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Transmitter Operation
Time-Out Timer
Most often used on FM, the transmitter’s Time-Out Timer (TOT) feature disables the trans-
mitter after a user-defined period of transmission. This feature may be useful in preventing
a “stuck microphone” (accidental closure of the
PTT
switch) from causing interference to
other users, and it will also force you to keep your transmission short, thereby conserving
battery power.
To activate the Time-Out Timer:
1. Press and hold in the key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the
knob to recall Menu #49 (TOT TIME).
3. The default setting for this feature is “off”. Rotate the
knob to set a new time-out
setting (from 1 minute to 20 minutes).
4. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the key for one second to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
Weather Fax Monitoring
Monitoring of HF Weather Fax broadcasts is easily accomplished using the
FT-818
.
1. Before proceeding, be certain that the Weather Fax demodulator is properly connected
to Pins 5 (DATA OUT 1200bps) and 2 (GND) of the rear panel
DATA
jack.
2. Set the transceiver to the VFO mode, and set the operating mode to “DIG,” setting
Menu #26 to PSK31-U, as described previously.
3. Now, select the operating frequency of the station transmitting the Weather Fax broad-
cast. Note that, in the USB mode, the frequency you should program onto the display
is typically 1.90 kHz
below
the station’s “assigned” frequency. Thus for a Weather Fax
station assigned to 8.682.0 MHz, tune to 8.680.1 MHz.
4. When the Weather Fax broadcast begins, no further operator intervention should be
needed from the transceiver standpoint. The audio level from the
DATA
jack on the rear
of the transceiver is fixed, and cannot be adjusted.
Fine adjustments in the gray-scale and the frame alignment are accomplished using the
computer and software connected to your Weather Fax demodulator.
