SGC SG-2000 Operating Manual

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SG-2000 MANUAL

SG-2000

1.6-30 MHz

150 Watt Output

Multi-Mission

HF SSB

Transceiver

Operations and Programming Manual

Revised: Oct, 1995

CAUTION: Carefully read the "Quick Start" (yellow card

packed with your radio) and the "Operating the SG-2000" section of this manual beginning on Page 41. The SG-2000 is a high precision electronic device. Taking the time to learn all of its capabilities will insure maximum performance, reliability and enjoyment of the unit.

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SG-2000 MANUAL i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 General Description and Specifications.......................................................1

1.1 General Description of the SG-2000 ........................................1

1.2 Power Requirements .................................................................2

1.3 SG-2000 Performance Specifications .......................................2

1.4 Data Comunications ..................................................................3

1.5 Computer Control of SG-2000..................................................3

1.6 Multiple Control Head Specifications.....................................4

1.7 Dimensions and Weight............................................................4

1.8 Standard Features ......................................................................4

1.9 External Accessories..................................................................5

1.10 Internal Accessories...................................................................5

2.0 Unpacking .......................................................................................................7

3.0 History of the SG-2000 .....................................................................................8

4.0 About the SG-2000 ............................................................................................10

4.1 Receiver Signal Path ..................................................................10

4.2 Transmitter Signal Path.............................................................11

4.3 Control Circuits..........................................................................12

4.4 Control Heads.............................................................................13

4.5 SG-2000 Front Panel...................................................................13

4.6 SG-2000 Rear Panel....................................................................13

5.0 SGC Family of Control Heads........................................................................14

5.1 Remote Mobile Heads...............................................................14

5.2 PowerTalk™ and PowerTalk™ SA .........................................14

6.0 SG-2000 Software and Accessories ................................................................15

6.1 GPS Software ..............................................................................15

6.2 Oil Platform Software................................................................15

7.0 Planning for Installation .................................................................................16

7.1 Location of Power Supplies......................................................16

7.2 Control Head Placement...........................................................16

7.3 Control Head Wiring.................................................................17

7.4 External Speakers.......................................................................17

7.5 External Accessories..................................................................18

8.0 Radio Licenses ...................................................................................................19

8.1 Station Licenses ..........................................................................19

8.2 Operator Licenses ......................................................................20

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9.0 Installation .......................................................................................................21

9.1 SG-2000 Rear Panel Connections.............................................21

9.2 External Coupler Installation...................................................22

9.2 External Modem, Weatherfax and High Seas Direct™........23

9.3 Continuous Duty Ratings .........................................................23

9.4 Rack Mount Kit Installation (Part No. 52-90).........................24

9.5 Control Head Installations........................................................27

9.6 Remote Head Kit Installation (Part No. 04-12)......................27

9.7 Additional Control Heads (Part No. 04-11) ...........................28

9.8 Remote Head Cable Extension.................................................29

10.0 Power Supplies..................................................................................................30

10.1 Cabling.........................................................................................30

10.2 AC Power Supplies....................................................................31

10.3 Transformer-Rectifier Supplies................................................31

10.4 Mobile Power Supplies .............................................................32

10.5 Solar-Powered Chargers...........................................................33

11.0 Antenna Systems...............................................................................................34

11.1 Antenna Wire Size .....................................................................35

11.2 Near Vertical Incidence Skywave............................................36

11.3 Base Station and Fixed Antennas ............................................36

11.4 Antenna Feed Lines...................................................................37

11.5 Antenna Couplers......................................................................37

11.6 Mobile Antennas........................................................................38

11.7 QMS Recommended for Mobile Use.......................................39

11.8 Unconventional Mobile Antennas...........................................40

12.0 Operating the SG-2000 ..................................................................................... 41

12.1 Syntax ..........................................................................................41

12.2 Front Panel..................................................................................43

12.3 Push-Button Functions..............................................................44

12.4 Sample Entries............................................................................48

13.0 Tour of the SG-2000..........................................................................................49

13.1 Front Panel Display ...................................................................49

13.2 Front Panel Controls..................................................................52

13.3 Primary Keyboard Functions...................................................52

13.4 Shift Functions............................................................................57

13.5 Program Functions.....................................................................59

13.6 Operating Session ......................................................................59

13.7 Channel........................................................................................60

13.8 Frequency....................................................................................61

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13.9 Programming..............................................................................63

13.10 Scanning Functions....................................................................64

13.11 Changing Frequency or Channel Scan Rates.........................68

13.12 Additional Functions.................................................................69

14.0 Mobile Installation ...........................................................................................75

14.1 Shock and Vibration Mounting................................................75

14.2 Mobile Grounds .........................................................................76

14.3 Vehicular Noise Sources ...........................................................78

15.0 Marine Installation ...........................................................................................80

15.1 Marine Radio Mounting ...........................................................80

15.2 Marine Ground Systems ...........................................................80

15.3 Marine Antennas........................................................................82

15.4 High Seas Direct™ Connections..............................................82

16.0 Remote Control..................................................................................................85

16.1 Extension of Control Head Wiring..........................................85

16.2 Short Haul Modems/Auto-Answer Devices.........................86

16.3 Line of Demarcation ..................................................................86

16.4 Auto-Answer Devices ...............................................................87

16.5 Computer Networks - Serial Control......................................87

17.0 External Software..............................................................................................88

17.1 RS-232 Serial Control Software................................................88

17.2 RS-232 Software Installation.....................................................89

17.3 Main Menu Display...................................................................92

17.4 Main Menu Operations.............................................................93

17.5 Menu 2 Operations ....................................................................95

17.6 Programming Functions ...........................................................96

17.7 PC Cable Assembly....................................................................98

18.0 ALE and Adaptive Controllers .......................................................................100

18.1 SG-2000 Serial Port Operation..................................................101

18.2 Serial Communication Protocol...............................................102

18.3 ALE Controller-Command Examples.....................................103

18.4 Recall a Selected SG-2000 Memory Into Active Use.............103

18.5 SG-2000 Connections to ALE Controller ................................104

19.0 Accessories 106

19.1 Exsel-100 Selective Calling System..........................................106

19.2 Telerex™ ARQ/FEC/SELFEC System...................................107

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20.0 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.....................................................108

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21.0 Technical Reference..........................................................................................110

21.1 Squelch Scale Recalibration ......................................................110

21.2 SG-2000 Microprocessor Reset Procedure..............................110

21.3 Emergency Calling.....................................................................111

21.4 Basic Tune-up Procedure (Alignment) ...................................112

21.5 AM Filter Bypass........................................................................113

21.6 Oscillator and Filter Operation................................................113

21.7 Microprocessor Assembly ........................................................115

21.8 VCO's...........................................................................................115

21.9 PLL's.............................................................................................115

21.10 Serial Logic Switches .................................................................116

21.11 Tone Generator...........................................................................116

21.12 Oven Switch................................................................................116

21.13 Alarm Generator ........................................................................116

21.14 Master Oscillator with Oven ....................................................117

21.15 Crystal Oven...............................................................................117

21.16 Output Low Pass Filters............................................................118

21.17 Automatic Level Control ..........................................................118

21.18 Modulation Characteristics, AFR ............................................118

21.19 Modulation Characteristics, PEP Limiting.............................119

21.20 SG-2000 Performance Measurements .....................................121

22.0 Trouble Shooting ..............................................................................................127

22.1 Dysfunctions...............................................................................127

22.2 Scanning in One Direction Only..............................................128

23.0 Test Procedures..................................................................................................129

23.1 Exciter Testing Procedures .......................................................129

23.2 LPA Testing Procedures............................................................156

23.3 Display Section Testing Procedures........................................163

23.4 Head CPU and Main CPU Testing Procedures.....................171

23.5 Final Assembly Testing Procedures........................................178

24.0 Schematic Reference Section ..........................................................................180

INDEX .......................................................................................................................210

Appendix A, Frequency List .......................................................................................A-1

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SG-2000 MANUAL 1

1.0 General Description and Specifications

This section includes a short description of the features of the SG-2000 Transceiver along with its specifications. This manual includes information useful for the SG-2000, the SG-2000 SlimPak, and the Military version (PRC-2250 MIL).

1.1 General Description of SG-2000

Model SG-2000 Channels 100 channels field programmable 644 factory programmed ITU voice and data channels Scan channels Up to 100 channels programmable in 6 groups of 10

channels each Scan frequency In 0.1, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 KHz steps Scan frequency range Full HF range or a selected range of frequencies Scan dwell time Adjustable from .1 to 40 seconds Frequency scan dwell: .1 to 1 second Channel dwell time: .2 to 40 seconds Transmitter frequency range 1.6 to 30 MHz Receiver frequency range 1600 KHz to 30 MHz (500 KHz - 30 MHz Optional) Frequency stability ±10 Hz Frequency resolution 100 Hz Modes A3A, A3H, A3J and CW in LSB and USB, True AM detector in

receive mode. Data modes supported by external controllers. Protection Fully protected against damage due to battery reversal, over

voltage, or antenna fault (open or short). Display LCD for frequency or channel with annunciators of all

functions and modes, 20-segment bar meter, and time or

date Metering S-meter in RX mode, forward power or VSWR in TX mode AGC Fast attack slow release in Voice mode. Extremely fast attack

fast release in telex and ALE modes. Keypad 21 push-buttons include power, up/down, all functions, and

numeric entry

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Alarm generator Programmed for standard ITU and CCIR alarm on

emergency frequency 2182 KHz or can be broadcast on any

frequency. Having to press two push-buttons simul-

taneously to activate transmitter prevents accidental alarm.

Operating temperature -45° to 85° C Full specification temperature -30° to 60° C Approvals FCC type accepted, parts 80, 87 and 90. DOC and

CEPT(pending). Meets CCIR specification for receiver and

transmitter* (see page 5) Color Black Front panel Splash proof, removable and may be mounted remotely

1.2 Transceiver Power Requirements

Nominal 13.6 VDC; 0.8A RX, 16A TX (voice) Full specification compliance 11.5 VDC Full operation 10.5 to 18.0 VDC Current drain when radio off: STBY mode, Oven on; 430 mA oven off; 80 mA

1.3 SG-2000 Performance Specifications

RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS Sensitivity .5µV produces .5W of audio with 10dB SNR (Signal to

noise ratio may vary from 7 to 16 dB at nominal .5 µV

input) Selectivity 2.4 KHz at -6 dB; 4 KHz at -60 dB shape factor better

than 2:1) Intermodulation +86 dB (CCIR specification) Blocking +100 dB (CCIR specification) Transmodulation + 95 dB (CCIR specification) Image and IF rejection +90 dB Audio output 4W with less than 10% distortion Audio distortion Less than 5% at 3W

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AGC response Less than 5dB variation at the output for 5µVolt to 1

Volt RMS at the receiver input Clarifier range ±600 Hz in 100 Hz steps Receiver protection Up to 50 Volt RMS at the receiver input Squelch Voice operated with syllabic detection — adjustable

threshold Speaker Internal ( on removable front panel) TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS

Power output in 50 ohms 150 watts* PEP ( +0dB to -.5 dB) (see page 5) Power output reduction To less than 50 watts PEP Maximum stress power output 225 watts CW*** (see page 5) Sideband suppression Better than -50 dB at 1400 Hz Harmonic suppression Better than -63 dB** (see page 5) Carrier suppression (A3J) Better than -55 dB Carrier level (A3H) -3 dB (A3A) -16 dB Noise suppression Better than -60 dB Distortion (third order) Better than -32 dB at 135W PEP Audio response Flat within 6 dB between 350 & 2400 Hz VSWR protection For 4:1 VSWR, power output will reduce below 50

watts PEP Thermal protection For 80°C power output will reduce below 50 watts PEP

1.4 Data Communications

Ready and compatible RTTY, ARQ, FEC, PACKET and telegraphy Receive/transmit switching time 10 mS nominal AFSK input/output impedance 600? AFSK input level Minimum required 100 mV RMS, 2V RMS maximum AFSK output level 240mV RMS at .5µV, maximum 1V RMS

1.5 Computer Control of SG-2000

Input/Output RS 232

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Access and recall Of all transceiver functions except audio Software SG-2000 for DOS (Supplied with C language source

code) System software DOS Ver. 3.0 or greater for IBM and compatibles (user

supplied)

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1.6 Multiple Control Head Specifications

Local One controller mounted to the radio (except SlimPak) Remote Up to 50 meters away from the radio (10 wires) Intercom On all remotes Maximum number of controllers 8 (Total of control heads and computers not to exceed 8) Telephone remote Through standard telephone line and modem with

telecommunication software and SGC-RS-232 software

1.7 Dimensions and Weight

Overall Dimensions 11.7 (H) x 25.4 (W) x 38 (L) cm 4.75 in. (H) x 10 (W) x 15

(L) inches (SlimPak 1" less in height) Weight 5.4 kg (12 lbs)

1.8 Standard Features

• Full remote control, up to 8 stations

• Upper or lower sideband select

• A3A, A3H and A3J select

• Emergency 2182 direct select (Standard Head only)

• Voice or Telerex (narrow band) filter select

• CW side tone oscillator, CW with break-in

• Alarm Generator

• Speaker on/off, rear panel audio I/O port for modems, Weatherfax

• Headset/handset driver separate from speaker

• Carbon or dynamic microphone select switch

• Squelch on/off and level set

• Coupler tuned indicator

• 20 dB receive attenuator

• Transmitter power level set (50 or 150W)

• Transmitter over temperature indication and thermal protection

• Receive S-meter and transmit forward power or SWR meter display

• Time of day or date display

• Radio on/off timer

• Intercom with all stations or private channel select

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1.9 External Accessories

• Marine antennas

• Vehicular antennas

• Whip antenna in 8, 23, 28 or 35 ft. lengths

• SG-103 broadband antenna, 2-28 MHz

• SG-103-T tactical broadband antenna, 2-28 MHz

• Dipole antenna for 1,2 & 3 specified frequencies

• Field adjustable dipole antenna

• SGC Portamast

• SG-230 150 Watt MicroProcessor controlled antenna coupler

• SG-230 Pro 150 Watt MicroProcessor controlled antenna coupler

• SG-235 500 Watt MicroProcessor controlled antenna coupler

• PS-30 power supply for base station (unregulated)

• PS-35 power supply for base station (regulated)

• Standard mounting tray

• Shock mounting tray for high vibration installations

• Battery cable

• External speaker

• CW telegraphy key

• Dynamic desk and noise canceling fist microphone

• Military handset (waterproof, dustproof, shock-proof)

• Telephone handset

• Tel-Two phone patch

• Linear power amplifiers, 500 & 1000 watts output

• Front panel customizing

• TELEREX ARQ, FEC and PACKET systems

• ALE adaptive controller

1.10 Internal Accessories

• High power CW continuous fan kit

• ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) AGC switching (Specify at time of order)

• Special Software options: Hong Kong, France (and Territories), Oil Platform

Notes: * CFT8DK SG-2000 (1.8 to 26 MHz international radio marine bands)

** For international marine bands

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*** Under ambient temperature and normal load conditions

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SG-2000 MANUAL 8

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRANSMIT UNTIL THE

RADIOTELEPHONE IS WARMED UP FOR AT

LEAST TEN MINUTES.

The crystals that control the operating frequency are contained in a precision oven that requires 10 minutes to rise to the correct temperature. Transmitting before the

10 minute warm-up period has elapsed may cause a violation of FCC regulations.

Precautions:

1. Operating and installation personnel must observe all applicable safety regulations at all times. Do not operate unit without covers in place with power on. Under certain conditions, dangerous electrical voltages may exist. To avoid injuries, always confirm removal of power and discharge and ground all circuits before touching them.

2. Do not service or adjust equipment when alone. Under no circumstances should you reach into live equipment for the purposes of adjustment or servicing unless there is someone else present who is capable of rendering aid.

3. Personnel working with or near AC power sources, power supplies and high power radio equipment should be familiar with modern first aid techniques and resuscitation.

4. When servicing, observe static discharge precautions to avoid damage to microprocessors and solid state devices.

5. When servicing multiple control head installations, disconnect all remote heads at J-503 on the rear panel of SG-2000 to prevent other personnel from keying the transmitter during servicing.

SGC reserves the right to change specifications without notice.

2.0 Unpacking

The standard packaging for an SG-2000, the cardboard box and packing materials, should be retained for future use should the radio need to be shipped elsewhere.

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Please note that the radio arrived in a polyethylene bag which includes the instruction manual, warranty registration card and a quick reference card. Information on use of AT&T High Seas services is also provided for your convenience. The plastic bag protects the unit from dust and moisture when shipping. If there is condensation on the inside of the polyethylene bag because the radio was subjected to extreme change of temperature during shipment, please leave the plastic covering on the radio until it has come up to ambient temperature and the condensation has evaporated.

