Q MAC Electronics HF90 User Guide
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
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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: Sep 2003
Literature Reference Number: GUIDE07.PUB
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
1.1 About this Guide...................................................... 1
1.2 Glossary of terms..................................................... 2
Understanding HF/SSB
2.1 What is HF/SSB?..................................................... 3
2.2 How does HF/SSB work?........................................ 4
2.3 Factors which affect HF/SSB communications ....... 7
Speaking on air
3.1 How to make a voice call......................................... 9
3.2 Radio alphabet....................................................... 11
Overview of the HF-90
4.1 HF-90 Versions and Models.................................. 12
4.2 Operating the HF-90.............................................. 14
Standard functions
5.1 ON/OFF switch...................................................... 16
5.2 Volume control knob............................................. 18
5.3 Channel up/down scroll keys................................. 19
5.4 Clarifier up/down scroll keys.................................21
5.5 USB/LSB mode selection key ............................... 23
5.6 Tune key ................................................................ 25
5.7 LED display........................................................... 26
5.8 Erase function........................................................ 27
5.9 Press to talk (PTT) switch........................................ 28
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
Section 9
Section 10
Section 11
Addendum
Notes
Advanced functions
6.1 Selcall.................................................................... 29
6.2 Telcall.................................................................... 33
6.3 Beacon................................................................... 38
6.4 Selcall Scan ........................................................... 40
6.5 Selcall Mute .......................................................... 41
6.6 Advanced functions summary............................... 42
Compatible products
7.1 TA-90 autotune system ......................................... 44
Installation
8.1 Mobile systems...................................................... 45
8.2 Vehicle systems..................................................... 48
8.3 Base station systems.............................................. 51
External connectors .............................................. 54
Accessories ........................................................... 55
Further reading ...................................................... 56
Notes....................................................................... 57
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
1. INTRODUCTION
1. INTRODUCTION
1. INTRODUCTION1. INTRODUCTION
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.
Section 1.1
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
1
Section 1.2
Glossary of terms
ATU Antenna Tuning Unit
BITE Built In Test Equipment
CB Citizen Band
DTMF Dual Tone Multi Frequency (touch-pad)
HF High Frequency
Hz Hertz (measure of frequency)
ID Identification
kHz Kilohertz (measure of frequency)
LSB Lower Sideband
MHz Megahertz (measure of frequency)
PSU Power Supply Unit
PTT Press To Talk
RFDS Royal Flying Doctor Service
Selcall Selective Call
SSB Single Sideband
Telcall Selective Call with Telephone Call facility
USB Upper Sideband
2
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
2. UNDERSTANDING HF/SSB
2. UNDERSTANDING HF/SSB
2. UNDERSTANDING HF/SSB2. UNDERSTANDING HF/SSB
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.
Section 2.1
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
3
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.
4
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
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:
Sun is higher
Ionosphere is
higher
Optimum
working
frequency is
higher
Ionosphere
A
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
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
D C B
20 km 2,000 km 800 km
Not to scale
5
Section 2.2
NIGHT TIME:
Sun is lower
Ionosphere is
lower
Optimum
working
frequency is
lower
Ionosphere
A
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
C B
D
2,000 km 800 km 20 km
Not to scale
6
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
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
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
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.
7
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.
Special Note:
Please note that communications on any
sound 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/SSB radio will
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HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
3. SPEAKING ON AIR
3. SPEAKING ON AIR
3. SPEAKING ON AIR3. SPEAKING ON AIR
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):-
Select the appropriate channel (according to its
frequency).
Before voice calling the other station, listen to the
channel to see if it is busy. If the channel is busy you
should wait until communications have ceased. If the
channel is free you can proceed with your call.
Press and hold down the PTT switch on your
microphone/handset and give a long voice call (5-10
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”.
Please note this is also the recommended method of
voice calling any Telstra Radphone Station or RFDS
(Royal Flying Doctor Service) Station
users within Australia).
It is better if you can end all of your communications
with the word “OVER”. This indicates clearly to the
other user that you have finished what you wish to
say, so that they may speak. This is very important,
particularly when you are speaking to someone who
is on a telephone (via a telephone interconnect unit).
Section 3.1
(relevant only to
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
9
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.
10
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
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
Section 3.2
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
Alpha
Bravo
Charlie
Delta
Echo
Foxtrot
Golf
Hotel
India
Juliet
Kilo
Lima
Mike
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
November
Oscar
Papa
Quebec
Romeo
Sierra
Tango
Uniform
Victor
Whisky
X-ray
Yankee
Zulu
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
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Section 4.1
4. OVERVIEW OF THE HF
4. OVERVIEW OF THE HF----90
4. OVERVIEW OF THE HF4. OVERVIEW OF THE HF
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.
90
9090
12
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
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
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
Channel up/down scroll keys
Clarifier up/down scroll keys
Alarm key & USB/LSB mode selection key
Tune key
LED display
Erase function
14
Section 4.2
DTMF microphone/handset controls
The following illustration shows the operating controls
which are on the DTMF microphone/handset, supplied with
the Advanced Model HF-90. Section 6 of this Guide gives
detailed instruction on how to use each of these controls.
15
Press to talk (PTT) switch
STAR key
Numeric keys
HASH key
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
Section 5.1
5. STANDARD FUNCTION
5. STANDARD FUNCTIONSSSS
5. STANDARD FUNCTION5. STANDARD FUNCTION
ON/OFF switch
Switching the HF-90 on
To switch the HF-90 on, move the ON/OFF switch
downward to the ON position. When the set is switched on
an audible beep is heard and the front panel display appears
as follows:-
HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide
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