Micom 3T Owner's Manual

MICOM-3F/3T/3R

HF-SSB Transceivers

American Communication Systems

Discover the Power of Communications

™

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Owner’s Guide

Part I - Operation & Installation

6886867J01A

MICOM-3F/3T/3R

HF-SSB Transceivers

MOBAT USA

1720 West Paul Dirac Drive

Tallahassee, 32310 FL

United States of America

Owner’s Guide

Part I – Operation & Installation

Cat. No. 6886867J01A

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Page

Introduction .....................................................................................................................1

MICOM-3 HF-SSB Radio Features......................................................................2

MICOM-3 Options and Accessories....................................................................3

Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios..............................................................................4

MICOM-3F Front Panel......................................................................................4

MICOM-3T Front Panel......................................................................................5

MICOM-3R Front Panel .....................................................................................6

Rear Panel (All Models) ......................................................................................7

LCD Display Functions .......................................................................................8

General Procedures............................................................................................10

Using the External (USB) Keyboard Option (MICOM-3F/3R only) .......................13

The Menu ..........................................................................................................14

Basic Operating Instructions .............................................................................................16

Turning the Radio On and Off............................................................................16

Transmitting and Receiving.................................................................................17

Using the Channel Mode....................................................................................18

Using the Frequency Mode ................................................................................22

Using the Scan Mode .........................................................................................30

Using the BIT Mode ...........................................................................................31

Locking the Radio...............................................................................................32

Changing the Password.......................................................................................33

Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE).........................................................................34

ALE Capabilities and Features.............................................................................34

Using ALE Functions in the Channel Mode .........................................................43

Entering the ALE Mode.......................................................................................43

Receiving and Transmitting Calls in ALE Mode....................................................45

Using the Programming Mode ..........................................................................................78

Programming the Radio Parameters ..................................................................................81

Programming Channels.......................................................................................82

Selecting Radio Parameters.................................................................................84

Setting Radio Options.........................................................................................86

ALE Programming .............................................................................................................87

Programming Nets..............................................................................................88

Setting the Net Options ......................................................................................90

Directory Parameters..........................................................................................90

AMD Message Configuration ..............................................................................91

ALE Options Configuration .................................................................................91

Auto Dial Parameters..........................................................................................93

i

MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Storing ALE parameters.......................................................................................93

Using the New Station Address Filter ..................................................................94

Using the VP-116 Mini Voice Privacy Unit........................................................................95

Introduction .......................................................................................................95

Specific Parameters for Privacy Operation ..........................................................95

Connecting/Disconnecting the VP-116 Unit........................................................95

Using the VP-116 Unit .......................................................................................96

Programming the VP-116 Unit from the MICOM-3 ............................................97

Using the Vocoder............................................................................................................100

Introduction .......................................................................................................100

Using the Vocoder..............................................................................................100

Programming the Vocoder..................................................................................102

Using the MICOM-3 GPS Receiver ...................................................................................104

Introduction .......................................................................................................104

GPS Receiver Functions......................................................................................104

GPS Antenna......................................................................................................105

Operating the GPS Receiver ...............................................................................106

Installation........................................................................................................................110

General ..............................................................................................................110

Base Station Installation......................................................................................111

MICOM-3R Installation ......................................................................................112

MICOM-3F Installation.......................................................................................113

MICOM-3T Installation.......................................................................................113

Installation Procedures .......................................................................................115

Connectors.........................................................................................................120

Maintenance ....................................................................................................................124

Introduction .......................................................................................................124

Preventative Maintenance ..................................................................................124

Using BIT ...........................................................................................................125

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................127

Service ...............................................................................................................129

Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver ...........................130

Introduction .......................................................................................................130

Preparing the micomTrooper 3 for Operation.....................................................134

Operating Instructions ........................................................................................140

Preparing micomTrooper 3 for Static Operation .................................................141

Using the micomTrooper 3 Battery Charger, FLN9541 .......................................142

List of Procedures .............................................................................................................144

ii

Acronyms

PEP

PLL

PTT

RGC

RSS

RTTY

SINAD

SSB

USB

VP

VSWR

XMIT

GPS

HF

HSM

LED

LQA

LSB

LSM

MCW

MRC

OCXO

AGC

ALE

AMD

AME

ARQ

BITE

CW

DSP

DTCXO

FEC

FSK

GND

Automatic Gain Control

Automatic Link Establishment

Automatic Message Display

Amplitude Modulation Equivalent

Automatic Repeat Request

Built-In Test Equipment

Continuous Wave

Digital Signal Processing

Digitally Temperature Controlled Crystal Oscillator

Forward Error Correction

Frequency Shift Keying

Ground

Global Positioning System

High Frequency

High Speed Modem

Light Emitting Diode

Link Quality Analysis

Lower Side Band

Low Speed Modem

Modulated Continuous Wave

MICOM Radio Control Application

Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator

Peak Envelope Power

Phase Lock Loop

Push To Talk

Receiver Gain Control

Radio Service Software

Radio Telex Teletype

Signal to Signal Noise Distortion Ratio

Single Side Band

Upper Side Band

Voice Privacy

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

Transmit

Acronyms iii


Performance Specifications

General

MICOM-3F – Model M90AMNOKV5-K

MICOM-3T – Model M91AMNOKV5-K

MICOM-3R – Model M95AMNOKV5-K

Transmit Frequency Range

Receive Frequency Range

RF Input Impedance

Number of Channels

Scanning

ALE

Frequency Stability

Frequency Drift (Aging)

Synthesizer Lock Time

Frequency Resolution

Operating Temperature Range

Storage Temperature Range

Humidity

Remote Control Interface

Modes of Operation

Operating Voltage

Dimensions

MICOM-3F

1.6 to 30 MHz

0.1 to 30 MHz (0.1 to 1.6 MHz reduced performance)

50 Ω

200 simplex or half duplex, user programmable

5 groups with up to 100 channels per group, including 1 guard channel.

Programmable scan rate: 1 to 5 sec. per channel, in 1 sec. steps

Per FED-STD-1045B and MIL-STD-188-141B,

JITC certified

0.6 ppm (0.1 ppm optional) @ -30° to 60°C

1 ppm/year

10 msec. max.

10 Hz

-30° to +60°C

-40° to +85°C

Max. 95% @ 50°C

RS-232C (optional)

• ]3E SSB

• R3E PILOT

• H3E AME

• J2A CW

• J2B RTTY, ARQ, FEC, PACKET, MCW

• B8C FAX, DATA, FSK

13. 8 VDC ±20%, negative ground

MICOM-3R

MICOM-3T

92 H × 302 W × 270 D mm

(3.7 H × 11.9 W × 10.7 D inch)

92 H × 302 W × 285 D mm

(3.7 H × 11.9 W × 11.3 D inch)

92 H × 302 W × 285 D mm

(3.7 H × 11.9 W × 11.3 D inch) iv

Performance Specifications

Current

Consumption

@ 13.8 VDC

FCC

Information

Military and

Industrial

Standards

Weight

MICOM-3F

5.7 kg (12.5 lb)

MICOM-3R

MICOM-3T

5.9 kg (13 lb)

5.8 kg (12.8 lb)

Transmit

Voice (125 W P.E.P)

2 Tones (125 W P.E.P)

Receive

14 A (see Note 1 on page vii)

23 A

28 A

3 A (see Note 1 on page vii)

Squelch

Transmitter Peak Envelope Power

(P.E.P)

Frequency Range

Emissions Authorized

2.2 A (see Note 1 on page vii)

125 W

1.6 to 30 MHz

J3E, R3E, H3E, J2A, J2B, B8C

Applicable Parts of FCC Rules

FCC Type Acceptance Number

15, 80, 90

Standard for Stability

ABZ9QCC1635

0.1 ppm High Stability Option

ABZ9QCC1634

Vibration

Shock

Rain

Dust

Salt Fog

US MIL-STD 810C Method 514.2

US MIL-STD 810D 514.3

US MIL-STD 810E 514.4













The MICOM-3 also meets the EIA-RS152B for shock, vibration and applicable test procedures, US FCC for channel occupancy, spurious, interference and frequency tolerance. It is manufactured according to the demanding standards of ISO 900 and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility). v


Transmitter

Receiver

Output Power

Reduced Power Levels

Audio Bandwidth

Voice

CW

Low Speed Data

Audio Bandwidth Ripple

Intermodulation

Harmonic Emissions

Spurious Emissions

125 W P.E.P and average

25 W, 62 W, 100 W (MRC or RSS programmable)

350 to 2700 Hz at -6 dB

650 to 1150 Hz

1450 to 1950 Hz

350 to 3300 Hz (see Note 2 on page vii)

3 dB

• -31 dB/P.E.P

• -35 dB/P.E.P typical (see Note 1 on page vii)

• -64 dB/P.E.P


• -64 dB/P.E.P


-50 dB/P.E.P

Carrier Suppression

Undesired Sideband Suppression

-55 dB/P.E.P

Audio Distortion

2.5%

1/2 Power Microphone Sensitivity 25 to 125mV (RMS)/600 Ω

Hum & Ripple

-50 dB

Inband Noise

-60 dB (30 Hz BW)

TX/RX Switching Time

Tx Tuning Adjustments

Sensitivity (SINAD) SSB

1/2 Rated Power Sensitivity

10 msec

None

• 0.5 µV for 10 dB SINAD

• 0.35 µV typical (see Note 1 on page vii)

• 0.1 to 1.6 MHz with reduced performance

1 µV for 2.5W audio at speaker

Selectivity

Image Rejection

-6 dB @ 350 to 2700 Hz

-60 dB @-1 kHz; +4 kHz

-80 dB

IF Rejection

Undesired Sideband Rejection

-85 dB

-55 dB @ -1 kHz

Spurious

Intermodulation

Crossmodulation

-80 dB

-80 dB

-100 dB @ 100 kHz

Desensitization

Reciprocal Mixing

Audio Power at Speaker

-100 dB @ 100 kHz

-100 dB @ 100 kHz

5W @ 2.5% distortion vi

Performance Specifications

RGC Range

RGC Time Constants

5 µV to 1V (2 dB change in output level)

Voice

Data

Attack time 10 msec

Release time 1500 msec

Attack time 10 msec

Release time 10 msec

Constant SINAD (digital)

Squelch

Clarifier Range

±200 Hz in 10 Hz steps (see Note 2 on page vii)

Receiver Tuning Adjustments

Preselector Sections

Maximum Antenna Input

None

Sub-octave (1.6 MHz to 30 MHz range)

20 kV transient, 100V RMS for 2 minutes

Controls

Standard and optional: Volume, on/off, scroll, squelch, scan, USB/LSB, call, monitor, priority, function and accessory/programming connector

Note 1: Values noted as "Typical" are valid over 90% or more of the frequency range.

Note 2: Optional for authorized dealers only.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

vii


Warnings, Cautions and Notes

The following notations are used to place special emphasis on procedures, or to call attention to precautionary measures.

Warning

An operating procedure, practice and so forth, which if not followed correctly, could result in personal injury, or loss of life.

Caution

BEFORE USING THIS RADIO, READ THIS BOOKLET WHICH CONTAINS

IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE USAGE AND RF

ENERGY AWARENESS AND CONTROL INFORMATION FOR

COMPLIANCE WITH RF ENERGY EXPOSURE LIMITS IN APPLICABLE

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.

Note

An operating procedure, condition and so forth, to which special attention should be paid.

General Safety Precautions

The following are general safety precautions that are not related to any specific procedures and therefore do not appear elsewhere in this publication. These are recommended precautions that personnel must understand and apply, in addition to the precautions listed in the

Information for Safe,

Efficient Operation

section (

page

ix

).

Warning

High

Voltage

Do not touch the antenna and the RF connectors when the transceiver operates.

During transmission, high RF voltages appear at the RF connectors, the antenna cables, and on the antenna itself. These voltages may cause severe injury or even death on contact.

Operating and maintenance personnel must be familiar with the applicable safety requirements before attempting to install or operate the transceiver. Severe injury or death could result from failure to comply with the safety practices.

viii

Information for Safe, Efficient Operation

Information for Safe, Efficient Operation

Product Safety and RF Exposure for Mobile Two-Way Radios

Installed in Vehicles or as Fixed Site Control Stations

Caution

BEFORE USING THIS RADIO, READ THIS BOOKLET WHICH CONTAINS

IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE USAGE AND RF

ENERGY AWARENESS AND CONTROL INFORMATION FOR

COMPLIANCE WITH RF ENERGY EXPOSURE LIMITS IN APPLICABLE

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.