You will notice a piece of foam rubber on the face plate of the radio, held in place with tape. It is designed to protect the plastic face plate of the LCD. Whenever you are shipping an SG-2000, it is good practice to secure a cover over the LCD. Small scratches in the face plate of the LCD may be removed with Plexiglas™ cleaner such as is used to clean aircraft windows.

The SG-2000 should be closely inspected upon arrival. As the units leave the SGC factory, they are in perfect operating condition. Should you notice any bent sheet metal, or flecks of paint in the shipping box, you may assume that the radio has taken a hard shock somewhere in shipping.

The radio will usually continue to operate, even if subjected to abuse in shipping, but please make sure that if you notice any shipping damage, you file a damage report immediately with the carrier.

In the unlikely event that your unit has been damaged in shipping, your dealer can instruct you on how to handle servicing or replacing the unit. If your dealer does not know the proper procedure, you may contact SGC directly.

SGC provides a complete five-year parts and labor guarantee. However, this guarantee does not apply to radios which are used in para-military and military operations, as combat conditions are specifically excluded from our guarantee.

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3.0 History of the SG-2000

The SG-2000 is a high performance, microprocessor (computer) controlled multimission HF SSB radio designed to meet the needs of marine, commercial, para-military, and amateur radio users through the year 2000 and beyond.

The SG-2000's heritage includes the SG-705, the world's smallest commercial HF SSB, the SG-715 waterproof manpack radio, and the SG-712 EX-11 which has been proven in commercial and military applications in all regions of the world.

The SG-2000 also benefits from SGC's expertise in microprocessor design, developed as the company evolved its line of fully automatic antenna couplers. SGC's fully automatic antenna couplers have been available since 1975 and the current computerized SG-230 series of couplers has been continuously upgraded to maintain technical dominance through software enhancements.

The SG-2000 was conceived by SGC President Pierre Goral and the SGC Engineering staff to meet an emerging need in HF communications for a relatively low cost, highly reliable yet flexible communications platform which would be suited to multiple control- point operation and would allow complete computer control if desired.

This was done after a careful study of emerging HF radio technology in the military and government sector and with an eye to providing the users of SGC equipment with the highest level of flexibility, not only today but in the future as well.

It was clear from the SGC analysis that to an increasing degree, personal computers would be integrated into mobile, fixed, and sea going radio operations. In addition, a whole new field called Adaptive Controllers was being developed for government and military use.

The SG-2000 design project became an all-consuming effort among the team members who studied all available information in order to provide a radio which would meet modern communications needs. The process was to collect and analyze all available trend information, review not only cutting edge but projected technology, and then build the radio that would meet all of these needs.

It is interesting to note the design team's criteria:

• The ideal radio would weigh as little as possible, under 6 kilograms would be ideal. The radio would need to operate from any location. This meant telephone line control for control at distances of several thousand miles, or by hard wire

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control for local use at short to moderate distances.

• This radio would need to be controllable by a computer or its own control heads and it would have to support control from up to eight locations all at the same time. It would also be nice if the radio could be directed through a local area network with one computer on the network operating as a gateway.

• In addition, the eight locations would have to be connected via an intercom, the radio would need to be of high physical strength, and would be able to operate over extremes of temperature and humidity.

The SG-2000 would also have to meet exacting performance standards for frequency stability and for speed of operations in order to accommodate some of the more exotic demands of the para-military and military markets.

The result of the design effort is the SG-2000, the world's first truly computer-directed civilian radio. Many of the attributes of the SG-2000 can be found in very expensive military units, some costing 10 times the price of an SG-2000 and not generally available to the public.

In 1992, SGC introduced a ruggedized version of the SG-2000 designed for para-military use called the PRC-2250 MIL. This radio features many SG-2000 options ordered by (para) military organizations. It is finished in an olive drab color and comes with a military type shock mount with a waterproof handset standard, which distinguishes it from the SG-2000 in appearance.

In 1994, SGC introduced a SlimPak version. The SlimPak has all the features of the SG2000 and uses the same control head; yet the main unit measures a full 1 inch less in height, enabling placement in much tighter quarters.

In 1995, SGC introduced a new model of the SG-2000 control head called the PowerTalk™ that incorporates ADSP™ and SNS™ noise reduction and noise filtering capabilities.

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4.0 About the SG-2000

The basic SG-2000 is really two units, which may be easily separated. One unit is what is called the Radio or RF unit. This contains the receiver and the transmitter's exciter and linear power amplifier modules. In addition, it contains the SG-2000's main microprocessor.

The second unit, normally supplied attached to the radio unit, is called the control head. In it are audio amplifiers, the radio's frequency and channel displays, a keyboard to control radio functions and another microprocessor which "talks" to the main radio unit.

Audio wiring at 600 ohms plus

RS-422 (9600 baud) Serial Bus

SG-2000 RF Unit

To additional heads (8 maximum)

Control Head Control Head

RS-232 (9600 baud) Serial Port for computer

One control head may be attached to the SG-2000 RF unit. Up to seven others may be located up to 50 meters away from the RF unit using 10-conductor cable.

4.1 Receiver Signal Path

The receiver section, located in the main radio unit, features signal up conversion (from 82 to 88 MHz) to achieve maximum image rejection and to allow wide band processing of signals. Then the signal is converted down to 10.7 MHz where an extraordinarily sharp crystal filter removes all unwanted signals, including strong unwanted signals which have not been eliminated by the 82-88 MHz filters.

The 10.7 MHz signal is further amplified and is then decoded by one of the two detectors in the radio. For single sideband, CW (Morse Code), and data operations, a product detector is used. For AM, the SG-2000 provides one of the few "true AM" detectors available today. This provides for extremely clear reception and excellent

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capture of signals in all modes.

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SG-2000 MANUAL 14

Once amplified to a standard level, the audio is sent to a jack on the back of the SG-2000 which allows for connection to a control head. In the control heads, the audio signal is further amplified and processed.

A syllabic squelch circuit (which was pioneered by SGC in 1976) is used to turn off the noise coming out of the speaker in the event that a signal is not being received.

The next step is a digital gate which controls the volume of the receiver by very rapidly sampling the signal and passing only a certain number of samples — a number which varies by the setting of the volume control on the front panel of the radio. Naturally, this happens at speeds which you can not hear, so your ear hears smooth control of the volume function.

4.2 Transmitter Signal Path

Pressing the push to talk button grounds the push-to-talk line, placing the SG-2000 in the transmit mode. At the same time, the sound of your voice is shaped by an audio amplifier in the control head. This is brought up to a standard level to be sent out the transmit audio bus.

This line leaves the control head via the 10-conductor control head cable and returns to the SG-2000 RF unit via the rear panel connector where the head plugs into the rear panel of the radio.

Inside the radio, the audio signal is shaped and amplified. It is turned into an AM signal which is then processed to remove the desired amount of carrier. This is accomplished by a balanced modulator. In the single sideband mode, all of the carrier is removed. If required, the carrier is reinserted for other modes.

In the AME (AM Equivalent) mode, 40-50 W of the carrier is reinserted. And if you are operating in the A3A mode which is used for certain kinds of commercial radio work, then you put back about 1/8th of the carrier, leaving just enough of the signal to act as a "pilot carrier" for specialized receivers.

Next, the signal is amplified and passed through a crystal filter, where one sideband is removed. This is done by offsetting the transmit frequency slightly. On one side of the filter slope, the upper sideband is removed, while offsetting on the other side of the 10.7 MHz filter will remove the lower sideband.

When you are in the single sideband mode, you have now developed either the desired upper or lower sideband filter at this point. From here on, the amplifiers which will be processing the signal are called "linear amplifiers" because if they are not linear, they will distort the signal, just like a non-linear audio amplifier would distort a signal on your home stereo.

The 10.7 MHz single sideband signal is then converted up to 82-88 MHz, where harmonics are eliminated by the helical filter. The output of the 82-88 MHz filter is

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SG-2000 MANUAL 15

mixed with the correct frequency developed by the synthesizer and is then amplified at the operating frequency.

This amplification process involves several steps: a pre-driver, a driver, and a final amplifier section which utilizes a splitter - combiner circuit

The pre-driver and the driver sections are very straight-forward in design. But the final LPA (Linear Power Amplifier) deserves special note because it is very conservatively constructed. This amplifier is made up of four transistors. While most designers will use only two, SGC elected to use four for reliability and peak power performance.

Controlling the LPA is a circuit called ALC (Automatic Level Control) which adjusts the operating conditions of the final amplifier to insure its operation is linear over a wide range of conditions.

A broad band filter network then matches the high power signal to a 50 ohm output impedance. This is then sent to the SG-230 Smartuner (which we highly recommend) or a broad band antenna system such as the SG-103.

4.3 Control Circuits

The SG-2000 is a microprocessor controlled radio. Each of the control heads has a microprocessor and talks to the microprocessor in the radio unit using the RS-422 communications protocol. This means that the control head may be placed as much as 50 meters away from the radio. Although not supported by SGC, many users of the control heads have reported success at longer distances. As with all SGC specifications, 50 meters is a conservative number.

The microprocessor control codes, which are generated when the front panel push buttons are pushed, are sent to the microprocessor in the radio unit which return confirmation to the control head that the instructions have been acted upon. The head microprocessor controls the display information and functions such as setting of volume and squelch levels.

Each of the control heads has a unique device address which allows the microprocessors in the radio unit to send information as well as establish the intercom address of the control head.

In the event that you wish to address the microprocessors on the radio unit directly, you may use the RS-232 serial port which is located on the rear panel of the radio.

Any number of serial ports and heads may be used, as long as the total number of device addresses does not exceed eight. Four control heads and four computers works as well as one control head and seven computers.

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SG-2000 MANUAL 16

For more information on controlling the SG-2000 via computer, see Section 16.5 of this manual regarding "Computer Networks - Serial Control" and the parts of Section 17.0 dealing with RS-232 software.

4.4 Control Heads

There are several design considerations behind the SG-2000 control head which you should know about in order to appreciate the beauty of the architecture of the radio.

Our many years of manufacturing experience have taught us the value of absolute reliability and of the importance of easy reparability in the field. Such philosophies as designing in a 10-conductor control cable between our radios and remote heads rather than a fiber optic cable is one example. SGC has learned that while fiber optics are an excellent material, they are not easily reparable in the middle of the desert or ocean. SGC products are designed for field repair and performance where well-engineered products dramatically become evident.

4.5 SG-2000 Front Panel

The front of the SG-2000 controls all radio functions. All of the push buttons are rubberized to provide good tactile response and to keep the radio highly resistant to water and dust, two of the worst enemies of electronic equipment.

The LCD which displays the frequency is the largest available on a radio of this type. The speaker is treated to resist moisture. The speaker grill is designed to prevent direct spray from hitting the speaker.

Because the front panel has been ruggedly built, the advantage of mounting the more sensitive radio unit elsewhere becomes apparent.

4.6 SG-2000 Rear Panel

A series of Jacks on the back of the SG-2000 provide access to radio features and accessories. Most of these jacks are covered by a metal "U" bracket which is held in place by three small Phillips head machine screws. If you ever have occasion to remove this cover, it is important that it be replaced in order to provide physical protection for the jacks.

Under the "U" bracket, from left to right, you will find a jack to plug in one of the family of SGC's Smartuners. The next plug (J-301) presents audio input and output lines, plus push-to-talk control. This is where Weatherfax, data controllers (such as an SGC Telerex™ SITOR modem), and ALE units are plugged in.

The next two jacks are for plugging in two control heads. If you are using more than one control head, one will plug in to the right hand head plug while a multiple plug adapter unit plugs into the left control head jack and provides for up to seven additional head connections.

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SG-2000 MANUAL 17

The last jack, J505, is used for connecting an external speaker. This is also the most common connection for the Weatherfax.

In addition, just to the right of the "U" bracket is an RS-232 connector for computer control of the SG-2000 radio, as explained later in this manual.

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5.0 SGC Family of Control Heads

The SG-2000 comes with the standard control head described throughout this manual. In addition, there are six other control heads to choose from. These range from the small remote mobile heads to the new PowerTalk™ head incorporating ADSP™ and SNS™ noise reduction capabilities.

5.1 Remote Mobile Heads

The four models of the remote mobile heads are designed to be used in conjunction with the SG-2000. They have simplified control functions and a much smaller footprint. They include the basic version, the aircraft version, the Exsel version and the remote mobile head with ADSP™ noise reduction.

Please contact SGC for information on any of these optional heads.

5.2 PowerTalk™

Another optional control head is our newly released PowerTalk™ head. The PowerTalk™ head is the same size as the standard remote head but with more versatility, including the additional benefit of state of the art noise reduction circuits to let the user filter out unwanted noise.

Please contact SGC for information on this model.

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SG-2000 MANUAL 19

6.0 SG-2000 Software and Accessories

This section lists various software options that are available for the MicroProcessor controlled SG-2000. In the event that you own an SG-2000 and later wish to add different software, such as the GPS software, Oil Rig software, Hong Kong software, or other software as may be periodically published, please be advised that there is a software update charge if the software is retrofitted into an existing radio.

6.1 GPS Software

Effective April 1, 1992, a special edition of the SG-2000 main microprocessor software was published to meet the needs of the oil and gas exploration industry for a radio which would not search the international emergency frequency, 2182 KHz, when the radio is first turned on. The special software is now standard.

In addition, the SG-2000, which was adapted to differential GPS radio location service in January of 1992 has special cooling modifications which allow it to operate under severe service for unlimited time. The additional cooling systems may be ordered by users who anticipate extended key down operations, including differential GPS, ALE, SITOR/AMTOR/RTTY, and other data modes or plan to subject the SG-2000 to unusually warm operations (such as desert vehicle installations).

6.2 Oil Platform Software

In May 1992, special software became available for the main MicroProcessor of the SG2000 which will allow the transmission of an emergency distress tone on all frequencies, removing the normal limit of transmitting on only the international emergency frequency, 2182 KHz. This was done at the request of oil exploration companies who have been using the SG-2000 successfully in offshore oil exploration work and who are required, because of international regulations, to both test and operate their emergency distress beacons on frequencies in addition to the international 2 MHz band channel. This software is now standard on the SG-2000. Press the shift function and emergency buttons at the same time and the distress tone will be transmitted on the displayed frequency.

Effective September 1, 1992, a special edition of the SG-2000 became available to users of the SG-2000 in Hong Kong. Certain radio programming features are deleted in order to meet Type Approval requirements of Hong Kong's G.P.O.

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SG-2000 MANUAL 20

7.0 Planning for Installation

Before installing the SG-2000, some pre-planning based on the capabilities and features

of this radio should be undertaken to ensure the best possible performance.

7.1 Location of Power Supplies

If you are installing your SG-2000 in a normal environment, such as a radio room of a ship or in a room of an office building or home, placement of the power supply is not critical as long as it is placed within 25 feet of the radio.

If you are installing the radio in a small boat, such as a cruising sailboat or an offshore fishing boat, you may wish to consider an additional gel cell (sealed) battery for radio operation. In this way, should the vessel take on water during a storm, the radio will continue to be operational.

A good way to install such a system is to place the "radio battery" in the vicinity of the radio and place an isolator between the radio battery and the rest of the battery system. When connected to the vessel's main batteries, the radio battery will prevent the voltage drop which may develop on long cable runs and will assure peak radio performance.

7.2 Control Head Placement

One of the advantages of SG-2000 / PRC-2250-MIL ownership is that control heads may be placed anywhere within 50 meters of the radio unit. This provides a high degree of installation flexibility. Consider some of the more common civilian uses.

Marine. On a vessel, you may want to have a control head located at the bridge, navigation station, in the cockpit of the vessel and perhaps in staterooms. If you are planning extended cruising on a typical ocean-going sailboat, usually two heads are planned, one at the navigation station and another in a watertight case in the cockpit. This is because in most serious ocean cruising, the owner's stateroom is not used as often as the navigator's quarter berth, usually located very close to the navigation station.

Mobile. Installation in a mobile environment is something else. If you are the only radio operator on a small four wheel drive vehicle, such as a Chevrolet Geo Tracker, which we use as a test bed for mobile systems, you will likely have a single control head and this would be mounted on the dashboard using the 5-way suction cup mount.

If your mobile installation is larger, as in a bus or large recreational vehicle, you may wish to have one control head in the rear area and another control head in the vehicle

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SG-2000 MANUAL 21

cockpit.

Aviation. Installation on aircraft presents an unusual challenge. In most cases, the control head is mounted separately from the radio. This allows the radio unit to be placed very close to the aircraft center of gravity.

