MFJ-434B Instruction Manual Voice Keyer
11
C.
Press any other
MSG
button to halt the current message and start a new one.
7. Adjusting the Output Level Control:
Before attempting to transmit recordings on air, you
must set the
Output Level
control
on the back panel for your keyer. Begin by recording a test
message into one of the
MSG
memories, being careful to speak at normal levels. Preview this
message after recording to make sure it's okay before proceeding.
Note that your transceiver's mic gain
should be set to the position where you normally run it.
The
Output Level
control is then adjusted to match the audio level produced by your station
microphone. If possible, use a dummy load during this adjustment procedure to avoid generating
needless on-the-air interference.
A. Establish Normal Mic Level:
Press the PTT and speak normally into your station mic,
noting the average RF output level and ALC reading on the transceiver's meters.
Important Note:
Do not readjust transmitter Mic Gain during the following procedure. The
Voice Keyer's output level should be set to match the normal output level of your station
microphone.
B. Play Message:
Make sure the keyer is in
Play
mode
,
and activate the
Xmit
switch (in).
Now, activate your test message by pressing the appropriate
MSG
button. The radio should
key automatically when the message begins, and drop out when it stops.
C. Set
Output Level
Control
: Find
the
Output Level
screwdriver adjustment on the back panel
and adjust it so the transceiver's meter readings approximate those from live speech. If your
final adjustment falls in the bottom or top 1/4 of the pot's control range, we recommend
resetting R29. To do this, first set the
Output Level
for its 12:00 o’clock (mid range) setting.
Then, adjust R29 for the correct transmit level. This adjustment centers the
Output Level
control range, making fine level adjustments easier. See Other Internal Adjustments for
more details on locating and setting R29.
Self Test Mode
The MFJ-434 features a self test mode for confirming correct operation. This sequence evaluates
several functions, including all
MSG
buttons, remote port functions, LED’s, PTT function, repeat
delay pot, and delay range switch.
1. To start the self test, release all buttons (out position) and turn the
Repeat Delay
pot fully
clockwise. Next, press
Stop
while turning
Power
on.
2. The green LED should send a copyright message and software version number in Morse
Code. To skip the copyright message and go straight to test, briefly press and release the
MSG1
button.