The information provided in this document supersedes the general safety information contained in user guides published prior to February 2002.

Compliance with RF Energy Exposure Standards

NOTICE This radio is intended for use in occupational/controlled applications where users have been made aware of the potentional for exposure and can exercise control over their exposure. This radio device is NOT authorized for general population, consumer or similar use.

MOBAT USA

1720 West Paul Dirac Drive

Tallahassee, 32310 FL

United States of America ix


Federal Communication Commission Regulations

The FCC has established limits for safe exposure to radio frequency (RF) emissions from mobile two-way radios. The FCC requires manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with RF exposure limits before mobile two-way radios can be marketed in the U.S. When two-way radios are approved for occupational/controlled environment exposure limits, the FCC requires users to be fully aware of, and exercise control over, their exposure. Awareness and control of RF exposure can be accomplished by education or training through appropriate means such as information and instructions in user manuals or safety booklets, or other appropriate means. This user safety booklet includes useful information about RF exposure and helpful instructions on how to control your RF exposure.

Your two-way radio is designed and tested to comply with a number of national and international standards and guidelines (listed below) regarding human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy. This radio complies with the IEEE (FCC) and ICNIRP exposure limits for

occupational/controlled RF exposure environments at usage factors of up to 50% talk-50% listen.

In terms of measuring RF energy for compliance with FCC exposure guidelines, your radio radiates

measurable RF energy only while it is transmitting (during talking), not when it is receiving

(listening) or in standby mode.

Your two-way radio complies with the following RF energy exposure standards and guidelines:

• United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal Regulations; 47CFR part 2 sub-part J

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) / Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

(IEEE) C95.1-1992

• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95.1-1999 Edition

• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998

• Ministry of Health (Canada) Safety Code 6: Limits of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency

Electromagnetic Fields in the Frequency Range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz, 1999

• Australian Communications Authority Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation –

Human Exposure) Standard, 2001

• ANATEL, Brasil Regulatory Authority, Resolution 256 (April 11, 2001). Additional Requirements for SMR, Cellular and PCS Product Certification. x


Compliance and Control Guidelines and Operating Instructions for

Mobile Two-Way Radios Installed in Vehicles

To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the occupational/controlled environment exposure limits, always adhere to the following procedures:

• To transmit (talk), push the Push-To-Talk (PTT) button; to receive, release the PTT button.

Transmit only when people outside the vehicle are at least 7 feet

from a properly installed,

externally-mounted antenna.

• Install mobile antennas at the center of the roof or the center of the trunk deck per specific

guidelines and instructions in the Radio Installation Manual. These mobile antenna installation guidelines are limited to metal body vehicles.

Use only the approved, supplied antenna or an approved replacement antenna

. Use of non-approved antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage the radio and may violate

FCC regulations. xi


Compliance and Control Guidelines and Operating Instructions for

Mobile Two-Way Radios Installed as Fixed Site Control Stations

If mobile radio equipment is installed at a fixed location and operated as a control station or as a fixed unit, the antenna installation must comply with the following requirements in order to ensure optimal performance and compliance with the RF energy exposure limits in the standards and guidelines listed on

page x

:

• The antenna should be mounted outside the building on the roof or a tower if at all possible.

• As with all fixed site antenna installations, it is the responsibility of the licensee to manage the site in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and may require additional compliance actions such as site survey measurements, signage, and site access restrictions in order to ensure that exposure limits are not exceeded.

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility

Note

Nearly every electronic device is susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) if inadequately shielded, designed, or otherwise configured for electromagnetic compatibility. It may be necessary to conduct compatibility testing to determine if any electronic equipment used in or around vehicles or near fixed site antenna is sensitive to external RF energy or if any procedures need to be followed to eliminate or mitigate the potential for interaction between the radio transmitter and the equipment or device.

Facilities

To avoid electromagnetic interference and/or compatibility conflicts, turn off your radio In any

fac i l i ty where posted not i ces instruct you t o do so.

Hospitals or health care facilities may be using equipment that is sensitive to external RF energy.

Vehicles

To avoid possible interaction between the radio transmitter and any vehicle electronic control modules, for example, ABS, engine, or transmission controls, the radio should be installed only by an experienced installer and that the following precautions be used when installing the radio:

1. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions or other technical bulletins for recommendations on radio installation.

2. Before installing the radio, determine the location of the electronic control modules and their harnesses in the vehicle.

3. Route all radio wiring, including the antenna transmission line, as far away as possible from the electronic control units and associated wiring. xii


Driver Safety

Check the laws and regulations on the use of radios in the area where you drive. Always obey them.

When using your radio while driving, please:

• Give full attention to driving and to the road.

• Pull off the road and park before making or answering a call if driving conditions so requ i re.

Operational Warnings

Warning

For Vehicles with an Air Bag

Do not mount or place a mobile radio in the area over an air bag deployment area. Air bags inflate with great force. If a radio is placed in the air bag deployment area and the air bag inflates, the radio may be propelled with great force and cause serious injury to occupants of the vehicle.

Potentially Explosive Atmospheres

Turn off your radio prior to entering any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere. Sparks in a potentially explos i ve a t mosphere can cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death.

The areas with potentially explosive atmospheres include fueling areas such as below decks on boats, fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities, and areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or metal powders. Areas with potentially explosive atmospheres are often, but not always, posted.

Warning

Blasting Caps and Blasting Areas

To avoid possible interference with blasting operations, turn off warning your radio when you are near electrical blasting caps, in a blasting area, or in areas posted: "Turn off two-way radio". Obey all signs and instructions.

For radios installed in vehicles fueled by liquefied petroleum gas, refer to the (U.S.) National Fire Protection Association standard, NFPA 58, for storage, handling, and/or container information. For a copy of the LP-gas standard, NFPA 58, contact the National Fire Protection Association, One

Battery Park, Quincy, MA.

xiii


Intentionally Left Blank

xiv

Introduction

Introduction

Welcome to the MICOM-3 HF-SSB radio family! Your choice of a MICOM-3 radio means you have selected the highest of standards in design, quality, and performance. This manual is designed to acquaint you with the features, care, and installation of the following MICOM-3 radios to better serve all your communication needs:

MICOM-3F

Transceiver for long range wireless voice, fax, data and email communication, with built-in front panel, for fixed and mobile use.

MICOM-3T

Transceiver for trunk mounting with separate control box, saves valuable cabin space in mobile use.

MICOM-3R

Ruggedized transceiver with military handset and connectors, for fixed and mobile use in applications requiring the utmost dependability and reliability.

In Appendix A, you will also find information on the micomTrooper 3, the 5-to-50W backpack transceiver version of MICOM-3 transceiver, and its Battery Charger, FLN9541.

For convenience, the manual is divided into two Parts:

• Part I – Operation and Installation (this Part) presents the information you need to familiarize with MICOM-3 radios and operate them efficiently. It also explains how to install your radio set and correct most of the problems that may occur during its operation.

• Part II – Manual Programming explains in detail how to program manually any radio parameter from the MICOM-3 front panel, instead of using the dedicated MICOM-3 Radio Control

Application (MRC) or Radio Service Software (RSS). For this purpose, you will find in this Part explanations and step-by-step instructions that expand the general radio programming of Part I.

Note

In both Parts of this manual, the generic term MICOM-3 is used for information applicable to all the transceiver versions. The complete transceiver designation is used only for information applicable to a specific equipment version.

1


MICOM-3 HF-SSB Radio Features

• Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

• Built-in Test Equipment (BITE)

• RF power indications

• 200 channel capacity, simplex or half-duplex

• Channel scan or Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) per MIL-STD-188-141B/FED-STD-1045

• MultiNet function for seamless integration of different HF radio networks in one network

• Automatic IF shift

• Clarifier

• Voice-activated digital squelch

• Excellent transmitter and receiver performance

• High frequency stability option

• DSP software can be upgraded to incorporate future options and new technologies

• Large LCD display and optional support for multiple languages

• MIL-STD-810C, D and E compliance.

Transmitter Features

The maximum output power of the transmitter is 125 W PEP (Peak Envelope Power). The average transmission duty cycle is up to 1:4, thus enabling even CW (Continuous Wave) signals to be transmitted at the maximum available power. Output power can be preprogrammed to one of four levels: 25W, 62.5W, 100W and 125W. Accurate sensors are used to keep the output power at the selected value.

The transmitter includes thermal protection. If, for any reason, the transmitter internal temperature exceeds the maximum permitted temperature, the output power is automatically reduced to avoid any fault due to excessive heat. Antenna mismatch protection is also included. If the VSWR (Voltage

Standing Wave Ratio) rises to more than 2:1, the transmission will be inhibited to avoid damage and a message will be displayed.

Receiver Features

The radio utilizes digital signal processing for implementing most of the receiver functions, e.g., demodulation, narrow band filtering, automatic gain control, noise blanking, tunable notch filter, squelch, etc. An automatic digital noise blanker is activated whenever repetitive noise (e.g., ignition spikes) is encountered in the received signal. The digital syllabic (speech identifier) squelch is activated whenever speech is identified, thus opening the audio path. However, if speech is not received, the audio path is muted, thus preventing background noise from disturbing the operator.

Frequency Sources

Two types of frequency sources are available for the MICOM-3 radio. The standard 0.6 ppm DTCXO frequency source which assures a frequency accuracy of better than ±18 Hz. For frequencies lower than 10 MHz, it assures a frequency accuracy of better than ±6 Hz. When higher frequency accuracy is required, the G112 0.1 ppm OCXO frequency source can be ordered. It will assure a frequency accuracy of better than ±3 Hz at 30 MHz.

2

Introduction

Power Source

The radio is designed for 13.8 V ±20% negative-ground operation and may be connected to a standard 12 V battery.

CW Keying Operation

When the CW key is pressed, the radio transmits a continuous wave (at the full programmed power) and stops transmission when the key is released. CW keying operation is enabled by connecting a

Morse key to the accessories connector. If you wish to operate CW keying with external headphones, the S809 Interface cable can be used, thus enabling a standard PL55 headphone and standard PL99

Morse key to be connected to the accessories connector.

Programmable Features

The radio can be programmed using a PC running the MICOM Radio Control Application (MRC) or the Radio Service Software (RSS). The following radio features can be programmed:

• Up to 200 simplex/half duplex channels supporting SSB (J3E), AME (H3E), or Pilot (R3E) modes.

• Up to four levels of output power (up to 125W PEP and average).

• Five scanning groups of up to 200 channels, each with guard channel.

For further details, refer to “MICOM Radio Control Application Owner’s Guide”, Publication

6886869J01, or to “MICOM-3 HF-SSB Transceiver, RSS User’s Guide”, Publication 6886867J01.

MICOM-3 Options and Accessories

• RS-232 remote control interface

• Linear power amplifier interface

• Phone patch interface

• Data/fax modem interface

• MRC or RSS for PC

• High (0.1 ppm) frequency accuracy

• micomLink

• VP-116 voice privacy unit

• HF vocoder unit

• Internal GPS receiver

• ISB operation

• Desktop microphone

• Automatic antenna tuners

• Continuous duty data transmission kit

• AC power supply

• 500 W linear power amplifier

• 1 kW linear power amplifier

• Antennas and grounding

• CW key and headphones

• External speaker.

3

4


Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios

MICOM-3F Front Panel

ON/OFF & Volume Control

Turns radio on and off and controls the speaker volume

Internal Speaker

Connector for

Optional

External USB

Keyboard

Move cursor to the left

Up/Down Keys

Used to scroll values

Microphone

Connector

Connector for microphone with PTT and cable to RSS

MICOM-3

Display

MORE Key

Displays additional menu options when

Û

appear in the display.

Also serves to move the cursor to the right

Not used

Tx Indicator

Lights when radio is transmitting

MENU Key

Displays the main menu

F1

F2

F3

1

?

/

@

4

G

H

I

7

P

R

S

Q

F4

*

2

A

C

3

D

E

F

5

L

6

M

N

O

8

T

U

V

9

YW

Z X

0

#

MENU

P

Esc

ALARM

GPS

Function Keys

Activate different functions, as displayed next to each key

ESC Key

Cancels the last action and reverts to the previous screen

Not used

ENTER Key

Saves the selection and/or value

Keypad

A set of keys used to enter alphanumeric data

Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios

MICOM-3T Front Panel



Up/Down Keys


MICOM-3

Display


Microphone

Connector


MORE Key


Û



Not used

Tx Indicator


MENU Key


F1

F2

F3

F4

1

?

