Operating the FT-1 (cont'd)
WIDE/NARROW
Pressing the WIDE button switches the FT-1 alternately between 'wide' and 'narrow' band mode. In doing so it
allows you to switch between two levels of selectivity (IF Bandwidth) in order to deal with differing reception
conditions that might be occurring with each FM station. Under good signal conditions, with no apparent
sideband interference, the preferred mode would be 'wide'. In 'wide' mode, the "WIDE" symbol is illuminated in
the display window.
If interference from adjacent stations is creating a reception problem it is recommended that you switch to the
'narrow' mode. Because the FT-1 has such excellent audio response, switching to 'narrow' band is not likely to
alter the fidelity response curve in a particularly noticeable manner.
Remember that you can set whatever mode you find useful for any station and save the entire configuration to a
preset. That way the station frequency, along with all the programming you did to establish best reception, will be
recalled along with it.
PRESET
PROGRAMMING
When programming a preset, the desired station is tuned first. Then each of the subsidiary functions (STEREO, WIDE
or DX) is set. Once you have determined which preset number (1 thru 8) to which you wish to save the current
settings, press the SET button. The word SET will begin to flash in the display. In order for the program to be saved,
the desired preset button must be pressed before the SET symbol stops flashing (approximately 7 seconds). If you
do not make it in time, repeat the above procedure. Your programming will remain intact as long as you do not
change either the station or the mode settings.
THE FT-1 - 'UNDER THE HOOD'
At the heart of the FANFARE FT-1 FM tuner the design is analog. Why analog? Primarily because analog has proven itself to be the 'musical' choice when compared with
most frequency synthesis (FS) digital designs. How the two differ is in their way of interacting with the signal coming in from the antenna. In an FS design, a 'black box'
produces the necessary frequencies in order to convert the antenna signals. While such a process is efficient and inexpensive, the resultant audio very often has an edge
or 'brittleness' to it. With analog, tuning is accomplished in discreet circuitry using tuned coils and MOSFET solid state devices. As a result, more of the music, along with
its intrinsic and ambient qualities is more likely to be distinguished.
However, this does not preclude the value of digital circuitry as a useful technology when used in conjunction with a well co-ordinated analog design. The FT-1's unique
UNISET™ digital microprocessor is an excellent example of such usefulness, and plays a very crucial role in the FT-1's control system. As a matter of fact, UNISET
TM
acts
like a very good program manager by maintaining tuning accuracy at all times, along with providing the necessary reliability for the control features the FT-1 offers. As a
matter of fact, the ostensibly transparent existence of the UNISET™ monitor within the FT-1 has proven that it can actually enhance the already established smoothness
and inherently musical characteristic of the tuner's audio output.
A more in-depth look at the FT-1 will show that the rf stages are analog using high quality varactor tuning devices and extremely sensitive MOSFET rf amplifiers.
Coupling is precise to maintain maximum sensitivity right through the IF stages. Both the first rf stages and the local oscillator circuit are continuously monitored by the
UNISET™ microprocessor for tuning accuracy. In doing so, the UNISET™ microprocessor reacts by adjusting the tuning instantly to compensate for any drift in the tuned
frequency.
Page 8