7.3 Control Head Wiring

The control head cables which are used with the SG-2000 are designed for use in normal conditions. This means that the cables are suitable for use in mobile and fixed installations. Very high vibration environments and mounting in military situations require special precautions.

In high vibration environments, wire chaffing must be avoided. Although it will take more installation time, secure all wiring tightly to prevent movement. Once movement begins, the protective covering of wiring can be quickly worn away. This is especially true on a tug boat, for example, where vibration caused by the ship's large propeller can cause 1/8" to 1/2" vibration and rates of 10 cycles per second or more. A shaking control head wire moving even a fraction of an inch as it passes through a clamp will ultimately fail.

Military installations require a different approach. The danger here is not vibration but shrapnel. The most common methods used are either to bury the cable in a trench one half meter deep, or, if the ground is hard or rocky, to place one or more layers of sand bags over the cable.

7.4 External Speakers

The SG-2000 has no separate front panel headphone jack because the radio front panel is weather-resistant and a headphone jack is just another hole that reduces the weather resistance of the control head.

If you plan to use high impedance headphones, such as the type included in a telephone handset, you will connect these to the radio via the microphone jack. On the other hand, use of a low impedance headphone requires the use of the external speaker jack, which is present on the rear panel of the SG-2000 main unit. The J-505 jack, the external speaker jack, is also where a low-impedance Weatherfax modem may be connected.

The speaker jack on the rear of the SG-2000 is controlled like the front panel speaker. In other words, when the SPK (speaker) is disabled on the control head, the remote speaker which is wired in parallel with control head #1 speaker is also turned off.

Important Note: The rear panel speaker is only available when the control head of the SG-2000 is attached to the radio. This is because a separate speaker audio line is run from the attached control head (where the audio amplifier is

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SG-2000 MANUAL 22

located) to the rear panel. When the head is detached, this wiring is no longer available.

7.5 External Accessories

External accessory location should also be part of the planning process. If you are planning to add external equipment such as a Weatherfax receive modem, a terminal node controller (TNC) for amateur use, a commercial standard SITOR modem, such as the SGC TELEREX™ system, or an ALE controller such as the SGC HardLink™ System, provision for the mounting and operation of these items should be made at the time of installation.

When planning the use of an external audio input to the SG-2000, make provision for switching the external audio source on and off. This is necessary because the external audio input feeding the SG-2000 is an unswitched bridge. In order to avoid transmitting a microphone and line input signal (via J301) at the same time, you must be able to turn off the line input source.

If you are planning to use some external units, you may need to plan additional space for peripherals which may be required. As an example, the ALE controller requires a video display terminal (or IBM-PC type computer) to access programming. This may be a single unit terminal and keyboard, or it may be discrete keyboard and display units.

A TNC may require a printer, a computer, or both. Provision for mounting of these items is a good idea, especially if you will be adding them in the future.

Because of the larger number of options available, the subject of external radio peripherals is covered in more depth later in this manual.

Look ahead — and plan for your future needs before you begin your installation!

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SG-2000 MANUAL 23

8.0 Radio Licenses

Finally, before we discuss installation of the SG-2000 radio, we should discuss licensing. The operation of an SG-2000 generally requires two types of licensing. In the United States, both a station license and an operator permit are issued by the Federal Communications Commission. The SG-2000 is type accepted for use on both U.S. marine and amateur bands. Therefore it is exempt from Part 97.11 (b) regulations requiring separation of marine and ham radio equipment. Part 97.11 (b) prevents ham radio equipment from being used on commercial bands but does not preclude use of type-accepted commercial equipment on the ham bands.

8.1 Station Licenses

The U.S. F.C.C. issues licenses for the operation of many classes of radio stations. This includes ham radio stations, commercial marine shore stations, shipboard stations and those involving various kinds of mobile applications such as HF systems aboard aircraft. There is an exception, however. Stations operating under the auspices of the U.S. military and stations in the Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS), are exempt from the licensing requirements of the F.C.C. but are subject to military rules. Most countries have comparable regulations.

Generally, the charge, if any, for filing a station application is modest. If you are planning to operate a U.S. commercial radio station, such as one aboard a fishing boat, simply call the F.C.C. Regional Office (there are 12 regional offices located in the U.S.) and ask them to send you the appropriate paperwork. Outside the U.S., check with government authorities.

The same goes for pleasure craft such as cruisers, sports fishing boats, and sailboats. The definition of "commercial station" means that the radio can be used for conduct of "business."

It is generally a simple process to fill out the application form for a commercial license. You may find that you will be asked for the SG-2000 Type Acceptance number. This is not the model number of the SG-2000. It is the F.C.C.'s unique identifier which references the official testing and approval paperwork.

On the license application, where "Type Acceptance Identifier" is requested please fill in the following:

CFT8DKSG2000

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SG-2000 MANUAL 24

If you do not plan to operate aboard a ship, but have a need to communicate with vessels on a regular commercial basis, you may qualify for a private coast station license. The U.S. F.C.C. also has licenses available for specialized needs such as long distance aviation communication.

In the United States the use of a commercial SSB station on land to communicate with vessels is not allowed without proper licensing. To make application for a U.S. shore station, you will need to complete F.C.C. forms 503, 155, and 753. The filing fee as of 1995 for form 503 is $120 while the filing fee for form 753 is $45. There is no charge for form 155, which is a form to list your filing fees. This type of license is recommended for marinas and fisheries services.

If you have a touch-tone telephone, you may order the appropriate license application forms from the F.C.C.'s automated telephone forms request service through your local office. The telephone number to call in the United States for current fee information is (202) 418-0220.

A current printed copy of rules and regulations governing commercial marine operations is available from Fair Press Services, P.O. Box 19352, 20th Street Station, Washington, D.C., 20036-0352. Their phone number is (202) 463-7323. There is a charge for this publication.

Amateur (ham) radio may not be used for the conduct of business and the operator of the radio station is also licensed to repair the equipment. A test must be passed in order to secure a ham radio license. Commercial stations may be serviced only by a person holding the appropriate class of commercial radio license.

8.2 Operator Licenses

In the U.S., a radio operator license is required. The person operating a commercial station aboard a pleasure craft, or any ocean going vessel under a certain tonnage, must have at least an "Operator Permit" to use the radio of an appropriately licensed vessel.

It is simple to obtain the commercial Operator Permit document. It constitutes an agreement to use the radio properly, use no profanity and to use the radio for no illegal purposes. You sign your name, give your mailing address, and a few weeks later, an operator license arrives.

If you intend repairing commercial radio equipment, the requirements become stringent very quickly. A General Class Radiotelephone License is required to make adjustments of equipment used in commercial service.

The F.C.C. has reduced the Morse Code requirements of a ham radio license and the SG-2000 may be operated in the 10 meter amateur band with the new "Code Free" license. Information about becoming a ham radio operator in the U.S. is available by calling the National Amateur Radio Association, NARA, which maintains a toll-free (800) telephone number.

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SG-2000 MANUAL 25

J-502 J-301 J-503 J-504 Ext Spk Oven

9.0 Installation

Your SG-2000/PRC-2250-MIL will provide superior communications under all conditions if you take the time to plan and install the radio equipment for maximum performance. Please read this section very carefully and implement as many of the suggestions as possible to assure a trouble free installation, a superior transmit signal, and clear reception.

This section of the manual will cover:

• General installation information and pin outs

• Control head installation and remote kits

• General comments on power supplies and antennas

• Specific mobile installation notes

• Specific marine installation suggestions

9.1 SG-2000 Rear Panel Connections

Protective cover secured by Philips head screws

RS-232

RF Output

Please note that your SG-2000 is shipped with all necessary connectors for the addition of one of our Smartuner™ couplers and for installation of peripherals via the audio input/output jack on the rear panel. You will see the connectors when you loosen the Philips head screws which hold the protective sheet metal cover over the rear panel connectors and remove the cover.

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RF Ground

+ -GND

SG-2000 MANUAL 26

J-502

From left to right, these jacks provide the following:

J-502 SG-230/SG-235 Smartuner™ connections

J-301 Aux. Audio input/output and PTT line

J-503 Remote control head or multiple head junction box

J-504 Remote control head or multiple head junction box (Head mounted on radio is normally connected here.

Ext Spk External Speaker (or Weatherfax modem)

Oven Turns oven On-Off (Shipped with oven ON as default)

Pin outs of the external coupler jack and the Audio Input/Output jack are listed below. These may also be found in the SG-2000 Technical Reference in appropriate schematics.

9.2 External Coupler Installation

Connector J-502 is used to connect the SG-2000 to an external coupler. Details are shown in the diagram below:

Coupler Connections on rear

1 2 3

J-502 Pin 1: Coupler Ground. (Black wire from SG-230/SG-235) Pin 2: Coupler +12 VDC. (Red wire from SG-230/SG-235) Pin 3: Remote Tuned Indicator (Black/White wire from SG-230/SG-235) Do not connect the Red/White wire from the SG-230/SG-235 as this wire is used to control coupler functions. See SG-230/SG-235 manuals for details on coupler control options via this wire.

panel of SG-2000

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SG-2000 MANUAL 27

9.2 External Modem, Weatherfax and High Seas Direct™

Connector J301 is used to connect the SG-2000 to an external modem. Details are shown in the diagram below:

J-301

SG-2000 Rear panel connections for external modems, Telerex™ and

1 2 3 4

Pin 1: Audio input (600 ohm impedance) (From modem audio out) Pin 2: Ground Pin 3: Audio output (600 ohm impedance) (To medem audio input) Pin 4: Push-To-Talk line (PTT line on modem if available)

Weatherfax

Weather fax modems: Connect Ground from modem to Pin 2 and audio input to modem to Pin 3 of J-301. (Weather fax modems may also be connected to the external speaker jack.) See Appendix for High Seas Direct connections. See page 61 for connection to ALE controller and serial devices.

9.3 Continuous Duty Ratings

If you are planning to use your radio for intermittent voice communications, continuous duty ratings are of no consequence. However, if you are planning to transmit for long periods of time on a frequent basis, you should consider the duty cycle and continuous ratings of components, ordering heavy duty cooling options if necessary.

Duty cycle is a simple concept. If you are dealing with speech and you will be transmitting about one quarter of the time, then the duty cycle of equipment is about 50%. However, if you are planning extended broadcast of information, speaking or sending hours of information such as using a transceiver in the ARQ data transmission mode, then continuous duty ratings are required.

All SGC equipment is conservatively rated. We use commercial service ratings for all of our equipment and make continuous service available upon request. Continuous Service is primarily a matter of adding additional cooling to a unit, as heat is the culprit in most component failures when equipment is used in continuous service.

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SGC Part Number 51-81 is an internal fan option which consists of a muffin type fan which is controlled by a temperature sensor inside the radio. With the fan on, air enters the bottom of the radio and is exhausted through a special louvered top cover and slots on the rear panel.

When using the continuous duty option on the SG-2000, power output is limited to 110120 watts continuous. Maintain an unrestricted air flow area of at least 1 inch around all surfaces of the radio.

SGC Part Number 52-90 (Rack mount kit for SG-2000) has fans built in and is also suited for continuous duty operation. Field installation instructions for the rack mount follow.

Note: If you are using your SG-2000 in continuous duty operation, you must be certain that the power supply you plan to use is suited to continuous operation. We recommend the SGC PS-30 or PS-50 power supplies, Part Numbers 53-04 and 53-05, for continuous duty commercial service.

9.4 Rack Mount Kit Installation (Part No. 52-90)

The SG-2000 may be mounted in a standard 19" equipment rack. This installation may be performed in the field using the following procedure:

TOOLS REQUIRED:

Philips Screwdriver #2 Point Philips Screwdriver #1 Point Nut Driver 1/4" Flat Blade Screwdriver 1/8" Nut Driver 5/16" Open End Wrench 1/4" Flat Blade Screwdriver 3/8" Open End Wrench 7/16"

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SG-2000 MANUAL 29

TEST EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: None

CAUTIONS:

• Power must be disconnected from radio.

• Do not over tighten screws which will strip heads.

Installation Procedure

1. Remove top cover-secured by six black #6 Philips Head

screws-set cover and screws aside.

2. Remove bottom cover-secured by six black #6 Philips Head

screws-set cover and screws aside.

3. Remove rear panel connector cover-secured by three #4

Philips Head screws-set cover and screws aside.

4. Remove rear panel control head cable clamp-secured by one

#4 Philips Head screw-set screw and clamp aside.

5. Unplug control head cable connector (10-position) from rear

panel.

6. Remove control head as follows:

a. Remove two #6 Philips Flathead screws from either side

panel (located towards front of radio)

b. Remove two #6 Philips Flathead screws from other side

panel (located towards front of radio) c. Lift control head cable up and out of cable U-Channel. d. Gently pull control head/cable assembly forward-set this

assembly aside.

7. Install the fan option connector assembly supplied by

plugging the connector into J16 with the Green wire to Pin 1.

8. Set the radio (upside up) into the tray assembly. Rear of

radio should face power cables.

9. Lift the rear of the radio (if necessary) and install the DC

power wires to the radio DC terminal strip; red to "+", black

to "-" set radio back down (if necessary).

10. Secure radio to bottom cover. Use four #6 black Philips

Head screws removed in step #2.

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SG-2000 MANUAL 30

11. Install RF ground jumper braid onto radio rear panel RF

ground bolt.

12. Install RF coax jumper into radio rear panel RF in/out

connector-set the radio/tray assembly aside.

13. Install the control head rear panel as follows; a. Unplug the control head cable connector (10-position) from

the control head display board assembly-set the cable

assembly aside. b. Remove either head mounting bracket by removing two

Philips Head screws. c. Remove other head mounting bracket by removing two

Philips Head screws. d. Install the four longer threaded stand-offs, SGC part # 965-

913 (supplied), into the inserts from which the screws were

removed in steps B and C above. e. Replace four #4 Philips Head microprocessor assembly

mounting screws with the four shorter threaded stand-offs,

SGC part #965-908 (supplied). f. Remove control head connector (10-position) from control

head cable. g. Pass the control head cable through the Heyco watertight

fitting on the control head rear panel (supplied). Do not

tighten the Heyco. h. Re-install connector removed in Step F (see illustration

supplied). i. Install control head connector onto control head display

board assembly (from step A) j. Attach control head rear panel to control head using eight #4

Philips Flathead screws (supplied). k. Tighten Heyco

17. Attach control head assembly to rack mount front panel

using four each #8 nuts (supplied attached to control head

rear panel).

18. Attach control head/front panel assembly to tray assembly

using 7 each #4 lock washers and #4 nuts (supplied attached

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SG-2000 MANUAL 31

to front panel)

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SG-2000 MANUAL 32

19. Re-install control head cable connector (10-position) into rear

panel (from step #5)

20. Re-install cable clamp using one #4 Philips Head screws

(from step #4).

21. Re-install rear panel connector cover using three #4 Philips

Head screws (from step #3).

22. Install louvered top cover (supplied) using six #6 black

Philips Head screws (from step 2). This concludes the Rack Mount Retrofit Procedure.

9.5 Control Head Installations

The SG-2000 is a multiple control head radio. There are two ways to obtain a remote head configuration. First is to remove the control head supplied on the SG-2000. Second is to plug in additional control heads. While most people order their SG-2000 with the Remote Head Kit installed, this item may be installed in the field through the following procedure:

9.6 Remote Head Kit Installation (Part No. 04-12)

As supplied, the SG-2000 comes with a control panel attached to the front of the radio. As an option, a remote head kit, part number 04-12 may be installed, extending the control head 16 feet from the radio and supplying a gimbal mount. Installation takes 10 minutes.

TOOLS REQUIRED: Philips Head Screwdriver TEST EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: None

CAUTIONS:

• Power must be disconnected from radio for this procedure.

• Use care not to over tighten screws and strip threads.

Installation Procedure

1. Locate and remove the wiring shield on the back of the SG-2000. This shield, which runs horizontally across the back of the radio, is held in place by three Phillips head screws. Unplug the control head number 1 cable.

2. Locate and remove the six black Phillips head screws which secure the top cover to the SG-2000 and remove the top cover. Two screws are located on each side of the radio and two screws are located on the top

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SG-2000 MANUAL 33

of the radio.

3. Turn radio upside down on a stable surface. Remove the six screws which hold the bottom cover of the SG-2000 and remove the bottom cover. Two screws are located on each side of the radio and two screws are located on the bottom of the radio.

Turn radio right side up.

4. Locate and remove four Phillips head screws which hold the control head in place. (Two on each side.)

5. Carefully slide the control head forward to remove it from the radio body.

6. Remove control head cable from wire race in radio body. Remove external speaker jack feed. Note: External speaker jack only functions if a head is attached to SG-2000 body.

