HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
No part of this manual may be copied, transcribed, translated or reproduced in any manner or form whatsoever, for commercial purposes, without obtaining prior written permission from Q-MAC Electronics Pty Ltd. However, limited copying is permitted for private use providing authorship is acknowledged.
© Copyright of Q-MAC Electronics Pty Ltd.
Print date: Feb 2004
Literature Reference Number: GUIDE07.PUB
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
TABL E O F CONTENT S
Section 1 |
Introduction |
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1.1 |
About this Guide ..................................................... |
1 |
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1.2 |
Safe working distances ............................................ |
2 |
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1.2 |
Glossary of terms..................................................... |
2 |
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Section 2 |
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Understanding HF/SSB |
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2.1 |
What is HF/SSB?..................................................... |
3 |
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2.2 |
How does HF/SSB work?........................................ |
4 |
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2.3 |
Factors which affect HF/SSB communications |
....... 7 |
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Section 3 |
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Speaking on air |
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3.1 |
How to make a voice call ........................................ |
9 |
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3.2 |
Radio alphabet....................................................... |
11 |
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Section 4 |
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Overview of the HF-90 |
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4.1 |
HF-90 Versions and Models.................................. |
12 |
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4.2 |
Operating the HF-90.............................................. |
14 |
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Section 5 |
Standard functions |
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5.1 |
ON/OFF switch ..................................................... |
16 |
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5.2 |
Volume control knob............................................. |
18 |
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5.3 |
Channel up/down scroll keys................................. |
19 |
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5.4 |
Clarifier up/down scroll keys ................................ |
21 |
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5.5 |
USB/LSB mode selection key ............................... |
23 |
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5.6 |
Tune key................................................................ |
25 |
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5.7 |
LED display........................................................... |
26 |
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5.8 |
Erase function........................................................ |
27 |
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5.9 |
Press to talk (PTT) switch ....................................... |
28 |
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HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
Section 6 |
Advanced functions |
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6.1 |
Selcall.................................................................... |
29 |
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6.2 |
Telcall.................................................................... |
33 |
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6.3 |
Beacon................................................................... |
38 |
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6.4 |
Selcall Scan ........................................................... |
40 |
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6.5 |
Selcall Mute .......................................................... |
41 |
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6.6 |
Advanced functions summary ............................... |
42 |
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Section 7 |
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Compatible products |
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7.1 |
TA-90 autotune system ......................................... |
44 |
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Installation |
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Section 8 |
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45 |
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8.1 |
Mobile systems...................................................... |
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8.2 |
Vehicle systems..................................................... |
48 |
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8.3 |
Base station systems.............................................. |
51 |
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External connectors .............................................. |
54 |
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Section 9 |
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Accessories |
55 |
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Section 10 |
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Further reading |
56 |
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Section 11 |
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Notes |
57 |
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Addendum |
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Notes
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
Section 1.1
1 . INTRODUCTIO N
About this Guide
The main purpose of this guide is to provide you, the HF-90 user, with all the information you require to ensure optimum performance from your HF-90 radio.
The Guide explains in detail how to operate the HF-90 once it has been programmed by an authorised Q-MAC Representative. It also contains an Addendum concerning Field Programming, which is relevant only to international users (outside of Australia) who are licensed to program their own operating frequencies.
The Guide also covers basic principals of installation by way of check-lists. It does not give comprehensive instructions on how to install the HF-90. We recommend that the installation of your HF-90 be carried out by a qualified Q-MAC Representative.
This device complies with Part 90 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
1 |
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Section 1.2
Safe Working Distances for Q-MAC Antennas
1. HF-90 used with QM7005 Portable End-Fed Broadband Antenna
WARNING LABEL
Safe working distance 0.2m (20cm)
Do not touch antenna wire
No RF burn risk
2. HF-90 used with QM7001 Broadband Dipole Antenna
WARNING LABEL
Safe working distance 0.2m (20cm)
Do not touch antenna wire
No RF burn risk
2 |
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
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Section 1.2
3. HF-90 used with ML-90 Vehicle Loop Antenna
WARNING LABEL
Safe working distance 1.0m (100cm)
Do not touch antenna arm during transmission
RF burn risk
4. HF-90 used with TA-90 Vehicle Tuner and QM7131 or QM7133 continuously loaded whip antenna.
WARNING LABEL
Safe working distance 1.0m (100cm) Do not touch whip or spring during transmission
RF burn risk
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
3 |
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Section 1.2
5. HF-90 used with TA-99 or TM-90 whip tuner and QM7301 3m 6-section whip or
QM7303 3m 8-section whip or QM7302 1m 2-section whip or QM7304 1m 4-section whip or QM7309 1m tape whip
WARNING LABEL
Safe working distance 0.6m (60cm)
Do not touch antenna during transmission RF burn risk
4 |
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
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Section 1.3
Glossary of terms
ATU |
Antenna Tuning Unit |
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BITE |
Built In Test Equipment |
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CB |
Citizen Band |
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DTMF |
Dual Tone Multi Frequency (touch-pad) |
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HF |
High Frequency |
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Hz |
Hertz (measure of frequency) |
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ID |
Identification |
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kHz |
Kilohertz (measure of frequency) |
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LSB |
Lower Sideband |
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MHz |
Megahertz (measure of frequency) |
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PSU |
Power Supply Unit |
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PTT |
Press To Talk |
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RFDS |
Royal Flying Doctor Service |
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Selcall |
Selective Call |
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SSB |
Single Sideband |
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Telcall |
Selective Call with Telephone Call facility |
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USB |
Upper Sideband |
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HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
5 |
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Section 2.1
2 . UNDERSTANDIN G HF/SS B
What is HF/SSB?
HF (High Frequency) is the section of the radio spectrum between 1.6 and 30 MHz. SSB (Single Sideband) is a form of radio modulation. HF/SSB combines the characteristics of HF frequencies with SSB modulation to provide very efficient, flexible and inexpensive communications.
HF/SSB will enable short, medium and long range communications over flat, hilly or mountainous terrain - without the need for expensive re-transmission devices, such as the repeaters used in VHF (Very High Frequency) communications. Also, unlike satellite communications, there is no dependence on a service provider with all the associated ongoing costs.
In many remote areas around the globe, and in certain conditions, HF/SSB is the only form of communication possible.
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HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
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Section 2.2
How does HF/SSB work?
When HF/SSB radio waves are generated there are usually two components:-
The ground-wave, which travels directly from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna following the contours of the earth, and ...
The sky-wave, which travels upward and at an angle from the transmitting antenna, until it reaches the ionosphere (an ionised layer high above the earth’s surface) and is refracted back down to earth, to the receiving antenna.
Generally speaking, ground-wave is used to communicate over shorter distances (in most cases less than 50km). However, because ground-wave follows the contours of the earth, it is affected by the type of terrain it passes over. For example, ground-wave is rapidly attenuated (reduced) when it passes over hilly or mountainous terrain.
Sky-wave is used to communicate over medium range and longer distances (up to 3,000km and beyond in good conditions). Because of the nature of sky-wave propagation, it is not affected by the type of terrain it passes over. This means that communications can be achieved over medium and long distances in mountainous areas, using HF/SSB skywave. However, sky-wave propagation is affected significantly by other factors as outlined in Section 2.3 of this Guide.
Ground-wave and sky-wave examples are illustrated on the following page.
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
7 |
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Section 2.2
Radio propagation illustrated
The following illustrations show the characteristics of ground-wave and sky-wave propagation during the day time and night time. Each illustration clearly shows the level of the ionosphere.
In both illustrations Station A communicates with Stations B, C and D. Propagation from Station A to B is via groundwave. You will notice how the time of day, and level of the ionosphere, does not affect ground-wave.
Propagation from Station A to C and D is via sky-wave. You will notice how the time of day, and level of the ionosphere, affects sky-wave.
Under each diagram there are recommended working frequencies listed. Please note that these will vary according to time of year and other factors. They are intended only as a guide and are subject to change.
DAY TIME: |
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Ionosphere |
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Sun is higher |
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Ionosphere is |
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higher |
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Optimum working |
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frequency is |
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higher |
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A |
B |
C |
D |
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20 km |
800 km |
2,000 km |
Not to scale
A to B - Recommended working frequency is 3 MHz
A to C - Recommended working frequency is 7 - 9 MHz
A to D - Recommended working frequency is 13 - 16 MHz
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HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
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Section 2.2
NIGHT TIME:
Sun is lower
Ionosphere is lower
Optimum working frequency is lower
Ionosphere |
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A |
B |
C |
D |
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20 km |
800 km |
2,000 km |
Not to scale
A to B - Recommended working frequency is 3 MHz
A to C - Recommended working frequency is 5 to 7 MHz A to D - Recommended working frequency is 9 to 12 MHz
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
9 |
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Section 2.3
Factors which affect HF/SSB communications
There are a number of different factors which will affect the success of your communications via HF/SSB radio. These are outlined below:-
Your choice of frequency
Generally speaking the higher the frequency you select, the longer the distance covered. Frequency selection is perhaps the most important factor which will impact on the success of your HF/SSB communications.
Correct frequency selection is made easier with the use of a Beacon facility (refer to Section 6.3 of this Guide for details on the HF-90 Beacon).
Time of day
As a rule, the higher the sun is, the smaller the distance covered - for a particular frequency. This means that you can use a low frequency to communicate during times when the sun is low in the sky (early morning, late afternoon and evening), but you will need to use a higher frequency to cover the same distance during times when the sun is high in the sky (midday). You will need to observe the above rule carefully if your radio has a limited number of frequencies programmed into it, as you may only be able to communicate effectively at certain times of the day.
Season
The above rule (the higher the sun is, the smaller the distance covered - for a particular frequency) also applies to the season, or month of the year. Generally speaking, you will need to use a higher frequency to communicate effectively during Summer months, than you would need to in Winter.
