Kenwood TS-870S Communicating TF-SET Transmit Frequency SET, Satellite Operation

6 COMMUNICATING

TF-SET (TRANSMIT FREQUENCY SET)

[TF-SET]allows you to quickly check or adjust your transmit frequency without changing your receive frequency.

1Press and hold [TF-SET].

¥Without changing your receive frequency, you are now receiving on your transmit frequency.

2To select the transmit frequency that you want, turn the Tuning control, the M.CH/VFO.CH control, or press Mic [UP] or [DWN].

3Release [TF-SET].

¥You are now receiving again on your original receive frequency.

Note: Switching ON Menu No. 10 (∆ FREQ) allows you to see the frequency difference between your transmit and receive frequencies when [TF-SET]is pressed.

Successfully contacting a DX station in a pileup often depends on making a well-timed call on a clear frequency. The best way to know if your intended transmit frequency is clear is to use [TF-SET]. Press [TF-SET]and listen. Had you transmitted at that moment, would you have transmitted simultaneously with other stations or the station that you are calling? After using [TF-SET]a couple of times in this manner, you will learn the rhythm of the DX station and the pileup. Use the information to select a relatively clear transmit frequency and to transmit at the exact instant when the DX station is listening but the majority of the group arenÕt transmitting. The more proficient you become at using this function, the more DX you will contact.

Note:

◆If you press [F.LOCK] before using [TF-SET], you will eliminate the risk of changing your receive frequency accidentally.

◆[TF-SET]is disabled while transmitting.

◆If you recalled a memory channel (excluding CH 99) for the transmit frequency, you must set Menu No. 49 (CH.SHIFT) to ON to use [TF-SET]to change the frequency of the memory channel. Furthermore, you can turn the M.CH/VFO.CH control, or press Mic [UP] or [DWN], to switch to a different memory channel.

◆An RIT frequency shift is not added; however, an XIT frequency shift is added to the transmit frequency.

◆[TF-SET]is also enabled while operating with the same TX/RX frequency (non-split).

SATELLITE OPERATION

Though not as common as VHF/UHF satellite operation, HF satellite operation is possible depending on which satellites are currently in orbit around the Earth. When HF propagation is poor, satellite operation can provide an incentive to get back on the air. Since this communications mode is so reliable, you may discover you actually prefer satellite operation over the hunt-and-miss method of communicating via the ionosphere.

An example of a Mode K satellite that has uplink and downlink frequencies that are both on HF is the Radio Sputnik 12 (RS-12). Launched in the early 1990s, this satellite is in a low Earth orbit and provides brief windows of opportunity for use as it passes quickly over your location. This satellite accepts SSB or CW signals on the 15 meter band and outputs them on 10 meters.

AGC AUTO	SPLIT
	RIT

USB

Contacts are possible on bands that might otherwise be vacant during low periods of the solar cycle. Your TS-870S can also be used with Mode A satellites, those that use a VHF uplink and an HF downlink, if you also have an SSB/CW VHF transceiver.

If youÕre interested in pursuing Mode K operation, contact AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation). This group of satellite operators, located all over the world, support the construction and operation of satellites. AMSAT can provide you with the latest information regarding Mode K and Mode A satellites that are currently in orbit.

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