7. Turn radio upside down. Reinstall bottom cover. Secure with six Phillips head screws.

8. Turn radio right side up. Install top cover and secure with six Phillips head screws.

(Optional: Install Remote head in desired location and route cable to

radio unit.)

9. Plug remote control head into rear panel connector of SG-2000. Carefully install cable shield over the control wire and secure shield with three Phillips head screws. Cable clamp on left side of rear panel is not used with external control head.

Installation of the remote control head is now complete.

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SG-2000 MANUAL 34

9.7 Additional Control Heads (Part No. 04-11)

Additional control heads may be added to the SG-2000 via the 10-pin connector located under the protective cover on the rear panel of the radio. In the event more than one additional control head is desired, a junction box is used. Please refer to the following diagram:

REAR PANEL CONNECTION FOR ADDITIONAL CONTROL HEADS

SG-2000 Rear

J-503

Single control head

Junction Box for Additional Control Heads

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SG-2000 MANUAL 35

9.8 Remote Head Cable Extension

In the event that you need to extend the length of the control cable on the head of an SG-2000, two steps need to occur:

First, you have to remove the control head from the radio. The procedure above will allow you to remove the control head.

Second, you need to replace the existing cable with a longer one. The cable which connects the SG-2000 to the control head(s) is attached to the units

using standard connectors at each end. In this manner, the length of the control cable may be easily changed. Carefully unplug the existing cable assembly from the control head and radio and replace it with the desired length.

While we recommend that you use the control head wiring supplied by SGC, you may use any other 10-conductor shielded wiring. Remember, however, that the length of the cable run to a remote head is partly determined by the quality of wiring used. If you use very small conductors and try to exceed the 50 meter RS-422 standard distance, you may be disappointed. If, on the other hand, you choose suitably large conductors, (#18 or larger), you will achieve excellent results beyond 50 meters.

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10.0 Power Supplies

Many power sources can be used with the SG-2000. Among these are:

• Transformer or regulated power supplies from AC mains

• Battery systems

• Solar Systems

• Wind Powered Systems

All modern transceivers run on 12 Volts DC. With the exception of AC mains power supplies, all other systems supply DC suitable to run a radio. However, various regulators may be necessary, because regulation of solar and wind powered systems is difficult.

Another important consideration, how power is moved from the power supply to the radio, can have a very high impact on ultimate radio performance, especially when transmitting.

10.1 Cabling

Regardless of the type of power supply used, you should design cabling from the power supply to the radio to minimize voltage drop. This drop occurs because wire is not a perfect conductor of electricity. The longer the distance between a power supply and a radio, the greater the voltage drop will be.

SGC recommends placing a power supply no more than 25 feet from a radio. There are two reasons for this:

First. The voltage drop experienced over 25 feet, even when large conductor cabling is used, is not acceptable.

Second. The longer the power cabling, the more chance that it will fail due to any number of unforeseen circumstances.

When electricity flows from the power supply to the radio at low current levels, the internal resistance of the wire has little effect. But as current increases, the voltage drop becomes more pronounced.

Now apply that to your power wiring: turn on the radio at a low power level, such as the receive mode where little power is drawn, and things will likely be just fine with number 16 or number 14 wire at 25 feet; but turn on the transmitter, where lots of

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power is drawn, and nothing may work correctly because the voltage will drop dramatically.

Let's consider wire sizes between the power source and the radio. At 25 feet we recommend number 6 wire. At 12 feet we also recommend number 6. At 2 feet we recommend number 8, but we use number 6 because its more in line with our practice of building generous margins into all SGC products.

10.2 AC Power Supplies

There are two ways to convert high voltages AC from either 110 or 220 Volts to DC voltages suitable for operation of an HF radio, generally 12 Volts DC: conventional transformer-rectifier power supplies and switching type power supplies.

SGC does not recommend switching type power supplies for continuous commercial service for two reasons: First, unless the switching power supply is of exceptional design and properly installed, it will generate RF “hash” which will create a high local noise level. Second, switching type power supplies of inferior design are not as capable of continuous duty operation.

Some switching power supplies are quite good. Unfortunately, they are also very expensive and not as cost effective as a transformer-rectifier type power supply.

10.3 Transformer-Rectifier Supplies

Transformer-rectifier power supplies are by far the most reliable available. They are able to operate over a wide range of input voltages and offer resistance to failure under periodic overload conditions which would cause a switching type supply to fail.

Supply voltages for such power supplies are generally 110 and 220 volts AC with a frequency of either 50 or 60 Hz. Many aircraft also have 400 Hz AC available from their engine-driven alternators, but in these instances, it is usually better to power equipment from 24 volts (generally available on aircraft) than install a power supply to operate equipment from the 400 Hz AC power source.

High peak current is an important consideration if you are planning to operate in the voice mode. But if you are planning to operate in the data mode or will be using the transmitter on a more continuous basis, output capacity is less a factor than how heavily-built the transformer in the power supply is.

SGC does not generally recommend switching type power supplies in either a mobile or a base station installation for these two reasons: first, switching power supplies easily generate noise from the switching circuitry; second, under heavy loads, the switching type power supplies tend to stall and cause an interruption of power to your radio.

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10.4 Mobile Power Supplies

In virtually all mobile power supplies, the source of power is the alternator or generator system of a vehicle and the battery. There are several principals of good design that come into play in the mobile environment which you should consider when going mobile on HF.

First, HF takes a lot of power on transmit. While you can use a single battery to power both the vehicle and the radio, SGC recommends the installation of an additional battery in all cases where this is practical. The reason for this is that the output voltage from a battery drops as the load increases. The more reserve current capacity, the lower the voltage drop under high intermittent power demands.

Some vehicles operate on 24 volt power in the mobile and marine services. There are two approaches which can be taken. First, you can put in a 24 volt to 12 volt converter. This is usually expensive. A much less expensive approach is to look for a 24 volt system which uses two 12 volt batteries in series. If you are fortunate to find this type of installation, simply use the 12 volt battery which has its negative post tied to ground and the positive lug at 12 volts above ground. Never use the battery on the other half!

In mobile operations, the biggest problem you will run into will be noise. While noise sources are easily found in fixed locations, in the mobile environment, including marine applications, noise sources may vary depending on engine speed and other variables.

Mobile power sources are notoriously noisy. Generators and alternators are only part of the problem which you will encounter. The presence of ignition sources including the coil, distributor and the spark plugs complicates matters. The best solution is to use a diesel engine and eliminate the ignition issue entirely.

When you are installing an HF system in a mobile setting, one of the best pieces of troubleshooting equipment you'll find is a small portable AM broadcast band transistor radio. With this radio, tuned to the highest end of its range (usually around 1600 KHz), you can use it as a hand-held noise probe to quickly identify sources of noise.

Good design practice dictates putting capacitors across the alternator or generator output and across the primary leads to the coil/distributor and at fans and other electrically operated devices. We've even found cases where power windows in a vehicle would cause RF “hash” on receive. The point is that you almost never have too many capacitors.

Ignition wire can be both a source of grief and a source of joy, depending on the vehicle. Most vehicles in North America come with resistor-type ignition wiring. This wiring has about 10 K ohms of resistance from the distributor to the spark plug. If you have a vehicle with solid ignition wiring and you experience RF “hash,” a 10 K ohm, 10 watt

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resistor in series with the ignition wire and installed at the distributor will usually help matters.

When you are tracking down ignition noise near a gasoline engine, you may find that the distributor is a major source of noise. Generally, you can't use capacitors to reduce noise from a distributor because the noise is coming from the spark generated for ignition. Adding enough capacitance to change the rise time of the spark voltage to a lower value which will reduce RF “hash” delays the time the spark will gap inside the engine. This means that timing will be changed (delayed) if a purely capacitive answer is sought.

Here, shielding of the distributor and wiring is likely to be the best answer. Even when you put shielding on the outside of ignition wires, you create a capacitor. Depending on the type of ignition system and the length of the spark plug wires, you may find timing retarded to the point that an engine will not deliver good performance without adjustment of timing.

10.5 Solar Powered Chargers

Not much needs to be said about solar charging systems except that good design practice needs to be followed to provide operation under all conditions which are expected to be encountered.

The most critical element in design of an HF solar power system is local weather conditions. If you are designing a solar system for an area where there will be little sunlight for many days in a row, then a large battery system will be needed along with additional solar panels. On the other hand, if you are designing for an area where there is a lot of sunshine at all times of the year, then you will need fewer panels; in some cases two 53-watt panels and one good gel cell battery will be sufficient.

Seasonality is also a consideration. Obviously, in the high Arctic, solar power is ideal for the month or two during the year when the sun never goes down. But in the other months, solar power is not a good idea. Hence, another consideration should be latitude where a solar system will be installed and a calculation of the number of hours of daylight which will be available.

The kind of regulator which is selected to control the output of the solar panel(s) is very important. It should operate over a wide range of loads and should continue to provide trickle charging to keep the battery system charged to its fullest between operating sessions.

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11.0 Antenna Systems

The function of an antenna is to couple radio energy into space and the most important factor in considering an antenna is to realize an inescapable law of physics: big antennas are capable of doing a better job of coupling energy into space than are small antennas at any given frequency.

The single most important formula to know in dealing with antennas is that the size of a 1/2 wavelength dipole antenna is:

468 divided by the frequency in Megahertz.

(468/F MHz = 1/2 Wave in feet)

The second most important fact to remember is that, due to space considerations, oftentimes the size of a MF or an HF antenna is a quarter wavelength.

This means for example that at 10 MHz (The frequency of the US National Bureau of Standards time and frequency standard stations WWV and WWVH) a half wavelength is 46.8 feet and a quarter wavelength is 23.4 feet. By the same token a broadcast station at 1 MHz (1000 KHz) has a quarter wavelength of 234 feet while a quarter wavelength at 100 MHz in the FM broadcast band is only 2.34 feet.

An antenna does not have to be a physical quarter wavelength in order to work efficiently: shortened antennas can be used. But any time an antenna is less than a physical quarter wavelength it will not have as much gain — or efficiency of coupling energy into space — as will a larger antenna. Use of a high performance antenna coupler, such as an SG-230 Smartuner™, Smartuner™ Pro, or SG-235, will improve performance of all antennas dramatically.

Short antennas represent some compromise. However, in many cases they can give good performance, especially in applications such as mobile HF work and in loops which are used where space is limited and noise levels are high. In other words, there are antennas which will provide performance better than a quarter wavelength antenna for a specific application.

Antenna length is not the only consideration. Another important factor is antenna wire size

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11.1 Antenna Wire Size

Antennas are working their best when current in the antenna is high. A large wire will radiate more efficiently than a small wire.

Stranded wires will also radiate better than solid wires. Because AC electrical voltages are carried by the surface of a wire, stranded wire has more surface area and therefore radiates more efficiently.

If you wanted to design a good half wavelength antenna for HF work, you would select the largest wire possible because you know that at power levels of 150 watts and up, the difference between number 14 wire and number 6 wire can be as much as 3 dB. This means that just changing the wire size can double the effective radiated power coming from an antenna.

If you want to get the effect of a higher power transmitter, just increase the size of antenna wire. You can easily make a 150 watt radio perform like a 300 watt radio.

Another consideration with any antenna is the size and location of the counterpoise, the electrical “mirror” of an antenna. In the case of a center-fed dipole, it is the "cold" end of the dipole. On a vertical antenna, it is the ground system or the metal of a vehicle which is acting as a mirror. The counterpoise must be larger than the antenna or the system will not radiate effectively.

If you are ever working on an HF radio and you get RF “bites” when your hand touches the equipment or your lips touch a metallic microphone, you likely have a situation where the antenna is electrically "bigger" than the ground or counterpoise and so the counterpoise is radiating.

The height of an antenna over ground or counterpoise varies by the kind of antenna which is in use because this determines the take-off angle of the radiated signal. This is not an issue with vertical antennas as much as with horizontally mounted antennas.

In a vertical antenna the ground, or counterpoise, is parallel to the surface of the earth. Since the maximum radiation from vertical antennas is shaped something like a donut with a pencil through it with the pencil representing the antenna, you can see how the ground (which would slice the donut shaped RF pattern horizontally) would have little effect on take-off angle.

When you turn the antenna (yes, and that donut and pencil) over on its side to represent a horizontally mounted antenna, the donut becomes two half donuts lying on the surface of the earth. The take off angle — which is the amount of energy going toward the horizon — is lowered as the horizontal antenna moves up from ground level. The angle approaches its minimum one wavelength or more above ground.

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There are also some other effects on antenna performance when it is raised up from ground. At low levels, down close to the ground, an antenna will exhibit a certain impedance (usually lower than at higher elevations). As a dipole antenna is moved up from the ground, it will go to a higher impedance until it settles at between 50 and 72 ohms at one wavelength over the ground.

Radio signals are polarized. This means that a signal coming from a vertical antenna will be best received by a vertical antenna, provided that the antennas are of equal gain. This means that even though a quarter wavelength vertical will likely be heard at distance better on a similar vertical than on a horizontal dipole antenna, a horizontal antenna array with substantial gain, such as a log periodic beam, will receive the signal better than either the vertical or horizontal dipole. Antenna gain is the best investment you can make because it works for you both in the transmit mode and in the receive mode.

A couple of other comments about polarization: most of the noises which you hear from over the horizon are vertically polarized so a horizontally polarized antenna will be quieter. And there are, in addition, circularly polarized antennas such as large delta loop antennas on low frequencies and quad type loops on the higher HF frequencies.

11.2 Near Vertical Incidence Skywave

Not all HF SSB work is done at transcontinental or intercontinental range. There is often a need to operate at close-in distances of less than 400 km. HF can provide a good solution for this type of communications. The technique is called Near Vertical Incident Skywave propagation (NVIS).

The NVIS antenna works on principles opposite those which lead to good long distance communications. Instead of sending maximum signal toward the horizon to hit the ionosphere at a shallow angle hundreds of miles away, the objective in NVIS antennas is to bounce almost straight up and come back down. While this antenna works great in the daytime and at short distances, it is very poor at night or when longer distances are being attempted.

NVIS antennas are generally low frequency antennas which operate from 2 to 7 MHz. The effect on performance of NVIS and groundwave radiation at these frequencies can only be established over a period of several days and several nights of operating.

11.3 Base Station and Fixed Antennas

With the discussion of some basic antenna principles in mind, you must decide what kind of antenna to install for a fixed station. If distances to be communicated are long, say over 1,000 Km, then a low angle of radiation is desired. The antennas which work best for these purposes are either vertical antennas, dipoles oriented so that their major lobe is in the desired direction (dipole lobes are perpendicular to the wire axis), or beam antennas.

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At closer distances, inverted “L” wire antennas with a suitable high efficiency coupler such as an SG-230 work very well. Dipoles, folded dipoles, and any other efficient 50 ohm antenna will work well at distances up to 1,000 Km.

Loop antennas are best for receiving because they are quieted by presenting a short circuit to local noise pulses from industrial and commercial sources. But loop antennas need to be very large at low frequencies to radiate efficiently.

The basic design rule for all fixed antennas is “If you have real estate — use it.” The bigger the antenna — within reason — the more effective the antenna will be. Also, except for NVIS applications, the higher the antenna, the better.

11.4 Antenna Feed Lines

You have to get power from the transmitter or transceiver to an antenna. To do this you need a transmission line. A lot of “old timers” in HF believe to this day that high impedance feedlines are best, but science doesn't agree with that point of view.

High impedance feedlines worked so well in the “old days” because tube type transmitters had a final amplifier impedance of between 5,000 and 10,000 ohms. Matching 5,000 ohms to a 500 ohm feedline meant a transformation of 10 to 1 — a simple task for a transformer — which is what the output section of a transmitter is.

Changing the match to 50 ohm lines meant the matching transformer had to match 100 to 1 — a more difficult chore with the opportunity for a lot more loss if everything wasn't properly adjusted.

With the advent of solid state radio equipment, the rules turned upside down. Now, a final transistor LPA (Linear Power Amplifier) impedance runs in the neighborhood of 1 to 2 ohms. This means that a 500 ohm line would be a 1- to -500 or 1- to -250 match — and not very good odds of getting things just right. The 50 ohm feedline represents a 1to -25 or a 1- to -50 match — which is easily and safely designed.

Given this little bit of history, if you do not have the luxury of having a transmitter right at the antenna site — and this usually only happens in the case of AM broadcast band Medium Wave transmitters — then the best way to get RF from point "A" to point "B" is via 50 ohm impedance coaxial cable.

