INSTALLATION
1. Contents
Unpack and inspect your OPTIMA for missing or
damaged components. Your OPTIMA includes the
following items:
Quantity Description
1 YeticomNZ
OPTIMA
Transceiver
1 Microphone with Up/Down Controls
1
Mounting Bracket with Hardware
1 Microphone Hanger with Hardware Set
1
Operating Manual and DC power cord
2. Microphone Hanger
The microphone hanger may be attached to the
side of the transceiver, or any other convenient
location. Use the provided screws to attach the
microphone hanger either vertically or horizontally to
the side of the transceiver.
3. Mounting
When attaching the OPTIMA mounting bracket to
the vehicle, choose a location that will provide easy
access to all front panel controls and air circulation to
the rear panel. When selecting a mounting location,
make sure that there is ample space behind the control
deck for the cables. Do not pinch, or bend sharply, the
power or antenna cables. Do not install the OPTIMA in
any compartment that restricts airflow and do not install
in a location that interferes with the safe operation of
the vehicle.
Attach the mounting bracket to the vehicle first then
mount the OPTIMA to the bracket. If the rear panel is
not accessible you may want to attach the power and
antenna cable prior to mounting.
4. Electrical Connections
The OPTIMA is designed to work on any 13.8 volt
DC, negative ground, source. The condition of a
vehicle’s electrical system can affect operation. A low
battery, worn generator/alternator, or poor voltage
regulator will seriously impair the performance of the
transceiver. Any of the above conditions could result in
a high level of receiver noise generation or a
substantial loss of the transmitter’s RF output. Make
sure that all of these components of your vehicle’s
electrical system are in good condition prior to installing
the transceiver.
CAUTION!
VOLTAGE EXCEEDING 15 VDC WILL DAMAGE
THE RADIO. MEASURE VOLTAGE AT BATTERY
TERMINALS, WITH VEHICLE RUNNING, PRIOR
TO INSTALLATION!
Before making any electrical connections make sure
the AF gain (volume) control on the control deck is in
the “OFF” position.
Connect the positive (+) red wire of the DC power cord to a
positive 13.8 volt source at the vehicle fuse block. If
connecting to the fuse block, it is recommended that a
switched power source is used so that the power to the
transceiver is disconnected when the vehicle is off. This will
eliminate the possibility of the transceiver draining the
vehicle’s battery.
Fuse
12A slow blow type
Connect the negative (-) black wire to a metal part of
the vehicle’s frame, or chassis ground. Make sure that
this is a good ground connection.
The OPTIMA power cord may also be connected directly to
the battery. Connecting directly to the battery has several
benefits, the first of which is to maximize RF output.
Secondly, the battery is a very large capacitor and
will help eliminate certain types of ambient and vehicle
noise. If connecting directly to the vehicle’s battery,
additional power cable may be required. On runs of 8
feet or less use 12-gauge stranded wire. Use 10-gauge
wire on longer runs.
5. Antenna Connection
The transceiver will operate using any standard 50-
ohm ground-plane, vertical, mobile whip, long wire or
similar antenna. The antenna should be rated at 50
watts PEP minimum. A standard SO-239 type antenna
connector is located on the rear panel of the OPTIMA.
Connection is made using a PL-259 and high grade coaxial
cable (RG213, RG58A/U or Mini RG-8 is recommended).
A ground-plane antenna provides greater coverage and
is recommended for fixed station-to-mobile operation.
For point-to-point fixed station operation, a directional
beam antenna operates at greater distances even under
adverse conditions. A non-directional antenna should be
used in a mobile installation; a vertical whip is best suited
for this purpose. The base loaded whip antenna normally
provides effective communications.
For greater range and more reliable operation, a full
quarter wave whip may be used. Either of these antennas
uses the metal vehicle body as a ground plane.
Once the antenna is mounted on the vehicle, route the
coaxial cable so that it is not next to any power cables
or vehicle cables. Connect the PL-259 to the antenna
connector on the rear panel of the OPTIMA. Make sure that
the cables does not interfere with the safe operation of
the vehicle.
Microphone Connections
Pin 1 Mic Input, Pin 5 PTT
Pin 2 +8VDC Pin 6 Ground (PTT)
Pin 3 Freq up/dn Pin 7 Ground (MIC)
Pin 4 NC Pin 8 NC
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