@

/

4

G

I

H

7

P

R

S

Q

*

2

C

3

D

F

E

5

L

6

M

N

O

8

U

V

9

YW

ZX

0

#

MENU

P

Esc

ALARM

GPS

Function Keys


ESC Key


Not used

ENTER Key


Keypad


5


MICOM-3R Front Panel




Up/Down Keys


Display

AUDIO

COM

MICOM-3

Audio

Connectors

Connectors for external speaker and handset



ON/OFF Switch

MORE Key


Û



Microphone

Connector


Not used

Tx Indicator


MENU Key


ESC Key


F1

F2

F3

F4

1

?

@

/

4

G

I

H

7

P

R

S

Q

2

B

C

3

F

5

L

6

M

O

8

T

V

9

YW

ZX

*

0

#

MENU

P

Esc

ALARM

GPS

Function Keys


USB

Connector for

Optional

External USB

Keyboard

Not used

Keypad


ENTER Key


6

Rear Panel (All Models)


5

No. Item Function

1 Antenna connector N-type female connector for connection to antenna or optional linear power amplifier

2 Accessories connector

44-pin male D-type connector, used to connect the radio to external accessories such as: personal computers, MRC, external modems, Morse key, etc.

3 DC connector 3-pin D-type male connector for connection of DC power source

4 Grounding screw Connection of ground to the radio case antenna connector

Connection to the GPS antenna (for MICOM-3 with the optional GPS receiver)

7


LCD Display Functions

Display Organization

2

1

MICOM-3

CH 6

F 16,000.00

SQ BW3.3

AGC

NF

USB

NB

CLAR

PWR

MODE

I

AGC

BW

6

No. Designation

3 4 5 7

Description

1 Mode indicator

2 Work area

Indicates the current working mode

Displays information on the current working mode and the selected operating parameters

3 Transmit level indicator In the transmit mode, displays the relative transmitter power

4 Receive level indicator In the receive mode, displays the relative power of the received signal

5 Tx Bar Appears when the radio is transmitting

6 More options icon The presence of this icon indicates that more options can be displayed in the options area. Press the

MORE

key when this icon appears to see more menu options

7 Options display area Displays a list of options you can select in the current working mode

Other Indications

The following indications may appear in the work area of the LCD display to indicate functions that are active when you work with MICOM-3.

Indication Meaning

USB

LSB

SQ

MON

AGC

BW

NB

CLAR

NF

Using upper sideband for transmission and reception

Using lower sideband for transmission and reception

Squelch is active: the speaker is turned on only when the radio identifies speech, to prevent reception noise from being heard (see Note)

When using ALE, indicates that the speaker is normally off, and is automatically turned on when the link is established (see Note)

Non-standard AGC mode (AGC off, or fast AGC) has been selected

Non-standard bandwidth has been selected (the bandwidth appears next to the BW indicator for example, 3.3 (3.3 kHz) in the display shown above)

Noise blanker is active

Clarifier is active (meaning that you selected a frequency deviating from the nominal channel frequency)

Notch filter is active

Note

For the MICOM-3R, the squelch and monitor functions also effect the handset.

8


RF Level Indications

Indication

Strong received signal

Weak received signal

Full transmit power

(125W)

Actual transmit power

Low transmit power

Reflected

Power

Meaning

Relative indication of received RF signal, displayed when the radio is in the receive mode

Transmit bar appears when the radio is switched to the transmit mode

(for example, when the PTT is pressed). Its length indicates the MICOM-

3 maximum transmit power, 125 W.

The height of the inverted triangle indicates the relative transmitter output (forward) power. It fluctuates as a result of modulation.

The relative reflected power is indicated by the base line: its length indicates the fraction of power reflected because of antenna VSWR (the length should be small relative to the total height of the indicator, which is proportional to the forward power)

Audible Indications

The user can configure the MICOM-3 to generate audible tones to indicate events related to the radio operating conditions. The tone volume, low or high, may also be set using the RSS, MRC or by programming from the front panel.

Event Description

Valid key pressing Beep sounds when a key is pressed, to indicate that the key pressing has been accepted. No beep – no action.

PTT release

ALE alerts

A beep sounds on the remote radio to indicate that the local PTT button has been released.

During ALE operation, beeps alert you to events you should be aware off, e.g., link establishment/disconnection etc.

9


General Procedures

This section provides general procedures that will help you start using your MICOM-3 radio and get the most of its advanced features.

Most of the activities that can be performed by you (selection of operating mode, status display, programming, testing, etc.) are done using the keypad together with the four navigation keys (up, down, left and right) and the front panel display.

To simplify operation, MICOM-3 uses soft keys that let you control the radio simply and efficiently, using a menu-driven mode that guides you and helps you make the required selections.

“Menu-driven” simply means that whenever you must select a parameter, an operating mode, etc., you select it from a list of allowed values displayed on the front panel display, thereby reducing the chance of error:

• To make the selection, you use navigation keys to reach the desired parameter value or operation, and then confirm the selection by pressing the ENTER key.

• To let you go back to previous options, there is an ESC key.

Using the Keypad

Each key is imprinted with a numeral and several letters. These characters are accessed in clockwise order, as follows:

1

?

@

/

2

A

B

C

3

D

E

F

MENU

• A single key press enters the numeral

• Two consecutive key presses enter the first letter

4

G

I

H

5

J

L

6

M

N

O

P

Esc

• Three consecutive key presses enter the second letter

• Four consecutive key presses enter the third letter.

7

P

R

S

Q

8

T

U

V

9

Y

W

ZX

ALARM

GPS

• Five consecutive key presses enter the fourth letter.

* 0

#

• To enter a blank space, press

0

When entering frequencies, use the

twice.

*

key as a decimal point, if needed. In the ALE mode, the key is also used to enter the wild-card character (? or @).

Note

To enter the ampersand @ symbol, press the

#

key.

*

key twice. Do not use the

1

?

/

@

Example

: to enter “MIKE 01”:

Press

6

M

N

O

twice (for the letter M).

Press

4

G

I

H

four times (for the letter I).

Press

5

J

K

L

three times (for the letter K).

Press

3

D

E

F

three times (for the letter E).

Press

0

twice (for the blank space).

Press

0

once (for the numeral 0).

Press

1

/

?

@

once (for the numeral 1).

10

Function Keys

The function keys F1, F2, F3 and F4 appearing next to the display are soft keys used to select options which depend on the current radio mode. The current function of each key is shown in the options area of the display, next to the key. For example, on the

PROG screen you can press F2 to start programming the ALE parameters.

If a certain function key is not used, no label appears next to the key (see for example F4), and pressing that key has no effect.


MICOM-3

PROG

RAD

ALE

LANG

F3

F4

F1

F2

Scroll (MORE) Key

The

MORE

key is used to scroll the options appearing in the options area of the display.

Up/Down Scroll Keys

The up and down scroll keys are used to scroll between values that are already programmed into the radio. For example:

• In the Channel mode, pressing the up or down scroll key once lets you view the previous, respectively next, programmed channel.

Pressing either key continuously scrolls the channels in the selected direction.

• In the Frequency mode, you can change the frequency in the corresponding direction.

• In the radio Programming mode, you can use these keys to scroll among the programmable parameters.

Up

Down

More

Selection from List of Predetermined Values

When the parameter you want to select can assume only one of several predetermined values, you select the desired value by pressing the function keys:

• F1 enters the lowest possible value (or OFF)

• F4 enters the highest possible value

• F2 and F3 increment or decrement the value. When you reach either end, the corresponding key disappears

You cannot use the keypad to enter a value for such pa r ameters.

MICOM-3

PROG

ADT - 9 SEC

1

<--

-->

10

Toggle Mode

When the function being set can only be toggled on or off, one function key will be marked

YES

and another

NO

.

To expedite turning on and off often-used functions (for example, turn the squelch on or off) only one key is used. In this case, just press the key assigned to the function to be toggled: the new state is shown for a few seconds, and then disappears as it takes effect immediately.

MICOM-3

PROG

ALE - NO

YES

NO

11


Alphanumeric Edit Mode

When you need to enter an alphanumeric string in a field, or edit a string, you type the desired alphanumeric character on the keypad. A blinking cursor _ indicates the location being edited.

In addition, the following function keys are available:

SAVE

(F1) Saves editing changes (equivalent to pressing the

ENTER

key).

<−−

(F2)

−−> (F3)

Used to move the cursor backwards and forwards. When you reach either end, the corresponding key disappears.

CLR

(F4) Pressing this key momentarily erases the digit/letter at which the cursor is presently located, and shifts the entire field one place to the left.

Press this key continuously clears the entire field.

Numeric Edit Mode

When you need to enter a number in a field, or edit the number, you type the desired digits on the keypad. A blinking cursor _ indicates the location being edited.

In addition, the following function keys are available:

BACK

(F3) Erases the last digit.

CLR

(F4) Erases all newly entered digits and restores the original value.

View Mode

When the string to be displayed is longer than the number of characters that fit in one line (for instance, with long addresses or messages), the view mode enables scrolling to the rest of the string.

The view mode is indicated by the symbol

<->

next to one of the function keys.

MICOM-3

AMD 0

01 AMD MESS

EDIT

ERAS

<->

MICOM-3

AMD 0

1 AMD MESSA

HOME

<--

-->

END

When you press

<->

, the key functions change:

HOME

(F1) Scrolls to display the first character of the string.

<−−

(F2)

−−> (F3)

Scroll one character to the left or right, respectively. If you press either key continuously, the scrolling continues at a rate of four characters per second.

END

(F4) Scrolls to display the last character of the string.

When you reach the beginning of the string, the

HOME

(F1) and <−− (F2) function keys disappear, whereas when you reach the end of the string, the

−−>

(F3) and

END

(F4) function keys disappear.

Message Attached Alert

When a message is attached to the received call (an option available for

ALE calls, even if you are using the Channel mode), an exclamation sign ! appears to the left of the originating station name.

You can view the message contents after you accept the call.

MICOM-3

FROM

!ABC

12

ESC

P

Esc


Using the External (USB) Keyboard Option

(MICOM-3F/3R only)

MICOM-3F and MICOM-3R have a USB connector (see pages 4 and 6) for connecting the optional external keyboard with USB connector.

Note

When you plug in the keyboard while the radio operates, the LCD displays for a short time DEVICE RM followed by USB KEYBOARD DETECTS. After these messages, you can start using the keyboard.

While the USB keyboard is connected, you can use it to control the functions normally performed with the keys on MICOM-3 front panel.

Moreover, MICOM-3 accepts entries from both the USB keyboard and its panel: just do not use them at the same instant.

The following table explains the keyboard functions.

Keyboard Key MICOM Panel Key Function

Cancels the last action and reverts to the previous screen.

Pressing ESC for a few seconds initiates AllCall

F1, F2, F3, F4

F5 to F12

F1 F2

–

F3 F4

Action in accordance with current screen

No function

ENTER key

SHIFT and ↑, or ↓

SHIFT @, #, or *

↑, ↓

–

–

Confirm action, save the selection and/or value

Changing the display contrast

Use in AllCall, AnyCall or wildcard modes

Use to scroll values

←, → Display previous/next menu option

Space bar

Backspace

–

Creates a space

Moves the cursor to the left. To delete the character, press F4

WIN key

Number keys

MENU

0 to 9

Display the main menu

Used to enter digits in alphanumeric data

Character key A to Z Used to enter letters in alphanumeric data

To stop using the keyboard, disconnect it from the MICOM-3 USB connector (the disconnection also results in messages that notify you the keyboard has been disconnected).

13


The Menu

The menu is used to select what you want your radio to do.

➤

To display the menu:

1. Press to display the first part of the Menu screen.

You can press the

MENU

key at any time during any sequence of operations: that sequence is then discontinued and the menu screen is immediately displayed.

MICOM-3

MENU

CHAN

FREQ

I

ALE

BIT

Note

When the ALE function is not used, the third item is

SCAN.

2. Press to scroll to the second part of the Menu screen.

MICOM-3

MENU LOCK

PROG

I

PSW

DIM

3. To select any item, press the function key next to it.

➤

To exit the menu and return to the previous working mode (e.g., CHAN or FREQ):

Press the

ESC

key. The deeper you are in the menu, the more times you need to press

ESC

.

