FTDX1200 Operating Manual Page 77

CW MODE OPERATION

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The powerful CW operating capabilities of the FTDX1200 permit operation using an electronic keyer paddle, a "straight key", or a computer-based keying device.


SETUP FOR STRAIGHT KEY OR STRAIGT KEY EMULATION

Before starting, connect you key line(s) to the front and/or rear panel KEY jack(s). Be sure the [BK-IN] button is turned off for now.

    1. Press the [MODE] button to engage CW operation. The "USB CW" icon will appear in the display. The "MONI" icon will appear in the TFT display; and the CW monitor is activated.

ADVICE:
If you press and hold the [MODE] button, you will engage the "CW Reverse" mode, whereby the "opposite" sideband injection is used, compared to the "normal" sideband. The "LSB" icon will appear in the display if you select CW Reverse.

    2. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob to select the desired operating frequency.

    3. Press the [BK-IN] button to engage automatic activation of the transmitter when you close the CW key. The "BK IN" icon will appear in the TFT display.

ADVICE:

When you close your CW key, the transmitter will automatically be activated, and the CW carrier will be transmitted. When you release the key, transmission will cease, and after a brief delay, receive will be restored. The delay time in user-programmable per the discussion on page 83.

As shipped from the factory, the FTDX1200 TX/RX system for CW is configured "Semi-break-in" operation. However, using Menu item "063 CW BK-IN", you may change this setup for full break-in (QSK) operation, whereby the switching is quick enough to hear incoming signals in the spaced between the dots and dashes of your transmission. This may prove very useful during contest and traffic handling operations.

    4. Operation using your CW kay may now proceed.

ADVICE:

You may adjust the CW sidetone audio level setting of Menu item "036 MONITOR LEVEL". To adjust the Monitor level:

    1) Activate the Moni circuitry, if necessary.






    2) Press and hold in the [MONI] button for one second to enter the Menu item "035 MONITOR LEVEL".

    3) Press the [SELECT] button.

    4) While keying, rotate the [VFO-B/CLAR] knob (or press the ▲ / ▼ button) to adjust the monitor level.

    5) When you are satisfied with the setting, press the [SELECT] button, then press the [MENU] button to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

If you set the [BK-IN] button to Off, you may practice sending CW with the sidetone only, without having the signal go out over the air.

If you reduce power via the Menu item "177 TX MAX POWER", the ALC meter reading will increase; this is normal and does not indicate any problem whatsoever (because increased ALC voltage is being used to lower the power).


Terminology

Semi-break-in
This is a pseudo-"VOX" mode used on CW, whereby the closure of the CW key will engage the transmitter, and release of the key will allow the receiver to recover after a short delay. No signals will be heard during the spaces between dots and dashes (unless the sending speed is extremely slow).

Full break-in
Full break-in (also known as "Full QSK") involves very fast switching between transmit and receive, incoming signals may be heard between the dots and dashes as you send them. This allows you to hear a station that suddenly starts transmitting on your frequency, while you are in the midst of a transmission.


End of "Setup for Straight Key or Straight Key Emulation"

Cont'd Next Page "CW Mode Operation"

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FTDX1200 Operating Manual Page 77