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Q-Mac HF-90 Operations & Installation Manual

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HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide

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  • Page 1 HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 2 No part of this manual may be copied, transcribed, translated or reproduced in any manner or form whatsoever, for commercial purposes, without obtaining prior written permission from Q-MAC Electronics Pty Ltd. However, limited copying is permitted for private use providing authorship is acknowledged.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Speaking on air How to make a voice call......... 9 Radio alphabet ............11 Section 4 Overview of the HF-90 HF-90 Versions and Models ........12 Operating the HF-90 ..........14 Section 5 Standard functions ON/OFF switch............16 Volume control knob ..........18 Channel up/down scroll keys.........
  • Page 4 TA-90 autotune system ......... 44 Installation Section 8 Mobile systems............45 Vehicle systems............. 48 Base station systems..........51 External connectors ..........54 Section 9 Accessories ............55 Section 10 Further reading ............56 Section 11 Notes............... 57 Addendum Notes HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    1 . I N T R O D U C T I O N About this Guide The main purpose of this guide is to provide you, the HF-90 user, with all the information you require to ensure optimum performance from your HF-90 radio.

  • Page 6: Glossary Of Terms

    Kilohertz (measure of frequency) Lower Sideband Megahertz (measure of frequency) Power Supply Unit Press To Talk RFDS Royal Flying Doctor Service Selcall Selective Call Single Sideband Telcall Selective Call with Telephone Call facility Upper Sideband HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

  • Page 7: Understanding Hf/Ssb

    Also, unlike satellite communications, there is no dependence on a service provider with all the associated ongoing costs. In many remote areas around the globe, and in certain conditions, HF/SSB is the only form of communication possible. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

  • Page 8: How Does Hf/Ssb Work

    HF/SSB sky- wave. However, sky-wave propagation is affected significantly by other factors as outlined in Section 2.3 of this Guide. Ground-wave and sky-wave examples are illustrated on the following page. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 9 Not to scale A to B - Recommended working frequency is 3 MHz A to C - Recommended working frequency is 7 - 9 MHz A to D - Recommended working frequency is 13 - 16 MHz HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 10 Not to scale A to B - Recommended working frequency is 3 MHz A to C - Recommended working frequency is 5 to 7 MHz A to D - Recommended working frequency is 9 to 12 MHz HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

  • Page 11: Factors Which Affect Hf/Ssb Communications

    - for a particular frequency) also applies to the season, or month of the year. Generally speaking, you will need to use a higher frequency to communicate effectively during Summer months, than you would need to in Winter. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 12 VHF (Very High Frequency) radio, UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radio or telephone. Because of the nature of HF/SSB propagation, a marginal level of background noise is always expected. This is normal. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

  • Page 13: Speaking On Air

    3 . S P E A K I N G O N A I R How to make a voice call Here follow a number of rules you should observe when making a voice call on your HF-90 radio (or any HF/SSB radio):- Select the appropriate channel (according to its frequency).
  • Page 14 As a general rule, you should speak clearly and a little slower and louder than normal, when speaking over HF/SSB radio. Instructions for making a Selcall (Selective Call) are outlined in Section 6.1 of this Guide. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

  • Page 15: Radio Alphabet

    The Radio Alphabet, listed below, is used in all countries as an International Standard. Letter Word Letter Word Alpha November Bravo Oscar Charlie Papa Delta Quebec Echo Romeo Foxtrot Sierra Golf Tango Hotel Uniform India Victor Juliet Whisky Kilo X-ray Lima Yankee Mike Zulu HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

  • Page 16: Overview Of The

    Selcall related facilities, then you will need the Advanced Model HF-90. This is an additional option. If you have a Standard Model HF-90, you can have this upgraded to an Advanced Model easily and cost effectively. The upgrade comprises of new operating software and a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) microphone or handset.

  • Page 17: Operating The Hf-90

    Operating the HF-90 Front panel controls The following illustration shows the operating controls which are on the front panel of the HF-90 radio. The next Section of this Guide (Section 5) gives detailed instruction on how to use each of these controls.
  • Page 18 The following illustration shows the operating controls which are on the DTMF microphone/handset, supplied with the Advanced Model HF-90. Section 6 of this Guide gives detailed instruction on how to use each of these controls. Press to talk (PTT) switch...

  • Page 19: Standard Functions

    5 . S T A N D A R D F U N C T I O N S S S S ON/OFF switch Switching the HF-90 on To switch the HF-90 on, move the ON/OFF switch downward to the ON position. When the set is switched on an audible beep is heard and the front panel display appears as follows:- HF-90 Operation &...
  • Page 20 1, Version 05. The display showing software information will also time-out after half a second. If you have an Advanced Model HF-90, the display will then show your Selcall ID (4 digits) for one second. At this point the HF-90 will revert to the default channel/frequency display (refer to Section 5.8 of this...

  • Page 21: Volume Control Knob

    Section 5.2 Volume control knob Adjusting volume To increase the volume (of received signal) on the HF-90 rotate the VOLUME control knob in a clockwise direction. Or, to decrease the volume on the HF-90 rotate the VOLUME control knob in an anti-clockwise direction.

