Kenwood TS-870S Communicating, SSB Transmission, Slow Scan TV/ Facsimile, Sstv Frequencies

COMMUNICATING

SSB TRANSMISSION

SSB is now the most commonly-used mode on the HF Amateur bands. This popularity is not surprising due to its narrow bandwidth requirements and its good long distance communications capability that demands minimum transmit power when compared with other voice modes. These reasons, combined with the fact that modern Amateur transceivers deliver reasonably good audio quality, make SSB the mode that most prefer on HF. Due to this popularity, you will want to use the technology available on the TS-870S as explained in this and later sections to make your transmitted signal the best possible.

Refer, if necessary, to ÒOPERATING BASICSÓ beginning on page 19 for complete receiving details for any mode.

1Select the operating frequency.

2Press [LSB/USB] to select either upper or lower sideband mode.

AGC AUTO

USB

3Select the ALC meter function by pressing [METER].

S	1	3	5	7	9	20	40	60	dB
				25
		10			50		100
	0				FILTER			W
			ALC

4Press and hold down the Microphone [PTT] switch, or press [SEND].

¥The ÒON AIRÓ indicator lights.

¥Refer to ÒVOXÓ {page 45} for information on automatic TX/RX switching.

5Speak into the microphone and adjust the MIC gain control so that the meter reads in the ALC zone but doesnÕt exceed the upper ALC zone limit.

¥Speak in a normal tone and level of voice. Speaking too close to the microphone, or too loudly, may increase distortion and reduce intelligibility.

¥The ALC level is more restricted than previous KENWOOD transceivers due to the added benefit of the DSP-controlled Microphone AGC function {page 47}.

¥With the Speech Processor switched OFF, the CAR control has no function in this mode.

6If you want to use speech processing, press [PROC] to switch on the Speech Processor and adjust as described on page 46.

7Release the Microphone [PTT] switch, or press [SEND] again, to return to the receive mode.

¥The ÒON AIRÓ indicator goes out.

SLOW SCAN TV/ FACSIMILE

SSTV complements SSB operating since a voice contact is established first before pictures are exchanged. Though once a specialty mode involving a very small percentage of Amateurs, slow scan television is now increasing in popularity as a result of the capability of computers.

No longer is it necessary to squint at an old CRT to view a continuously fading image. It isnÕt necessary to invest in a large amount of additional equipment anymore either. SSTV can be a convenient method of adding interest to otherwise routine voice contacts. Instead of trying to describe your station, just show it. Many Amateurs are only lacking a little application software that uses your computer sound card for transmitting and receiving monochrome or full-color SSTV images.

SSTV FREQUENCIES

IARU Region 1	U.S.A./Canada
(Europe/Africa)
	Frequency (kHz)
Frequency (kHz)
3730~3740	3845
7035~7045	7171
14225~14235	14230
21335~21345	21340
28675~28685	28680

The high resolution that is possible using facsimile (FAX) can allow you to exchange more detailed graphics than SSTV allows. Due to the longer transmission times required for FAX, itÕs best to use this mode when band conditions are stable with strong signals.

Popular FAX frequencies include the following:

¥7245, 14245, 21345 (Intern. Net), 28945 kHz

Operation on SSTV or FAX mainly involves learning the functionality of your computer application or accessory hardware that supports these modes. Consult the documentation that comes with your software or accessory equipment.

Note: When operating either SSTV or FAX, use a fast AGC setting and switch OFF your Speech Processor for best results.

This completes the ÒSSB TRANSMISSIONÓ section. Refer to ÒOPERATING AIDSÓ beginning on page 44 for information about additional useful functions for operating.

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