Selecting the Display Language

1. Display the second part of the Menu screen as explained above.

2. Press (F2) to enter the Programming mode.

MICOM-3

MENU

MICOM-3

PROG

LOCK

PROG

I

DIM

RAD

ALE

LANG

3. Press the function key next to the desired language.

4. Confirm the selection by pressing the

ENTER

key.

MICOM-3

LANG

ENGLISH

ENGL

FREN

ESPA

Notational Convention

In this manual, the following convention is used to simplify the description of the steps you need to carry out actions using the keys and the LCD:

When a procedure begins with a sequence of steps, that sequence is represented in an abbreviated format, with the > symbol indicating the next key to be pressed.

For instance, the following represents a sequence of steps that involves five key pressings:

MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

(F2) >

RAD

(F1) >

CHAN

(F1).

14


What you can Select

Use the following description with Figure 1, which shows the details of the main menu. Additional options are available for a MICOM-3 with the GPS receiver option (see the Using the MICOM-3 GPS

Receiver section starting on page 104).

Menu item ... and its purpose

CHAN Channel

the radio uses a set of preset parameters. Up to 200 sets of parameters can be defined and stored in the MICOM-3 where each set is assigned a channel number (1 to 200). You can use Figure 2 (page 21) to find details on the selections available on the CHAN menu.

FREQ Frequency

you can select manually the frequency and the other parameters to be used. You can use Figure 3 (page 27) to find details on the selections available on the FREQ menu. link on the best free frequency that can be found. The sets of parameters needed for this operation mode are stored under net numbers (1 to 20).

SCAN SCAN

when ALE is not used, you can define a set of channels to be scanned before starting a call. The scan parameters are always loaded with the

MRC together with the other operational parameters, but cannot be changed using the MICOM-3 panel.

LOCK

Lock the radio to prevent unauthorized use. To lock and unlock, you enter a password.

PROG Programming

lets you program (select and store) the required parameters.

You can use Figure 6 (page 79) and Figure 7 (page 80) to find details on the selections available on the PROG menu.

MICOM-3

MENU

CHAN

FREQ

I

ALE

BIT

CHAN

1

2

3

4

More

FREQ BIT

SMPX

DPLX

RXO

TXO

ALE

ALE = YES

NET

ENTER

NO

ALE = NO

SCAN

STOP

SLOW

FAST

GRP

FULL

CHAN

L.RF

A

B

C

D

LOCK

LOCK

PSW

Figure 1. Main Menu

PROG

RAD

PSW

PSW

OLD

ALE

LANG

VCD

ENGLISH

FRENCH

ESPA

Option

VP

Option

DIM

LEVEL

0 1 2 3

15


Basic Operating Instructions

This chapter provides basic operating instructions for the MICOM-3: it covers issues such as turning the radio on and off, receiving and transmitting, selecting a channel or a frequency, etc..

Note

The information needed to use MICOM-3 in the ALE mode appears in the Using

Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) section, starting on page 34.

You can use these instructions to start using your MICOM-3 radio and become familiar with its operation. In most cases, the radio reaches you after being configured for use in your radio net.

However, if you need to make changes, see the Programming the Radio section, starting on page 81.

Turning the Radio On and Off

➤

To turn the radio on:

Turn the

ON

/

OFF

/

VOLUME

knob clockwise. You may hear a click as the radio is turned on.

The display turns on and shows SELF TEST for a few seconds.

Note

If the display is too dim, adjust its brightness using

MENU

>

CHAN

>

MORE

>

DIM

.

MICOM-3

SELF TEST

If the self-test procedure is successfully completed, the radio automatically resumes operation in the last used mode (CH, ALE,

SCAN, or FREQ).

MICOM-3

CH 1

F 14,000.00

USB

SQ

SQ

DSP

Note

If automatic dimming is enabled (DIM ALT is YES), the display may turn off after a few seconds of inactivity. To cancel this feature, use

MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

RAD

>

PRMT

>

DIM

to select NO for DIM ALT.

If a problem is detected during self-test, the display shows ERR and a code number, followed by a concise description of the error (if the description does not fit in one row, its parts alternate in the display).

The error codes are listed in Table 7 on page 125.

If the detected problem does not prevent using the radio, press

EXIT

(F1) to cancel the display and continue.

➤

To turn the radio off:

Turn the

ON

/

OFF

/

VOLUME

knob counterclockwise beyond the detent. You may hear a click as the radio is turned off.

The display turns blank.

MICOM-3

ERR01

LOW

EXIT

16

Basic Operating Instructions

Transmitting and Receiving

Notes

• When transmitting, the RF output of the radio must be connected to an

antenna installed as explained in the Installation section – page 104 (for maintenance, you may also connect to a dummy load of suitable power rating). Do not attempt to transmit when the antenna is not connected, or when the antenna or any cable leading to it is physically damaged.

• If the antenna system is equipped with an automatic antenna tuner and the

tuner is enabled, the radio will automatically tune the antenna tuner. In the

Channel mode, pressing the

ENTER

key automatically retunes the antenna.

➤

To transmit a voice message:

Press and hold down the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button on the side of the microphone or handset, and speak slowly and clearly after the channel is clear. The TX LED turns on and remains lit until the PTT button is released to indicate that you are “on-the-air”. You should hear a sidetone, which verifies that your radio transmits normally.

Tx Bar

The display changes to show the TX bar, together with indications of forward and reflected power.

During normal speech, these indications fluctuate in accordance with your voice.

Forward

Power

Reflected

Power

➤

To receive calls:

When the radio identifies a call addressed to it, it sounds a beep and if it is a voice message – you start hearing it in speaker, or in the handset or headset connected to the radio. The display shows the name of the calling station (blinking) and the call type. The display now shows the RX indication, which is proportional to the received signal strength.

Strong received signal

Weak received signal

PTT Types

The radio can receive and transmit in response to four different types of PTT signals:

• MIC PTT – PTT from the microphone or handset connected to the front panel connector; transmits your voice.

• Voice PTT – PTT from an accessory connected to the radio set through its rear panel accessories connector; it causes the radio to transmit the voice signal provided by the accessory device.

• Data PTT – PTT from an accessory connected to the radio set through its rear panel accessories connector; it causes the radio to switch to the data mode and transmit the modem signal.

• CW PTT – PTT from a Morse key connected to the radio set through its rear panel accessories connector; it causes the radio to switch to the CW (Morse) transmission mode.

Note

For CW communication, the squelch should be set to OFF.

The PTT type is automatically identified according to the type of device that generated it, and the radio operating mode is automatically adapted for best performance with the signal expected for the detected PTT type.

17


Filter Bandwidth

The filter bandwidth depends on the type of signal to be transmitted and received. A default filter bandwidth can be configured for each channel (if no particular filter is set for the current channel, the radio retains the previously used filter). When a new type of call is received or sent, the bandwidth filter changes automatically, depending on the PTT source (voice, data or CW), and the programmed bandwidth for the channel being used.

Bandwidth set to: Service type:

2.1 K Data

2.7 K

3.0 K

3.3 K

CW

LSM

Voice

Data

High speed data, vocoder, or voice privacy device

Morse

Low speed data

Filter changes after:

First data PTT

First microphone or voice PTT

First data PTT

First data PTT

First CW PTT

First data PTT

Note

When the filter bandwidth is set to CW, the following CW bandwidths can be configured in the Programming mode: 0.25 K, 0.5 K or 0.8 K.

Using the Channel Mode

The Channel mode is used for choosing channels already programmed in the MICOM-3.

The following sections describe how to use the Channel mode.

Selecting the Channel Mode

In general, the MICOM-3 automatically enters the Channel mode when turned on, and starts using the last used channel.

If not, use the Menu screen to select the Channel mode: this is the first item on the menu you see when you press

MENU

.

➤

To enter the Channel mode:

1. Press to display the Menu screen.

MICOM-3

MENU CHAN

FREQ

I

ALE

BIT

MICOM-3

CH 1

2. Press (F1).

The last active channel flashes in the display.

3. Press to confirm your choice, or select another channel as explained in the Choosing a New Channel section starting on page 21.

18


Channel Mode Options

In the Channel mode, you can operate a variety of functions and options which can help eliminate noise or otherwise assist reception and/or transmission. The display reflects the options selected.

Note

The changing of the channel options is temporary. When you change the currently used channel, all the current options will be lost and replaced by the values configured for the newly selected channel.

➤

To select Channel mode options:

Refer to Figure 2 for a concise description of the options available in the Channel mode.

Additional options are available for MICOM-3 with the GPS receiver option (see the Using

the MICOM-3 GPS Receiver section starting on page 104).

TXM

(F1) – press to switch to the channel transmit frequency

(appears only when using a duplex or Tx only channel). After releasing, the radio returns to the receive frequency.

MICOM-3

CH 1

T 15,000.00

USB

TXM

BAND

I

SQ

DSP

Note

For a MICOM-3 with the VP-116 option, this position displays

PVT

or

CLR

(for the vocoder option, you may also see

DGTL

) respectively. Pressing F1 then toggles the operating mode of the VP-116 or vocoder.

BAND

(F2) – toggles between upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB).

MICOM-3

CH 1

BAND USB

USB

SQ

BAND

I

SQ

DSP

SQ

(F3) – toggles the squelch on/off.

MICOM-3

CH 1

SQUELCH ON

USB

SQ

BAND

I

SQ

DSP

DSP

(F4) – accesses the Digital Signal Processing menu, which includes the following options:

MICOM-3

CH 1

DSP PARAM

USB

SQ

CLAR

NF

I

NB

•

CLAR

(F1) – controls the clarifier (off/lower frequency/higher frequency).

MICOM-3

CH 1

CLAR OFF

USB

SQ

<--

-->

•

NF

(F2) – controls the notch filter (off/lower frequency/higher frequency).

MICOM-3

CH 1

NF OFF

USB

-->

SQ

19


Note

The

CLAR

(F1) and

NF

(F2) function keys are not available for TXO (transmit only) channels.

•

CLIP

(F3) – toggles the clipper on/off.

MICOM-3

CH 1

CLIP - OFF

USB

SQ

CLAR

NF

I

NB

•

NB

(F4) – toggles the noise blanker on/off.

MICOM-3

CH 1

NB - OFF

USB

SQ

CLAR

NF

I

NB

•

ATTN

(MORE, F2) – toggles the attenuator on/off.

MICOM-3

CH 1

ATTEN - ON

USB

SQ

ATTN

I

PWR

(MORE, F1) – selects the transmit power level (LOW, MED,

HIGH or MAX).

MICOM-3

CH 1

POWER LOW

USB

SQ

LOW

MED

HIGH

MAX

MODE

PLT).

(MORE, F2) – selects the operation mode (SSB, AME or

MICOM-3

CH 1

MODE SSB

USB

SQ

SSB

AME

PLT

AGC

(MORE, F3) – controls the automatic gain control function

(fast/slow/off).

MICOM-3

CH 1

AGC FAST

USB

SQ

PWR

MODE

I

BW

BW

(MORE, F4) – selects the filter bandwidth.

MICOM-3

CH 1

BW 2.7

USB

2.1

2.7

I

3.3

SQ

RCLV

(MORE, MORE, F1) – displays the receive level when F1 is pressed.

When ALE is active, three additional options appear:

•

CALL

– initiates an ALE call.

•

PAGE

– displays the stacked received messages.

•

MON

– enables/disables the speaker during ALE link establishment.

For a description of these options, refer to the Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) chapter starting on page 34.

20


MICOM-3

CH 6

F 16,000.00

USB

BAND

I

DSP

VP

VP-116 only

PVT#

CLR

Vocoder only

VCD

PVT#

DGTL

CLR

TXM

For duplex and TX only channels

More

More

Only for ALE Enabled

More

BAND

LSB

USB

SQ

ON

OFF

DSP

CLAR

..

..

..

..

..

..

OFF

..

..

+200

NF

..

..

PWR

LOW

MED

HIGH

MAX

MODE

SSB

AME

PLT

CLIP

NB

ATTN

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

AGC

SLOW

FAST

OFF

BW

2.1

2.7

3.0

3.3

LSM

CW

RCLV

Note 1

GPS

Note 2

More

CALL

SEND

PAGE

Figure 2. Channel (CH) Menu

Notes

The

RCLV

item appears only if the received signal level display is not permanently enabled using

MENU

>

PROG

>

RAD

>

PRMT

>

RCLV

.

The

GPS

item appears only if your radio includes the GPS option.

MON

ON

OFF

MULT ALL

NET

GRP

ANY

WILD

SELF

SEND

PAGE

GLOB

SEL

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

SEND

CHAN

Choosing a New Channel

➤

To choose a channel:

MICOM-3

MENU

1. If you are not in the Channel mode, press

MENU

to display the menu screen, and press

CHAN

(F1).

CHAN

FREQ

I

ALE

BIT

MICOM-3

CH 1

The last used channel number is displayed, blinking.

21


Note

To access the priority channel (available in the Scan mode, that is, when ALE is disabled, provided it has been preprogrammed by the RSS or MRC), press

ESC

momentarily.

MICOM-3

CH 1

2. To use the displayed channel, press

ENTER

.

BACK

CLR or

Select a channel by pressing the

UP

/

DOWN

keys until you reach the required channel. or

Use the keypad to enter the desired channel number.

The channel number blinks, indicating that the selection has not yet been confirmed.

Note

If you enter a channel that is not yet programmed, a

NOT PROG message appears. To program a new channel, see Programming Channels on page 82, or use the RSS or MRC software.

MICOM-3

CH 31

NOT PROG

3. When the desired channel is displayed, press

ENTER

to confirm your choice.

Example

: To choose channel 12:

Step 1 Enter Channel mode (if not in already).

Step 2 Press the digits “1” and “2” on the keypad. The number 12 blinks in the LCD display.

Step 3 Press

ENTER


*

12

1

?

/

@

4

G

I

H

7

P

R

S

Q

2

A

C

3

D

F

E

5

J

L

K

6

M

O

N

8

U

V

9

Y

W

Z

X

0

#

MENU

P

Esc

ALARM

GPS

Using the Frequency Mode

Frequency mode is used to receive and transmit on a specific frequency. You can select the frequency type, change the frequency being used, and operate a variety of functions and options to assist transmission and reception. You can also store the frequency in a channel of your choice.

There are four frequency types;

• SMPX (Simplex Frequency): the same frequency is used for both transmission and reception.

• DPLX (Duplex Frequency): transmits on one frequency and receives on a different frequency.

• RXO (Receiving Only Frequency): defines a frequency for reception only. You cannot transmit on that frequency.

• TXO (Transmitting Only Frequency): defines a frequency for transmission only. You cannot receive on that frequency.

22


The available frequency ranges are:

• Reception: 100 kHz to 30 MHz.

• Transmission: 1.6 to 30 MHz.

Notes

• The Frequency mode is accessible only if the radio is not locked.

• ALE and Frequency modes are mutually exclusive.

➤

To enter the frequency mode:


MICOM-3

MENU

CHAN

FREQ

I

BIT

2. Press (F2). The last used frequency blinks, and the frequency type is displayed in the top line.

SMPX

F

MICOM-3

14,000.00

SMPX

DPLX

RXO

TXO

The letter preceding the frequency in the second line of the display indicates whether the frequency is used for Transmission (T), Reception (R) or both transmission and reception (F).

3. To use the displayed frequency and frequency type, press

ENTER

. If the Frequency type is Duplex, press

ENTER

twice to accept both transmission and reception frequencies. or

Change the frequency type and the frequency as explained below.

➤

To change the current frequency/frequencies:

MICOM-3

MENU

1. If you are not in Frequency mode, press

MENU

to access the

Menu screen, and press

FREQ

(F2).

CHAN

FREQ

I

ALE

BIT

The last used frequency blinks, and the frequency type is displayed in the top line.

MICOM-3

SMPX

F 14,000.00

USB

SQ

SMPX

DPLX

RXO

TXO or

If you are already in the Frequency mode, press

MORE

until the T/R function appears next to the F1 function key, and then press

T/R

(F1).

MICOM-3

FREQ

F 15,000.00

USB

T/R

BAND

I

SQ

DSP

AGC

23


The current frequency type is displayed in the top line, followed by the frequencies in use.

MICOM-3

DPLX

F 14,000.00

USB

SQ

SMPX

DPLX

RXO

TXO

2. If necessary, change the frequency type by pressing the relevant function key:

SMPX

(F1),

DPLX

(F2),

RXO

(F3) or

TXO

(F4).

Note

Different frequency types may have default frequency settings, which will appear automatically when that frequency type is selected.

3. If you are using the SMPX, RXO or TXO frequency type, and you wish to use the displayed frequency, press

ENTER

. or

Enter a new frequency.

There are two ways to change the frequency.

Method A

:

• Press

LEFT

/

RIGHT

to move the cursor to the digit in the frequency value that you want to change. The blinking digit indicates the cursor location.

• Press

UP

/

DOWN

to scroll to the value of your choice.

Method B:

Type the frequency on the keypad.

The frequency digits blink, indicating that the selection has not yet been confirmed.

When the desired frequency is displayed, press

ENTER


MICOM-3

SMPX

F 12,345.67

USB

SQ

BACK

CLR

4. If you are using the DPLX frequency type, the frequency displayed first is the Rx frequency. If you want to use the displayed frequency, press

ENTER

.

MICOM-3

DPLX

R 15,000.00

USB

SQ

SMPX

DPLX

RXO

TXO

Enter a new frequency. or


When the desired frequency is displayed, press

ENTER


MICOM-3

DPLX

R 23,456.00

SQ

After confirming the Rx frequency, the Tx frequency blinks in the display.

USB

BACK

CLR

24


5. If you are using DPLX frequency type, the frequency displayed first is the Rx frequency. To display the transmission frequency, press

DPLX

(F2).

MICOM-3

DPLX

T 14,000.00

USB

SQ

SMPX

DPLX

RXO

TXO

If you want to use the displayed Tx frequency, press

ENTER

. or

Enter a new frequency.


When the desired frequency is displayed, press ENTER to confirm your choice.

6. Press ENTER to confirm the frequency type and the frequencies you have set.

MICOM-3

DPLX

T 12,345.67

USB

SQ

BACK

CLR

MICOM-3

FREQ

F 30,000.00

USB

T/R

BAND

I

DSP

AGC

VFO Operation

VFO (Variable Frequency Offset) is a feature available in the Simplex mode, that enables you to operate the transceiver simultaneously on two different channels, designated A and B.

• Using the A/B function, you can “freeze” the frequency of channel A, switch to channel B and then return to channel A again.

• Using the A=B option, you can copy the frequency of the current channel to another channel.

➤

To operate the VFO function:

1. If you are not in the Frequency mode, enter the Frequency mode and verify that the frequency type is Simplex:

MENU

>

FREQ

(F2) >

SMPX

(F1) >

ENTER

.

MICOM-3

FREQ

F 15,000.00

AGC

USB

T/R

BAND

I

DSP

For more information, see page 24.

2. Select the required frequency and press

ENTER


3. Press until the

A/B

function appears next to the F1 function key.

MICOM-3

FREQ

F 15,000.00

A/B

USB

AGC

-->

4. Press (F1) to select the A/B mode.

The

A=B

function appears next to the F2 function key’ together with the first frequency (frequency A).

MICOM-3

FRQ-A

F 15,000.00

USB

A/B

A=B

I

-->

AGC

25


5. Press (F1) to alternate between the two frequencies.

MICOM-3

FRQ-B

F 14,000.00

A/B

A=B

I

USB

AGC

-->

6. Press

A=B

(F2) to copy the frequency of the displayed channel to the alternate channel.

7. You can adjust the frequency of either A or B at any time, using the following methods:

• Press <-- (F3) and --> (F4) to move the cursor backwards and forwards, depending on the digit you wish to change, and then type the desired digit on the keypad.

• When

<--

(F3) and

-->

(F4) are used in conjunction with the

UP

/

DOWN

scroll keys, the frequency digit scrolls according to the location of the cursor.

For instance, if the current frequency is 7,500.54 and the cursor is at the 100 kHz location (7,_00.54), pressing the

UP

/

DOWN

scroll keys will scroll the

100 kHz digit to 7,400.54; 7,600.54; 7,700.54 and so on.

MICOM-3

FREQ

F 15,_00.54

AGC

USB

A/B

-->

➤

To return to the regular Frequency mode:

1. Press until the

T/R

function appears next to the F1 function key.

2. Press (F1) to select the regular mode.

26


Frequency Mode Options

In the Frequency mode, you can operate a variety of functions and options which can eliminate noise or otherwise assist reception and/or transmission. The display reflects the options selected. Refer to

Figure 3 for a concise description of the options available in the Frequency mode. Additional options are available for MICOM-3 with the GPS receiver option (see the Using the MICOM-3 GPS Receiver section starting on page 104).

MICOM-3

FREQ

F 15,000.00

USB

T/R

BAND

I

SQ

SQ

DSP

VP

VP-116 only

PVT#

CLR

Vocoder only

VCD

PVT#

DGTL

CLR

T/R

Select options

Enter

More More More

Frequency

Change

− − >

< − −

More

T/R

SMPX

DPLX

RXO

TXO

BAND

LSB

USB

SQ

ON

OFF

DSP

CLAR

..

..

..

..

-200

..

..

OFF

..

..

+200

NF

..

..

PWR

LOW

MED

HIGH

MAX

MODE

SSB

AME

PLT

AGC

SLOW

FAST

OFF

BW

2.1

2.7

3.0

3.3

LSM

CW

RCLV

Note 1

STOR

BACK

CLR

A/B

A/B

A=B

<− −

− −>

GPS

Note 2

CLIP

NB

ATTN

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

Figure 3. Frequency (FREQ) Menu

Notes

1. The

RCLV

item appears only if the received signal level display is not permanently enabled using

MENU

>

PROG

>

RAD

>

PRMT

>

RCLV

.

The

GPS

item appears only if your radio includes the GPS option.

➤

To select frequency mode options:

T/R

(F1) selects the transmit and receive frequencies and frequency type.

Note

For a MICOM-3 with the VP-116 option, this position displays

PVT

or

CLR

(for the vocoder option, you may also see

DGTL

) respectively. Pressing F1 then toggles the operating mode of the VP-116 or vocoder.

BAND

(F2) toggles between upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB).

MICOM-3

FREQ

BAND USB

USB

SQ

BAND

I

DSP

27


SQ

(F3) toggles the squelch on/off.

MICOM-3

FREQ

SQUELCH ON

USB

SQ

BAND

I

SQ

DSP

DSP

(F4) accesses the Digital Signal Processing menu, which includes the following options:

MICOM-3

FREQ

DSP PARAM

USB

SQ

CLAR

NF

I

CLIP

NB

•

CLAR

(F1) – controls the clarifier (off/lower frequency/higher frequency)

MICOM-3

FREQ

CLAR OFF

USB

SQ

<--

-->

•

NF

(F2) – controls the notch filter (off/lower frequency/higher frequency

MICOM-3

FREQ

NF OFF

USB

-->

SQ

Note

The

CLAR

(F1) and

NF

(F2) function keys are not available for TXO (transmit only) channels.

•

CLIP


MICOM-3

FREQ

CLIP - OFF

USB

SQ

CLAR

NF

I

CLIP

NB

•

NB


MICOM-3

FREQ

NB - OFF

USB

SQ

CLAR

NF

I

CLIP

NB

•

ATTN


MICOM-3

FREQ

ATTEN - ON

USB

SQ

ATTN

I

PWR

(MORE, F1) – selects the transmit power level (LOW, MED,

HIGH or MAX).

MICOM-3

FREQ

POWER LOW

USB

SQ

LOW

MED

HIGH

MAX

28


MODE

PLT).

(MORE, F2) – selects the operation mode (SSB, AME or

MICOM-3

FREQ

MODE SSB

USB

SQ

SSB

AME

PLT

AGC

(MORE, F3) – controls the automatic gain control

(fast/slow/off).

MICOM-3

FREQ

AGC FAST

USB

SQ

PWR

MODE

I

BW

BW

(MORE, F4) – selects the filter bandwidth.

MICOM-3

FREQ

BW 2.7

USB

2.1

2.7

I

3.3

SQ

RCLV

(MORE, MORE, F1) – displays the receive level when F1 is pressed.

STOR

(MORE, MORE, F2) – stores the frequency parameters in the selected channel.

<--

(MORE, MORE, F3) and

-->

(MORE, MORE, F4) – move the cursor backwards and forwards. When these function keys are used in conjunction with the

UP

/

DOWN

scroll keys, the frequency scrolls according to the location of the cursor, enabling you to change the frequency with greater ease.

Storing Frequencies

You can store specific frequencies and frequency parameters in channels which you have programmed (see Programming Channels on page 82).

➤

To store a frequency in a channel:

1. If you are not in the Frequency mode, press the Menu screen.

MENU

to display

MICOM-3

MENU CHAN

FREQ

I

ALE

BIT

2. Press (F2).

The last used frequency blinks, and the frequency type is displayed in the top line.

3. If you wish to use the displayed frequency and frequency type, press

ENTER

. If the frequency type is DPLX, press

ENTER

twice to accept both transmission and reception frequencies. or

Change the frequency type and the frequency as required (see To change the current

frequency/frequencies on page 23).

4. If necessary, select the other parameters, using the

MORE

key and pressing the required function keys (see To select frequency mode options on page 27).

5. Press twice, and then press

STOR

(F2).

29


Using the Scan Mode

Note

The Scan mode is available only when ALE is turned off using

MENU

>

PROG

>

RAD

>

OPT

>

ALE

.

In the Scan mode, MICOM-3 scans preprogrammed channels. The channels used in the Scan mode are organized in groups. Up to five scan groups, identified as A to E, may be created using the RSS or

MRC, each containing up to 200 channels.

When a guard channel is selected, it is monitored after every other scanned channel.

➤

To enter the Scan mode:


MICOM-3

MENU

CHAN

FREQ

I

SCAN

BIT

2. Press (F3).

The last used group flashes in the display.

Note

You can use the Scan function only after at least one group has been downloaded by means of the RSS or MRC. If no scan group is stored in the radio, after selecting

Scan you will see NO GROUPS, and then the display skips to the PROG menu.

3. If you want to use the currently displayed scan group, press

ENTER

. or

Press the function key next to the group you want to choose and press

ENTER


Notes

• In the Scan mode, one of the five groups is always selected, and the other

groups (up to four) are displayed next to the function keys.

• If the selected group is not yet programmed, the message GRP X EMPTY

appears in the display, where X is the selected group.

30


Scan Mode Options

In the Scan mode you can select various parameters and options, some used control the scanning and others which can help eliminate noise or otherwise assist reception and/or transmission.

• The following options control the scanning operation:

STOP

(F1) stops the scanning. When scanning is stopped, the label changes to

SCAN

: pressing

F1 again starts the scanning.

SLOW

(F2) decreases the scanning speed.

FAST

(F3) increases the scanning speed.

Note

The scan speed can be varied in the range of 150 milliseconds to 5 seconds:

• From 150 to 950 milliseconds, each F2 or F3 pressing results in a

50-millisecond change.

• From 1 to 5 seconds, each pressing results in a 1-second change.

GRP

(F4) selects a scan group.

• The other options are identical to those available in the Channel mode (see the Channel Mode

Options on page 19).

Note

The changing of the channel options is temporary. When you exit the Scan mode and then return to Scan, all the current options will be lost and replaced by the values configured for the various channels.

Using the BIT Mode

The BIT mode lets you check that the MICOM-3 is OK, and identify any malfunctions.

➤

To enter the BIT mode:

MICOM-3

MENU


2. Press (F4).

MICOM-3

BITE

CHAN

FREQ

I

BIT

FULL

CHAN

L.RF

The options available in the BIT mode are as follows:

•

FULL

(F1) runs a full test of the MICOM-3.

•

CHAN

(F2) tests MICOM-3 operation on the current channel.

•

L.RF

(F3) tests the MICOM-3 receive path only.

See the Using BIT section on page 125 for detailed instructions.

31


Locking the Radio

You can use the Lock mode to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing the programming and frequency modes.

To enter the Lock mode, you need to provide a password. The password consists of six digits.

The default factory-defined password is 123456. See Changing the Password on page 33 for details on selecting a new password.

➤

To lock the radio:


MICOM-3

MENU CHAN

FREQ

I

ALE

BIT

2. Press to scroll to the second Menu screen.

MICOM-3

MENU LOCK

PROG

I

DIM

3. Press (F1).

MICOM-3

LOCK

PSW:_

4. Enter the password to lock the radio.

Note

If you enter the wrong password, you will see WRONG PSW!. Enter the password again.

5. Press (F1) or

ENTER

to confirm.

➤

To unlock the radio:

Use the same procedure as when entering the Lock mode.

32


Changing the Password

To be able to lock the radio, it is necessary to use a password. For security reasons, you may want to change the password often. You enter a password and make changes in the Password mode.

➤

To enter the Password mode:


MICOM-3

MENU CHAN

FREQ

I

ALE

BIT

MICOM-3

MENU


LOCK

PROG

I

DIM

3. Press (F3).

MICOM-3

PSW

OLD:_

4. Enter the old password, using the keypad.

When you start to enter the password, you can use the function keys to move the cursor to the left or right, or to clear the display and enter the complete string .

MICOM-3

PSW

OLD:******

O.K

<--

CLR

Note

If you have not yet set a password, use the factory-defined password, 123456.

5. Press (F1) after you enter the old password.

If you enter the wrong password, MICOM-3 displays an error message.

MICOM-3

PSW

WRONG PSW!

6. Enter the new password with the keypad.

7. Press (F1) to confirm the new password.

MICOM-3

PSW SAVED

33


Using Automatic Link Establishment

(ALE)

The MICOM-3 unit supports the Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) function, a method that enables automatically selecting the best working channel from a group of preprogrammed channels without any user intervention, thereby facilitating communication among HF radio stations and improving the communications quality and reliability. The ALE incorporates all the advanced data transmission techniques required by MIL-STD-188-141B and FED-STD-1045.

The ALE function ensures the best possible link without requiring prior knowledge of radio communication conditions, and thus enables reliable HF communication even under rapidly changing propagation conditions. For this purpose, HF radio sets using the ALE function continuously monitor and evaluate the transmission quality on each frequency assigned for communication, and automatically select an optimal frequency for each transmission. After selecting the optimal frequency, a link between the communicating stations is established via an automatic handshake process, which is performed without requiring operator’s intervention.

ALE combines sounding, scanning, selective calling, channel selection and LQA (Link Quality

Analysis). These features, all automatic, ensure that communication takes place on the channel with the best link quality, even with an unskilled operator. The ALE also includes many types of calls you can use to rapidly and efficiently set up links with other ALE users, and features such as messages, stack and quick call.

The following sections present an overview of MICOM-3 ALE capabilities and services, and then provide instructions on using ALE.

ALE Capabilities and Features

Scanning

The method used to select the best channel is based on scanning: as long as it is idle, a radio operating in the ALE mode switches frequency at a relatively rapid rate (programmable at 2 or 5 channels per second) within the group of channels that can be used (the ALE frequency table, with up to 100 frequencies). During this process, it collects information regarding the state of each channel

(busy/free and its background noise) that can be used together with the quality information collected by sounding when the user initiates a call.

• When a station initiates a call, it selects the best free channel on the basis of the most recent information, switches to that channel and then transmits a call request for a time sufficient for any station to finish scanning all the preprogrammed channels and reach the selected channel.

• Any station that should receive this call will then stop on the channel used by the initiating station, and will use the channel for communication. The exact response to the call request depends on the type of call (call types are described below): as a result, it is possible to program any desired station to ignore some types of calls (in fact, any call not specifically addressed to it).

Sounding

Automatic sounding is the method used by ALE for testing the quality of channels and propagation paths under field conditions. The sounding signal is a unilateral identifying broadcast, repeated at periodic intervals on unoccupied channels.

34

Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Identification of a sounding signal sent from a station indicates a high probability of bidirectional communication.

The length of the sounding cycles can be set to short or long cycles, depending on propagation conditions. When propagation changes are slow, long intervals of about 1 or 2 hours may be sufficient. If, however, the propagation changes are erratic and rapidly changing, or if it is critical to have updated connectivity information, then shorter intervals are recommended. Each station can also measure BER and S/N, and update the LQA table accordingly.

The maximum score for receiving an optimum sounding is 70%; the minimum score is 30%. The score given to a station that did not send any sounding or a station whose sounding has not been received is also 30%.

Sounding Cycle Time

The sounding signal is repeated at regular intervals on all the channels in the network. A complete round of sounding messages, or sounding cycle, can be programmed to 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes when the automatic sounding is on. You can also manually initiate sounding when there is a specific need for it, even if the system is set to operate in the automatic mode.

A short sounding cycle ensures a more updated LQA memory. However, frequent sounding increases network occupancy, leaving less channel-free time for the users. Figure 4 illustrates network occupancy in relation to sounding cycles of 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. (Note that both axes have logarithmic scales.) The chart also shows 80% and 95% occupancy in a 120-minute sounding cycle at a very rapid scanning rate (applicable only to multiple-channel networks).

200

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

50

30 min cycle

60 min cycle

90 min cycle

5%

20%

10%

40%

80%

10%

5%

20%

80%

40%

27%

53%

7%

13%

10%

5%

20%

80%

40%

120 min cycle

1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 20

USERS

30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 200 300

Figure 4. Network Occupancy

Use the chart to determine the best sounding cycle for your particular network, bearing in mind network occupancy, propagation conditions and other considerations.

The following examples demonstrate how to read the chart.

35


• In a network of nine channels used by eight members, a 30-minute sounding cycle would result in 80% occupancy; a 60-minute cycle would result in 40% occupancy; a 90-minute cycle would result in 27% occupancy and a 120-minute cycle would result in 20% occupancy.

• If there are only two or three channels in the network, a sounding cycle of 30 minutes allows enough channel-free time, even for as many as ten users.

Under field conditions, occupancy will usually be less than the value obtained from the chart because not every station receives all the soundings that are being broadcast on all channels.

To increase channel-free time for the users by reducing network occupancy, you can try one of these four methods (in this order):

1. Increase the sounding cycle time (to 90 or 120 minutes).

2. Reduce the number of channels in the network (for example, by using different nets for different times of day).

3. Reduce the number of stations in the network by re-arranging the hierarchical subgrouping of stations.

4. Request all stations to set the fast scan rate option.

Manual Sounding

When it is necessary to perform a rapid sounding cycle on all channels instead of, or in addition to the automatic sounding cycle, manual sounding can be used.

LQA Memory

The ALE builds a database of connectivity information based on calls and the ALE sounding messages transmitted by other stations in the network. This information is stored in a special LQA memory and is used to determine the link quality of all channels in the networks. The data in the LQA memory is

time-weighted

, that is, recent information is given more value than old, thus compensating for changing propagation conditions.

Bidirectional Handshake

The bidirectional handshake is an operator-initiated procedure used to exchange LQA scores with other stations without establishing a link.

Note

The MICOM-3 can also be programmed to automatically initiate the call to the station after finishing the bidirectional handshake (using the BDLK parameter reached under the ALE programming options).

This procedure is useful in the following cases:

• The radio has only recently been switched on and the automatic sounding cycle has not yet been completed.

• The operator wishes to update the LQA scores before initiating a call to another station, for example, for example, because of abrupt atmospheric charges, or other propagation changes.

• A new or passive station has joined the system.

A bidirectional handshake can be carried out with a single station or with all stations in the net. It can be carried out either on a single channel, or on all the net channels. When required, a message can also be added to the procedure.

36


After a bidirectional handshake with a single station, the LQA matrices of both radios are updated.

The operator can then initiate a call to that station and obtain the best channel automatically.

When the bidirectional handshake procedure is performed with a net, all the stations in the net update their LQA tables.

Selective Calling

MICOM-3 uses an approach standardized in MIL-STD-181-141B and FED-1075 to selective calling, and therefore has the capability and flexibility to link with one or many prearranged or as-needed single or multiple stations.

ALE Addressing Method

ALE uses digital addresses to identify stations. The fundamental address element in the ALE system is the single word: one ALE address word must always contain three characters (one triplet).

A single ALE word is needed for the basic individual station address (this is called a basic address). To increase the available range of addresses, basic addresses can be expanded up to a maximum of 5 words (15 characters): such addresses are called extended addresses.

The characters that can used in addresses are a subset of the standard Basic 38 ASCII character set.