  • Page 22: Channel Up/Down Scroll Keys

    For example:- This display shows that the selected channel is Channel 200. If you are operating an International Version HF-90, the channel display will time out after two seconds, after which time the operating frequency (receive frequency) will appear.
  • Page 23 PTT switch on your microphone/ handset (refer to Section 3.1 of this Guide). Please note that, if you are using the HF-90 in conjunction with a Q-MAC Electronics autotune system, you will hear a continuous...

  • Page 24: Clarifier Up/Down Scroll Keys

    Clarifier does not work while the set is in transmit mode and will not affect the transmit frequency. Adjusting clarifier The CLAR keys on the HF-90 will adjust the clarifier by increments of 5 units. The clarifier function enables a maximum adjustment of ±100 units.
  • Page 25 5 units, until the upper limit of 100 units is reached. To adjust the clarifier level on your HF-90 in a downward direction (thus decreasing the receive frequency), press and release the CLAR (down) key. The first time you press the CLAR (down) key the display will show the numeral zero (as illustrated on the previous page).

  • Page 26: Usb/Lsb Mode Selection Key

    Section 5.6 USB/LSB mode selection key The HF-90 will operate in either USB (Upper Sideband) or LSB (Lower Sideband) mode. LSB decimal indicator If LSB channels are pre-programmed in the HF-90 or manually selected, a decimal indicator will appear on the bottom left of the display.
  • Page 27 Once the operating mode has been changed for a particular channel, this setting will remain in place until another channel is selected or until the HF-90 is switched off. When returning back to the original channel, the operating mode is not saved - ie.

  • Page 28: Tune Key

    (ATU). Activating the tune function To activate the tune function press and release the TUNE key. Your HF-90 will transmit a continuous carrier signal at reduced power for several seconds. You will hear a...

  • Page 29: Led Display

    Once the function is completed, or if another key is not pressed, the new display will automatically time-out after a period of five seconds. At this point the HF-90 will revert to the default display. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

  • Page 30: Erase Function

    The HF-90 incorporates a direct entry Erase Function which allows the operator to quickly and easily erase the memory of the HF-90. This feature may be required if you wish to ensure that channel/frequency information remains secure To erase the memory of the HF-90, simply hold down the CHAN (up) and CLAR (up) keys together for six seconds.

  • Page 31: Press To Talk (Ptt) Switch

    PTT switch on your microphone/handset and then communicate in accordance with radio protocol (refer to Section 3 of this Guide). Please note that, if you are using the HF-90 in conjunction with a Special Note: Q-MAC Electronics autotune system, you will hear a continuous...

  • Page 32: Advanced Functions

    For you to be able to use Selcall, the radio which you wish to communicate with must also have the Selcall function. The HF-90 uses a Selcall format which is compatible with all major Australian brands and Telstra Radphone Services.
  • Page 33 (refer to Section 2.3 of this Guide). In the event of strong interference, it may be necessary to repeat Selcall up to three times. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 34 Alarm has been cancelled, the display will revert to the default channel display. When a Selcall is being received you should not adjust the user controls, as this may result in the incoming call being lost. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 35 Selcall ID on your display. To return their call simply press the STAR key twice. This will initiate the Selcall Resend function. Please note that, if you are using the HF-90 in conjunction with Special Note: the TA-90 autotune system, you may hear a continuous high...

  • Page 36: Telcall

    As this point all numbers will appear on the display together. An example is illustrated on the following page:- HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 37 This display shows that Selcall ID 5678 has been selected. Once the Selcall ID has been correctly selected, press the HASH (#) key. This tells the HF-90 that you wish to send a Telcall as opposed to just a Selcall. Your display will now appear as follows:- This display shows that Telcall has been initiated.
  • Page 38 If the telephone at the other end is not picked up try again later. Telcall Hang-up If your Telcall is successful and you have managed to get through to the telephone user, you should complete the call (ie. hang up) by pressing the HASH key twice. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 39 Selcall Alarm. In addition your display will flash the Selcall ID of the station that is calling you - ie. the Telephone Interconnect Station. For example:- This flashing display shows that you have received a call from Station No. 6101. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 40 These three key presses in sequence will initiate the Telcall Resend function. Please note that, if you are using the HF-90 in conjunction with a Special Note: Q-MAC Electronics autotune system, you may hear a continuous...

  • Page 41: Beacon

    Section 6.3 Beacon The Beacon facility is used to check the signal strength between two HF-90s, or between an HF-90 and another HF transceiver fitted with the same Selcall format. It is recommended that you make use of the Beacon facility prior...
  • Page 42 Beacon Request, the scan sequence will restart immediately, once the Beacon has been transmitted. Please note that, if you are using the HF-90 in conjunction with a Special Note: Q-MAC Electronics autotune system, you may hear a continuous...

  • Page 43: Selcall Scan

    To activate Selcall Scan simply press the 0 key on your DTMF keypad. Alternatively, you may select Scan by using the CHAN scroll keys on the front panel of the HF-90. Scan lies between the highest and lowest channels programmed in your radio - think of it as being Channel 0.

  • Page 44: Selcall Mute

    Section 6.5 Selcall Mute The Selcall Mute function is used to mute the HF-90 receiver whilst you wait for an incoming Selcall/Telcall. The Selcall Mute cuts out all noise on the receiver including voice - ie. it is not selective. You can operate Selcall Mute when the set is tuned to a particular channel or when it is in Scan Mode.

  • Page 45: Advanced Functions Summary

    “X” is used to denote any individual number. Send Selcall (DTMF keypad) 4 digit Selcall ID Resend last Selcall (DTMF keypad) Send Telcall (DTMF keypad) Resend last Telephone No. 4 digit Selcall ID Telcall (DTMF keypad) Telcall Hang-up (DTMF keypad) HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 46 Selcall ID Number (front panel keypad / DTMF keypad) CLAR CLAR 4 digit Selcall ID The above instruction only applies to the Australian Version (or the International Version which has not been set up for Field Programming). HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

  • Page 47: Compatible Products

    (for vehicle use) there are certain operating characteristics which you should be aware of. In short, whenever the HF-90 transmits for the first time on a given channel (prior to a channel change), the TA-90 Tuner will enter its tune sequence. As the TA-90 tunes, you will hear a...

  • Page 48: Mobile Systems

    Q-MAC Canvas Backpack or Weather- proof Fibreglass Carry Case. These are designed to house the HF-90 radio and its accessories, in a safe and convenient manner. All HF-90s which are purchased as part of a Mobile Package...
  • Page 49 Section 8.1 Power source You should use the HF-90 in conjunction with a Q-MAC Battery. If you plan to use any other type of battery pack you must contact your Q-MAC Representative to ensure that the battery you have chosen is suitable.
  • Page 50 Section 8.1 Antenna For portable use, an end-fed broadband antenna or TM-90 Tuner with Q-MAC Long Wire Antenna Kit are the most efficient options. These are simple to deploy and have omni-directional characteristics. You should discuss your antenna requirements with your Q-MAC Representative.

  • Page 51: Vehicle Systems

    (with the front panel facing upward) or in an overhead shelf/console. The HF-90 should not be mounted on top of a vehicle dashboard where it is exposed to direct sunlight. In some places, the temperature within a car can reach temperatures in excess of 60°C.
  • Page 52 Section 8.2 Power source The HF-90 must be properly connected to a suitably charged 12 - 24 Volt battery. If the set does not receive adequate voltage it will not operate properly - there may be speech distortion on transmit and the LED display will begin to dim.
  • Page 53 When using a tapped whip antenna always ensure that the tap selected corresponds to the channel/ frequency in use on your HF-90 radio (usually the channel/frequency is engraved next to the tap). In addition, the excess portion of the wander lead should be wrapped tightly around the antenna.

  • Page 54: Base Station Systems

    Section 8.3 Base station systems When using the HF-90 in a base station configuration, you should observe the following check-list. Positioning the HF-90 Ensure that the HF-90 is mounted in a position which allows easy access for operation. In addition, the loudspeaker should be positioned close to where the operator will sit.
  • Page 55 PSU you must contact your Q- MAC Representative to ensure that the unit you have chosen is suitable. The HF-90 must be properly connected to a 12 - 24 Volt PSU. If the set does not receive adequate...
  • Page 56 You should discuss your antenna requirements with your Q-MAC Representative. Ensure that the coaxial cable (which connects the antenna to the HF-90) is no longer than necessary. Base station antennas must be mounted away from overhanging power lines and telephone lines.

  • Page 57: External Connectors

    Microphone 2 +5 Volt Power connector (rear panel) - male Pin No. Function Ground Loud speaker Aux. power +12 to +28 The illustration above shows the pin numbers on the rear panel Volt power connector. HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

  • Page 58: Accessories

    1 0 . A C C E S S O R I E S Q-MAC supplies a whole range of support accessories for the HF-90 transceiver. Whether you intend to use your HF-90 as a mobile, vehicle-mount, base station, or multi- role transceiver, Q-MAC can provide suitable accessories for your requirement.

  • Page 59: Further Reading

    Quick Reference Guide HF-90 Mobile Package Quick Reference Guide HF-90 Vehicle Package In addition to the above, Q-MAC can supply Data Sheets on the various HF-90 packages and accessories which are available. Please ask your Q-MAC Representative for further details.

  • Page 60: Notes

    Notes N O T E S N O T E S N O T E S N O T E S HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 61 Q-MAC Electronics Pty Ltd HEAD OFFICE: PO Box 1334, Osborne Park Business Centre, Western Australia 6916 Phone: +61 (0) 8 9242 2900 Fax: +61 (0) 8 9242 3900 E-mail: sales@qmac.com Website: http://www.qmac.com HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...
  • Page 62 Q-MAC Electronics Pty Ltd Western Australia Represented by: HF-90 Operation & Installation Guide...

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