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11.5 Antenna Couplers

If the transmitter and the feedline are both 50 ohms and the antenna is 100 ohms, a mismatch will occur. A portion of the power coming from the transmitter which should be radiated by the antenna will be "reflected" back toward the transmitter. As this occurs, standing waves develop on the feedline. The ratio of the peak voltage going to the antenna and the measured peak voltage reflected back to the transmitter by an unmatched condition is called Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR).

When a VSWR (SWR for short) exceeds about 2 to 1, the HF transmitter will reduce power to reduce stress on components. Reflected power has nowhere to go but to be turned into heat. This heat can be dissipated by the coax feedline or it can be dissipated by components in the output circuit of a transmitter. Either way, one of the rules of HF equipment is “heat is bad!” So it is in SWR considerations.

You can reduce SWR either by changing the length of the antenna or by introducing a matching network which will precisely match the conditions of the antenna to the requirements of the feedline: an antenna coupler.

If the SWR presented by an antenna is less than 2— to —1, the addition of an antenna coupler will make only a modest improvement in the transfer of energy. If the SWR exceeds 2 to 1, however, the results can be dramatic from this one piece of equipment.

One of the problems with earlier coupler designs was that the coupler was either a manual tuning device, such as a series of capacitors and roller inductors which had knobs and cranks on them, or the job was handled by large servo-motors which read voltages and made adjustments accordingly. But neither of these approaches was good enough for the new technology which has become available and which includes the next generation of adaptive HF radio controllers.

So SGC began to build computer controlled antenna couplers including the SG-230 and SG-235 Smartuner™ couplers. SGC began building the servo-motor type automatic couplers in 1975 so the transition to a computerized coupler with extremely fast retune times was a logical development. The SGC Smartuner™ is widely acknowledged as the finest antenna coupler available. We encourage you to use a Smartuner™ with the SG2000 because few antennas will provide an even load over the wide range of frequencies covered by the SG-2000.

11.6 Mobile Antennas

The standard whip antenna used in the HF environment has a brief but interesting history related to the Citizen's Band radio craze which swept the United States in the 1970's. The "generic" 108 inch long stainless steel whip, while it could be mounted in such a way as to operate at 27 MHz without any coils, traps or matching network, it is

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not generally well built and may fail when used in commercial service because of its poor base insulation and its lack of a shock absorbing base. It just whips around and doesn't stay where it belongs.

Single element commercial heavy duty antennas such as those made by Hustler are a step in the right direction for lower frequency HF work. Although some companies still sell 108" stainless steel whip-based products, the professional HF person will always choose a center or top loaded whip antenna if a single frequency is to be used.

When a series of frequencies spread across the spectrum is to be used, the professional answer is either to put up with changing loading coils or to put in a continuously loaded helically-wound antenna. This provides a reasonable load to a good antenna coupler at all frequencies from about 1.8 to 30 MHz.

SGC is the only manufacturer to add the good attributes of a 108" whip (which performs well at the 20 MHz range and above) with the high performance of a helical antenna that performs well at the lower frequencies.

The use of an antenna coupler is required on all but the most carefully matched centerand top-loaded mobile whip antennas which present close to a 50 ohm match to the antenna lead.

Although it is tempting to use both a coupler and a center loaded antenna, the center loading element of a loaded antenna already acts as an RF choke at high frequencies. Thus, it actually reduces the effective length of an antenna if used on a high band.

11.7 QMS Recommended for Mobile Use

SGC engineers have discovered that the QMS-II antenna system, comprising an SGC coupler (the SG-230 Smartuner™ or the two new couplers — the SG-230 Smartuner™ Pro and the SG-235) mounted in a QMS and driving the SG-303 high performance whip antenna will typically yield substantial improvement in gain over a conventional 1.8 to 30 MHz HF mobile antenna installation. When we start making claims of 20 dB, a lot of people (maybe even you) will be skeptical. So let us show you how you can get a significant increase in gain by simply using a QMS compared with any other 1.8 to 30 MHz system:

1. Most antennas are so heavy that they are mounted on the bumper of a vehicle. Because of this location, about a third of the antenna is less than a foot from the grounded bodysheet metal. This is equivalent to a capacitor of 25 to 100 pico Farads shorting your antenna. QMS, mounted high on the side of the vehicle, gains 3 to 6 dB.

2. Body sheet metal prevents the antenna from radiating evenly. It shields the signal in certain directions and causes distorted radiation lobes. QMS gains another 3 to 6 dB.

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3. If an antenna coupler is mounted in the trunk of a vehicle, it will have 1 to 2 feet of HV cable going to the antenna on the outside. With as short as a 1-foot lead wire, and using a 9-foot antenna, this means that fully 10% of the antenna system is inside the vehicle where it won't transmit or receive. It also creates another 10 to 100 pico Farads of capacitance which results in more losses! With QMS, you'll pick up 3-6 dB.

4. Wire size of the antenna counts. Almost the resonant type antennas are wound with number 22 wire. The SG-303, the antenna used with the QMS, is wound with 3 millimeter wide tape wire strap — equivalent to AWG # 4 wire. With a 100-watt class transceiver, you'll develop 3 to 7 amps (or more) of RF on the antenna, and 7 amps through #22 wire represents major losses. The QMS with the SG-303 antenna scores another 3-6 dB advantage.

5. The SG-303, is actually two antennas in a single casing. A single rod equivalent to the conventional stainless steel whip element resonates at about 22 MHz; plus a helically wound element resonates at about 10 MHz. This means that on lower frequencies, those under 20 MHz or so, the SG-303 will vastly outperform a conventional 9 foot whip. Chalk up several more dB for QMS.

6. Some hams use the so-called “antenna tuner” built into some radios and feed their antennas directly with coax. The problem is that with a non-resonant antenna, a very high SWR exists on the feedline between the radio and antenna even if you get a low SWR reading with a built in tuner. Built-in tuners are nothing more than trimmers. The QMS system puts a true coupler right at the antenna. When your feedline SWR is above 4 to 1 you have effectively put 29 pico Farads per foot capacitance to ground! That's at least 3 to 6 dB more gain for QMS!

GAIN ADVANTAGE USING QMS!

As you can see, our gain advantage of 20 dB for QMS is pretty conservative! Here's one more thing to remember: QMS mounts without drilling any holes in your vehicle. That's a major advantage at vehicle trade-in time. So, if you're planning to use HF while mobile, SGC's QMS system is the best solution you'll find. Contact your SGC dealer or call SGC direct.

11.8 Unconventional Mobile Antennas

In HF mobile work, there are as many antenna alternatives as there are experienced HF installers.

The "J" antenna is perhaps best described as a bar rail type affair insulated from the top of a van, truck, or other flat roofed vehicle.

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Loop antennas are similar, except that they will go all the way around the top of a vehicle and will have one side grounded to the coupler ground while the other side will be connected to the "hot" antenna lead at the insulator.

A variation on the "J" antenna is something called a "shunt fed" antenna, like a towel bar; it is used by some of our clients on aircraft and on top of various vehicles which have special communications requirements.

Other antennas which may be used successfully on HF may be found in the SG-230 Smartuner manual. We highly recommend the use of one of our Smartuners™ for all HF installations where practical.

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12.0 Operating the SG-2000

Now with licenses, power supply, and antenna out of the way, let's get to the SG-2000 and its features.

This portion of the manual is divided into three sections: syntax, front panel diagram, and key functions.

Key functions are loosely grouped into two categories, basic and advanced. Basic key functions do not require the use of the Shift/Function keys. Advanced operations do require the use of the Shift/Function keys and may involve several key strokes.

The SG-2000 is a very sophisticated piece of equipment which may be operated on either a very simple level or may be used in a very complex manner. Please take time to read this portion of the manual carefully as it will assure satisfactory operation of the equipment for many years to come.

12.1 Syntax

The major differences between the SG-2000 and many other radios on the market are Memory, Channel, Frequency and Memory Bank.

The SG-2000 has a massive memory: Information on 744 channels may be programmed and the major difference between the SG-2000 memory and other radios is that the SG2000 uses a more complicated memory table. While most radios can assign frequencies and modes to any memory position, the SG-2000 architecture goes one step further by allowing assignment of a channel number to any memory.

This means that in a conventional SSB radio, memory number 55 may be programmed to be KMI on ITU channel 403, so that any time this channel was needed, you would have to remember that KMI 403 is Memory #55 on your conventional radio.

The SG-2000 resolves this problem by allowing up to four digits to be used to identify a memory position. Hence, the memory position associated with KMI on ITU channel 403 is stored as memory 403.

We can't overstate the significance of this point. It is one of the reasons that conventional ham radio equipment is not suited to serious offshore use. Suppose that the radio operator with the ham ticket falls overboard on a cruise. Now the persons left aboard, who may not be hams, have to figure out how to run the radio.

With a ham radio type memory, they would have to know where, among the typical 100 memories, were programmed the frequencies for KMI.

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With an SG-2000, all you need to figure out is where the power switch is and know enough to hit the channel button until four dashes appear ( - - - - ), punch in 403 (the channel number desired) and press the channel button again to select the frequency.

From this point, the radio will do the rest. You should know that when an SG-2000 is turned on, the speaker volume automatically comes up to a usable level. And if you are using one of our Smartuners™, it handles the antenna adjustments automatically.

Throughout this manual, we will be using the following terms:

"Memory" refers to the SG-2000 memory — the electronic box full of information.

"Channel" refers to the pre-programmed international standard channels which are

permanently etched into the SG-2000 at the factory along with our own 65-channel collection of ham band edges which are also included.

"User Memory" refers to the user definable positions which you should think of as channels 1 through 99.

"Scan Bank #" refers to one of up to six banks of up to 10 channels each which may be assigned at user discretion.

"Programmed Scan" refers to scanning of the contents of the various scan banks or operating in the band scanning mode.

"Channel Scan" refers to a sequential scan of channels.

"Frequency Scan" refers to scanning up or down from a certain frequency.

"Band Scan" refers to scanning a range of frequencies defined by a lower and upper

limit. This may also be referred to as bracketed scanning defined by an upper frequency and lower frequency.

Again, "Channels" has two meanings:

• A channel is a memory reference number assigned to a particular frequency.

• It also may be the ITU channel designator number.

User memories have numbers 1 through 99.

One other important concept related to memory is that the SG-2000 handles assignment of information based on channel number. This means that when you wish to delete a channel, you must handle deletion from the channel display, not the frequency display.

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One other question that comes up from mariners from time to time is why some manufacturers refer to HF channels as “6A,” “4B,” and so forth. The “A” stands for the first simplex channel within a particular marine radio band when counted from lowest to highest frequency. Channel 6A would be ITU channel number 650 on a simplex frequency of 6215.0 KHz. This is also the 6 MHz band Distress frequency. Similarly, channel 4B would be 4146.0 KHz, the second simplex frequency on the 4 MHz band better known as ITU channel 451.

Channels 1-99 displayed on the SG-2000 are user defined.

Channels 100-200 may be factory assigned.

Channel numbers over 200 refer to the official ITU channel number .

12.2 Front Panel

The front panel of the control head of the SG-2000 radio is shown in the picture below. The next section, Key Functions, refers to the keys on this picture.

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12.3 Push-Button Functions

BASIC FUNCTIONS

Power ON/OFF Press POWER

NOTE: When you first turn on the SG-2000, it will automatically switch to the last frequency used.

Monitor 2182 KHz Press EMER

Send Emergency ALARM Press EMER + SHIFT/FUNC

WARNING: Do not test this function unless you are operating the SG-2000 into a properly shielded dummy load. Otherwise, authorities such as the U.S. Coast Guard may begin a search effort.

Increase Volume Press Up Arrow to increase or Down Arrow to decrease

volume

Clarifier Press CLAR then Up Arrow or Down Arrow

NOTE: The Clarifier (receiver offset) has a range of +/600 Hz

Display Frequency Press FREQ

Display Channel Press CHAN

Change Channel Press CHAN until 4 dashes appear, enter channel

number, CHAN

EXAMPLE: To call KMI on channel 401 press: CHAN , 401

, CHAN

FREQUENCY FUNCTIONS

Enter a SIMPLEX Frequency Press PRGM , FREQ enter frequency, PRGM

NOTE: When a programming sequence begins with PRGM, you must press PRGM at the end of

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the key sequence to execute the sequence.

EXAMPLE: To enter the simplex frequency 3920.5 KHz, you would

Press PRGM , FREQ 39205 PRGM

Enter a DUPLEX Frequency Press PRGM , FREQ enter receive frequency FREQ

enter mode FREQ enter transmit frequency PRGM

EXAMPLE: To enter the duplex frequency 3920.5 KHz receive,

3815.3 KHz transmit and Lower Sideband, you would press:

PRGM , FREQ

39205 FREQ 1 FREQ 38153 PRGM

NOTE: The 1 key toggles selection of LSB or USB in this example.

Increment Frequency Press FREQ then Up Arrow or Down Arrow

Change Frequency Step Press SHIFT/FUNC , FREQ then Up Arrow

Down Arrow to select step SHIFT/FUNC

[Note: Frequency step is shown on Liquid Crystal Display -LCD]

CHANNEL FUNCTIONS

Display Channel Press CHAN

Change Channel Press CHAN until 4 dashes appear, enter channel number,

CHAN

EXAMPLE: To call KMI on channel 401 press CHAN ,

401, CHAN

MODE FUNCTIONS

USB/LSB Toggle Press 1 Observe front panel display changes

Voice - Telex Filter Switch Press 2 Observe front panel display changes

Squelch On / Off Press 3 Observe front panel display changes and

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receiver is silenced if no signal is present.

Speaker On - Off Press 4 Observe front panel display changes and

speaker is silenced when SPK light is extinguished on LCD.

Timer On - Off Press 5 Observe "TIMER" indication over clock portion

on LCD.

Time - Date Display Press 6 Displays clock time or date on front panel.

Intercom On - Off Press 7 enter # of remote head desired or 7 ,

0 for all heads

20 dB Attenuator On - Off Press 8 Observe front panel display changes

Power High - Low Press 9 Observe HI PWR or LO PWR flag on LCD.

SHIFT FUNCTIONS

Back light Set Press SHIFT/FUNC , CHAN then Up Arrow or Down Arrow

Display control head ID Press SHIFT/FUNC , 0

View Timer Frequency On Press SHIFT/FUNC , 1

Alarm Time - Frequency Off Press SHIFT/FUNC , 2

Squelch Level Set Press SHIFT/FUNC , 3 then Up Arrow or

Down Arrow

Noise Blanker On - Off Press SHIFT/FUNC , 4

Beep each key stroke Press SHIFT/FUNC , 5

Alternate Time - Date Press SHIFT/FUNC , 6

SWR Forward - Reverse Press SHIFT/FUNC , 9

SCAN FUNCTIONS

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Scan by FREQUENCY RADIO MUST BE IN FREQUENCY DISPLAY MODE. PRESS

FREQ BEFORE ACCESSING THIS FUNCTION. THEN:

Press SCAN then Up Arrow or Down Arrow

Change Scan Direction While Scanning, press Up Arrow or Down Arrow

Change Frequency Step While scanning by frequency, Press SHIFT/FUNC , FREQ

then Up Arrow or Down Arrow Steps of .1, .5, 1, 3, 5 KHz

may be selected.

CHANNEL SCAN

Scan by CHANNEL Press SCAN ,

CHAN (if dashes displayed, press CHAN again) , then

Up Arrow or Down Arrow

Scan Rate While Scanning Press SHIFT/FUNC , SCAN , Up Arrow or

Down Arrow

(8 bars =Fastest, 1 bar = Slowest)

Scan by Scan Bank(s) Press SCAN (if freq. displayed, press CHAN again) , enter

bank #(s), then SCAN

Define Scan Bank Press PRGM , SCAN enter bank # (0-9), enter channel #

in bank, OPTIONAL - press Up or Down for next scan

bank memory], PRGM

Delete Scan Bank Press PRGM , SCAN enter bank # Up Arrow ,

SHIFT/FUNC 7

DEFINE MEMORY

Define User Channel Simplex Press PRGM , CHAN enter channel #, FREQ enter

RCV frequency, FREQ set parameters, PRGM . (RCV

means "Receive")

Define User Channel Duplex Press PRGM , CHAN enter channel #, FREQ enter

RCV frequency, FREQ set parameters, FREQ enter

TX frequency, PRGM

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Delete User Channel Press PRGM , CHAN enter channel # to delete, CHAN

(Begin with Channel Display) SHIFT/FUNC , 7 , PRGM

TIMER FUNCTIONS

Set Time ON Press PRGM , 5 on time Down Arrow , off time PRGM

Set Timer On Frequency Press PRGM , 5 , FREQ receive frequency FREQ mode

PRGM

Set Timer on CHAN Press PRGM , 5 , CHAN enter CHAN number PRGM

12.4 Sample Entries

Marine Use: Here's all you need to do to call the AT&T Marine Operator on

ITU Channel 401:

It's easy to call the POWER To turn on the radio

Marine Operator! CHAN Until 4 dashes appear.