This subset includes:

• All the capital (upper case) letters (A to Z)

• All the digits (0 to 9)

• Two utility characters:

!"The stuffing symbol @. It can be used to add characters at the end of an address, so that the resulting length is a whole number of words (triplets). A receiving station then interprets only the non-stuffing characters. For example, if the address has 8 characters, add one @ at the end of the address, whereas for an address with 7 characters, two @ symbols must be added. In special addressing modes, this symbol is interpreted as an ignore instruction: see additional utilization guidelines in Table 1.

!"The wildcard symbol ?. It is used to indicate that any character (except @) is acceptable

(this is the equivalent of a don’t mind instruction). See Table 2 for utilization guidelines in the special addressing modes.

Note

In the following sections, “A,” “B,” “C” or “D” indicates any alphanumeric character other than “@” or “?”.

MICOM-3 has the capacity to store and use 100 addresses of up to 15 characters each. MICOM-3 will reject addresses longer than 15 characters, and will notify you with an UFA WRONG message.

Address and Call Types

ALE stations, including the MICOM-3, have the capability and flexibility to link with one or many prearranged or as-needed single or multiple stations. There are three general addressing methods:

• Individual station addressing

• Multiple stations addressing, for example, net and group

• Special addressing modes, for example, AllCall, AnyCall, etc.

The following sections explain the addressing modes and how they can be used for various purposes.

37


Individual Station Address

The individual station address may contain 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 words. To enable using addresses that are not an integer multiple of 3 characters (for example, an address consisting of 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, …, etc. characters), stuffing can be used: with stuffing, the last address word includes one or two stuffing symbols in the last position(s) (see the “stuff-1” and “stuff-2” patterns in Table 1).

The wildcard symbol cannot be included in an individual station address, nor in a call request to an individual station.

Table 1. Use of “@” Stuffing Symbol

Pattern Interpretation

A B C

“Standard” 3-character address word, shown here for reference. Only the station with this address stops scanning and responds

A B @

“Stuff-1” reduced address field, used to add characters “A, B” at the end of the address

A @ @

“Stuff-2” reduced address field, used to add character “A” at the end of the address

@ ? @

“AllCall” global address (see also Table 2): all the stations stop and listen (unless this function is inhibited)

@ A @

“Selective AllCall” global address: each station with the same last character “A” stop scanning and listen (unless this function is inhibited

@ @ ?

“AnyCall” global address (see also Table 2): all the stations stop scanning and respond in randomly selected timeslots (unless this function is inhibited)

@ @ A

@ B@

(option)

“Selective AnyCall” address: each station with same last character(s) “A” (or

“B”) stops scanning and responds in a randomly selected timeslot (unless this function is inhibited), using its own address

@ A B

@ C D

(option)

“Double selective AnyCall” address: each station with same last characters “AB”

(or “CD”) stops scanning and responds in a randomly selected timeslot (unless this function is inhibited), using its own address

@ @ @

“Null” address; all the stations ignore this address. The null address intended for use in test and maintenance, or to create an extra “buffer” timeslot

Net Addresses

The purpose of a net call is to rapidly and efficiently establish contact with multiple prearranged (net) stations. This is achieved by the use of a single net address.

The net address is actually an additional address assigned in common to all the stations that are members of a specific net. Its address structure is identical to that used for individual station addresses

(basic or extended, with or without stuffing, as necessary).

When defining a net, each member station is automatically assigned a timeslot: by having each station answer a call request in a different timeslot, collisions are avoided.

38


Group Addresses

The purpose of a group call is to rapidly and efficiently establish contact with multiple nonprearranged (group) stations.

To make a group call, a calling ALE station uses a sequence of the actual individual station addresses of the called stations.

Special Addressing Modes – Use of Wildcards

A “wildcard” is a special character,“?”, that a calling station can use to address multiple stations with a single call address. The following rules apply:

• The total length of a calling address that includes wildcard(s) must be equal to that of the called station addresses.

• A receiving station will accept a wildcard character as a substitute for the alphanumeric character in its own address that occupies the same position. This means that the wildcard character is a substitute for any of 36 characters and digits (A to Z, 0 to 9) in the Basic 38 character subset.

• Multiple wildcard characters can be used in different positions of the same address (basic or extended).

See Table 2 for examples of patterns using the “?” wildcard symbol.

Table 2. Use of “?” Wildcard Symbol


A B C

“Standard” 3-character address, shown here for reference. All the characters in this word must be evaluated

A B ?

A ? C

? B C

“Standard” “wild-1” address word. Indicates that only the positions occupied by other characters (“A” and “B”) need be evaluated: the position occupied by the “?” symbol can be ignored (ignored in this context means that any valid character is accepted)

A ? ?

? B ?

? ? C

? ? ?

“Standard” “wild-2” address word. Indicates that only the position occupied by an character (“A”, “B” or “C”) need be evaluated: the positions occupied by the “?” symbols can be ignored

“Standard” “wild-3” address word. Indicates that all of the three positions in this word can be ignored

A B @

“Stuff-1” reduced address field, shown here for reference. Only the first two characters in this word must be evaluated

A ? @

? B @

“Wild-1” “stuff-1” address. Only the character “A” or “B” in this word must be evaluated

? ? @

“Wild-2” “stuff-2” address. Only the character “A” or “B” in this word must be evaluated

A @ @

“Stuff-2” reduced address field, shown here for reference. Only the first character in this word must be evaluated

? @ @

“Wild-1” “stuff-2” address. Only the first character in this word must be evaluated, and is ignored

39


Table 2. Use of “?” Wildcard Symbol (Cont.)


@ A B

“Double selective AnyCall” address word, shown here for reference: only the last two characters in this word must be evaluated

@ A ?

“Double selective AnyCall” “wild-1” address word: only the middle character

“A” in this word must be evaluated

@ ? B

Not permitted. Use “selective AnyCall”

@ ? ?

Not permitted. Use “global AnyCall”

@ @ A

“Selective AnyCall”: see Table 1

@ @ ?

“Global AnyCall”: see Table 1

@ A ?

“Selective AllCall”: see Table 1

@ ? @

“Global AllCall”: see Table 1

? @ ?

“Inlink address”: see page 41

AllCall Addresses

An AllCall is a general broadcast that does not request responses and does not designate any specific addressee: a call with this address is accepted by any station, which then stops scanning and listens to the call. The most common use of AllCalls is in cases of distress: when in distress, it is more likely to want to make any available connection in the minimum period of time than to issue a call to an individual or to a select group.

The global AllCall address is @?@. As a variation, the calling station can also use selective AllCall.

Basically, the selective AllCall address is identical in function to the global AllCall, except that it specifies the last single character of the addresses of the desired subgroup of receiving stations (that is, it replaces the ? with an alphanumeric – see more details in Table 1). Any station whose address matches the pattern stops scanning and listens.

The operator can always initiate an outgoing (transmit) AllCall, but the MICOM-3 can be programmed to accept or ignore incoming (receive) AllCalls.

When a radio issues an AllCall, all the stations that are capable of receiving calls receive the AllCall.

In the scan mode, if the MICOM-3 station is set to receive AllCalls, it stops scanning when an AllCall is received. If an AllCall channel has been defined, then outgoing AllCalls are performed on that channel. If no AllCall channel has been defined, the call is performed on the first scanned channel of the net. In the Channel mode, outgoing AllCalls are performed on the currently active channel.

Note

You can transmit an AllCall by pressing the ESC button for a few seconds.

AnyCalls

An AnyCall is a general broadcast similar to AllCall with the difference that it requests responses, without designating any specific addressee(s). Therefore, an ALE station may use the AnyCall to generate responses from essentially unspecified stations, and thus it can identify new stations and connectivities.

The global AnyCall address is @@?. As a variation, the calling station can also use selective AnyCall, which is identical in function to the global AnyCall, except that it specifies the last single character of

40

Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) the addresses of the desired subset of receiving stations (that is, it replaces the ? with an alphanumeric

– see more details in Table 1). If even narrower acceptance and response criteria are required, double selective AnyCall may be used: this is identical to selective AnyCall, except that its special address (@AB) specifies the last two characters that the desired subset of receiving stations.

The operator can always initiate an outgoing (transmit) AnyCall, but the MICOM-3 can be programmed to accept or ignore incoming (receive) AnyCalls.

Any station accepting an AnyCall stops scanning, and then initiates a response in a randomly selected timeslot.

Self Addresses

Stations can also use their own self addresses when making calls. This may be useful for self-test and maintenance purposes, etc.

The self address may be used only in specifically-addressed calls including a group call, but not in an

AllCall or AnyCall.

Null Address

The null address is a special type of address that is not directed to, accepted by, or responded to by any station.

This address is intended for test and maintenance purposes, and to provide buffer time: for example, if a null address appears in a group call, no station will respond in the associated timeslot.

Inlink Address

The inlink address, ?@?, is used to instruct all the stations participating in an already established link to accept and act upon the information sent with the inlink address. For example, any station can use the inlink address to send an AMD message that all the linked stations would present to their user.

The inlink address is recognized only after a link is established between two or more stations.

Using the MultiNet Feature

Normally, a radio operating in the ALE mode receives and transmits only in its currently selected net.

However, there are operational scenarios in which it is beneficial to enable radios to use the ALE functions while still being aware of what is going on in additional nets (for example, firefighters and paramedics must often respond to the same emergency), and be able of answering a call in another net. For this purpose, MICOM-3 radios offer the MultiNet feature.

When the MultiNet feature is enabled, a MICOM-3 radio can operate on multiple nets (up to 20).

The operating characteristics then change as follows:

• Channels: each net has a group of assigned (receiving and associated transmitting) frequencies.

The radio scans the channels in one net after the other, until all the nets have been scanned.

• Station addresses (the self-address and the net address used when responding to calls): the radio responds according to the self-address assigned to the station in its currently selected net (for a total of up to 20 self-addresses).

• Sounding: each radio sends soundings only within the currently selected net. Each radio scans all the channels in the currently selected net, one by one. Sounding is started 10 minutes after the unit is switched on. The sounding group interval is determined according to the programmed

Sounding Auto Time.

41


During operation, the MICOM radio scans all the frequencies included in the defined nets:

• When the radio receives a call, it responds with the self-address that is programmed in the radio for that net.

• When initiating a call, you select the net you want to transmit to, and then select an address (a specific station, or any other type of address you wish to use). The radio then looks up the frequencies that are associated with the station you call and uses only those frequencies to call that station.

• LQA exchanges and sounding use only frequencies associated with the currently selected net.

Note that the time needed to scan multiple nets may be rather long, even when using the rather fast

5 channels/second scan rate. Moreover, the duration of a call set up request must also be long enough to ensure that your call reaches all the relevant nets. You can use the MaxScanCh parameter

(an ALE programming option) to change the duration: the default, when AUTO is selected, is about 7 seconds; however you can select a different value, in the range of 1 to 59 seconds. Make sure to use the minimum value that ensures all the nets will hear your call set up request, because long durations are very disruptive.

Messages

The ALE enables you to create, send or receive alphanumeric messages (“paging” messages) in accordance with the AMD (Automatic Display Message) definition in Federal Standard FS-1045.

The messages are displayed on the receiving station LCD display, and can be up to 90 characters long. Messages can be added to any type of call, whether individual, group, net, AllCall, AnyCall, bidirectional handshake, etc. You can create up to 12 messages, and can edit or erase any of the messages at any time.

Using the Caller Stack

The caller stack is an internal memory that stores a list of unanswered calls. Each stack entry contains the self address of the calling station and a message (AMD) if any was sent. You can view the list, return a call and view any message sent with any call.

The stack can contain up to 10 calls. The radio records an address in the stack only once even if the same caller makes repeated unanswered calls. However, if the same caller sent calls with different messages, all such calls will be saved in the stack. Each stack entry is referred to as a Page.

The appearance of the word STAK next to one of the function buttons of the LCD display indicates that there is at least one call in the stack. The STAK indicator is automatically turned off when all pages in the stack have been erased.

The stack is arranged in FIFO order, that is, the first address that enters the stack is also the first that you see on the display. If the stack is full and a new call is received, the oldest call in the stack is automatically erased.

For convenience, addresses appearing in the stack can be easily added to the ALE address directory.

Quick Call

During a call, the radio saves the latest destination information as the quick call information. When the user presses the PTT of the microphone or handset twice in rapid sequence, the radio automatically directs the call to that address.

In the ALE mode, channel information is also retained and used for quick calls.

42


Using ALE Functions in the Channel Mode

When the ALE mode is enabled, your radio can receive and transmit ALE calls even when you are using the Channel mode. For this purpose, the

CALL

(F1) key is displayed even in the Channel mode.

