MFJ Enterprises MFJ-498 Manual

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Features ............................................................................................................1

Introduction........................................................................................................2

Installation .........................................................................................................3

Power......................................................................................................3

Keying Output .........................................................................................3

Keyboard ................................................................................................3

Iambic paddle .........................................................................................3

Lithium Battery Removal and Installation ..........................................................3

LCD Contrast Adjustment..................................................................................4

Basic Operation .................................................................................................4

Keyboard Operation ..........................................................................................4

Paddle Operation...............................................................................................5

Adjusting Code: Speed, Weight, And Tone.......................................................6

Code WPM Speed (F10) ........................................................................6

Weight (W)..............................................................................................6

Sidetone Frequency (T) ..........................................................................6

Message Memories ...........................................................................................7

Embedded Commands ...........................................................................7

Typical Settings for a Contest............................................................................8

Code Practice Utilities .......................................................................................8

QSO Simulator........................................................................................8

FCC Exam Simulator ..............................................................................8

Random Word Generator .......................................................................8

Random Code Generator .......................................................................9

Learning Code with the Random Code Generator ............................................9

Teaching Code .......................................................................................9

Entering Commands..........................................................................................10

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Summary of Contents for MFJ Enterprises MFJ-498

Page 1: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Features ......................1 Introduction......................2 Installation ......................3 Power......................3 Keying Output ..................3 Keyboard ....................3 Iambic paddle ..................3 Lithium Battery Removal and Installation ............3 LCD Contrast Adjustment..................4 Basic Operation ....................4 Keyboard Operation ..................4 Paddle Operation....................5 Adjusting Code: Speed, Weight, And Tone............6 Code WPM Speed (F10) ................6 Weight (W)....................6 Sidetone Frequency (T) ................6...
Page 2: Features
The MFJ-498 has a 32 character display on which memories, simulations, and keyboard entered text may be viewed. Type Ahead Buffer: The MFJ-498 has a 150 character type ahead buffer with audible "buffer full" warning. Built-In Iambic Keyer: Using the paddle jack makes the MFJ-498 a keyboard controlled iambic keyer.
Page 3: Introduction
Embedded commands allow your keyer to perform contest, foxhunt or beacon operation. The MFJ-498 has controls for speed and volume on the front of the unit. The paddle jack connects to any iambic or single lever (dual contact) key paddle. The keyboard port allows use of the AT compatible keyboard for keyboard keying operation.
Page 4: Installation
"A" position. Using an XT style keyboard or turning a switchable keyboard to "X" mode may damage both the keyboard and the MFJ-498. This unit will function only with AT compatible keyboards. Plug the keyboard into the 5 pin DIN connector marked KYBRD IN on the MFJ-498.
Page 5: Lcd Contrast Adjustment
This keeps all erroneous code off of the air. Keyboard Operation The keyboard on the MFJ-498 is like that of a computer, not like a typewriter. A key is pressed and immediately released. If a key is held down, a character will be repeated until the key is released.
Page 6 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual pressed. These characters are lost and will not display on the LCD. As code plays the buffer will empty and eventually the bottom line will catch up with the top.
Page 7 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual Pressing the backspace key will remove a single character from the "type ahead" buffer before it is played. While the buffer is being sent you may clear it by pressing Esc. The buffer will clear, all text in it will be lost, and the keyer will stop playing code.
Page 8: Adjusting Code: Speed, Weight, And Tone
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual in the hand key mode. While in the hand key mode all other features of the MFJ-498 are disabled. The speed, weight, and tone for paddle operation is the same as that for the keyboard. The iambic paddle has a unique feature that the single lever paddle does not have.
Page 9 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual To adjust sidetone frequency, press "F9" to enable command mode and press "T". The unit will sound the present tone setting. Use the up and down arrow keys to increase or decrease the sidetone setting. Note that the tone will not affect your transmitted signal, only the sidetone speaker frequency changes.
Page 10: Message Memories
To record a message to memory, press and hold the "Alt" key while selecting a memory position. When the MFJ-498 signals the characters "--. ---" or "GO" in Morse, it is ready to record the message, which is displayed on the bottom line of the LCD readout as it is typed.
Page 11: Typical Settings For A Contest
Code Practice Utilities There are four code practice utilities built into the MFJ-498: the QSO simulator, the FCC exam simulator, the random word generator, and the random code generator. Each is accessed by entering the appropriate character in the command mode.
Page 12: Random Word Generator
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual The FCC Exam sends a QSO text just like in a real exam. After you enter "E" you will hear traffic between two stations in a simulated QSO. Use this feature to reinforce your copy or to study for your code test.
Page 13: Random Code Generator
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual Random Code Generator The random code generator is designed to teach the beginner the Morse alphabet. Enter "R" in the command mode to start the code generator. The random code generator can be configured in two ways. When "C" is "on", the keyer sends fixed sets of characters and punctuation.
Page 14: Learning Code With The Random Code Generator
'2' to select G-L. Teaching Code Those that give practice sessions will find the MFJ-498 of great help. The MFJ-498 can be taken to the classroom and give several sessions of practice. The code sent is always perfect and can be modified to whatever method of teaching one prefers.
Page 15: Entering Commands
MFJ-498 Instruction Manual Entering Commands During normal operation, the F9 key is used to enter the command mode. When the command mode has been enabled, the keyer responds by signaling "CO". The unit is now ready to receive one of the available one-character commands listed below through the keyboard or paddle.
Page 16 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual Toggles the Iambic mode. The keyer responds with the current mode "ON" or "OFF". Iambic mode allows you to squeeze both paddles and get alternating dashes or dots. When "off" the keyer does not alternate dots and dashes during a squeeze, it plays whichever side made contact first until it is released.
Page 17 If the sidetone is disabled, it will still play command messages and status information. Starts the random word generator. After entering "Z" the MFJ-498 will start sending random words that are from a built-in database of frequently used words on the air. Examples are words like radio, antenna, VHF, TNC, and...
Page 18 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual 0(zero) Starts the QSO simulator. Use the interactive QSO simulator to practice on the air contacts. Learn code the way that is used on the air. After you enter "0" in the command mode you may send CQ and the keyer will answer you. If you wait without sending CQ, the keyer will initiate the QSO and you can answer it.
Page 19 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual...
Page 20 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual Function Key Quick Reference Usage Message memory #1 Message memory #2 Message memory #3 Message memory #4 Message memory #5 Message memory #6 Message memory #7 Message memory #8 Enables command mode. See Command Mode Quick Reference.
Page 21 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual Spacebar Inserts a word break space into the message in normal operation. While the MFJ-498 is in handkey mode the spacebar is a straight key.
Page 22 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual Command Mode Quick Reference Command Description Starts the QSO simulator 0 (zero) Sets fixed character set 1 (see "#" in the Entering Commands section) Sets fixed character set 2 Sets fixed character set 3 Sets fixed character set 4...
Page 23 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual...
Page 24 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual Keyboard Character to Morse Code Table Keyboard key Morse character Keyboard Morse character ..-... -..-.-. --... ---.. ----. ..-. ----- .-.-.- ..--..-- -.-.-. .--- ---..----. .-.. " " .-..-. -..-. ..--.. -..- .--.
Page 25 MFJ-498 Instruction Manual Full 12 Month Warranty MFJ Enterprises, Inc. warrants to the original owner of this product, if manufactured by MFJ Enterprises, Inc. and purchased from an authorized dealer or directly from MFJ Enterprises, Inc. to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of purchase provided the following terms of this warranty are satisfied.