YAESU FT-920 Operating Manual

FT-920

OPERATING

MANUAL

YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD.

1-20-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-Ku, Tokyo 146-8649, Japan

YAESU U.S.A.

17210 Edwards Rd., Cerritos, CA 90703, U.S.A.

YAESU EUROPE B.V.

Snipweg 3, 1118DN Schiphol, The Netherlands

YAESU UK LTD.

Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Trading Estate

Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.

YAESU GERMANY GmbH

Am Kronberger Hang 2, D-65824 Schwalbach, Germany

YAESU HK LTD.

11th Floor Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Table of Contents

General Description .........................................................		1
Specifications ...................................................................		2
Accessories & Options ...................................................		4
Plug Pinout ......................................................................		5
Installation ........................................................................		6
Preliminary Inspection .................................................		6
DC Power Connections ...............................................		6
Transceiver Location ...................................................		8
Grounding ....................................................................		8
Antenna Considerations ..............................................		9
Memory Backup ..........................................................		9
Adjusting the Front Feet ................................................		10
Safety Precautions............................................................		11
1. Power Connections ................................................		11
2. Ground Connections ..............................................		11
3.	Electrical Shock Prevention ...................................	11
4.	Antenna Precautions ................................................	11
5. RF Field Exposure Advisory
	and Electromagnetic Compatibility ..................	12
Accessory Installation .....................................................		13
1.	Lineae Amplifier Interfacing ...................................	13
2. Digital Modem Interfacing (TNC, WeatherFax, etc.)...		16
3. Other Digital/Recording Device Interfacing ...............		17
4. CW Key/Paddle and Computer Keying
	Interface Suggestions ....................................	18
Front Panel Controls, Switches, & Jacks .....................		20
Display Panel Indicators and Icons ...............................		28
Rear Panel Connectors and Switches ...........................		32
Bottom Panel ...................................................................		34
Operation ..........................................................................		35
Before You Start .........................................................		35
Receiving .....................................................................		35
	Antenna Selection .................................................	35
	Bandwidth Selection ..............................................	37
	Amateur Band Selection .......................................	37
	Direct Keypad Frequency Entry ............................	38
	Stacked VFO System ...........................................	38
	Frequency Navigation ............................................	38
	VFO Tuning Dial .............................................	39
	Shuttle Jog (VFO-A) .......................................	39
	Front Panel Up/Down Switches ......................	39
	MH-31B8 Hand MicUP/DWN/FST Switches ......	39
	MD-100A8X Desk Microphone
	Rotary Scanning Switch ............................	39
	LOCK Switches .................................................	39
	Operating Convenience Features ...........................	40
	Display Brightness Control ..............................	40
	Keypad Beep Frequency/Level .......................	40
	Receiver Accessories ............................................	41
	Clarifier (Offset Tuning) ...................................	41
	CW Center Tuning (Enhanced Tuning Scale) ...	41
	CW SPOT .........................................................	41
	RF Preamplifier Selections .............................	41
	AGC Selection ................................................	42
	Squelch ...........................................................	42
	General Coverage Reception ..........................	42
	Dealing with Interference ......................................	43
	SHIFT Control ...................................................	43
	HIGH CUT/LOW CUT Controls (DSP) ..................	43
	NOTCH Filter (DSP) ..........................................	44
	RF GAIN Control ..............................................	44
	IF Noise Blanker (NB) ....................................	44
	DSP Noise Reduction (NR) ............................	44
	Tools for Strong-Signal
	andLow-Frequency Operation ..................	45
	IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) ..................	45
	ATT (Front End Attenuator) ............................	46
	Digital Voice Recorder Operation (DVR) ........	46

Transmitting .................................................................	47
Automatic Antenna Matching ................................	47
SSB Transmission .................................................	49
Basic Operation ...............................................	49
VOX Operation ................................................	49
Digital Speech Processor Operation ...............	49
DSP Voice Pattern Contours .........................	50
Voice Monitor Operation .................................	50
Digital Voice Recorder Operation (Transmit) ..	50
Linear Amplifier Tuning ...............................................	51
CW Transmission ..................................................	51
Straight Key Operation ....................................	51
Electronic Keyer Operation .............................	52
Memory Keyer Operation ................................	52
Tips for Successful CW Memory Keyer Operation .....	53
Split Frequency Operation ....................................	54
TX CLARifier Operation ....................................	53
Split VFO Operation ........................................	54
Quick Split Feature .........................................	54
Mode K Satellite Operation .............................	55
Digital Mode Operation .........................................	55
AFSK RTTY or Packet Operation ..................	56
FSK RTTY Operation ......................................	56
AM Transmission ..................................................	57
Basic Operation ...............................................	57
FM Operation ........................................................	58
Simplex (Non-Repeater) Operation .................	58
Repeater Operation .........................................	58
Memory Operation ...........................................................	59
QMB Channel Programming/Recall .............................	59
Memory Operation on “Regular” Memory Channels
(Channel #1-01 to 1-99) ........................................	60
Memory Operation on Split-Frequency Channels
(Channel #d-01 to d-10) ........................................	62
Memory Operation on “CALL” Channels
(Channel #C-01 to C-11) ......................................	63
Adding Alpha-Numeric Labels to Memory Channels ..	64
Memory Mode Accessories .........................................	65
Moving Memory Data to VFO-A ...........................	65
Deleting Data from a Memory Channel ................	65
Scanning Operation .........................................................	66
Scanning Operation .....................................................	66
Scan Skip Programming (Memory Mode Only) ..........	66
Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) Operation .........	66
Scan-Resume Choices ................................................	67
Dual Watch Operation .....................................................	68
Menu Operation ...............................................................	69
Normal Menu Operation ..............................................	69
Panel Menu Operation ................................................	70
Quick Menu Operation ................................................	70
Menu Mode Selections and Settings ..........................	73
VHF/UHF Transverter Operation .....................................	84
Phone Pacth Operation ...................................................	85
CAT (Computer-Aided Transceiver) System Protocol .........	86
CAT Data Protocol ....................................................	88
Constructing Sending CAT Commands ......................	88
Downloading FT-920 Data ...........................................	89
14-Byte Frequency Data Record Structure .................	90
Memory Backup ...............................................................	91
Microprocessor Resetting ...............................................	92
Installation of Optional Accessories ..............................	93
Bottom Case Removal ................................................	93
Installation of Optional Filters YF-116C/YF-116A .......	94
Installation of High-Stability Oscillator TCXO-7 ...........	94
Installation of FM Unit FM-1 .......................................	94

General Description

Congratulations on the purchase of your Yaesu FT-920! Whether this is your first rig, or if Yaesu equipment is already the backbone of your amateur radio station, it is our sincere hope that you will derive many years of operating enjoyment from your new transceiver.

The FT-920 is a state-of-the-art amateur transceiver incorporating a multitude of advanced features to give you the competitive edge in a wide variety of operating applications. The FT-920 offers up to 100 Watts of adjustable power output on all amateur bands between 160 meters and 6 meters (25 Watts carrier in the AM mode), utilizing rugged, low-distortion MOS FET final amplifier transistors. Operation in the SSB, CW, AM, AFSK, and FSK modes is built in, and an FM module is available as an option.

Yaesu’s renowned Omni-Glow™ LCD display provides a wealth of information regarding transceiver status, and it includes enhanced tuning aids for many operating applications.

The built-in high-speed automatic antenna tuner may be utilized both on receive and transmit, providing improved impedance matching for the transmitter and protection from out-of-band signals on receive. A built-in Digital Voice Recorder allows storage and playback of incoming signals, and also allows you to store up to four repetitive messages (such as “CQ Contest. . .”) of up to 16 seconds each. And the Electronic Memory Keyer also provides storage of CW messages, including incremented, imbedded contest numbers, to reduce operator fatigue in contests. Independent KEY jacks on the front and rear panels allow connection of keyer paddles to one jack and a computer or straight key to the other, for optimum contest work. A CW Pitch control and Spot tone provide efficiency in operating, and both full QSK and semi-break-in CW (VOX switching) are provided.

The receiver section is highlighted by the high-performance Digital Signal Processing filters, which provide razor-sharp selectivity, an automatic seeking Notch filter, and Noise Reduction. The high-intercept front end circuitry includes ten input bandpass filters with PIN diode switching, optimized RF preamplifiers for both high and low bands, and Intercept Point Optimization (IPO) for high-signal, high-noise environments. A separate receive-only antenna jack is provided, in addition to the two main TX/RX jacks, for connection of a Beverage or other low-noise receiving antenna.

Yaesu’s exclusive Shuttle Jog tuning dial provides simple yet quick frequency excursions around the band. Independent tuning knobs for the two VFOs join direct keyboard frequency entry, one-touch band change, and extensive scanning capabilities to make the FT-920 a joy to use. And the FT-920’s extensive memory system, sporting 99 regular memories, ten split-frequency memories, five QMB (Quick Memory Bank) channels, and an easy-access “CALL” channel for each band, provides the utmost in operating ease. Each of the memories (except the QMB channels) can be assigned an alpha-numeric label of up to seven characters, to aid in memory channel identification.

A host of convenience features is provided, including a Digital Speech Processor, SSB monitor circuit, all-mode Squelch, VOX, and a continuously-variable RF power control. Yaesu’s CAT System for external computer control includes a built-in RS-232C level converter and DB-9 serial port on the rear panel, for easy connection to your home computer. And the extensive Menu system allow the owner to configure literally dozens of transceiver performance characteristics, such as voice audio response patterns, keyer weight, tuning steps, and power output to be applied to each antenna jack. The FT-920 clearly is the cost-performance leader in the Amateur Radio industry today!

Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the many features available in the FT-920, as described in the pages to follow. At Yaesu, we appreciate your investment in this fine transceiver, and we hope that you will take the time to read this manual thoroughly so as to get the most out of your new FT-920!

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	FT-920 Operating Manual

Specifications

General

Receiving Frequency Range:	100 kHz ~ 30 MHz, 48 ~ 56 MHz
Transmitting Frequency Range:	160 ~ 6 Meter Amateur Bands
Operating Temperature Range:	-10º ~ +50º C
Frequency Stability:	±10 ppm; ±2 ppm w/TCXO-7
Frequency Accuracy:	< ±7 ppm (FM within ± 500 Hz)
	w/TCXO-7: < ±3.5 ppm (FM within ± 460 Hz)
Emission Modes:	USB/LSB, CW, AM, FM, FSK, AFSK
Frequency Steps:	1 Hz/10 Hz/100 Hz for SSB/CW/FSK/AFSK
	10 Hz/100 Hz/1000 Hz for AM/FM
Antenna Impedance:	50 Ω, unbalanced
Antenna Tuner Matching Range:	16.5 Ω ~ 150 Ω
Power Consumption:	Input	Rx (no signal)	Rx (Signal present)	Tx (100W)
	13.5 VDC	2.0A	2.5A	22A
Supply Voltage:	13.5 VDC (±10%), negative ground
Dimensions:	410(W) x 135(H) x 316(D) mm

Transmitter

Power Output:	160 m ~ 10 m amateur bands
			Adjustable up to 100 Watts (25 Watts AM carrier)
	6 m amateur band
			Adjustable up to 100/10 Watts (25/2.5 Watts AM carrier)
Modulation Types:	SSB: J3E		Balanced, filtered carrier
	AM:	A3E	Low-level (early stage), (w/optional YF-116A AM Filter)
	FM:	F3E	Variable reactance PM
	FSK: J1D/J2D Audio-Frequency-Shifted Keying
Maximum FM Deviation:	±2.5 kHz (narrow), ±5.0 kHz (wide)
FSK Shift Frequencies:	170, 425, and 850 Hz
Packet Shift Frequency:	200 Hz
Harmonic Radiation:	At least 50 dB below peak output (HF)
	At least 60 dB below peak output (VHF)
SSB Carrier Suppression:	At least 40 dB below peak output
Undesired Sideband Suppression:	At least 50 dB below peak output
Audio Response (SSB, DSP Off):	Not more than -6 dB from 400 to 2600 Hz
SSB 3rd-order IMD:	-31 dB or better @ 100 Watts PEP (14 MHz)
Microphone Impedance:	500 Ω ~ 600 Ω

2	FT-920 Operating Manual

		Specifications
Receiver
Circuit Type:	Double-conversion Superheterodyne (FM: Triple-conversion)
Intermediate Frequencies:	68.985 MHz
	8.215 MHz
	455 kHz (FM)
Sensitivity:	Frequency	SSB/CW/Dig.(2.4 kHz)	AM (6 kHz)	FM (28 MHz +)
	150 ~ 250 kHz	5 µV	40 µV	—
	250 ~ 500 kHz	4 µV	32 µV	—
	0.5 ~ 1.8 MHz	2 µV	16 µV	—
	1.8 ~ 24.5 MHz	0.20 µV	2 µV	0.5 µV
	24.5 ~ 54 MHz	0.13 µV	1.3 µV	0.25 µV

		(With Preamp On, for 10 dB S+N/N or 12 dB FM SINAD)
IF Selectivity (-6/-60 dB):	SSB, CW, FSK, AFSK		2.4 kHz/5.0 kHz
	CW	500 Hz/1.8 kHz (w/optional YF-116C CW Filter)
	AM	6 kHz/14 kHz (w/optional YF-116A AM Filter)
	FM	12 kHz/25 kHz (w/optional FM-1 FM Unit)
Squelch Sensitivity (IPO Off):	SSB/CW/Digital/AM:		<2.0 µV
	FM (28-56 MHz):		<0.32 µV
IF Rejection:	>70 dB (HF)
	>50 dB (VHF)
Image Rejection:	>70 dB (1.8 ~ 56 MHz)
IF Shift Range:	±1.2 kHz
DSP Notch Depth:	>35 dB
Audio Output:	1.5 W into 4 Ω with <10% THD (Speaker)
	100 mV @ 600 Ω (Digital, fixed level)
Audio Output Impedance (SPKR):	4 Ω ~ 8 Ω

Automatic Antenna Tuner

Impedance Range:	16.7 Ω ~ 150	Ω (1.8 ~ 30 MHz)
	25.0 Ω ~ 100	Ω (50 ~ 54 MHz)
Frequency Range:	160 m ~ 6 m amateur bands
Matching Time:	<30 seconds
Matched SWR:	<1.4:1

Specifications are subject to change, in the interest of technical improvement, without notice or obligation. Specifications

are guaranteed only within Amateur bands.

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	FT-920 Operating Manual

Accessories & Options
Supplied Accessories
Item	Quantity
MH-31B8 Hand Microphone ..................................		1
DC Cable fused for 25 Amps ................................		1
Spare 25 Amp Fuse..............................................		1
Available Options
MD-100A8X	Desk-Top Microphone
FM-1	FM Unit
YF-116C	500 Hz CW Filter
YF-116A	6 kHz AM Filter
TCXO-7	High-Stability Reference Oscillator Unit (2 ppm)
FP-1025A	AC Power Supply, Switching Regulator Type (25A) (USA only)
FP-1030A	AC Power Supply, Linear Type (25A)
YH-77STA	Stereo Headphones
SP-8	External Speaker w/Audio Filters
FL-7000	500 Watt Solid State HF Linear Amplifier
VL-1000	1000 Watt Solid State HF+50 MHz Linear Amplifier
E-767	Band Data + T/R Switching Cable for FL-7000
RCA Connector	(P/N P0090544)
2 Pin Miniature Plug	(P/N P0090034)
3 Pin Phone Plug	(P/N P0090008)
5 Pin DIN Plug	(P/N P0091006)

4	FT-920 Operating Manual

Plug Pinout

5

FT-920 Operating Manual

Installation

Preliminary Inspection

Inspect the transceiver upon opening the packing carton. Check that all controls and switches work freely, and inspect the cabinet for any cosmetic damage. Ensure that the accessory cable and fuses are included.

If any damage is found, document it completely, and contact the shipping company (or Dealer, if you purchased it over-the-counter) right away. Save the packing materials in case you need to return the set for service.