4 0 3 Channel number desired

CHAN To execute channel change.

Ham Radio Use: Here's all you need to do to get on to 14,290.0 in the 20 Meter

Ham Band and tune down the band from this frequency:

POWER To turn on the radio

PRGM , FREQ Six dashes will appear

1 4 2 9 0 0 Frequency desired

PRGM To execute frequency change.

Then, to QSY down the band (move frequency down) simply

touch:

Move to any Frequency FREQ , Down Arrow

in 100 Hz steps! If you hold the down arrow, you will keep moving down

the band. You can change the size of the frequency step easily. See Frequency Functions.

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13.0 Tour of the SG-2000

The heart of the SG-2000 is the front panel. We have made that as uncluttered as possible while still being able to handle many advanced functions. The front panel of the SG-2000 is dominated by a large liquid crystal display (LCD) which dominates the front panel. The large display was selected because in many applications, the operating conditions of the radio need to be quickly determined. The large backlit display is easily read under all conditions. The backlight may be turned on and off or adjusted as conditions indicate. Now, lets explore the display and what the various LCD indicators mean.

13.1 Front Panel LED Display

REFER TO DRAWING - PAGE 43 (Left to Right - Top half of display)

PRGM Upper left corner of display. This indicates when the radio is

in the Program mode. This mode is used to make permanent or temporary changes to the memories of the SG-2000. Think of this button as the "Enter" key.

SCAN Upper left corner of display. This is activated when the radio

is Scanning. Note that the SG-2000 has several ways to scan: by Channel, by Frequency, and by Band. These functions are fully explained in the section Advanced Operations, later in this manual.

CHAN FREQ RCV XMT

Upper left corner of display. These are status indicator lights

which tell you what the SG-2000 is doing at any particular moment. Most times, you will have two of the four status indicators on. If you are listening to KMI on Channel 403, you would have the CHAN indicator on and the RCV indicator on. This tells you that the number on the display, to the right of the indicator is showing a channel number, in this case, 403. It also says that the radio is in the receive mode, as indicated by the RCV indicator.

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LCD Numerals Upper center of display. This shows the frequency or the

channel which is being used by the SG-2000. Just left of the numerals is a flag which indicated "CHN" if channel information is displayed or "FRQ" if frequency is being displayed.

A3J A3H A3A CW USB LSB VOC TLX SPK SQL TND ATT NB Upper right corner of radio. These indicators show the

current mode of transmitting/receiving (A3J, A3H, A3A, CW), whether upper or lower sideband is selected (USB LSB), status of the voice/telex filter (VOC, TLX), whether speaker and squelch are activated (SPK, SQL), whether the antenna coupler is reporting tuned system (TND), if the 20 dB receive attenuator is active (ATT) and if the optional noise blanker (NB) is active.

REFER TO DRAWING - PAGE 43 (Left to Right - Bottom Half of Display)

Timer Lower left corner of display. Indicates on or off status of

radio timer.

Small Numerals Lower left corner of display. Displays either the date or the

time from the SG-2000 system clock.

FWD S or SWR Lower left center of display. In receive, the letter S is

displayed and the bar graph to the right of the S will indicate relative signal strength. In transmit, either FWD or SWR will be displayed. Forward power is transmitter power going to the antenna. Alternatively, in transmit, SWR may be displayed. See section 11.5 of this manual for a description of SWR. (A good automatic antenna coupler, such as the SG230 or SG-235 Smartuner™, will virtually eliminate SWR on antenna feed lines and increase transmitter efficiency.)

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INTCM Lower center of display over bar graph. It indicates the

intercom feature to another control head is active. (You can activate this feature on an SG-2000 with no additional heads attached, but no one will hear you!)

Bar Graph Lower center of display. Small numbers show under graph

(10, 20, 50, 100). The bar graph displays relative strength of received signals and relative strength of transmitted signals.

TEMP Lower right corner of display. This light indicates a tem-

perature condition which is abnormal for the transmitter and means that transmitter power output is being reduced to correct the condition.

HI LO PWR Lower left corner of display. This indicates whether the

transmitter is in the high or low power mode. High power output is 150 watts PEP on SSB and 150 watts CW while low power is 50 watts PEP and CW output.

Red LED's These two red lights are located in the lower left corner of

the SG-2000 control panel just above the power switch.

The right hand light of this pair indicates that 12 VDC power

is being applied to the radio and that the crystal oven, used for the onboard frequency standard, is available and is being supplied.

The left hand light above the power switch indicates that the

radio's electronics are on and ready for operation. Please always allow for 10 minutes of warm-up for the crystal oven to insure the frequency standard has stabilized. This is especially important when the SG-2000 is being operated in extremely cold environments. The radio will, of course, work when first turned on with no warm up, but may be slightly off frequency in violation of regulations which govern operations.

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13.2 Front Panel Controls

Control of the SG-2000 is accomplished through push buttons located on the front panel of the radio. We will cover the functions of each button; then we will do some actual “on-the-air” operations in the Operating Session section.

The primary functions of each button are imprinted on the button itself. The yellow 1 button is the number 1 when you are entering a frequency. When you are listening to the radio, it will toggle between LSB and USB (see Section 13.3 below). Shift functions are printed on the front panel above and below the button. These advanced functions are accessed by use of the Shift/Function key.

The key pad of the SG-2000 may be operated with or without a confirming beep when each key is pressed.

13.3 Primary Keyboard Functions

In this section, we will discuss the various primary keyboard functions beginning with the top row of buttons and working left to right.

SHIFT/ FUNC Pressing this key accesses the alternate key functions which are

screened on the front panel of the SG-2000.

PRGM Pressing this key activates the programming mode, which tells

the SG-2000 what to do. The best way to think of the Program function is to remember that commands must be “sandwiched between Program commands.” For example, to program a simplex frequency directly into use, the keyboard sequence is PRGM, FREQ, enter the digits of the desired frequency and press PRGM to finish the programming operation. You will note that FREQ and the actual digits of the frequency desired were sandwiched between the PRGM key strokes.

It is best to think of the Program button as meaning both

“Program” and “Enter.”

CHAN If the frequency desired is currently displayed, the CHAN

button will change the display to the corresponding channel number if the frequency has been assigned to one of the channel memories. If the desired frequency is displayed, but does not have a corresponding channel, the CHAN button enables the user to input a preprogrammed channel of their choosing .

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The SG-2000 comes preprogrammed with all standard marine

ITU and most SITOR channels (see ITU programmed frequency chart). The SG-2000 has the capability to hold up to 100 operator chosen channels in permanent memory.

MODE Display of the current mode is in the upper right corner of

the LCD display. The mode operation button allows the user to sequence through 4 modes of operations. The modes of operations are:

1) A3H: AM/AM compatible. On receive, this is the AM

mode and utilizes the SG-2000's true AM detector. In transmit, the SG-2000 transmits compatible AM (sometimes called AME, meaning AM equivalent) which is single sideband with 40-50 W of the carrier re-inserted.

2) A3J: Single Sideband. This is the most commonly used

method of voice transmission and is very efficient because all the transmitter power is devoted to carrying voice information. No power is wasted by transmitting a carrier.

3) A3A: Single Sideband with pilot carrier. This mode

has a 4% pilot carrier reinsertion. This is commonly used among public shore stations and ITU stations where the carrier can be locked on and used by automated services.

4) CW mode: This mode is used for key coded

transmissions. While in this mode the user can only transmit a 1 KHz tone by either keying the microphone or Morse code key.

These modes are sequenced counter clock-wise on the LCD

display and are stored with the current configuration when the unit is turned off. Mode information may be stored as desired in the channel memory which also stores transmit and receive frequencies.

LSB - USB The use of this button directs the transceiver to operate

either upper sideband (USB) or lower sideband (LSB). U.S. and International Marine and Commercial regulations require that only upper sideband be used in marine frequency operation. Lower sideband may be used for Government or special applications only. In the amateur bands, frequencies on 40 meters (the 7 MHz band) and lower have traditionally employed lower sideband.

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VOC - TLX The standard SG-2000 has two selectable audio filters which

allow the user to optimize the reception of incoming voice or data signals. The Voice filter, (VOC) allows a wide band width of 400 Hz to 2400 Hz. The second, the Telex (TLX) filter, is a tight filter centered at 1700 Hz. This filter increases the "signal to noise ratio" of the frequencies used in SITOR, RTTY, and FEC communications by removing unwanted noise.

Technical note for advanced users: SG-2000's which have been ordered for ALE (Automatic Link Establishment), or adaptive HF controller service employing Digital Signal Processing (DSP) systems are specially modified to use the VOC-TLX switch to turn the automatic (receiver) gain circuits (AGC) on and off. This configuration is selected by moving a jumper on the exciter board of the radio. ALE and other advanced government protocols require that automatic gain control circuits be defeated. This modification allows the AGC speed switch to be called via the serial port. The modification removes the TLX filter function which is not used under wide spectrum digital protocols. The PRC-2250 MIL is supplied standard with the ALE modification selected by the internal jumper.

SQL The squelch is used to block non-voice reception (e.g.

atmospheric background noise) and is incorporated in most SSB transceivers. The SG-2000 converts the signal to a digital form. The signal is then analyzed by the micro-processor to determine if it is a voice signal. If the signal is determined to be voice, it is allowed to pass. If not, the radio remains silent. This feature provides a faster response time to the incoming signal so that no data is lost.

SPK This button will engage the front panel speaker on or off. This

feature is utilized when the privacy of using a telephone style handset is desired. The SG-2000 back panel speaker jack (J-505) is also controlled by this switch. Please note that when the SG2000 is first turned on, all control heads are nor-malized at one half volume, regardless of the last setting of the SPK switch.

Note: External Speaker jack J-505 is only usable when the SG-

2000 is used in the control head attached to the radio configuration.

20 DB ATTN This control inserts or removes a special -20 dB receiver gain

reduction pad in the front end receiver of the SG-2000. When this pad is in the ON position, the SG-2000 reduces it's sensitivity to overcome unwanted RF noise, interference signals

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and helps to prevent signal overload when communicating with nearby stations. Signal overload occurs only when your location is extremely close to another transmitting station or the amount of signal arriving at your location is extremely high due to high power transmitters and high gain directional antennas being used.

If your SG-2000 is operated in the area of high power broad-

cast stations, you will appreciate that the SG-2000 comes with a Broadcast Band filter. This filter will virtually eliminate all AM broadcast signals allowing the SG-2000 to operate in the same room with very high power AM broadcast transmitters.

PWR HI / LO Power to the transmitter is controlled by this button. When

power is reduced, or on LO, the maximum output power is approximately 35% of the full power available. This feature can be used when your normal power output is overloading (saturating) the receiver of the station with whom you are communicating. In the LO power mode, the SG-2000 consumes less DC current and will therefore reduce power consumption from the supply battery. This feature is recommended to save the life of the battery and is useful when using the SG-2000 under sail or when solar and other power sources are low.

INTCM / XCV The SG-2000's intercom system is unique, allowing

communication between the user and any or all of up to eight separate control heads. By engaging this button and "0", the user may communicate with all control heads by using the microphone. Engaging this button then pressing the number of another control head (1 - 8) enables the user to privately communicate with a specific control head. The control head ID numbers are programmed at the factory and the control head number, which is permanently etched into the memory of the control head MicroProcessor can be displayed by pressing the "SHIFT/FUNC" and then the number 0 on the keypad. The LCD will display the head number in the frequency window.

CLOCK / DATE The lower left hand corner of the display shows the current

time or date. Either option may be selected by engaging this button. The default setting preferred by most users is the clock function. Time is displayed in military (24 hour) format. If you are making position sightings, you may wish to check the clock periodically against the U.S. Bureau of Standards time stations, WWV and WWVH. These may be found 24 hours a

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day on 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 MHz providing time of day, storm warnings and navigation aid updates including the status of GPS satellites.

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TIMER This button engages/disables the alarm time programmed into

the unit. (See Function Operation Instructions). When engaged, the unit will automatically shut down at midnight if there is no previous pre-programmed time. The SG-2000 may be programmed to turn on, tune to a pre-assigned frequency and mode of operation to receive daily broadcasts. At the end of these broadcasts, the radio can then be programmed to turn itself off.

This feature is used to schedule receiving weather faxes in

unattended operation. It may also turn on the radio for a regularly scheduled net or if you want to use the SG-2000 as a sophisticated clock radio.

FREQ This function displays the frequency being received or trans-

mitted. If the Channel is currently displayed, pressing the Frequency key will switch the display to the receive frequency of the channel. If the frequency is being displayed, pressing this key, then the up or down arrows will change the operating frequency of the radio.

If an arrow button is depressed and held down, the SG-2000

will begin tuning in discrete steps ( as small as 100 Hz or as large as 5 KHz) until the button is released or the end of it's frequency range is reached. The size of the frequency steps is adjustable. See the Shift/Function section for details of changing frequency steps using the SHIFT/FUNC + FREQ command.

SCAN The Scan button engages the automatic scanning functions of

the SG-2000. The scanning function operates in three different modes; scanning by frequency, scanning by channel, and scanning by scan bank. Scanning may also be controlled by an external device such as a computer or ALE controller. When operated by an ALE controller the SG-2000 will scan at speeds in excess of 5 channels per second. Manual operation is variable from 5 seconds per channel to approximately 5 channels per second.

In the frequency mode, the SG-2000 will scan up or down in

discrete steps defined by the Step Function. By pressing either the up or down arrow, the direction of the scan can be changed to direct the scan to the desired frequency range. If the squelch is activated in scan, the unit will continue scanning until activity breaks the squelch. The unit will then pause for 5

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seconds and if there are no more breaks in the squelch, the unit will continue in the original direction.

The scan channel mode is similar to the frequency mode in that

when activated, the unit will begin to scan factory programmed ITU-VOICE and ITU-SITOR channels. The direction of the scan can be changed using the up and down arrows. When pressing the arrows in scan, the unit will step once in that direction and then pause for approximately 2 seconds. This will allow the manual stepping through of the scan routine to find activity. The ITU or SITOR channels can be selected by first setting the radio in VOC or TELEX modes respectively.

The programmed scan mode allows you to program channels

into one of six banks or files for scanning. There are six banks with up to 10 files in each, allowing up to 60 channels to be programmed. When scanning, the unit will search through the selected banks at a pre-determined rate.

This scan rate may be changed at any time using the

SHIFT/FUNC + RATE. keys. If the squelch is on during the scan routing, scanning will pause on a squelch break. If there is no further activity on that channel, scanning will resume after 5 seconds. The up/down arrows can be used to change the direction of the scan and to step through the scan banks manually.

13.4 Shift Functions

To access the secondary function keys on the upper half on the front panel, the operator will depress the SHIFT/FUNC key prior to pressing the desired key. Secondary functions of keys (The functions printed above the buttons on the panel) are described as follows:

Back Light This function engages the back lighting of the front panel. To

change the back lighting, press “SHIFT FUNCTION,” “CHANNEL,” then use the up or down arrow to adjust the back lighting to a comfortable level.

Control Head # This key is used to view the Control Head number pre-

programmed by the manufacturer (see INTCM-XCV key in preceding section).

View Timer These two keys are used to preview the pre-programmed

alarm times and their corresponding channel or frequency.

SQL Level This function allows you to set a squelch level by using the Up

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or Down arrows. To optimize the squelch level, depress the Up and Down buttons respectively and increase the SQL-Level once or twice. This function allows for optimum detection and minimum background noise. For viewing purposes, the adjustment levels are displayed on the bar coded meter.

Noise Blanker This optional feature allows the radio to recover information

that would otherwise be drowned out by high powered impulse type noise. In noisy environments, engine spark noise, lightning, radar pulses or other EMI sources can cause the radio's built-in automatic gain control to reduce the sensitivity to the input signal. With the noise blanker, incoming noise is detected and turns off the receiver for the length of the noise pulse, thus preventing the automatic gain control from causing desensing.

FWD - SWR This function is used to display the output power and

returned (lost) power when transmitting via the bar graph portion of the display. Widely fluctuating readings of either the FWD or SWR when in the CW transmit mode usually indicate problems such as an improperly tuned antenna or a faulty connection between the radio and antenna. Situations such as these can harm the radio and should be resolved immediately.

Lockout Function not available in this version of SG-2000. (Applies to

custom need. Not to be confused with scanning lockout as described on page 73).

