Chapter 6 Basic Communications; Ssb Transmission; Fm Transmission - Kenwood TS-480HX Instruction Manual

BASIC COMMUNICATIONS

SSB TRANSMISSION

SSB is the most commonly-used mode on the HF
Amateur radio bands. Compared with other voice
modes, SSB requires only a narrow bandwidth for
communications. SSB also allows long distance
communications with minimum transmission power.
If necessary, refer to "OPERATING BASICS",
beginning on page 18, for details on how to receive.
1 Select an operating frequency.
2 Press [MODE] until "USB" or "LSB" appears on
the operating mode display.
• If the desired sideband ("USB" or "LSB") does
not appear, select the other sideband first.
Then, press [MODE] (1 s). The mode indicator
changes to your desired sideband.
• "USB" represents the upper sideband and
"LSB" represents the lower sideband.
Normally, USB is used for the communications
for 10 MHz and above. While LSB is used for
the frequencies below 10 MHz.
3 Press [MIC/ 5/ RF.G] to adjust the Microphone
gain.
• The current gain level appears on the sub-
display.
4 Press and hold Mic [PTT].
• The LED above the [MODE] key lights red.
• Refer to "VOX" {page 36} for information on
automatic TX/ RX switching.
5 Speak into the microphone and turn the
MULTI control so that the ALC meter reflects your
voice level but does not exceed the ALC limit.
• Speak in your normal tone and level of voice.
Speaking too close to the microphone or too
loudly may increase distortion and reduce
intelligibility at the receiving end.
• You may want to use the Speech Processor.
Refer to "SPEECH PROCESSOR" {page 37}
for details.
6 Release Mic [PTT] to return to Reception mode.
• The LED lights green or turns off, depending
on the SQL control position.
7 Press [MTR/ CLR] or [MIC/ 5/ RF.G] to exit the
Microphone gain adjustment.
Refer to "COMMUNICATING AIDS", beginning on
page 34, for information on additional useful
operation functions.

FM TRANSMISSION

FM is a common mode for communicating on VHF or
UHF frequencies. As for HF and the 6 m band,
29 MHz and 51-54 MHz bands are commonly used
for FM operation. You can also utilize 10 m/ 6 m band
repeaters to reach your friends when they are outside
or skipped over from your coverage. Although FM
requires a wider bandwidth when compared to SSB
or AM mode, it has the finest audio quality among
these modes. When combined with the full-quieting
aspect of FM signals, which suppress background
noise on the frequency, FM can be the best method
for maintaining casual communications with your
local friends.
If necessary, refer to "OPERATING BASICS",
beginning on page 18, for details on how to receive.
1 Select an operating frequency.
2 Press [MODE] until "FM" appears.
• If "FM" does not appear, select "AM", then
press [MODE] (1 s). The mode indicator
changes to "FM".
3 Press and hold Mic [PTT].
• The LED lights red.
• Refer to "VOX" for information on automatic
TX/ RX switching {page 36}.
4 Speak into the microphone in your normal tone
and level of voice.
• Speaking too close to the microphone or too
loudly may increase distortion and reduce
intelligibility at the receiving end.
• You can switch the Microphone gain for FM
between 1 (Normal), 2 (Medium), and 3 (High)
by using Menu No. 44. 1 (Normal) is usually
appropriate; however, select 3 (High) if other
stations report that your modulation is weak.
5 Release Mic [PTT] to return to Reception mode.
• The LED lights green or turns off, depending
on the SQL control position.
Refer to "COMMUNICATING AIDS", beginning on
page 34, for additional information on useful
operation functions.
Note: Microphone gain adjustment for SSB or AM has no effect in
FM mode. In FM mode, you must select 1 (Normal), 2 (Medium), or
3 (High) in Menu No. 44.
27