DC Power Connections

The FT-920 Transceiver is designed for operation from 13.5 Volts DC, negative ground, with the DC source being capable of providing 20 Amperes of continuous current. For base station installations, we recommend the matching Yaesu FP-1030A AC power supply, which was specifically designed for compatibility with your FT-920. You can, of course, use another DC source, so long as it is well regulated and meets the above voltage/current specifications. In any case, be extremely careful to avoid reversed polarity connections when installing your FT-920. See the

Caution box below.

If you are connecting the FP-1030A to the FT-920, before connecting power, check the label on the rear of the power supply which indicates the AC line voltage range for which the power supply is currently set. If your AC line voltage is outside this range, the input voltage range will need to be re-configured. If you have any questions about the voltage setting for your power supply, consult with your dealer before proceeding, as improper connections could cause serious damage not covered by your warranty. See the documentation accompanying your power supply for details on the exact procedure required for power supply AC voltage re-configuration.

Connection of the DC line must be made according to the instructions below:

The RED DC power lead connects to the Positive

(+) DC terminal; and The BLACK DC power lead connects to the Negative (-) DC terminal.

Make sure the FT-920’s POWER switch is off, and plug the DC cable into the 6-pin Molex jack on the rear panel of the transceiver.

Caution

Serious damage can result if improper supply voltage is applied to this transceiver. Your Limited Warranty does not cover damage caused by the application of AC, reversed polarity DC, or DC outside the specified range of 13.5 V ±10%.

If you wish to use a power supply other than one of Yaesu manufacture, you must make certain that any DC supply connector to the transceiver matches the FT-920 requirements. See the DC connector pinout on the previous page. Other manufacturers have power supplies with a physically matched con-

nector that is wired differently; this may cause serious damage to the FT-920.

6	FT-920 Operating Manual

Installation

7

FT-920 Operating Manual

Installation

Transceiver Location

To ensure long life of the transceiver’s components, be certain to provide adequate ventilation around the cabinet of the FT-920. The cooling system of the transceiver must be free to draw cool air in from the side of the transceiver and expel warm air from the rear exhaust port.

Do not install this transceiver on top of another heatgenerating device (such as a linear amplifier), and do not place equipment, books, or papers on top of the transceiver. Place the radio on a hard, flat, stable surface. Avoid heating vents and window locations that could expose the transceiver to excessive direct sunlight, especially in hot climates.

Grounding

The FT-920 HF transceiver, like any other HF communications apparatus, requires an effective ground system for maximum electrical safety and best communications effectiveness. A good ground system can contribute to station efficiency in a number of ways:

rIt can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the operator.

rIt can minimize RF currents flowing on the shield of the coaxial cable and the chassis of the transceiver; such currents may lead to radiation which can cause interference to home entertainment devices or laboratory test equipment.

rIt can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver/accessory operation caused by RF feedback and/or improper current flow through logic devices.

An effective earth ground system make take several forms; for a more complete discussion, see an appropriate RF engineering text. The information below is intended only as a guideline.

Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more copper-clad steel rods, driven into the ground. If multiple ground rods are used, they should be positioned in a “V” configuration, and bonded together at the apex of the “V” which is nearest the station location. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from type RG-213 coaxial cable) and strong cable clamps to secure the braided cable(s) to the ground rods. Be sure to weatherproof the con-

nections to ensure many years of reliable service. Use the same type of heavy, braided cable for the connections to the station ground bus (described below).

Inside the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 25 mm (1”) diameter should be used. An alternative station ground bus may consist of a wide copper plate (single-sided circuit board material is ideal) secured to the bottom of the operating desk. Grounding connections from individual devices such as transceivers, power supplies, and data communications devices (TNCs, etc.) should be made directly to the ground bus using a heavy, braided cable.

Please note that some types of external power supplies (not of Yaesu manufacture), while otherwise being suitable for use with the FT-920, may be designed such that the Negative (black) DC output terminal is “floating” (not connected directly to ground). This may cause erratic operation, especially when transmitting, due to the potential for ground loops to form between your antenna system, your station ground, and your power supply. This potential susceptibility is not unique to the FT-920, and the problem can usually be solved by directly grounding the Negative DC terminal to the power supply chassis, which can then be bonded to earth ground; check first with the power supply manufacturer, though, to be certain that this grounding technique is acceptable to them.

Do not make ground connections from one electrical device to another, and thence to the ground bus. This so-called “Daisy-Chain” grounding technique may nullify any attempt at effective radio frequency grounding.

Inspect the ground system — inside the station as well as outside — on a regular basis so as to ensure maximum performance and safety.

8	FT-920 Operating Manual

Installation

Antenna Considerations

The FT-920 is designed for use with any antenna system providing a 50 Ω resistive impedance at the desired operating frequency. While minor excursions from the 50 Ω specification are of no consequence, the transceiver’s Automatic Antenna Tuner may not be able to reduce the impedance mismatch to an acceptable value if the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) present at the Antenna jack is greater than 3:1. Among the undesirable consequences that high SWR may produce are:

rThe transceiver’s power amplifier protection circuitry will reduce power if the Automatic Antenna Tuner is unsuccessful in reducing the SWR.

rEven if the Automatic Antenna Tuner successfully normalizes the impedance presented to the radio, feedline losses will escalate rapidly with high SWR at the higher operating frequencies, especially 28 MHz and 50 MHz.

rAlthough high SWR itself does not cause feedline radiation, the sudden onset of high SWR may well indicate a mechanical failure in a matching device, leading to an electrical condition which may cause excessive feedline radiation, which can cause interference to nearby home-entertainment devices.

Every effort should, therefore, be made to ensure that the impedance of the antenna system utilized with the FT-920 be as close as possible to the specified 50 Ω value.

Loss in dB per 30m (100 feet) for Selected 50 Ω Coaxial Cables

(Assumes 50 Ω Input/Output Terminations)

Cable Ty pe	Loss: 2 MH z	Los s: 1 5 MHz	Los s: 2 8 MHz
RG-5 8A	0.55	1.75	2.60
RG58 Foa m	0.54	1.50	2.00
RG-8 X	0.39	1.07	1.85
RG-8 A , R G -213	0.27	0.85	1.25
RG -8 Foa m	0.22	0.65	0.88
Belden® 991 3	0.18	0.50	0.69
RG-1 7A	0.08	0.30	0.46

Loss figures are approximate; consult cable manufacturers’ catalogs for complete specifications.

Loss figures can increase significantly if high SWR is present on the transmission line.

Any antenna to be used with the FT-920 must, ultimately, be fed with 50 Ω coaxial cable. Therefore, when using a “balanced” antenna such as a dipole, remember that a balun or other matching/balancing device must be used so as to ensure proper antenna performance.

Use high-quality 50 Ω coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT-920 transceiver. All efforts at providing an efficient antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy coaxial cable is used. Losses in coaxial lines increase as the frequency increases, so a coaxial line with only 0.5 dB of loss at 7 MHz may have 2 dB of loss at 28 MHz. For reference, the chart below shows approximate loss figures for typically-available coaxial cables frequently used in amateur radio installations.

Memory Backup

The lithium memory BACKUP switch on the rear panel is turned on at the factory, allowing VFO, memory, and menu data to be retained while power is off. Backup current is minuscule, so it is not necessary to turn the BACKUP switch off unless the transceiver is to be stored for an extended period.

After five or more years of operation, the transceiver may fail to retain memories. At this point, the lithium battery should be replaced. Contact your dealer for procurement of the battery, and follow the instructions on page 91 for replacement of the battery.

Before completing installation of your FT-920 transceiver, please take the time to review the following safety guidelines.

		9
	FT-920 Operating Manual

Installation

Adjusting the Front Feet

The two front feet of the FT-920 can be set in either of two positions. By turning the knurled ring around a (retracted) foot clockwise, the middle of the foot will extend about one centimeter. Turn the ring as far as it will go (about ¼ turn) to lock the extended foot in place. To retract an extended foot, turn the knurled ring counter-clockwise ¼ turn while pressing on the center of the foot.

10	FT-920 Operating Manual

Safety Precautions

1. Power Connections

Be certain to follow the guidelines on page 6 carefully so as to ensure that your AC power supply is configured for the AC line voltage used in your area.

When making DC connections, be absolutely certain to observe proper polarity in your wiring. Note that other manufacturers may use the same type of DC power connector as does Yaesu, but the wiring configuration of the other manufacturer’s plug may be different from that specified for your transceiver. Accordingly, you should verify the pin configuration of the plug before attempting to use a non-Yaesu DC cable of any kind.

2. Ground Connections

Besides following the guidelines presented on page 8 carefully, note that household or industrial gas lines must never be used in an attempt to establish an electrical ground. Cold water pipes may, in some instances, help in the grounding effort, but gas lines represent a significant explosion hazard, and should never be used.

3. Electrical Shock Prevention

Be certain that all station wiring is properly insulated so as to prevent short-circuits which could damage this transceiver and/or accessories connected to it. Be sure to protect power cables from damage due to abrasion by ensuring that they cannot be walked upon nor crushed under rolling chairs, etc. Never route power cables near sharp metallic edges which might cut through protective insulation.

Never spill liquids into this transceiver, and do not drop sharp metallic objects into the transceiver enclosure. Electrical shock may result when you attempt to remove the object.

Unsupervised children should be kept away from any electrical apparatus such as the FT-920 transceiver and its accessories.

4. Antenna Precautions

Always install antennas such that they can never come in contact with outdoor power lines in the event of a catastrophic antenna support or power line support structure failure. An adequate safety margin is usually provided by separating power lines from the antenna and its support structure [1.5 times the height of the support] plus [the length of any antenna or guy wires attached to the support] plus [the height of the power line support pole].

Ground the antenna support structure adequately, so as to dissipate energy absorbed during a lightning strike. Install appropriate lightning arrestors in the antenna lead-in and rotator cable (if used) according to the arrestor’s instructions.

In the event of an approaching electrical storm, disconnect all antenna lead-in, rotator control, and power cables completely from the station, but only if the

storm is not immediately in your area. Do not allow disconnected cables to touch the case of your FT-920 transceiver or accessories, as lightning can easily jump from the cable to the circuitry of your transceiver via the case, causing irreparable damage. If a lightning storm is in progress in your immediate area, do not attempt to disconnect the cables, as you could be killed instantly should lightning strike your antenna structure or a nearby power line.

If a vertical antenna is used, be certain that humans and/or pets or farm animals are kept away both from the radiating element (to prevent electrical shock and RF exposure danger) and the ground system (in the event of an electrical storm). The buried radials of a ground-mounted vertical antenna can carry lethal voltages outward from the center of the antenna in the event of a direct lightning strike.

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	FT-920 Operating Manual

Safety Precautions

5. RF Field Exposure Advisory and

Electromagnetic Compatibility

This transceiver is capable of power output in excess of 50 Watts, so customers in the United States may be required to demonstrate compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations concerning maximum permissible exposure to radio frequency energy. Compliance is based on the actual power output used, feedline loss, antenna type and height, and other factors which can only be evaluated as a system. Information regarding these regulations may be available from your Dealer, your local radio club, from the FCC directly (press releases and other information can be found on the FCC’s site on the World Wide Web at < http://www.fcc.gov >), or from the American Radio Relay League, Inc. (225 Main St., Newington CT 06111 or < http:// www.arrl.org>).

Remember to re-evaluate your station’s compliance with these regulations during portable operations such as Field Day or special-event stations. Note, also, that power output may be programmed to 50 Watts (maximum) via Menu Items U-49 and U-50; see page 79 for details.

Regarding electromagnetic compatibility: if this transceiver is used with, or in the vicinity of, a computer or computer-driven accessories, you may need to experiment with grounding and/or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) suppression devices (such as ferrite cores) to minimize interference to your communications caused by energy from the computer. Com- puter-generated RFI is usually a result of inadequate shielding of the computer’s cabinet or I/O and peripheral connections. While computer equipment may “comply” with RF emission standards, this does not ensure that sensitive amateur radio receivers will not experience interference from the device!

Be certain to use only shielded cables for TNC-to- Transceiver connections. You may need to install AC line filters on the power cord(s) of the suspected equipment, and decoupling ferrite toroidal chokes may be required on interconnecting patch/data cables. As a last resort, you can try installing additional shielding within the computer’s case, using appropriate conductive mesh or conductive shielding tape. Especially check “RF holes” where plastic is used for cabinet front panels.

For further information, consult amateur radio reference guides and publications relating to RFI suppression techniques.

12	FT-920 Operating Manual

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1. Linear Amplifier Interfacing

The FT-920 can be used with the (optional) Yaesu FL-7000 Linear Amplifier, which provides automatic band switching through the use of digital data sent via the BAND jack on the rear panel of the transceiver. Most other commonly-used linear amplifiers may also be used with the FT-920, so long as the Tx/Rx switching voltages and timing (sequencing) for the amplifier’s control relay(s) are not extraordinary.

Tx/Rx Control Devices

for Linear Amplifier Switching

Two control devices are provided in the FT-920 for Tx/Rx control of an linear amplifier’s relay(s).

•An open-collector transistor switch provides a solid-state, fast-acting closure to ground for low-voltage/low-current situations; maximum ratings are +50 V DC at 500 mA (maximum dissipation of 25W), and relays using negative DC voltages or AC of any kind must not be used with the transistor switch.

The transistor switch’s “hot” lead is identified as TX GND (since it closes to “GND” on “TX”), and is provided on Pin 2 of the BAND (DIN) connector on the rear panel of the FT-920. It is also provided via the rear-panel TX GND jack when the TR-RY switch is set to the TR position.

‚A mechanical relay is provided for high volt- age/high-current applications, although the relay will not be fast enough forQSK (full breakin) CW operation; maximum ratings for the relay contacts are 220 V DC (maximum) at 270 mA, 30V DC at 2 A, or 125 V AC (maximum AC voltage) at 500 mA (60 Watts total maximum dissipation).

The relay’s contacts may be accessed by connecting a shielded cable to the rear-panel TX

GND jack.

If the relay is being used, the TR-RY switch adjacent to the TX GND RCA jack must be set to the RY position; conversely, if you are using the transistor switch, leave the TR-RY switch in the TR position, so as to eliminate the clicking of the relay.

The relay provides a mechanical closure to Ground on Transmit, while the (NPN) transistor switch sinks its (open) collector to Ground on Transmit. Check with the manufacturer of your amplifier (or other device) to confirm the amplifier switching voltage and current, if they are not clearly stipulated in the documentation for your equipment.

þBe absolutely certain to check the position of the

TR-RY switch prior to connecting any external device to the TX GND jack. Never connect an AC voltage, or a negative DC voltage, to the TX GND jack if the TR-RY switch is set to TR. The Limited Warranty on this product does not cover damage caused by improper connections (excessive or improper voltage) to the rear panel jacks of the FT920.

About ALC

The FT-920 provides an external ALC jack on the rear panel (RCA-type jack) for input of Automatic

Level Control voltage from a linear amplifier.

ALC voltage is used to provide dynamic control of the output of the transceiver, so as not to provide more drive than is needed for full amplifier output. The ALC control voltage range is 0 to -4 V DC, with the voltage going more negative as the amplifier’s drive requirements are approaching fulfillment.

The FT-920’s ALC system is very typical of designs in the amateur radio industry, and consequently is compatible with many manufactured and home-built amplifiers. However, ALC voltage may be generated by an amplifier in a manner incompatible with efficient ALC operation in the FT-920, and it is important that you recognize the differences in amplifier ALC circuits before proceeding with ALC line connection.

rALC circuits which detect Power Output from the amplifier, and generate negative-going ALC control voltage when maximum output power has been realized, will generally work properly with the FT-920. The exact amount of ALC voltage fed to the FT-920 can usually be adjusted via a potentiometer on the rear panel of the amplifier.

rALC circuits which detect Amplifier Tube Grid Current, and generate ALC voltage when excessive grid current is present, may not work well with the FT-920 and other similar trans-

		13
	FT-920 Operating Manual

Accessory Installation

ceivers, as the ALC voltage may be generated because of amplifier mis-tuning not related to an excessive-drive condition. With amplifiers deriving their ALC voltage in this manner, we recommend that you not connect the ALC line, and rather let the amplifier’s protection circuitry manage its ALC requirements internally.

One useful alternative to ALC interconnection may be considered: by entering Menu Item(s) U-49 and/ or U-50, you may define the maximum power output for the FT-920. So if your amplifier never requires more than 50 Watts of drive, just set the maximum power output to “50” via the menu system, and you will not have to worry about over-driving your amplifier. And since the power output may be set independently for each antenna port (use Menu Item U-49 for Antenna A, and U-50 for Antenna B), you may lower the power output on a port connected to your amplifier while retaining the full 100 Watts on the other antenna port.

Interconnection with QSK Amplifiers

If using a Yaesu FL-7000 amplifier, connect the (optional) cable CT-11 from the transceiver BAND jack to the amplifier’s ACC-2 jack. This provides automatic band selection for the linear, as well as QSK Tx/Rx switching control and sequencing. Also connect an RCA-to-RCA patch cord (Yaesu Part #T9101296 -

supplied with the FL-7000) from the amplifier’s ALC jack to the transceiver’s EXT ALC jack, and connect an RF coaxial jumper (Yaesu Part #T9100980 - also supplied with the FL-7000) from the transceiver’s antenna jack (A or B) to the amplifier’s RF INPUT jack.

If using another manufacturer’s QSK amplifier, and if it meets the 15 VDC/100 mA limitation for transistor switching described previously, connect the Tx/Rx switching line for the linear to Pin 2 of the BAND jack, and use Pin 3 for the shield of the cable. If the amplifier provides a closure to ground to confirm that its relays are properly seated, this “exciter-enable” line may be connected to Pin 8 of the BAND jack.

The BAND jack is a specialized, interlocked 8-pin DIN connector. When a suitable plug (Yaesu Part #P0090160) is inserted into the BAND jack, it opens the interlock which, in the case of the FT-920, grounds Pin 8. If no exciter-enable line is provided by your amplifier, connect a jumper between Pin 8 and Pin 3 (Ground); if you do not, the FT-920 will not allow itself to transmit.

If your QSK amplifier requires the exciter’s control circuits to switch more than 100 mA, or uses more than 15 VDC for Tx/Rx relay switching, you will have to provide a suitable external interface transistor, controlled by Pin 2 of the BAND jack.

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Accessory Installation

Interconnection with non-QSK Amplifiers

(Yaesu FL-2100 Series or others)

The TX GND jack on the rear panel of the transceiver provides for Tx/Rx switching of non-QSK amplifiers. A schematic diagram of the FT-920’s internal relay circuit is shown below.

ter contact of the TX GND RCA jack to the amplifier’s relay control line, using the outer contact of the TX

GND jack for the shield. Connect the RF coaxial cable and, if compatible, the ALC cable as described in the QSK amplifier interconnection section above. Refer to the drawing below for details.

With the relay enabled, the FT-920 can support nonQSK linear Tx/Rx switching voltages of up to 220 VDC (maximum permissible DC voltage) at 270 mA, 30 VDC at 2 A, or 125 VAC (maximum permissible AC voltage) at 500 mA.

As the FT-920 is supplied from the factory, the internal relay is disabled, and a high-dissipation NPN transistor’s (open) collector is connected to the TX

GND jack. To enable the relay for use with amplifiers requiring it, move the rear panel TR-RY switch, located in the hole near the center of the rear panel, to the RY position. Use a thin, insulated object like a toothpick to move the switch. Then connect the cen-

Caution!

Do not exceed the maximum ratings of the switching circuitry (transistor or relay) of the FT-920 made available via the BAND or TX GND jacks. Your warranty does not cover damage caused by improper interconnections to linear amplifiers. When in doubt, it is always safest to utilize the TX GND jack with the TR-RY switch set to TR, as this configuration should handle the switching requirements of most all com- monly-available amplifiers.

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FT-920 Operating Manual

Accessory Installation

2. Digital Modem Interfacing

(TNC, WeatherFax, etc.)

The FT-920 provides several convenient interconnection points, as well as dedicated operating modes, for digital operation. While interfacing to commonlyavailable modems is simple and straightforward, it is important that you read the instructions below so as to understand the facilities that are provided on the FT-920.

DATA Jack

This five-pin DIN connector is the primary interface port for most digital-mode operation. It provides the following connection points which may be required in your installation:

Pin 1 (AFSK Input):

Connect this pin to your TNC’s “AFSK Out” or “Mic Audio” output line. The optimum input level is 30 mV rms, and the input impedance is 3 kΩ. Your TNC’s audio output level potentiometer will allow you to set the level to the optimum value. This pin may be used either for 300 baud SSB-mode digital operation or for 1200-baud FM packet. The bandwidth and frequency response are not, however, suitable for 9600 baud operation. Be sure the AFSK-FSK switch on the rear panel is in the

AFSK position.

For FSK operation (whereby the TNC closes a line to ground to accomplish teletype keying), set the AFSK-FSK switch to FSK, and connect your TNC’s FSK keying line to Pin 1.

Pin 2 (Ground):

Connect this to the shield(s) of the cable(s) used for connections between the TNC and the FT-920.

Pin 3 (PTT):

Connect this pin to the PTT line from the TNC. This pin, when grounded by the TNC, places the FT-920 into the Transmit condition.

Pin 4 (Audio Out):

Connect this pin to your TNC’s “RX Audio” input line. This is a constant-level (100 mV rms @ 600

Ω) audio output line which is not affected by the position of the front-panel AF GAIN control.

Pin 5 (BUSY):

This is a “Squelch Status” pin not generally required for digital mode operation. This pin is held at +5V when the squelch is open, and is grounded when the receiver is muted by the squelch (“nosignal” condition).

KEY Jack (Rear Panel)

If you wish to send CW using your TNC and computer keyboard, the CW Key output line from your TNC may be connected to the rear-panel KEY jack, according to the connection information provided on page 5.

Since a TNC’s keying output is electrically similar to that of a Straight Key, set the rear panel’s PDL-KEY switch to the PDL (Manual Key) position, and connect the TNC’s key line there. You can still connect your keyer paddle to the front panel KEY jack, and use the FT-920’s built-in electronic keyer, for those situations where you wish to send using the paddle; there is no need to switch the internal keyer on and off.

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Accessory Installation

3. Other Digital/Recording

Device Interfacing

AF OUT Jack

This is a 3.5 mm miniature phone jack which provides constant-level (100 mV @ 600 Ω) for connection to a WeatherFax decoder, tape recorder, or other accessory. The audio output level is not affected by the setting of the front panel AF GAIN control, so you can turn the volume down, if you like, without affecting the audio level being presented to your decoding device.

The connection to the AF OUT jack is at the same level as the connection to Pin 4 of the DATA jack. However, the two output ports use independent output buffer amplifiers, so you can freely connect and disconnect devices to/from these ports without concern over the impedances and levels.

PTT Jack

This RCA jack is wired in parallel with the DATA jack’s Pin 3, and may be used in conjunction with a computer or TNC’s PTT line, if desired.

PATCH Jack

For transmit audio input for SSTV (Slow-Scan Television) operation, you may connect the SSTV terminal’s TX AUDIO line to the PATCH jack. You will need to disconnect the microphone, however, during transmission, as the PATCH jack is connected in a “Y” configuration along with the microphone input (from pin 8 of the MIC jack).

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FT-920 Operating Manual

Accessory Installation

4. CW Key/Paddle and Computer

Keying Interface Suggestions

Features

The FT-920 includes a host of features for the CW operator, the functions of which will be detailed in the “Operation” section later. These include:

•A built-in electronic keyer with message memory;

‚A front-panel KEY jack for connection of a keyer paddle; and

ƒA rear-panel KEY jack which may be connected to another keyer paddle or a straight key, TNC, or computer CW keying interface (for use with contest software, etc.).

Both KEY jacks on the FT-920 utilize “positive” keying voltage. Key-up voltage is approximately +5V DC, and key-down current is approximately 0.5 mA. When connecting a key or other device to the KEY jacks, use only a 3-pin (“stereo”) ¼” phone plug; a 2-pin plug will place a short between the ring and (grounded) shaft of the plug, resulting in a constant “key-down” condition in some circumstances.

Configuration Suggestions

•For everyday operation using the internal electronic memory keyer, connect your paddle to the front panel KEY jack, and activate the front panel

KEYER switch. If you wish to keep the keyer paddle’s cable out of the way, connect the plug, instead, to the rear panel KEY jack, and set the rear-panel PDL-KEY switch to PDL.

‚If two operators are using the FT-920 simultaneously (for a contest, Field Day, etc.), a second keyer paddle may be connected to the rear panel

KEY jack. Be sure that the rear panel’s PDL-KEY switch is set to PDL so that both operators have access to the internal electronic memory keyer, and switch the front panel KEYER switch on.

ƒIf two operators are using the FT-920 simultaneously, but both wish to use a straight key, “bug,” or an outboard electronic keyer, the key plugs may be inserted into the front and rear panel KEY jacks; now turn the front panel’s KEYER switch off. Irrespective of the setting of the PDL-KEY switch, the tip connections on both Key plugs will serve as “Straight Key” lines for accommodating this application.

„If you are using a computer-driven CW keying interface (with contest software), but want to be able to send occasional “repeat” messages quickly using the FT-920’s internal keyer, connect your keyer paddle to the front panel KEY jack, and the keying interface line (which emulates a straight key) to the rear panel KEY jack. In this configuration, set the rear panel’s PDL-KEY switch to the

KEY position, which re-configures only the rear panel’s KEY jack to accept a “Manual” keying line.

Note that the rear-panel KEY jack carries the capability to support an external PTT line, if provided by your external keyer, TNC, or computer keying interface.

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5. Antenna Connections

The FT-920’s three antenna connectors, plus innovative microprocessor-based memory and switching circuits, provide excellent flexibility in setting up your antenna connections.

Typical antenna configurations are shown below. Remember that Antenna A and Antenna B (which are “SO-239” or “M” connectors) may be used for transmission and reception, while the RX Antenna port (which is an “RCA” type connector) may only be used for reception.

Note

Regarding Large Receive Antennas

Although surge suppression is provided on all antenna ports, you may wish to consider building a simple external circuit which will disconnect, on TX, any antenna connected to the RX ANT IN jack, particularly if you are using a very long wire antenna such as a Beverage. Very long antennas can build up very high RF and static voltages on them, and the circuit below may provide better protection for your receiver’s input circuitry.

6. Personal Computer Interfacing

for Contest Software, etc.

The FT-920 features a built-in level converter, allowing direct connection from the rear-panel CAT jack to the serial port of your computer, without the need for any external converter box.

When your software requests serial port configuration information, set it for “4800,N,8,2” (4800 baud, No Parity, 8 Data Bits, and 2 Stop Bits). Be certain to configure and activate any required“TSR” (Terminate- and-Stay-Resident) utilities before beginning com- puter-controlled transceiver operation (your software’s instruction manual will describe any such requirement).

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FT-920 Operating Manual

Front Panel Controls, Switches, & Jacks

(1) POWER Switch

This latching-type switch turns the FT-920 on and off. Push it once to turn the transceiver on, and press it again to turn the power off.

(2) MOX Switch

This also is a latching-type switch, used to switch the FT-920 manually into the transmit mode (instead of using the microphone Push-To-Talk (PTT) switch, for example). Press [MOX] once to activate the transmit mode, and press it again to release the FT-920 back into the receive mode.

Be sure to have an antenna or dummy

load connected to the transceiver when this switch is pushed. Failure to do so may cause damage to the transmitter’s final amplifier

stage.

(3) VOX Switch

This switch enables automatic voice-actuated transmitter switching in the SSB, AM, and FM modes, as well as “semi-break-in” CW. Press the [ VOX] switch once to activate VOX, and again to disable VOX (and return to PTT operation).

(4) PHONES Jack

This ¼” 3-pin jack is used for connection of headphones. When a plug is inserted into this jack, the internal/external speaker will be cut off. This jack is optimized for use with 16 Ω to 32 Ω headphones, and will accept either monaural or stereo headphone types.

(5) KEY Jack

This ¼” 3-pin jack is used for connection of a CW keyer paddle or a straight key. Use only a 3-pin (“stereo”) plug in this jack; if you attempt to use a 2-pin plug, a constant CW carrier will be sent out. The pinout is shown on page 5.

(6) MIC Jack

This 8-pin connector accepts microphone input, as well as providing PTT, ground, and scanning control

access. Proper microphone impedance is 500 ~ 600

Ω.

20	FT-920 Operating Manual

AGC FAST:

AGC OFF:

AMP:

ALC:

Front Panel Controls, Switches, & Jacks

(7) METER SELECT Switch

This switch is used to select the display function of the transmission multimeter, with the selections being provided in the following sequence:

ALC: ALC Voltage.

SWR: SWR as observed by the transmitter PA.

COMP: Speech Processor Compression level.

VOLT: Final amplifier transistor supply voltag (also displayed on receive).

Final amplifier transistor drain current.

ALC Voltage

(return to beginning of loop).

(8) IPO Switch

The Intercept Point Optimization button switches the receiver RF preamplifier on and off. When the switch is pressed, the “IPO” icon appears on the display panel, and the receiver RF preamplifier is bypassed. When this switch is pressed again, “IPO” will disappear, and the RF preamplifier returns to operation.

Best receiver sensitivity occurs when “IPO” is off. However, the RF preamplifier may not be necessary in noisy locations or on the lower frequencies, in which case the IPO feature will provide improved immunity from intermodulation.

(9) ATT Switch

This switch may be used to reduce the input receive signal in one S-Unit steps, starting at 0 dB (no attenuation), and sequencing through [6 dB] Þ [12 dB]

Þ [18 dB] Þ [0 dB]. . .

The attenuation level is shown on the display panel. Best sensitivity will, of course, occur when no attenuation is used.

(10) AGC Switch

This switch selects the recovery time for the receiver AGC (Automatic Gain Control) system. The selections available are, in order:

AGC FAST: Fast receiver recovery time.

AGC SLOW: Slow receiver recovery time. AGC system disabled.

Fast receiver recovery time (return to beginning of loop).

The current receiver recovery time constant is shown on the display panel.

?If “AGC OFF” is selected, the S-meter (which monitors AGC voltage) will cease to function.

(11) MIC GAIN Control

This control adjusts the microphone input level in the SSB and AM modes. Clockwise rotation increases the microphone gain level.

(12) RF PWR Control

This control adjusts the transmitter’s power output, with a range of 10 ~ 100 Watts, and adjustment is available in all modes. Clockwise rotation increases the power output.

(13) AF GAIN Control

This control adjusts the receiver volume level presented to the speaker or headphones. Clockwise rotation increases the volume level.

?Note that this control does not affect the audio level presented to the rear-panel AF OUT and DATA jacks.

(14) RF GAIN Control

This control adjusts the gain of the receiver’s RF and IF stages. Clockwise rotation increases the RF Gain level for best sensitivity, and the normal operating position for this control is fully clockwise.

?Counter-clockwise rotation of the RF GAIN control, besides lowering the receiver gain level, will cause the S-meter to deflect upward, as though a strong signal were present.

(15) NARROW Switch

This switch is used to activate optional narrow filters, for improved interference rejection. Press this switch to select the narrow filter; the “NAR” indicator will appear on the display panel.

(16) MODE Switches

Pressing one of these switches selects the operating mode. Per the chart below, repeated presses of a particular switch may cause the precise mode to be selected from within a mode group (for example, pressing [SSB] repeatedly toggles between [USB] and [LSB].

	Mode	A vailable Mode Select ions
	Sw itch
	SSB	LSB Ö USB
	CW	CW (LSB) Ö CW (USB)
	AM	AM
	FM	FM
	DATA	DATA LSB Õ DATA USB Õ DATA FM Õ DATA LSB Õ
		(RTTY/FSK) (PKT/AFSK) (PKT/AFSK) (RTTY/FSK)

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	FT-920 Operating Manual

Front Panel Controls, Switches, & Jacks

(17), (18) Antenna Switches (A/B, RX)

These switches allow selection of antennas, per the information and illustration below.

(17) A/B Press this switch to toggle between antennas connected to the “A” and “B” connectors on the rear panel. The indicator “ AN T[A]” or “ANT[B]” will appear on the display panel to indicate which antenna is in use. The antenna selection will be maintained in the VFO or Memory register in use.

(18) RX When this switch is pressed, the receiver’s input is connected to the receive-only “RX IN” RCA connector on the rear panel of the FT-920. This feature allows connection of a lownoise receiving antenna or a VHF/UHF receive converter. When the RX button is pushed, the “RX

ANT” indicator will appear on the display panel.See the drawing on the next page for details.

(19) SQL (Squelch) Control

This control, active in all modes, may be used to silence background noise when no signal is present. Most frequently used during FM operation, this control must be rotated fully counter-clockwise for most SSB, CW, or AM operation.

(20) PROC COMPression Level Control

This control is used to adjust the compression level of the digital speech processor during SSB operation. Clockwise rotation increases the compression level.

(21) PROC Switch

Pressing this switch activates the digital SSB speech processor, for enhanced “talk power” under difficult conditions. The “PROC” indicator will appear on the display panel when the speech processor is activated. Press this switch again to turn the speech processor off.

(22) MONI GAIN Control

This control is used to adjust the audio level of the voice monitor. Clockwise rotation increases the audio level.

(23) MONI Switch

Pressing this switch activates the voice monitor, which allows the operator to monitor voice characteristics during adjustments. When the monitor is activated, the “MONI” indicator appears on the display panel. Press this switch again to turn off the monitor.

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Front Panel Controls, Switches, & Jacks

(24) NB LEVEL Control

This control adjusts the blanking level for the IF Noise Blanker. Clockwise rotation increases the degree of blanking.

(25) NB Switch

Pressing this switch activates the IF Noise Blanker. When the Noise Blanker is activated, the ‘NB” indicator will appear in the display panel. Press this switch again to switch the Noise Blanker off.

?The IF Noise Blanker may be used or alone or in conjunction with the DSP Noise Reduction feature.

(26) RX - (VFO-A) Indicator/Switch

This combination LED/Switch indicates the operating status of VFO-A in the receive mode. The LED appears green when the receiver is set up for the use of VFO-A.

This LED is also a switch; when the receiver is using VFO-A, pressing the green LED will cause the receiver to be muted (the LED will now blink). Press the LED again to cancel the mute function.

(27) TX - (VFO-A) Indicator/Switch

This combination LED/Switch indicates whether or not VFO-A is being used to determine the transmit frequency. The LED appears orange when the transmitter is being controlled by VFO-A (this is the typical situation for transceive operation using VFO-A).

When the corresponding LED near the tuning dial for VFO-B is pushed, the VFO-A [TX] LED will go out, showing that VFO-A has relinquished transmit frequency control. Pushing the VFO-A [TX] LED again will restore transmit frequency control to VFO-A.

If this LED is pushed while it is already illuminated, the FT-920 will be placed in the (reduced-power: Approx. 10 W) “TX MUTE” mode. In this mode, the Orange LED will blink.

(28) VFO-A Tuning Dial

This large knob is the main tuning dial for the transceiver, controlling the frequency of the (main) VFO- A. Clockwise rotation of the knob increases the frequency, while counter-clockwise rotation decreases the frequency. The tuning steps of the rotary encoder coupled to the VFO-A Tuning Dial are shown below.

Operating		STEP
Mode	No rm al	Fast	Fine
SSB , CW, D ATA(SS B)	10Hz	100Hz	1Hz
AM, FM, D ATA(FM)	100Hz	1kHz	10Hz

(29) STEP Switch

Use the [STEP] switch to enable fine or coarse tuning when using the VFO-A or VFO-B tuning dials, as well as the [UPs] or [Downt] switches. The [step] switch toggles the tuning steps through the following sequence:

Fast Õ Fine Õ Normal Õ Fast Õ . . .

The current setting will be indicated on the display panel.

(30) Shuttle Jog Control

The outer, concentric “Shuttle Jog” control behind the VFO-A Tuning Dial allows fine or rapid frequency excursions with just a slight turn of your hand. Rotating the Jog ring slightly to the left or right initiates slow tuning in a downward or upward direction, respectively. The more you rotate the spring-loaded Jog dial, the faster the VFO will tune. The tuning rate of the Shuttle Jog may be programmed via the Menu system.

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FT-920 Operating Manual

Front Panel Controls, Switches, & Jacks

(31) LOCK Switch (A)

The [LOCK] switch locks the settings of the VFO-A Tuning Dial and/or the Shuttle Jog. Press this switch momentarily to lock the Tuning Dial; press and hold it in for ½ second to lock the Shuttle Jog.

When either control is locked, the “LOCK” indicator below the “VFO-A” indicator on the display panel will be illuminated.

(32) DISPLAY Switch

This switch changes the function of the VFO-B readout area of the display panel. In the normal mode, the VFO-B frequency is displayed. When this button is pushed, and you are operating in the MR (Memory Recall) mode, any alphanumeric memos (“AlphaTags”) you have programmed will be substituted in place of the frequency display on the VFO-B side. Press this switch again to return to the frequency display mode.

(33) (VFO) A u B Switch

Pressing and holding this switch in for ½ second causes the contents of VFO-A to be copied into VFO- B, so that the two VFOs’ contents will be identical.

(34) (VFO) AB Switch

Pressing this switch momentarily to swap the contents of VFO-A with those of VFO-B.

(35) VFO/MEM Switch

Pressing this switch changes frequency control between the VFO and Memory systems.

Repeatedly pushing this switch causes frequency control to toggle between the two systems.

(36) RPT Switch

Pressing this switch, while on 28 MHz in the FM operating mode, causes a standard repeater shift (default: 100 kHz) to be applied to the operating frequency during transmission; additionally, a (subaudible) CTCSS encode tone (default: 88.5 Hz) will be superimposed on your transmitted signal, for accessing repeaters requiring it.

Both the CTCSS tone frequency and repeater shift may be changed via the Menu system.

(37) DW Switch

Pressing this switch activates the Dual Watch feature.

24	FT-920 Operating Manual

Front Panel Controls, Switches, & Jacks

(38) V u M Switch

Pressing this switch for ½ second transfers the contents of VFO-A into a memory register.

(39) V u M Switch

Pressing this switch for ½ second transfers the contents of the currently-selected memory channel into VFO-A.

(40) Keypad

The keypad is used for one-touch band selection, as well as direct frequency entry, during VFO operation.

During FM transmission, the Keypad also serves as a DTMF Encoding Keypad for Autopatch operation.

(41) QMB RCL Switch

This switch is used for one-touch recall of Quick

Memory Bank memories. Pressing this switch causes the QMB memories to be recalled sequentially.

(42) QMB STO Switch

This switch is used for storing VFO-A frequencies into the QMB memory registers.

(43) REC Switch

Pressing this switch causes the built-in Digital Recorder to start recording the contents of the receiver’s incoming audio. Pressing the REC switch for ½ second, followed by the [1], [2], [3], or [4] key on the Keypad, causes the Digital Voice Message recorder to start recording.

(44) PLAY Switch

Pressing this switch initiates playback of the receiver’s Digital Recorder.

(45) UP (p) / DOWN (q) Keys

Pressing these keys allows quick frequency jumps (during VFO operation) or memory channel selection (during Memory Recall operation). Pressing either of these switches once (momentarily) causes the frequency or memory channel number to move upward or downward by one increment; pressing and holding a switch in causes continuous frequency or channel number change.

The increments for frequency change during VFO operation, using these switches, are shown below.

STEP SWITCH POSITION

NORMAL FAST FINE

100kHz 1MHz 10kHz

(46) RX - (VFO-B) Indicator/Switch

This combination LED/Switch indicates the operating status of VFO-B in the receive mode. The LED appears green when the receiver is set up for the use of VFO-B.

This LED is also a switch; when the receiver is using VFO-B, pressing the green LED will cause the receiver to be muted (the LED will now blink). Press the LED again to cancel the mute function.

(47) TX - (VFO-B) Indicator/Switch

This combination LED/Switch indicates whether or not VFO-B is being used to determine the transmit frequency. The LED appears orange when the transmitter is being controlled by VFO-B (this is a typical situation for “Split” operation using VFO-B for transmission while receiving on VFO-A).

When the corresponding LED near the tuning dial for VFO-A is pushed, the VFO-B [TX] LED will go out, showing that VFO-B has relinquished transmit frequency control. Pushing the VFO-B [TX] LED again will restore transmit frequency control to VFO-B.

If this LED is pushed while it is already illuminated, the FT-920 will be placed in the (reduced-power: Approx. 10W) “TX MUTE” mode. In this mode, the Orange LED will blink.

(48) VFO-B Tuning Dial

This knob is the tuning dial controlling the frequency of the (Sub) VFO-B. Clockwise rotation of the knob increases the frequency, while counter-clockwise rotation decreases the frequency. The tuning steps of the rotary encoder coupled to the VFO-B Tuning Dial are shown below.

Operating		STEP
Mode	No rm al	Fast	Fine
SSB , CW, D ATA(SS B)	10Hz	100Hz	1Hz
AM, FM, D ATA(FM)	100Hz	1kHz	10Hz

(49) MEM CH Switch

Pressing this switch changes the operating configuration for the VFO-B Tuning Dial.

If this switch is pressed, the VFO-B Tuning Dial will switch from VFO operation to Memory Channel selection. Press the switch again to return to VFO operation.

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	FT-920 Operating Manual

Front Panel Controls, Switches, & Jacks

(50) LOCK Switch (B)

This switch locks the settings of the VFO-B knob and/ or the front panel keys.

Pressing this switch momentarily locks the settings of the VFO-B Tuning Dial. Pressing and holding in this switch for ½ second causes all the keys on the front panel of the transceiver (except for the [LOCK] switches!) to be locked. When the LOCK function is engaged, the “LOCK” indicator will be shown on the display panel.

(51) MENU Switch

Pressing this switch momentarily activates the “Menu” mode, which allows customization of many aspects of transceiver configuration.

(52) RX CLAR Switch

Pressing this switch activates the RX Clarifier (Offset Tuning from VFO-A frequency) feature. When this feature is activated, the VFO-B Tuning Knob is used for Clarifier tuning up to an offset of ±9.99 kHz.

(53) TX CLAR Switch

Pressing this switch activates the TX Clarifier feature, allowing the transmit frequency to be offset from the VFO-A frequency up to ±9.99 kHz. The TX Clarifier may be used in conjunction with the RX Clarifier, or the chosen offset may be applied either to the RX or TX frequency singly.

(54) CLEAR CLAR Switch

Pressing this switch clears any offset that has been established for the Clarifier, returning it to a “Zero Offset” condition. Pressing this switch only cancels the offset; it does not turn the Clarifier itself off.

(55) SPOT Switch

In the CW mode, this switch activates a spotting tone, used for precise zeroing in onto an incoming (RX) signal. By matching the pitch of the incoming signal exactly to the pitch of the Spot tone, your transmitter’s signal will be precisely aligned to a “Zero Beat” position relative to the other station’s signal.

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Front Panel Controls, Switches, & Jacks

(56) BK-IN Switch

Pressing this switch, in the CW mode, places the transceiver in the “Full Break-In” (“QSK”) mode.

(57) KEYER Switch

This is the On/Off switch for the built-in Electronic Keyer.

(58) SPEED Control

This is the Speed control for the built-in Electronic Keyer. Clockwise rotation increased the sending speed.

(59) PITCH Control

This control adjusts the pitch of (A) the SPOT tone,

(B) the corresponding pitch of your FT-920’s transmitted carrier, and (C) the center frequency of the receive passband. The available range of frequencies is 300 ~ 1050 Hz, in 50 Hz steps.

(60) SIDE TONE Control

This control adjusts the level of the CW monitor sidetone. Clockwise rotation increases the monitor level.

(61) MEM GROUP Switch

This switch is used to select the “Memory Group Recall” mode of Memory operation. In this mode, only those memory channels within the designated group will be available for recall; this is useful in reducing channel selection time if you only are interested in watching a few particular channels.

(62) TUNER Switch

This is the On/Off switch for the FT-920’s Automatic Antenna Tuner.

Pressing this switch momentarily places the Antenna Tuner in line.

Pressing and holding in this switch for ½ second activates the Automatic Matching mode, in which a carrier is generated and the tuner’s microprocessorbased circuitry selects values of inductance and capacitance so as to present a low SWR to the transmitter’s output port.

þBe certain to have an antenna or dummy load connected to the antenna jack on the rear of the transceiver before initiating Automatic Antenna Tuner matching procedures.

(63) SHIFT Control

This control adjusts the receiver’s IF Shift feature, which adjusts the 8.2 MHz IF position relative to the center frequency of the selected IF filter (in all modes except FM). The default position for this control is at 12 o’clock, and an adjustment range of ±1.26 kHz is provided (the pitch of the incoming signals will not change).

(64) NR Control

This control adjusts the level of the DSP-based Noise Reduction feature. Clockwise rotation of this control increased the degree of noise reduction.

(65) DSP Switch

This is the On/Off switch for the Digital Signal Processing circuitry.

(66) LOW CUT/HIGH CUT Controls

These controls adjust the passband cutoff frequencies of the receiver’s High-Cut and Low-Cut DSP filters. The inner control adjusts the Low-Cut characteristics, with a physical adjustment range over the left hemisphere. The outer control adjusts the HighCut characteristics, and its adjustment range is over the right hemisphere.

Do not attempt to adjust either of these controls past the 12 o’clock position.

(67) NOTCH Switch

This is the On/Off switch for the beat-canceling DSP Notch filter.

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	FT-920 Operating Manual

Display Panel Indicators and Icons

(1) S/PO Meter

This meter scale indicates signal strength on receive, and power output on transmit. The characteristics may be changed between Instantaneous and PeakHold by making the appropriate selection via Menu Item U-07.

(2) Transmit Multimeter

In accordance with the corresponding setting of the Meter Select switch, these meter scales provide display of the following transmitter performance parameters:

ALC: ALC Voltage.

SWR: SWR as observed by the transmitter PA.

COMP: Speech Processor Compression level.

VOLT: Final amplifier transistor supply voltage (also displayed on receive).

AMP: Final amplifier transistor drain current.

(3) [PROC]

This icon indicates that the Digital Speech Processor is On.

(4) [IPO]

This icon indicates that the Intercept Point Optimization condition for the receiver is active, with the input preamplifier being bypassed.

(5) [ATT 6 12 18]

This icon is illuminated when the receiver input preamplifier is On, and it displays the number of dB of attenuation.

(6) [AGC F S] [AGC OFF]

These icons indicate the current operating mode for the Automatic Gain Control circuitry.

(7) [TRANSMIT]

This icon becomes illuminated during transmission. If you attempt to transmit outside of an authorized transmit range, this icon will disappear, and “ERROR” will appear on the main frequency display area.

(8) [BUSY]

This icon is illuminated during reception so long as the receiver is unsquelched. By keeping the SQUELCH control fully counter-clockwise, receiver audio will always be present and the [BUSY] icon will stay lit.

(9) [SPLIT]

This icon is illuminated during “Split” operation using VFO-A for reception and VFO-B for transmission, or vice-versa.

(10) [FAST]

This icon is illuminated when “Fast” synthesizer steps have been selected, for more rapid frequency navigation using the VFO-A and VFO-B Tuning Knobs, or the UP(p)/(q)DOWN switches. In the “Fast” mode, the frequency change is multiplied by a factor of 10.

(11) [NAR]

This icon is illuminated when a Narrow filter (in those modes where one is available) has been selected.

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