Delete The SHIFT/FUNC plus DELETE sequence is used to delete

obsolete or incorrect information when in the PRGM mode.

Display Engaging this key directs the date and time to flash

intermittently on the display in 2 second intervals, thus allowing the operator hands-free access for viewing time and date.

Beep This key is used to engage audible sound (a beep) when any

key is depressed. To turn off the beeping sound, press the SHIFT/FUNC plus BEEP keys again.

Step The Step function is used in conjunction with the frequency

function to allow the operator to select the size of frequency step. The steps are in preprogrammed increments of .1 (100 Hz), .5 (500 Hz), 1, 3 and 5 KHz. If you are operating in ham bands (and especially when using CW), the 100 Hz (.1 KHz)

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mode is best. On the short wave broadcast bands, scanning at 5 KHz is great!

Rate The Rate function allows you to select pre-programmed

scanning speeds of both frequencies and channels which range from .2 seconds to 40 seconds. See Section 13.11, Changing Frequency or Channel Scan Rates, for specific rates.

13.5 Program Functions

As was mentioned earlier, remember that the PRGM key means two things. At the beginning of a key sequence, it means “OK, do the following.” At the end of a key sequence, it means “OK, enter the preceding and execute the command.”

The Program Functions allow the operator to program the following:

Channel Up to 100 channels can be entered by the operator. These

channels will remain a part of the pre-programming of the unit until deleted by the operator. All pertinent information such as USB/LSB mode, VOC/TLX, and Attenuator can be programmed by means of this function and mode.

Clock / Date The current time or date can be entered by means of this

function.

Timer The Timer function allows the unit to power itself on or off at

any time to a specific preprogrammed frequency or channel of your choice .

Frequency This function is used to select any frequency between 500 KHz

thru 30 MHz (transmit has been disabled below 1.6 MHz.) Care should be taken not to transmit on restricted frequencies.

Scan This function is used to program the different banks used by

the scanning function. The bank number is programmed first, then the desired channels to be contained in that bank. The up or down arrows are used to step through each bank.

Lock Feature The SG-2000 can be limited to channelized operation. This

function is used to prevent transmission on any frequency chosen to be locked out. This is useful in areas where there are restricted frequencies in which to operate. (See Transmit Channel Locking on page 73 of this manual for the sequence to turn the feature on and off.)

13.6 Operating Session

This section will give you practical key entry sequences which will make operating the

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SG-2000 very efficient. Power Before turning on the power to the SG-2000, you may notice a

red stand-by light glowing on the lower left portion of the control head. This indicates the 12 VDC power is available for the radio.

• If you do not see the red stand-by light on, please check

your 12 VDC power wiring to determine why power is not being supplied to the radio.

• The temperature of the onboard crystal oven can be

maintained ready for power-up if the oven switch (on the rear panel of the SGC-2000) supplies 12 VDC power. The red standby light will remain on. (As you will recall from the introduction to the radio, the onboard frequency standard uses a highly stable crystal oscillator.)

• If the temperature of the onboard crystal oven has not

been maintained, allow 12 VDC power to be applied for 10 minutes or longer. If you do not do this, the frequency will not be standard and off-frequency operation may be noticed. Failure to allow the oven to come up to temperature may result in operation on an improper frequency.

Power on. Once the availability of power has been confirmed,

push power button to turn on radio. The control head should start displaying radio status information. The first frequency displayed will be the last frequency used

prior to the radio being turned off. You may also notice when power is turned on that the radio

comes up at partial volume. The SG-2000 always comes on at

its last volume setting before it was last turned off. Display. Now, notice the frequency/channel portion of the

display. The indicator to the left of the numbers will inform

you whether CHN (channel number) or FRQ (frequency) is

being displayed. If Channel is displayed, go to the

CHANNEL section to continue operating in the channel mode.

If you wish to operate in the frequency mode, go to

FREQUENCY section. If you are in CHN and wish to see FRQ, press the “FREQ”

button. If you are in the FRQ mode and wish the display to

show channel information, simply press “CHAN”. If the

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frequency displayed does not have an assigned channel

number, four dashes will appear on the display. This indicates

that the radio is not operating on a channel (and mode) which

is in memory.

13.7 Channel

Change Channel - Voice Mode

In order to change the operating channel, press the CHAN key until four dashes appear. You will need to press it one or two times before the dashes appear.

With the dashes displayed, type in the desired channel number with the key pad. Then press the CHAN key a second time to enter the command.

(Refer to the Quick Reference Card) If the channel desired is a four digit channel number, the function will be

entered automatically following input of the fourth digit.

Change Channel - Telex ModeIf the new operating channel desired involves the use of

the Telex mode, you must change the mode to Telex before attempting to change to a SITOR channel.

This feature is incorporated into the SG-2000's software programming to prevent accidental entry and accidental voice use of SITOR channels. Voice on these channels could interfere with data reception.

As you can imagine, if this feature was not incorporated, it would be possible to enter channel 812, a SITOR channel, accidentally when you meant to enter channel 812, a semi-duplex ITU voice channel.

Use the following sequence to change to a Telex SITOR channel:

1) Set mode to TLX by pressing the “VOC/TLX” button. TLX will be displayed on the right hand side of the LCD display.

2) Depress “CHAN” button until dashes appear. Press “CHAN” once if CHN flag is on left of numbers, or twice if FRQ flag is on).

3) Enter the desired SITOR channel number.

4) Depress “CHAN” key to enter the channel and make it current.

13.8 Frequency

Frequency Change - General

There are two ways to change the operating frequency of an SG-2000. For large frequency changes, you may use the direct entry method. For small

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changes of frequency you may use the UP/DOWN arrow. When these arrows are used, the frequency will increment in the desired direction (UP or DOWN) in steps of .1 (100 Hz), .5, 1, 3, and 5 KHz. The size of the step is set by the Change Frequency Scan Step procedure described on page 69.

Frequency Change - Direct Entry

To change to a new operating frequency via the direct entry method, the following steps are used:

1) Press “PRGM” to alert the memory that new information is coming.

2) Press “FREQ” to specify that frequency numbers will follow.

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3) Enter the frequency digits including the first number to the right of the decimal point. If you are satisfied with the mode and are not working duplex (that is, a different receive and transmit frequencies), go to Step 4. Otherwise, continue here.

Optional: After you have keyed in the digits for the direct entry frequency you may change two other variables. You can specify mode and specify a transmit frequency if you wish it to be different from the receive frequency.

4) You may press the “FREQ” button again at this time to enter MODE information and select the desired sideband (USB or LSB).

5) You may press the “FREQ” button once more to bring up 6 dashes which are displayed as [ - - - - - - ]. This is where you enter your desired transmitter frequency.

Note: While most of the ITU High Seas voice channels use relatively small frequency differences of under 1 MHz, the SG-2000 may be operated with any difference desired. For example, if you wanted to transmit on 2 MHz and listen on 26 MHz, this is easily within the capability of the SG-2000.

6) Press “PRGM” to enter the information into memory and execute the function.

Frequency Change - Incremental

To change frequency a relatively small distance, you may use the following sequence.

1) Press "FREQ" once if FRQ flag is on, twice if CHN flag is on.

2) Press the “Up” or “Down” arrows.

You will notice that the frequency displayed is changing by the increment specified by the Change Frequency Scan Step function.

Clarifier UseWhen you are on the desired channel or frequency, you may fine tune the

receiver by using the Clarifier. This allows the receiver to tune ± 600 Hz from the current frequency and may be used to make a voice sound more natural. Alternatively, it may be used to adjust the tone of a CW station to a desired frequency.

The sequence to use the Clarifier is:

1) Press “CLAR.”

2) Press the “Up” or “Down” arrows.

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You will notice that if you tune lower while listening to a voice on lower sideband, the voice will become lower in pitch. If you turn lower while listening to a voice on upper sideband, the voice will become higher.

Fine Tuning - CW Operation

If you are using the SG-2000 in the CW mode, you should tune in the desired station by pressing the Frequency button and then change the frequency using the UP and DOWN arrows until the received station is heard at the same pitch as the CW sidetone emitted from the control head speaker when you key the radio.

When this is done, you will be operating on the same frequency as the station you wish to work.

If you then wish to adjust the note or tone of the CW station, this may be done with the clarifier. You will be able to adjust the note between 400 and 1600 Hz.

SPECIAL NOTE: Do NOT use the SG-2000 on CW in the LO PWR mode. If you desire to operate CW and LO PWR, use an external tone source and connect it to the external audio I/O port J-301 located on the rear panel of the SG-2000. Vary the amplitude of the external tone source to control output power of the SG-2000.

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13.9 Programming

Program User Channel into Memory

User-defined channels are assigned channel numbers 1-99. You may designate any frequency to be a channel from 1to 99. Channel 0 is displayed as E0 — the international distress frequency — and may not be reassigned.

Enter a Simplex Channel into Memory

The following steps are required to assign the simplex frequency 14,735.1 KHz to user channel 09:

1) Press the “PRGM” button.

2) Press the “CHAN” button.

3) Enter the desired channel number (09.)

4) Press the “FREQ” button.

5) Enter the desired frequency including one digit right of the decimal point. (147351.)

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6) Press the “FREQ” button to select mode of operation.

7) Press the “PRGM” button for simplex operation and to end the programming sequence.

Enter a Duplex Channel into Memory

If the desired channel is a duplex channel (e.g. different receive and

transmit frequencies), these additional steps are required:

1) Follow steps 1 through 6 as shown above under Entering Simplex Frequency into Memory.

2) After step #6, press the “FREQ” button once more. Six dashes will

be displayed on the LCD [ - - - - - - ].

3) Enter the transmit frequency

4) Press the “PRGM” button to enter the information into memory.

Deleting Errors in Entry

In the event an error is made entering information, press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button and the “7” button to delete any errors. Repeat this sequence as necessary.

Delete a Channel from Memory

You may not delete a frequency from an SG-2000. You may only delete

user-definable channels. You may or may not be on the channel you wish to delete. To delete a channel, use the following key sequence:

“PRGM”, “CHAN”, “the channel number you wish to delete, if channel 1-

9, you must add a preceding 0”, “CHAN”, “SHIFT”, “7” and “PRGM”.

13.10 Scanning Functions

The SG-2000 will scan both frequencies and channels. You can scan from 2 to 30 MHz continuously in 100 Hz steps. Or, you may scan just a few of the hundreds of channels.

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Program a Channel Bank

The SG-2000 has six channel banks numbered 00 to 05. Each of these

banks will hold up to 10 channels, complete with mode and offset (if duplex). The entry sequence is:

1) Press the “PRGM” button.

2) Press the “SCAN” button.

Note: The display will show the “PRGM” indicator active with the large digit

display showing a “-0” on the far left.

3) Enter the desired bank number to be programmed (0-5). The

display will show the bank number on the far left of the display and the previous channel programmed in the first file of that bank. If the file has not been previously programmed, the display will show four dashes to indicate it is empty.

4) If the file is empty, as indicated by four dashes, enter the desired

channel number.

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5) Press the “Up” arrow to proceed to next file in that bank and repeat

step 4, or press the “PRGM” key to end the function.

6) If a file is not empty, the file can be deleted by first engaging

“SHIFT/FUNC” and then “7” or “INTCM/XCV.”

7) Press the “PRGM” button to end the function.

Scan by Frequency - General

1) Press the “SCAN” button.

2) Press the “FREQ” button.

Note: If there are no buttons pressed within 4 seconds, the unit will start scan-

ning automatically from the original channel on display at the start of the function.

3) To change the direction of the scan or to step through the frequencies, press the respective “Up” or “Down” arrow.

4) To allow the pause on detection, press the squelch by pressing “3” or “SQL.”

5) To stop the scan, simply press the “SCAN” button.

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Scan by Frequency - Specific Range

This is an advanced function and should be studied closely. Also called Program or Band scanning, it allows the SG-2000 to scan in a particular mode between two frequencies. There are two steps to using band scanning with the SG-2000. First, you will need to load channels into the scan brackets. This tells the radio the range within which to scan. When you are done using the band scanning, you will need to unload the scan brackets to allow the radio to resume normal scanning operation.

Load Frequency Limits

Before following this sequence you will need to have the upper and lower

frequencies assigned to memories. This is explained in an earlier section. For the purpose of this discussion, let's suppose that you have put 3900 KHz LSB into Channel 22 and 4000 KHz into Channel 23.

1) Press “PRGM.”

2) Press “SCAN.”

3) Press “CHAN.” Display will flash [ LC: - - - - ] (lower channel).

4) Enter the channel number of the lower frequency. In this example, 22.

5) Press “CHAN.” Display will flash [ UC : - - - - ] (upper channel).

6) Enter the channel number of the upper frequency. In this example, 23.

7) Press “PRGM” to exit programming and execute commands.

Begin Scanning

This is done by simply displaying frequency and scanning. If you start within the frequency range bracketed, the radio will simply go low to high or high to low, depending on whether you have pressed the “Up” or “Down” arrow.

If you begin scanning frequencies which are outside of the range, the radio will only scan to the range. (e.g. If you start scanning down from 28.400 MHz, the radio would scan down until it got to 3.9 MHz and would then scan only from

4.00 MHz to 3.900 MHz after it reached that range.)

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Unload Frequency Limits

In order for the SG-2000 to resume normal frequency scanning (scanning up or down anywhere in its range), it is necessary to unload the scan brackets. To do this, the following sequence is used.

1) Press “PRGM.”

2) Press “SCAN.”

3) Press “CHAN.”

4) Display will show [ LC : - - 2 2 ] (If Channel 22 is lower limit.)

5) Press “SHIFT/FUNC.”

6) Press “7” (the delete key in the SHIFT/FUNC mode.)

7) Press “CHAN.”

8) Display will show [ L C : - - 2 3 ] (If Channel 23 is upper limit.)

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9) Press “SHIFT/FUNC.”

10) Press “7” (the delete key in the SHIFT/FUNC mode.)

11) Press “PRGM” to execute the function and exit the programming mode.

Scan by Channels

1) Press “SCAN.”

2) Press “CHAN.” (If dashes appear, press CHAN again.)

Note: If there are no keys pressed within 4 seconds, the unit will start scanning

automatically from the original channel on display at the start of the function.

3) To change the direction of the scan or to step through the channels,

4) To allow the pause on detection, press the squelch by pressing “3”

5) To change from scanning the ITU channels to the SITOR channels

press the respective “Up” or “Down” arrow.

or “SQL.”

or visa versa, set the unit in VOC or TLX mode respectively by engaging the “2” or “VOC/TLX” button.

6) To stop the scan, simply press the “SCAN” button.

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Scan by Channel Banks

1) Press the “SCAN” button.

2) If the frequency is displayed, press the “CHAN” button to display

six dashes.

3) If six dashes are already displayed, type in the desired banks to

scan. Example: By entering “0134” the radio will scan through banks 0, 1, 3, and 4. If an empty bank is selected, the unit will first try to scan through that bank; however the bank will be eliminated once it is determined the bank is vacant.

Note: If there are no keys pressed within four seconds, the unit will begin

scanning automatically from the original channel on display at the start of the function.'

4) Press the “SCAN” button again to begin scanning.

5) To change the direction of the scan , or to step through the scan

banks, press the “Up” or “Down” arrow.

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6) To allow the pause on detection, press the squelch by pressing “3”

or “SQL.”

7) To stop the scan, simply press the “SCAN” button.

13.11 Changing Frequency or Channel Scan Rates

Separate scan rates are available for frequency or channel scanning. You must be in the frequency scan mode to set frequency scan rate and in channel scan to set channel scan rate. If the unit is not scanning, the function will change the rate of the last scan mode performed.

Change Frequency Scan Rate (In Frequency Scan Mode)

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press the “SCAN” button.

3) Press the “Up” or “Down” arrow to change the rate to the following: a) 1 step per second | b) 2 steps per second || c) 5 steps per second |||

4) This function will automatically time out after four seconds.

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Change Channel Scan Rate (In Channel Scan Mode)

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press the “SCAN” button.

3) Press the “Up” or “Down” arrow to change the rate to the following: a) 1 channel per 40 seconds | b) 1 channel per 20 seconds || c) 1 channel per 10 seconds ||| d) 1 channel per 5 seconds |||| e) 1 channel per 2 seconds | |||| f) 1 channel per second || |||| g) 2 channels per second ||| |||| h) 5 channels per second |||| ||||

4) This function will automatically time out after four seconds.

Change Frequency Scan Step

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button

2) Press the “FREQ” button

3) Press the “Up” or “Down” arrow to change the rate to the following: a) 100 Hz per step b) 500 Hz per step b) 1000 Hz per step c) 3000 Hz per step d) 5000 Hz per step

4) The function will automatically time out after four seconds.

