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MFJ-434B Instruction Manual
Voice Keyer
INTRODUCTION
The MFJ-434B was designed by contesters and optimized to perform under the toughest
operating conditions. You don't need to be a contest superstar to appreciate what the MFJ-434B
can do. Even casual operators will discover the MFJ-434B is packed with user-friendly features
that make operating, both in and out of contests, more enjoyable and fun. Set it up, and you'll be
amazed how quickly it becomes part of your operating routine.
Before you begin, please read this manual thoroughly. It contains important information you'll
need to know before attempting to interface the MFJ-434B with your transceiver. We'll start
with a brief introduction to the special features that make your Voice Keyer an important
addition to any station, and an absolute necessity for any serious contest station:
Easy Selection: Large soft-touch switches select up to five pre-recorded messages.
Big Memory: Up to 75 seconds accumulated storage.
Dual Front Panel Microphone Connectors: Connect an 8 pin round or RJ-45 modular
connector equipped microphone.
Endless-Loop Timer: Convenient front panel controls adjust repeat-message interval of 0.5-50
seconds or 5-500 seconds. Timing cycle begins at the end of your message.
Built-in Mic Interface: Internal jumpers for connection to transceivers including Yaesu, Icom,
and Kenwood/Alinco radios.
Automatic Message Stop: Microphone PTT switch automatically halts outgoing messages.
Manual Message Stop: Prominent red STOP button halts outgoing messages.
Built-in Amplifier/Speaker: Monitors outgoing messages and previews stored messages.
Two Microphone Sources:
Record from your station microphone for seamless audio
continuity, or use the built-in electret microphone.
External Microphone Power Select: Adjust internal jumpers to select the proper microphone
power level appropriate for your external microphone.
Off-Air Recording: Capture signals from your receiver's audio jack for review or replay.
RFI Proof Circuitry: Extensive suppression and line isolation virtually eliminates RF feedback,
hum, and distortion. Isolation transformer prevents mic circuit ground loops.
Dual-Level Gain: Spreads adjustment range for more precise mic gain settings.
Transparent Audio: Keyer electronics won't color your station's normal audio quality.
User-Friendly Panel: Intuitive controls for easy operation under pressure.
External Control: Fully buffered TTL or CMOS level control lines available at rear panel for
external PC or remote control interface. Works with popular logging programs like CT or NA.
Power Flexibility: Power from external filtered 9-15 Vdc external source, or power temporarily
with internal 9V battery.
Rugged Construction: Tough all aluminum cabinet and surface mount construction means DX-
pedition survivability, RF immunity, and years of reliable operation.
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Summary of Contents for MFJ MFJ-434B

  • Page 1 The MFJ-434B was designed by contesters and optimized to perform under the toughest operating conditions. You don't need to be a contest superstar to appreciate what the MFJ-434B can do. Even casual operators will discover the MFJ-434B is packed with user-friendly features that make operating, both in and out of contests, more enjoyable and fun.
  • Page 2 Vdc. Connections to high current power sources must be fuse protected! MFJ-1312B Power Supply: The MFJ-1312B wall adapter is also suitable for powering your voice keyer. It comes with a 2.1mm power plug pre-installed, and is available directly from MFJ or through your local MFJ dealer.
  • Page 3: Front Panel

    MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer IMPORTANT WARNING: Remove the 9-volt battery when storing the keyer for extended periods. Remember to reinstall the insulating sleeve on the snap clip. CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE MFJ-434B Front Panel: S TO P MS G 1...
  • Page 4 MFJ-434B. Damage may occur to the voice keyer or other connected equipment. The MFJ-434B comes with a standard 8 pin round microphone connector and a RJ-45 modular connector located on the front panel. These are the same types used by most transceiver manufacturers.
  • Page 5: Important Warning

    7. Replace the cover and screws when you have completed the configuration. Microphone Jumper Configuration (Other Radios) 1. If your radio is not included in the appendix, the MFJ-434B can be configured by obtaining a copy of the wiring diagram specific to your radio microphone.
  • Page 6 7. JMP5 (Direct): Place jumpers on jmp5 (direct) on remaining lines not configured above. These pins will control up/dn, +VDC, squelch, AF, and other functions commonly found on transceivers. By placing a jumper on jmp5 the MFJ-434B circuit is by-passed on the corresponding pins.
  • Page 7 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer IMPORTANT WARNING: Do not inadvertently change the jumper on HD1. This jumper is set on pins 7-8 and should not be moved. Other Internal Adjustments Please note two other important internal settings while the cover is off and the pc board visible: 1.
  • Page 8 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer Remote message control lines are provided at the back panel via a male 8-pin IDC plug. This provides individual access to all five memory lines (MSG1-MSG5) plus the stop message line (Stop). All lines are isolated by a buffer, and are CMOS and TTL level compatible.
  • Page 9 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer C. Off-Air or External Audio Source: Set Mic switch to Int and plug a line level audio source into the Audio In jack on the rear panel. Installing a plug in the Audio In jack disables the electret mic.
  • Page 10 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer Slot Size in Seconds MSG1 MSG2 MSG3 MSG4 MSG5 Total Time in Seconds This feature enables you to load up to a 75 second message in MSG1, should you need a long recording (progressively fewer slots are available as your message grows in length). When the memory limit is reached, the red Rec LED will stop blinking and the record function will stop automatically.
  • Page 11 R29. Self Test Mode The MFJ-434 features a self test mode for confirming correct operation. This sequence evaluates several functions, including all MSG buttons, remote port functions, LED’s, PTT function, repeat delay pot, and delay range switch.
  • Page 12 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer 3. Press the following buttons in the sequence shown. The green LED should blink once per operation. STOP GREEN MSG1 GREEN MSG2 GREEN MSG3 GREEN MSG4 GREEN MSG5 GREEN X1/X10 GREEN STOP (REMOTE) GREEN MSG1 (REMOTE)
  • Page 13 Shield Computer Interface The MFJ-434 selects memories through a buffered CMOS or TLL compatible interface. While this interface is relatively immune to ground loops (it takes almost 3 V RMS ripple to cause erratic control), it is still a good idea to use careful wiring techniques.
  • Page 14 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer Parts List R1-R6 470 Ohm R7-R12 1 K C1-C6 .01 uF Q1-Q6 2N3904 Voice Keyer Shielded Multi-Conductor Computer Cable Stop Abort MSG1 MEM1 MSG2 MEM2 MSG3 MEM3 MSG4 MEM4 MSG5 MEM5 XMIT SW RET Signal Ground...
  • Page 15: Technical Assistance

    MFJ Technical Service at 662-323-0549 or the MFJ Factory at 662-323-5869 . You will be best helped if you have your unit, manual and all information on your station handy so you can answer any questions the technicians may ask.
  • Page 16 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer NOTES...
  • Page 17 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer APPENDIX -At the MFJ factory, the interface is set for Yaesu transceivers with modular microphone connectors (FT-817, FT-857, FT-897). JMP 9 JMP 8 Mic Gnd Icom IC-703 JMP 7 IC-706 JMP 6 PTT Gnd JMP 5...
  • Page 18 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer Schematic...
  • Page 19 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer...
  • Page 20 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer...
  • Page 21 MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer...