PK-232 MBX – OPERATING MANUAL RADIO INSTALLATION
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3.5.2 SSB Transceiver Final Adjustments
Digital modes with an SSB radio require some different settings of the radio's operating
controls for proper AMTOR and packet operation. Be sure to observe the following setting
precautions:
o Set VOX to OFF.
o Set speech compression to OFF.
o Set AGC to FAST (if available).
o Disconnect the ALC cables between your SSB radio and any external RF amplifier
you wish to use in AMTOR or Packet-Radio service.
Remember – Baudot and ASCII RTTY and Mode B (FEC) AMTOR are continuous key-down
conditions – your radio's duty cycle is 100% for the duration of each transmission. If your
SSB radio isn't designed for continuous full-power operation, you must operate your radio
at reduced output power. Consult the manufacturer's specifications for details on the oper-
ating duty cycle.
NOTE: Make all connections with all power off.
1. Connect your PK-232 and SSB radio as shown in Figure 3-6.
2. Turn on your PK-232 and your computer and start your terminal program.
3. Connect your SSB radio to a dummy load such as the AEA DL-1500.
4. If your SSB radio has a "monitor" facility, i.e., an audio output that lets you listen to
the audio signals entering the microphone or phone patch jacks, turn that monitor
circuit on.
5. Set the radio's MODE selector to LSB (lower sideband).
6. Set the radio's meter switch to the "ALC" position. If the radio doesn't have an
"ALC" indication, set the meter switch to "Ip" or "Ic" to read plate/collector current.
If a current reading isn't available, set the meter to indicate power output.
7. If you are using an Timewave or AEA program such as PC-PAKRATT II, COM-
PAKRATT or MACRATT, you must enter the Dumb-Terminal mode (see program ma-
nual) to access the CALIBRATE Mode described below.
8. Enter the Calibrate mode by typing: CAL <Enter>.
NOTE: In the Calibrate mode only, the K key toggles the transmitter PTT line on
and off. The "SPACE BAR" toggles the PK-232's tone generator from "Mark"
(the lower pitched tone) to "Space" (the higher pitched tone). The PK-232
has a transmit watchdog timer circuit that unkeys your transmitter automati-
cally after sixty (60) seconds. As you perform the following adjustments, un-
key periodically, then rekey the transmitter by typing K.
9. Adjust the transceiver's Microphone Gain control to its minimum setting.
10. Press the
K key on the keyboard to key the transmitter. Increase the transceiver's
microphone gain control until you hear a continuous tone in the radio's monitor
output.
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