13.12 Additional Functions

Timer

To turn timer on and off:

1) Press “5” or “TIMER”

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Display Alarm Time ON and Frequency

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press “1” or “LSB/USB” button.

Display Alarm Time OFF

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press “2” or “VOC/TLX.”

Program Time ON-OFF

1) Press the “PRGM” button.

2) Press “5” or “TIMER.”

3) Type in 1-4 digits for time on in 24 hour format

4) Press down arrow to program off time or “PRGM” to end

Program Time ON Frequency

1) Press the “PRGM” button.

2) Press the “5” or “TIMER” button.

3) Press the “FREQ” button.

4) Type in frequency desired

5) Press the “FREQ” key for more parameters or “PRGM” to end.

6) Press desired parameters (LSB, ATTN, VOC,...ETC.)

7) Press the “FREQ” key for transmit frequency or “PRGM” to end.

8) Type in transmit frequency desired.

9) Press the “PRGM” key to end or the “FREQ” key to repeat settings.

Program Timer on Channel

1) Press “PRGM.”

2) Press “5” or “TIMER.”

3) Press “CHAN.”

4) Type in desired channel number

5) Press “PRGM.”

Clock / Date

To toggle between time of day (24 hour format), and date:

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1) Press “CLOCK/DATE.”

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Set Clock

1) While clock is displayed, press the “PRGM” button.

2) Press “6” or “CLOCK/DATE.”

3) Type six digits for time desired (ie..131500 FOR 1:15 PM.)

4) Press the “PRGM” button to end.

Set Date

To program in the date:

1) While date is displayed, press the “PRGM” button.

2) Press “6” or “CLOCK/DATE.”

3) Type six digits for date desired in the format MM DD YY.

4) Press the “PRGM” button.

Attenuator

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To turn 20 dB Attenuator on or off: Press the “20 dB /ATTN” button.

Power HI-LO

To change output power level: Press the “PWR/HI LO” button.

Volume

To change the volume level:

1) Except in Scan, volume can be changed by pressing the “Up” or

2) Press the “VOL” button.

3) Depress either up or down keys respectively.

4) Control of volume will time out or press “CLAR” to close.

Intercom

To activate the intercom:

“Down” arrows.

1) Press the "7" or "INTCM/XCV" keys

2) Depress a number key 1 to 8 for any specific control head or 0 for

all control heads.

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3) Depress the “7” button to disperse.

Control Head Number Display

To display control head number for 2 seconds (will be timed out after 4 seconds):

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press the “0” or “MODE” button.

Back Light

To turn back light on or off or adjust brightness level:

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press the “CHAN” button.

3) Press “Up” or “Down” arrows to step through available levels.

Noise Blanker

To turn noise blanker on or off (optional):

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press the “4” or “SPK” button.

Beep

To enable a beep for every key stroke:

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press the “5” or “TIMER” button.

Display (Date / Time)

To toggle between constant date/time display or to alternate date/time display:

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press the “6” or “CLOCK/DATE” button.

Delete

To delete last entry made:

1) While in programming mode, press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press the “7” or “INTCM/XCV” button.

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Lockout

To lock out a channel in scan mode:

1) While scanning, wait for a channel to appear and press the

“SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press the “8” or “20 dB/ATTN” button.

FWD / SWR

To toggle forward power and SWR display in transmit:

1) Press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button.

2) Press the “9” or “PWR/HI LO” button.

Transmit Channel Locking

The SG-2000 includes a provision in software for locking the radio into channelized operation only. We recommend that this function be invoked whenever you are using an SG-2000 in a maritime mobile situation where only one operator knowledgeable about direct entry of frequencies is aboard. In this way, the persons aboard the vessel, who might need to operate the SG-2000 in an emergency, need only be taught how to call for help on the desired emergency channels. Please note that the channels include major ham frequencies on the 75, 40 and 20 meter bands where distress assistance may be available. When the lock is invoked, reception on all frequencies is possible, but transmitting will only occur on programmed channels (including those which are user defined).

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Lock for Channelized Operation Only

Use the following key sequence to lock out direct entry of transmit frequencies:

“SHIFT/FUNC”, “8”, “8”, “CHAN”

Unlock Channelized Only Operation

Use the following sequence to enable transmit capability on all direct entry frequencies plus frequencies which are contained in channel memories:

“SHIFT/FUNC”, “8”, “7”, “CHAN”

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NOTE: If you are operating the SG-2000 aboard a vessel or in a mobile installation where channelized operation only is allowed, you may disable the all-frequency transmit capability of the SG-2000 . You may not wish to disclose the unlocking sequence to some operators. Simply say that the radio is type approved for ITU channels and it includes reception capabilities for all frequencies. You will be able to demonstrate that it will not transmit on unauthorized frequencies.

Transmit Frequency Monitor:

To preview the transmit frequency, when operating in the semi-duplex mode, press the “SHIFT/FUNC” button, then press the “CLAR” button and hold it down. The radio will then monitor the transmit frequency. To return to the normal receive frequency, release the “CLAR” button.

Temporary Settings:

The SG-2000 will store current settings on a temporary basis so they may be easily recovered after changing radio parameters. To temporarily store settings, press the “PRGM” then “SHIFT/FUNC” buttons. To recover these temporary settings, press “SHIFT/FUNC” then “PRGM.”

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14.0 Mobile Installation

Many tips regarding mobile installation have been given in the preceding chapters, but such a large and important field warrants its own chapter.

14.1 Shock and Vibration Mounting

The need for shock mounting is widely misunderstood in radio circles. There are two issues with regard to shock mounting which must be considered: physical displacement and frequency.

Displacement is how far a unit moves when vibration occurs. In a vehicle, this may be a small fraction of an inch. The displacement on a sailboat can be 20 feet — if the vessel is operating in 20-foot seas.

Frequency is how often a change of direction takes place. On a vehicle, frequencies may run up to many times per second, while on a sailboat the frequency may be one cycle in 2 minutes. A high speed paramilitary RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) might encounter shocks at 1 per second, or greater rates depending on sea state and mission. This requires shock mounting.

To estimate whether a shock mounting is required in a particular installation, multiply the frequency (in cycles per second) times the displacement (in inches). If the resulting number is greater than three, a shock mounting tray should be considered. With a value over five, a shock mounting is mandatory.

Let's look at the sailboat numbers: In a 10 foot sea, with a wave period of 1 minute, the calculation is:

120" times 1/60th of a cycle per second = a vibration factor of 2.

So in this case, installation of a shock mount is not necessary. But let's look at what happens on a military four wheel drive vehicle racing

across the back country at 60 miles per hour. Here, the displacement can be 3 inches and the frequency up to 2 times per second. In this case, the calculation would be:

3 inches times 2 = a vibration factor of 6.

A shock mount is obviously needed. But let's consider a family vehicle driven on average city streets and highways. Here, displacement would be 1/2 inch or less. This means a calculation of:

.5 inch times 2 = a vibration factor of 1.

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In other words, unless you are planning extraordinary abuse of a vehicle, a shock mount is not necessary. But if you run back country roads with 5 inch deep chuck holes which cause a vibration factor over 3, a shock mount is required.

In addition to shock and vibration considerations, the mobile environment brings with it two additional issues which need to be addressed before satisfactory operations will be attained.

One is the ground system; the other is ignition noise.

14.2 Mobile Grounds

“They don't build 'em like they used to” is certainly true about today's automobiles. Not only do they have more wires, which can pick up stray RF, but there are also generally fewer welds which means the ground system presented by the vehicle may not be of high integrity. As a result, ground loops may occur, and in some situations, reduced radiation efficiency due to a smaller ground system. Here are some guidelines which will eliminate some ground issues.

1. Keep all wire runs as short and direct as possible. This means keeping the path direct. It is especially important to keep the antenna wire from the SG-230/SG-235 coupler as short as possible to the external mobile antenna (the SG-303 is recommended). Because the hot wire off the antenna coupler terminal is where the antenna begins, if you have 12" of antenna wire inside the vehicle, and you are using a 9 foot whip, 10% of your antenna is inside the vehicle where it will not radiate and will be susceptible to noise from vehicle systems.

2. Use the largest wire size practical for power wiring. SGC recommends that power lines from the battery to the radio be at least #6 gauge stranded wire and that the ground of the battery be cleaned periodically to make as good a connection as possible. Wire runs will cause loss. SGC does not recommend any 12 VDC run of more than 25 feet.

3. The ground from the radio chassis, from the coupler ground post, and from the battery minus terminal should all be attached in two places, preferably using braised wire of #0. The connection to the vehicle chassis should be cleaned of paint and should be scraped to reveal raw metal. If corrosion is likely to be a problem, you may fasten the ground system very tightly using self tapping sheet metal screws and large copper washers (to give maximum surface contact) then lightly dust the area with Krylon™ matte finish or other clear varnish type finish to provide some corrosion protection.

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4. The doors, hood, and truck lid should all be grounded to the vehicle using size #0 (AWG) braid or larger. It is important that all parts of the vehicle be bonded together in this fashion.

5. Take care to ground the vehicle exhaust pipe in several places. If the exhaust pipe is only partially grounded and vibration is encountered, the vibrating tail pipe can cause irritating noise.

6. For vehicles which are operating in areas of dry, blowing sand, there is occasionally static build-up on the vehicle relative to ground. You may also encounter this phenomenon in a vehicle operated in cold dry climates in the winter months. You may use either a static spray (such as is sold in department stores for use on clothing) or other commercially made products to reduce static.

Tires rolling on pavement may product static electricity under certain

conditions. Although not usually encountered on vehicles using semimetallic brake pads and disk brakes, it has been known to happen on older style large military vehicles where the axle shaft is insulated from the wheel. Commercial brush kits are available to resolve this condition should it be encountered.

7. Don’t assume that your vehicle bumpers are made of metal. Automobile bumpers are being made out of plastics and plastic-filled metal shells which attach to the vehicle using electrically unreliable fasteners. In many cases a metal bumper looks like it should be grounded, but in fact it is not.

There is a simple reason why this happens: some vehicles have the

bumpers put on at the assembly plant after a coat of paint or protective finish has been sprayed on the body. This good engineering plan for rust prevention is not acceptable for HF radio work because the paint layer may not be scraped by tightening the bolt and this may result in a poor connection or no connection at all.

8. If you are installing the SG-2000 in a remote head configuration, it is not necessary to ground the control head with a separate cable. The control head and the RS-422 data lines which are used for control of the radio need only be grounded at the control head plug on the radio in order to work properly. Installation of the control head with grounding should not cause problems, but if any unusual operations are encountered, the existence of a ground loop involving the control head should be investigated.

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14.3 Vehicular Noise Sources

There are three kinds of vehicle noise which will be encountered. One is the ground/static noise which should be eliminated by following the proper grounding procedures noted above. Second is engine noise and third is accessory noise. Let's address these step by step:

1. Diesel engines do not make ignition noise. If you are fortunate enough to have a diesel which doesn't need high voltage spark plugs, you are one step closer to a perfect mobile set up. However, even in diesel powered vehicles, there is still an important source of engine related noise: the generator or alternator.

To eliminate a good deal of vehicle engine-related noise, it is good

engineering practice to install RF by-pass capacitors at the battery and across the alternator terminals. The capacitor doesn't need to be especially large: .01 to .1 micro Farad disk ceramic capacitors with a working voltage of 100 V will do just fine. We recommend the use of non-polarized capacitors: these are simpler to install because polarity may be ignored.

2. Gasoline or natural gas-powered vehicles have high voltage wiring for ignition spark plugs which causes a small amount of radio frequency energy to be transmitted each time the cylinder fires. So, on an eightcylinder car which is running at 3,000 RPM, there are 6,000 little sparks every minute. Four cylinder cars emit 3,000 sparks at the same RPM.

The key point of installation here is this: Get the antenna system as far

away from the engine compartment as possible. This is why SGC developed the QMS (Quick Mount System). Not only does this keep the coupler to antenna wiring as short as possible, but it also puts another layer of metal between the noisy engine and the antenna base.

3. The noisiest wire in the vehicle is the lead from the ignition coil to the center conductor of the distributor and the wiring in the vicinity of the distributor itself. If you doubt this, we suggest you invest $10.00 in the best mobile trouble shooting device made: a small cheap AM radio. All you need to do to “sniff out” 90% of the vehicle noises you will encounter is to put this little AM radio to the high end of the broadcast band (1610 KHz) and turn up the volume.

As you get the radio near the ignition wiring you will notice a marked

increase in spark plug noise. Isolating the problem is the first step toward resolving a noisy engine.

The second step in the “cure” involves the use of what we call “Vitamin

C,” electrical capacitance. Applying a capacitor at the right location will

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solve many problems you are likely to encounter.

4. Capacitors will bypass spikes of electricity, such as those pulses which run the spark plug to ground. Small capacitors are fine; however, if you add too much capacitance to ground, you will flatten the ignition spike and reduce the intensity of the spark. The arrival time of the spark will also be delayed because the capacitor which you use will slow the rise time of the spark pulse.

With too much capacitance, the spark voltage may drop from 20,000 volts

to 5,000 volts which isn't enough to cause a spark in the engine. For this reason, the only place you want to put a capacitor is on the primary side of the ignition coil.

5. Shielding the distributor is the next most likely means to reduce noise. This may not sound graceful, but occasionally a brute force approach is needed.

6. Wheel static may be eliminated with brushes, and accessory noise may be isolated by turning on and off items such as heater fans and air conditioners.

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15.0 Marine Installation

Installation of the SG-2000 in the marine environment requires considerable care in order to achieve highly reliable operation because while the SG-2000 is a very reliable radio, the marine environment brings with it unique problems. These fall into three general areas: Installation of the radio, obtaining a proper ground system, and use of a suitable antenna.

15.1 Marine Radio Mounting

The most common configuration of the SG-2000 in the marine environment is use of a standard mounting tray (SGC Part Number 52-46) and the remote head kit (SGC Part Number 04-12). With the control head detached from the body of the radio, the operating position may be made much more compact.

SGC does not presently provide a flush mounting kit for the SG-2000. Instead, we recommend the use of the remote head kit's gimbal mount. This allows for the control head angle to be changed to prevent glare off the display screen and allows individual operators to adjust the unit for the most comfortable operation.

In the event that you need to disconnect one end of the control head wiring in order to route cable, please disconnect the female plug end. Disassembly of the control head to remove wires from the control head is not recommended for inexperienced installers. If you do need to remove the plug to route cable, carefully note the connections of each wire. When the wiring is reassembled, care must be exercised to prevent wires from touching.

Power wiring to the SG-2000 should be through its own breaker. This breaker should be 30 amps and the routing of the wire should be as direct as possible.

The minimum wire size which should be used is number 6 (AWG). Wires should be both crimped and soldered to connectors prior to being attached to the power barrier strip. Connections at the D.C. panel should be securely made.

15.2 Marine Ground Systems

“Bonding,” as it is called in marine circles, is the process of tying all vessel metal into a single electrical point. The reason for bonding is that for an HF radio antenna to radiate properly, a large counterpoise of more than 100 square feet of metal must be present under the antenna.

This is not difficult provided you are willing to invest a certain amount of time. The recommended bonding material is copper foil. Available in several widths, the foil should be routed to keep all leads direct.

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SGC does not endorse the use of artificial ground plates as a replacement for an adequate bonding system. While such plates, generally made out of a porous zinc alloy, provide some grounding, they are also subject to corrosion and marine growth which reduces their efficiency. There is no substitute for copper foil and lots of it!

On FRP (fiberglass) hulls, a good connection to the sea may be made by routing foil as close to the hull as possible. When you have a large foil surface inside the hull, separated from the sea water by less than 1/2,” a capacitor is formed. This coupling is very effective. Remember, as far as RF is concerned, total area, not D.C. continuity, is critical.

Metal hulls are great, but remember if you are dealing with an aluminum hull that corrosion is a constant enemy. The best connections are welded to the aluminum and cleaned frequently because aluminum tends to corrode in the presence of dissimilar metals.

The best ground system is run down the chine, below the waterline, on either side, plus a run down the keel, picking up the engine block and all tankage possible in order to build a large surface area ground.

Hull (Top view) showing routing of 2 to 3" copper bonding strap

Bonding Foil

Coupler

Fuel and Water tanks

Engine

In addition to the large metal surfaces, you may also connect life lines and a metal toe rail (if available) to the bonding system.

It had been common practice for several years to put copper screening in the cabin roof and mount the HF antenna above the roof. While this worked well at high frequencies, the lack of capacitive coupling to sea water and the relatively small size of the ground surface, when compared with a large in-hull bonding system, make the copper screening approach less desirable.

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SGC SG-2000 Operating Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual