MFJ -414 Instruction Manual
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MFJ -414 Instruction Manual

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MFJ-414
Instruction Manual

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Summary of Contents for MFJ MFJ-414

  • Page 1 MFJ-414 Instruction Manual...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Getting Started: How to Use the Menu System ..............1 Fast Start: Using the MFJ-414 ................... 3 Using the MFJ-414 As a Standalone Morse Code Trainer ..........3 Using the MFJ-414 As a Keyer ................. 4 Using the MFJ-414 For Over-the-Air Code Practice ............ 5 Connecting to a Computer ....................
  • Page 3 Factory Defaults ....................... 24 Self Test ........................... 24 Troubleshooting ........................ 25 Error Messages ......................... 26 MFJ Pre-wired Cables and Open End Cables ................ 27 Morse Code Character Set ....................28 Some CW Abbreviations ....................29 Meaning of Q Signals ......................29 Menus System Chart ......................

  • Page 4: The Basics

    Iambic or semi-automatic keying of CW transceivers. In this manual, we'll start by explaining the basics of the MFJ-414, then show how you can quickly start using it for some of its major functions. In this Fast Start section, we'll concentrate on putting the unit to work for you immediately.
  • Page 5 Set menu. When power is turned on, the menu displayed is the one that was displayed when the unit was last turned off. Figure 1. MFJ-414 Main Menu System. To see how the menu system works, consider the following example.

  • Page 6: Fast Start: Using The Mfj-414

    Fast Start: Using the MFJ-414 In the following sections, we'll show how you can quickly set up the MFJ-414 to perform each of its major functions. To start, power up the unit and press the Next button until you reach the first menu mentioned, then follow the instructions.

  • Page 7: Using The Mfj-414 As A Keyer

    Using the MFJ-414 As a Keyer With the MFJ-414, you may send Morse code in all the major ways commonly in use. This includes both Iambic A and B automatic keyer modes with dual-lever paddles, semi-automatic key mode us- ing a single-lever paddle, or even with a straight key or mechanical, semi-automatic "bug".

  • Page 8: Using The Mfj-414 For Over-The-Air Code Practice

    Hooking Up to the Radio Connect your radio to the unit, using a cable run from the Radio Output jack on the MFJ-414 to your radio. MFJ sells cables for most major brands of radios. See the list on page 30 for the appro- priate stock number.

  • Page 9: Connecting To A Computer

    Connecting to a Computer You may connect the MFJ-414 to a computer using the unit's serial port, on the back panel. A 9- pin-to-9-pin serial cable is provided with the unit. If your computer has a 25-pin serial port, you can use a 9-pin-to-25-pin adapter.

  • Page 10: Connecting To A Printer

    MFJ-414, you may configure your software to strip out these extra linefeeds. During New Play, Repeat Play or Print Play, the characters sent by the MFJ-414 are sent through the serial port, so you may use your computer to monitor the transmitted copy. You may find this particularly convenient.

  • Page 11: The Details

    Semi-Auto: With the Semi-Auto option OFF, the keyer functions as an iambic keyer, for use with a dual-lever paddle. As an iambic keyer, the MFJ-414 has dot and dash memories, for "squeeze keying," and functions just like other iambic keyers, both standalone keyers and those built into radios.

  • Page 12: Keyer Menu

    Write Protection: Turning this function ON prevents the non-volatile memories, the random words and memory banks, from being accidentally overwritten. In order to download files into the MFJ-414 memory, this option must be OFF. Keyer Menu When "KEYER OFF" is displayed, press Select to turn the keyer on. The keyer speed and the audio tone will be the same as those last selected from those menus.

  • Page 13: Farnsworth Menu

    CW transceiver. Set Menu The Set menu allows you to select the set of characters (or words or QSOs) from which the MFJ- 414 will send random practice when playback is started. These are classified as Beginner Sets, Ad- vanced Sets, Custom Sets and Memory Sets.

  • Page 14: The Group Menu

    QSOs-the format of the FCC Amateur Radio tests. Anyone preparing for an Amateur code exam should practice copying sample QSOs such as those sent by the MFJ- 414. Be sure you copy such details as the stations' callsigns, the operators' names, their QTHs,...

  • Page 15: The Random Words Database

    MFJ-414 Instruction Manual rigs, and any other details that could be asked in a multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blanks test ques- tion. In addition to preparing for tests, Amateurs who already have passed the tests and wish to im- prove their code proficiency will find these advanced sets very useful. The sets of callsigns and words and the sample QSOs are an excellent way to help build the ability to copy at higher speeds and to copy "in your head".

  • Page 16: Transferring A Random Words Database From The Computer

    48 characters. The custom character sets allow you to use the MFJ-414 to learn Morse code using the Koch Method. To do this, configure the first custom character set with your first two characters for Koch practice, and practice using that set.

  • Page 17: Custom Characters

    Also, a complete set of code tests for a VE session can be prepared and loaded into the MFJ-414. The memory is non-volatile, so it is saved even when the unit is turned off and it does not require battery backup to preserve the recorded messages.