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HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
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Section 2.3
Weather conditions
Certain weather conditions will also affect the success of your HF/SSB communications. You may find that in stormy conditions the background noise on your radio will increase, as a result of ‘static’ caused by lightning.
Man-made electrical interference
Interference of an electrical nature can be caused by overhanging power lines, high power generators, airconditioners, thermostats, refrigerators and vehicle engines, when in close proximity to your antenna. The result of such interference may be a continuous or intermittent increase in the level of background noise.
System configuration and installation
The equipment you choose and the way in which it is set up will also affect the success of your HF/SSB communications. With respect to system configuration, your choice of antenna system and power supply is critical. What is good for one system is not necessarily good for another. The way in which your system is installed is also extremely important. Certain rules which must be observed for HF/SSB installations, such as correct antenna positioning and proper grounding, will affect the success of your communications, sometimes quite dramatically. Installation is covered in more detail in Section 8 of this Guide.
To ensure no mistakes are made with your system configuration and/or installation, you should speak to your Q- MAC Representative.
Please note that communications on any HF/SSB radio will sound Special Note: different to that on a VHF (Very High Frequency) radio, UHF (Ultra
High Frequency) radio or telephone. Because of the nature of HF/ SSB propagation, a marginal level of background noise is always expected. This is normal.
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
11 |
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Section 3.1
3 . SPEAKIN G O N AI R
How to make a voice call
Here follow a number of rules you should observe when making a voice call on your HF-90 radio (or any HF/SSB radio):-
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Select the appropriate channel (according to its |
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frequency). |
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Before voice calling the other station, listen to the |
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channel to see if it is busy. If the channel is busy you |
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should wait until communications have ceased. If the |
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channel is free you can proceed with your call. |
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Press and hold down the PTT switch on your |
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microphone/handset and give a long voice call (5-10 |
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seconds), indicating the station you are calling on. |
Example: |
“Perth base, Perth base, Perth base, this is Mobile 5ABC, Mobile |
5ABC, Mobile 5ABC, calling on Channel 50 - Over”. |
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Please note this is also the recommended method of |
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voice calling any Telstra Radphone Station or RFDS |
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(Royal Flying Doctor Service) Station (relevant only to |
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users within Australia). |
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It is better if you can end all of your communications |
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with the word “OVER”. This indicates clearly to the |
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other user that you have finished what you wish to say, |
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so that they may speak. This is very important, |
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particularly when you are speaking to someone who is |
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on a telephone (via a telephone interconnect unit). |
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HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
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Section 3.1
Ensure that your mouth is always close to the microphone (or mouthpiece on a telephone handset) when speaking over HF/SSB radio.
As a general rule, you should speak clearly and a little slower and louder than normal, when speaking over HF/ SSB radio.
Instructions for making a Selcall (Selective Call) are outlined in Section 6.1 of this Guide.
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
13 |
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Section 3.2
Radio alphabet
When it is necessary to spell out words over the radio, you should use the following words to denote individual letters. The Radio Alphabet, listed below, is used in all countries as an International Standard.
Letter |
Word |
Letter |
Word |
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A |
Alpha |
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N |
November |
B |
Bravo |
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O |
Oscar |
C |
Charlie |
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P |
Papa |
D |
Delta |
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Q |
Quebec |
E |
Echo |
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R |
Romeo |
F |
Foxtrot |
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S |
Sierra |
G |
Golf |
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T |
Tango |
H |
Hotel |
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U |
Uniform |
I |
India |
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V |
Victor |
J |
Juliet |
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W |
Whisky |
K |
Kilo |
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X |
X-ray |
L |
Lima |
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Y |
Yankee |
M |
Mike |
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Z |
Zulu |
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14 |
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
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Section 4.1
4 . OVERVIE W O F TH E HF - 9 0
HF-90 Models
the HF-90 is available in two different formats. Namely:-
The Standard Model, and ...
The Advanced Model.
If you require basic functions, the Standard Model HF-90 is quite suitable. However, if you require advanced functions such as Selcall related facilities, then you will need the Advanced Model HF-90. This is an additional option.
If you have a Standard Model HF-90, you can have this upgraded to an Advanced Model easily and cost effectively. The upgrade comprises of new operating software and a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) microphone or handset. Simply enquire with your Q-MAC Representative.
Section 6 of this Guide covers functions which are available only on the Advanced Model HF-90. All other Sections of this Guide are relevant to both Models.
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
15 |
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Section 4.2
Operating the HF-90
Front panel controls
The following illustration shows the operating controls which are on the front panel of the HF-90 radio. The next Section of this Guide (Section 5) gives detailed instruction on how to use each of these controls.
ON/OFF switch
Volume control knob
Channel up/down scroll keys
Clarifier up/down scroll keys
Alarm key & USB/LSB mode selection key
Tune key
LED display
Erase function
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HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide |
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