode was active when the AllCall was received.

to disconnect the AllCall.

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Receiving an Individual Call

individual call

1. When MICOM-2E receives an individual call, the calling station’s name appears flashing in the LCD display.

2. Press any key, including PTT. The calling station’s name appears fixed.

3. If the calling station’s name is longer than 15 characters, a right arrow appears in the display.

Press [-->] under the arrow to scroll the name to the right.

4. Press to disconnect the call.

Disconnecting returns MICOM-2E to Scan or Channel mode, depending on which mode was active when the individual call was received.

is a call directed to a specific station.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Receiving a Net Call

net call

is a call directed to a group of stations on the net.

1. When MICOM-2E receives a net call, the display flashes an alert that alternates the words “NET CALL” with the calling network’s name.

2. Press any key, including PTT. The calling network’s name appears fixed.

3. If the calling network’s name is longer than 15 characters, a right arrow appears in the display.

If only you received the call in ALE mode, the [LQA] appears for viewing the channel link quality.

Press [-->] to scroll the name to the right.

4. Press Disconnecting returns MICOM-2E to ALE or Channel mode, depending on

which mode was active when the individual call was received.

to disconnect the net call.

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Receiving a Sound Call

1. When MICOM-2E receives a sound call, the calling

station’s name appears in the LCD display with the letters S to identify that the call is a sound call.

The ALE, after a few seconds returns MICOM-2E automatically to ALE or Channel mode, depending on which mode was active when the sounding was received.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Transmitting Calls

MICOM-2E can transmit the same kinds of calls that it can receive:

• AllCalls

• Individual calls

• Net calls

• Sound calls

Transmitting AllCalls

The AllCall feature is programmable; it is possible to set MICOM-2E to receive or ignore both outgoing (Transmit) or incoming (Receive) AllCalls. For example, it is possible that a MICOM-2E station be configured to receive AllCalls but not to be able to initiate one. At the end of an AllCall, MICOM-2E automatically returns to its previous working mode.

The most common use of AllCalls is in cases of distress. A person initiating an AllCall because of distress is more likely to want to make any available connection in the minimum period of time than to issue a call to an individual or to a select group. In some situations, it may be decided to program a MICOM-2E to ignore AllCalls to ignore calls from addresses outside of a receiver’s net.

If the MICOM-2E station is set to receive AllCalls, it stops scanning when an AllCall is received.

If the MICOM-2E stations is set to issue AllCalls, when it issues an AllCall, it broadcasts a message to all the other stations. All the stations that are capable of receiving calls can receive the AllCall.

In Channel mode, the call is performed on the current channel. In Scan mode, if an AllCall channel has been defined, then the call is

performed on that channel. If no AllCall channel has been defined, the call is performed on the first scanned channel of the net.

To send an AllCall:

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

1. Press

The AllCall screen appears in the LCD display.

2. Press any key, including the PTT, to establish the link.

3. Press to disconnect the call.

and hold it down continuously for about 3 seconds.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Transmitting Individual Calls

MICOM-2E can initiate an individual call while in Channel mode or ALE mode. The procedure is the same as for net calls. See the following section for the procedure.

To make an individual call:

1. Press [CALL].

The LCD display shows the last called station.

2. Press to scroll between the stations.

The LCD display shows the programmed network, the programmed member stations in each network, and the programmed entries into the dialing directory.

3. Choose a station or directory entry from the list.

4. Press

Optionally, you can also transmit a preprogrammed message.

5. Press

6. Press [-->] to scroll through the message.

7. Press [SEND].

[SEND].

[PAGE].

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

You can also choose to transmit over a specific channel.

8. Press

You see the Channel Link Quality screen in the display.

9. Press [BEST] to obtain the channel with the best broadcast LQA mark.

OR Press

10.Press

The horizontal bars to the right in the LCD display indicate that transmission is in progress.

11. Press any key, including the PTT, to establish the link.

[CHAN].

to scroll to the channel of your choice.

[SEND] or .

12.Press to disconnect the call.

MICOM-2E-ALE Owner’s Manual

Transmitting Net Calls

The RSS, at the time of configuration, programs the group into MICOM2E. MICOM-2E can initiate a net call while in Channel mode or ALE mode.

To make a net call:

1. Press [CALL].

The LCD display shows the last called station.

2. Press to scroll between the stations.

The LCD display shows the programmed networks, the programmed member stations in each network, and the programmed entries into the dialing directory.

3. Choose a network from the list.

4. Press

Optionally, you can also transmit a message.

5. Press

6. Press to scroll through the message text.

7. Press [SEND].

The names of the receiving stations appear in the LCD display.

[SEND].

[PAGE].

8. Press any key to establish the link.

9. Press to disconnect the call.

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Motorola Micom 2E ALE instruction manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual