Kenwood TS-870S User Manual - Page 46

6 COMMUNICATING AM TRANSMISSION Each mode used on the HF Amateur bands has its own advantages. Although long distance DX contacts may be less common while using AM, the superior audio quality characteristic of AM operation is one reason why some prefer this mode. When looking for others using AM, check the following frequencies first: • 3885, 7290, 14286, 21390, and 29000~29200 kHz Refer, if necessary, to "OPERATING BASICS" beginning on page 19 for complete receiving details for any mode. 1 Select the operating frequency. 2 Press [FM/AM] to select AM mode. AGC AUTO AM 3 Select the ALC meter function by pressing [METER]. 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 Without speaking, adjust the CAR control so that the ALC meter just begins to indicate. 6 Speak into the microphone and adjust the MIC gain control so that only a few segments on the ALC meter light. • Speak in a normal tone and level of voice. Speaking too close to the microphone, or too loudly, may increase distortion and reduce intelligibility. 7 If you want to use speech processing, press [PROC] to switch on the Speech Processor and adjust as described on page 46. 8 Release the Microphone [PTT] switch, or press [SEND] again, to return to the receive mode. • The "ON AIR" indicator goes out. This completes the "AM TRANSMISSION" section. Refer to "OPERATING AIDS" beginning on page 44 for information about additional useful functions for operating. DIGITAL OPERATION Since Multimode Communications Processors (MCP) have become popular, many Amateurs enjoy operating using a number of digital modes. The power and variety of Amateur radio increased greatly with the development of MCP that can use your TS-870S transceiver as the communications link. For example, it's possible to take advantage of the camaraderie found on RTTY, then move to Packet to access an RBBS (Radio Bulletin Board System) to download a recent shareware program you've heard about, and then move again to AMTOR or PacTOR to deposit mail in a regional mailbox for forwarding. After that, you may switch to G-TORTM or Clover for a lightning fast file transfer with a friend. Consult ACCESSORY CONNECTIONS {pages 5~7} before proceeding if you need installation information. It is assumed here that you have all hardware, and software if necessary, already correctly installed. RTTY (FREQUENCY SHIFT KEYING) Important Menu items to be aware of before beginning to operate RTTY include the following: • Menu No. 62 (FSK.SHFT): Selects 170, 200, 425, or 850 Hz shift. The 170 Hz shift default is used on the Amateur bands. • Menu No. 63 (MARK.POL): Allows reversal of the key-down polarity between mark and space. The default is space (OFF). • Menu No. 64 (FSK.TONE): Switches between a high tone (2125 Hz) and a low tone (1275 Hz). The default is 2125 Hz. The high tone is commonly used nowadays. 1 Select the operating frequency. 2 Press [FSK/-R] to select FSK mode. AGC AUTO FSK 3 Select the ALC meter function by pressing [METER]. S 1 0 3579 20 10 25 50 FILTER ALC 40 100 60 dB W 40