Kenwood TS-870S User Manual - Page 35

COMMUNICATING SSB TRANSMISSION SSB is now the most commonly-used mode on the HF Amateur bands. This popularity is not surprising due to its narrow bandwidth requirements and its good long distance communications capability that demands minimum transmit power when compared with other voice modes. These reasons, combined with the fact that modern Amateur transceivers deliver reasonably good audio quality, make SSB the mode that most prefer on HF. Due to this popularity, you will want to use the technology available on the TS-870S as explained in this and later sections to make your transmitted signal the best possible. Refer, if necessary, to "OPERATING BASICS" beginning on page 19 for complete receiving details for any mode. 1 Select the operating frequency. 2 Press [LSB/USB] to select either upper or lower sideband mode. AGC AUTO USB 3 Select the ALC meter function by pressing [METER]. S 1 0 3579 20 10 25 50 FILTER ALC 40 100 60 dB W 4 Press and hold down the Microphone [PTT] switch, or press [SEND]. • The "ON AIR" indicator lights. • Refer to "VOX" {page 45} for information on automatic TX/RX switching. 5 Speak into the microphone and adjust the MIC gain control so that the meter reads in the ALC zone but doesn't exceed the upper ALC zone limit. • Speak in a normal tone and level of voice. Speaking too close to the microphone, or too loudly, may increase distortion and reduce intelligibility. • The ALC level is more restricted than previous KENWOOD transceivers due to the added benefit of the DSP-controlled Microphone AGC function {page 47}. • With the Speech Processor switched OFF, the CAR control has no function in this mode. 6 If you want to use speech processing, press [PROC] to switch on the Speech Processor and adjust as described on page 46. 7 Release the Microphone [PTT] switch, or press [SEND] again, to return to the receive mode. • The "ON AIR" indicator goes out. SLOW SCAN TV/ FACSIMILE SSTV complements SSB operating since a voice contact is established first before pictures are exchanged. Though once a specialty mode involving a very small percentage of Amateurs, slow scan television is now increasing in popularity as a result of the capability of computers. No longer is it necessary to squint at an old CRT to view a continuously fading image. It isn't necessary to invest in a large amount of additional equipment anymore either. SSTV can be a convenient method of adding interest to otherwise routine voice contacts. Instead of trying to describe your station, just show it. Many Amateurs are only lacking a little application software that uses your computer sound card for transmitting and receiving monochrome or full-color SSTV images. SSTV FREQUENCIES IARU Region 1 (Europe/Africa) Frequency (kHz) 3730~3740 7035~7045 14225~14235 21335~21345 28675~28685 U.S.A./Canada Frequency (kHz) 3845 7171 14230 21340 28680 The high resolution that is possible using facsimile (FAX) can allow you to exchange more detailed graphics than SSTV allows. Due to the longer transmission times required for FAX, it's best to use this mode when band conditions are stable with strong signals. Popular FAX frequencies include the following: • 7245, 14245, 21345 (Intern. Net), 28945 kHz Operation on SSTV or FAX mainly involves learning the functionality of your computer application or accessory hardware that supports these modes. Consult the documentation that comes with your software or accessory equipment. Note: When operating either SSTV or FAX, use a fast AGC setting and switch OFF your Speech Processor for best results. This completes the "SSB TRANSMISSION" section. Refer to "OPERATING AIDS" beginning on page 44 for information about additional useful functions for operating. 29