  • Page 18: Preparing Messages

    15K. Figure 2. MFJ-414 Memory Bank Structure. Preparing Messages: To prepare messages, use an ASCII text editor on your computer. Valid characters for messages in- clude all those listed in the chart on page 30, the space, tab and carriage return. In addition, there are special characters, shown in the table below.
  • Page 19 MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Special Characters Character Represents Square Brackets ( [ ] ) Delimiters for messages in memory bank. Angle Brackets ( < > ) Delimiters for custom prosigns. Braces ( { } ) Delimiters for comments. Backslash Character ( \ ) Embedded command.
  • Page 20 MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Loop-creates a loop of the current message. Note that any character after "\L" will not be sent. For example: BEACON AA5CS 5 W \L. \P## Pause-inserts a timed pause of ## seconds into the message, where ## represents two digits in the range of 00 to 99.

  • Page 21: Uploading And Downloading Messages

    MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Uploading and Downloading messages: To send messages either from your computer to the MFJ-414 or from the unit to your computer, you use a terminal program on the computer that is capable of transferring ASCII data. Configure the terminal software for 1200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity and one stop bit.

  • Page 22: Interactive Menu

    MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Interactive Menu The Interactive function allows you to have the unit send one or more words, groups of characters or QSOs, then pause. With the Interactive function turned on, the unit will halt ("HALT" appears) after sending one or more (your choice) words, code groups or QSOs; and wait for you to press the Next or Select button before sending the next word(s), group(s) or QSO(s).
  • Page 23 MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Note: During New, Repeat or Print Play, while the unit is sending, the speed may by changed dur- ing the sending by pressing Next to increase or Previous to decrease the speed. This fea- ture is called on-the-fly speed changing. By pressing Next or Previous once quickly, you change the speed by 1 wpm.

  • Page 24: The Front And Back Panels

    MFJ-414 Instruction Manual The Front and Back Panels Figure 3. MFJ-414 Front Panel LCD display: A 2-line by 16-character alphanumeric display. Head Phones jack: A 1/4-inch stereo phono jack. This jack accepts both stereo and mono plugs. When headphones are used, both the internal and external speakers are disabled.
  • Page 25 Output jack. Use a small, flathead screwdriver to adjust this pot. This pot should be ad- justed so that the radio goes into transmit mode when the MFJ-414 is sending and returns to receive mode when it is not.
  • Page 26 No Connection No Connection Serial Port: A standard 9-pin serial port for connecting the MFJ-414 to a computer for ASCII file transfers or monitoring your code practice sessions on the computer screen. A 9-pin-to-9- pin serial cable is provided with the unit. If your computer has a 25-pin serial port, use a 9-pin- to-25-pin adapter.

  • Page 27: Appendices

    PTT HANG TIME = 1.00 SECOND To reset the MFJ-414 to these defaults, first turn off power to the unit, then press and hold both the Next and Select buttons while turning power on. When "DEFAULTS RESET" appears on the dis- play, release the buttons to resume operation.

  • Page 28: Troubleshooting

    MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Failure Message Meanings: DASH FAIL Dash paddle (ring of the plug) is shorted or improperly connected. DOT FAIL Dot paddle (tip of the plug) is shorted or improperly connected. EEPROM# FAIL Non-volatile memory circuitry is improperly connected.

  • Page 29: Error Messages

    MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Error Messages The following error messages are produced immediately after loading a memory bank if there is any error, except the last one which appears during playback. ERROR1 Double "<" Prosign did not terminate with a matching close angle bracket. For example, "<PROSIGN<".

  • Page 30: Mfj Pre-Wired Cables And Open End Cables

    MFJ Pre-wired Cables and Open End Cables The following MFJ radio-to-TNC cables are pre-wired for most 8-pin rigs and HTs. The open end ca- bles allow you to make your own cables. For your nearest dealer or to order call toll free 800-647- 1800.

  • Page 31: Morse Code Character Set

    MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Morse Code Character Set A di-dah N dah-dit ·- -· B dah-di-di-dit O dah-dah-dah -··· C dah-di-dah-dit P di-dah-dah-dit -·-· ·--· D dah-di-dit Q dah-dah-di-dah -·· --·- E dit R di-dah-dit · ·-· F di-di-dah-dit S di-di-dit ··-·...

  • Page 32: Some Cw Abbreviations

    MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Some CW Abbreviations Best regards Number; near Love and kisses About Old man Again Operator Antenna Are; received; roger Back; break RCVR Receiver Copy Station equipment See you later RITE Right Calling any station Readability, strength, tone report...

  • Page 33: Menus System Chart

    MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Menus System Chart Main Menus: OVERALL SPEED FARNSWORTH TONE COMBINE OVERALL FARNSWORTH SET [BEGINNER] Sub Menu: TONE = 305 Hz COMBINE OFF SPEED = 3 WPM EISHTMO OVERALL FARNSWORTH ON SET [BEGINNER] TONE = 335 Hz COMBINE ON...
  • Page 34 MFJ-414 Instruction Manual SET [WORD 8] SET [BANK A] ENTERPRISES SET [WORD 9] • • • INC. SET [WORD 10] SET [BANK P] SET [KEYER] 1997 Setup Options: ON-THE-FLY SPEED PLAY FORMAT SEMI-AUTO IAMBIC REVERSE ON-THE-FLY SPEED PLAY FORMAT REVERSE OFF...

  • Page 35: Schematic

    MFJ-414 Instruction Manual Schematic - 32 -...

  • Page 36: Memory Banks Chart

    MFJ Technical Service at 601-323-0549 or the MFJ Factory at 601-323-5869. You will be best helped if you have your unit, manual and all information on your station handy so you can an- swer any questions the technicians may ask.

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