The only restriction is that in the Channel mode, MICOM-3 uses only the ALE parameters of net 1.

Therefore, if net 1 is not programmed, no ALE functionality is available in the Channel mode, even when the ALE mode is enabled.

Entering the ALE Mode

To use the ALE mode, first it must be enabled as explained below.

Enabling the ALE Mode

➤

To enter the ALE mode:


Note

If you see

SCAN

next to F3, first enable the ALE functionality as explained on page 87.

MICOM-3

MENU

CHAN

FREQ

I

BIT

2. Press (F3).

The last active net flashes in the display.

MICOM-3

ALE

NET 7

3. To use the displayed net, press

ENTER

.

To select another net:

• Press the

UP

/

DOWN

keys until you reach the required number. or

• Use the keypad to enter the desired net number.

The new net number blinks, indicating that the selection has not yet been confirmed.

MICOM-3

ALE

NET 1

4. Press to confirm your choice. The radio then starts scanning the channels in the selected net (the changing channel number appears to the right of the net number).

MICOM-3

ALE

NET 1 1

MON

USB

CALL

LQA

MON

ALE and Rx Only or Tx Only Channels

The radio will prevent users from performing calls on Rx only or Tx only channels. This is true even when operating in the Channel mode: when selecting a Rx Only or Tx Only channel, the ALE option is disabled (the

CALL

(F1) key is not displayed when such a channel is selected).

43


ALE Programming

ALE supports many features, including:

• Various type of calls

• Up to 20 nets, each with its own set of members and associated frequencies (channels)

• Up to 100 ALE addresses in the directory

• Up to 100 scan channels

• Up to 12 AMD (paging) messages.

All the ALE features you can use on your radio can be programmed: to program or modify features, you can use the front panel of the radio, as described in the ALE Programming section.

The ALE features can also be preprogrammed using the MRC or RSS.

ALE Mode Options

Figure 5 shows the operator options available in the ALE mode.

MICOM-3

ALE

NET 1 1

MON

USB

CALL

LQA

MON

More

CALL

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

MULT

ALL

NET

GRP

ANY

WILD

SELF

LQA

BDIR

SOUND

ON

OFF

SEND

PAGE

GLOB

SEL

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

More

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

SEND

EDIT

CHAN

<->

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

SEND

CHAN

Figure 5. ALE Operator Menu

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEND

EDIT

CHAN

<->

MULT NET

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

MON

ON

OFF

SEND

EDIT

CHAN

<->

44


Receiving and Transmitting Calls in ALE Mode

The MICOM-3 supports the following types of ALE calls:

• Individual call – call directed to a specific station.

• Net call – call directed to a net (a net is a preprogrammed group of stations).

• Group call – call directed to a group of stations.

• AllCall – call directed to all other stations simultaneously (broadcast call); can also be used as a distress call.

• AnyCall – call directed to all other stations simultaneously, usually used to detect new stations.

• Wildcard call – call simultaneously addressed to a selected group of stations within a net, with wildcards used within the address to specify the desired stations. For efficient use of wildcards, an appropriate station naming plan must be in place.

• Self call – call using the station’s own address, generally used for test purposes.

• Bidirectional call – request for updating the LQA score with another station or stations.

• Sounding call – used to build a link quality database. This database stores ongoing information on the current quality of the various channels programmed for use by your radio.

All types of calls, except for sounding calls, can also carry messages.

Note

MICOM-3 also supports the MultiNet feature. When this feature is enabled, it can receive and transmit ALE calls in several different nets (up to 20). See details on page 41.

During ALE calls, a link is established between the stations participating in the call. During the link state, the radio operators have various options, many of them similar to the options available in the channel mode. For a description of the link options, see pages 48 to 52.

Receiving Calls in ALE Mode

When your MICOM-3 receives a call, it displays its type and the source address.

You are also notified when a message is attached: if a message is received, the name of the calling station is preceded by an exclamation mark.

MICOM-3

FROM

!ABC

For any type of call, if the ALERT attribute is programmed to YES, you will hear the alert tone when a message is received.

➤

Receiving an individual call:

When an individual call (i.e., a call addressed only to your station) is received, the name of the calling station blinks in the display.

MICOM-3

FROM

ABC

Note

If the calling station name is too long and does not fit in the display,

<-->

appears next to F1. Press

<-->

(F1) to enter the View mode (see page 12).

45


➤

Receiving a net call:

MICOM-3

FROM

NET CALL

When your radio receives a net call (i.e., a call addressed to all the stations in your net), the display flashes a net call alert that alternates the words NET CALL with the calling station name.

MICOM-3

FROM

ABC

➤

Receiving an AllCall:

Note

You can program your radio to ignore incoming AllCalls. If the radio is set to ignore incoming AllCalls, it stops scanning when an AllCall is received but it does not display, nor lets you hear the call. At the end of the AllCall, the radio automatically returns to the scanning mode.

MICOM-3

ALE

ALLCALL

When an AllCall is received, the display flashes an AllCall alert that alternates ALLCALL with the calling station name.

MICOM-3

FROM

ABC

➤

Receiving an AnyCall:

Note

You can program your radio to ignore incoming AnyCalls. If the radio is set to ignore incoming AnyCalls, it stops scanning when an AnyCall is received but it does not display, nor lets you hear the call. At the end of the AnyCall, the radio automatically returns to the scanning mode.

MICOM-3

ALE

ANYCALL

When an AnyCall is received, the display flashes an AllCall alert that alternates ANYCALL with the calling station name.

MICOM-3

FROM

ABC

46


➤

Receiving a sounding call:

When the radio is in the ALE mode and it receives a sounding call from another station, the calling station name appears in the display, preceded by the letter S to identify that the call is a sounding call.

Within a few seconds, the radio automatically returns to the mode used before the call was received.

MICOM-3

S ABCDE

➤

Receiving a bidirectional handshake call:

When the radio receives a bidirectional handshake call from another station, your radio responds automatically, without your intervention. Within a few seconds, the radio automatically returns to the mode used before the call was received.

If the bidirectional handshake includes a message, the calling station name and the received message are stored in the stack, and the

STAK

(F3) function key appears.

➤

To answer an incoming call:

Press any key (including PTT, but not

ESC

) to accept the call. The calling station name stops blinking, and is displayed steadily. The alert tone is no longer heard. The radio is now in the link state with the calling station.

MICOM-3

FROM

ABC

LQA

MON

Note

When an AllCall is received, no link is actually established but you can hear the calling station.

If the received call includes a message, an exclamation mark precedes the station name, and the name is followed by a colon and the message.

MICOM-3

FROM

!ABC:PACK

LQA

MON

If the calling station name and message are too long and do not fit in the display, press

<->

(F3) to enter the View mode, where you can scroll right and left to display the whole message.

MICOM-3

FROM

!ABC:PACK A

LQA

<-->

MON

➤

To display LQA for the received call:

Press

LQA

(F2). You will see the channel in use, and its LQA score.

47


Link State

After the radio successfully receives or transmits a call, it is in the link state.

If the call was received from another radio, the display includes the word

FROM

in the first line, as well as the name of the station which initiated the call (if a message has been received, it is also displayed).

MICOM-3

FROM

ABC

LQA

MON

If the call was initiated by your radio, the display includes the word LINK in the first line, as well as the destination address.

MICOM-3

LINK

1234

PAGE

I

MON

Link State Options

While in the link state, you can operate the following functions using the function keys.

Note

The change of link options is temporary. When you exit the link state, all the changed parameters will be lost.

➤

To select link mode options:

<->

(F1) activates the View mode, where you can view the entire station address (when over 11 characters), as well as received messages, if any (when over 11 characters).

MICOM-3

FROM

!ABC:PACK A

LQA

<-->

MON

PAGE

(F2) enables you to select a message to be sent to the station you are linked to.

MICOM-3

CALL

1009

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

After a message is selected, you can edit it.

MICOM-3

AMD11

11 AMD MESS

SEND

EDIT

CHAN

<->

Note

The

PAGE

function is not available when receiving an AllCall.

LQA

(F3) displays the channel on which the link was established, and the LQA score of the current link.

MICOM-3

CALL

CH 3 30%

SEND

PAGE

BEST

48


Notes

• If the name of the station you are linked to is not in your directory, this

function will not be available.

• The LQA (F3) key is displayed only if you established the link in the ALE mode

(in the Channel mode, this function is not available, because the call is received/transmitted on the current channel).

MICOM-3

ALE

MONITOR ON

CALL

LQA

MON

(F4) turns on and off monitoring by means of the speaker.

MON

RPL

(MORE, F1) replaces the currently-used channel with a channel with a better LQA score. The radio disconnects the link, replaces the channel being used, and initiates the call once again.

MICOM-3

LINK

REPLACE

RPL

BAND

SQ

DSP

Notes

• The

RPL

function is available only for individual calls, and only for the call initiator.

• The

RPL

(F1) key is displayed only if you established the link in the ALE mode

(in the Channel mode this function is not available, because the call is received/transmitted on the current channel).

BAND

(MORE, F2) – toggles between upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB).

The sideband change takes places only after the current call is ended.

MICOM-3

LINK

BAND USB

SQ

USB

BAND

I

DSP

SQ

(MORE, F3) – toggles the squelch on/off.

DSP

(MORE, F4) – accesses the Digital Signal Processing menu, which includes the following options:

•

CLAR

(F1) – controls the clarifier (off/lower frequency/higher frequency).

•

NF

(F2) – controls the notch filter (off/lower frequency/higher frequency).

MICOM-3

LINK

SQUELCH ON

USB

SQ

BAND

I

DSP

MICOM-3

LINK

DSP PARAM

USB

SQ

CLAR

NF

I

NB

MICOM-3

LINK

CLAR OFF

USB

SQ

<--

-->

MICOM-3

LINK

NF OFF

USB

-->

SQ

49


•

•

•

PWR




MED, HIGH or MAX).

MODE

(MORE, MORE, F2) – selects the operation mode (SSB,

AME or PLT).

AGC

BW

CLIP

NB

ATTN

RCLV

F1 is pressed.

FREQ

(MORE, MORE, F1) – selects the transmit power level (LOW,

(MORE, MORE, MORE, F1) – displays the receive level while

(MORE, MORE, MORE, F2) – displays the current frequency while F2 is pressed.

(MORE, MORE, F3) – controls the automatic gain control function (fast/slow/off).

(MORE, MORE, F4) – selects the filter bandwidth.

MICOM-3

LINK

CLIP - OFF

USB

SQ

CLAR

NF

I

NB

MICOM-3

LINK

NB - OFF

USB

SQ

CLAR

NF

I

NB

MICOM-3

LINK

ATTEN - ON

USB

SQ

ATTN

I

MICOM-3

LINK

POWER LOW

USB

SQ

LOW

MED

HIGH

MAX

MICOM-3

LINK

MODE SSB

USB

SQ

SSB

AME

PLT

MICOM-3

LINK

AGC FAST

USB

SQ

PWR

MODE

I

BW

MICOM-3

LINK

BW 2.7

USB

SQ

2.1

2.7

I

3.3

MICOM-3

LINK

1234

RCLV

FREQ

I

USB

-

MICOM-3

LINK

F 2,000.00

USB

RCLV

FREQ

I

50


Replacing the Current Channel While in the Link State

If during an individual call you find that the channel in use is not good enough, you can replace it with a better channel.

Notes

• Channel replacement is possible only during an individual call in the ALE

mode.

• Only the initiator of a call can replace the channel in use.

➤

To replace the channel:

1. Press to scroll to the second link state menu.

MICOM-3

LINK

REPLACE

RPL

BAND

SQ

DSP

2. Press (F1) to replace the channel in use.

3. The radio disconnects the link, replaces the channel being used, and initiates the call once again.

Note

Even if a message was transmitted when the original link was initiated, the new link will be initiated without the message.

Using the Caller Stack

The caller stack stores information about unanswered calls. The stack entry contains the self-address of the calling station, and any message sent by the calling station when it sent the call set up request.

The stack can contain up to 10 calls.

The radio records an address in the stack only once, even if the same caller made several unanswered calls. However, if the same caller sent calls with different messages, all such calls will be saved in the stack.

If you see the word

STAK

next to the F3 key, the stack includes at least one call you never viewed before.

The stack is arranged in FIFO order, that is, the first address that enters the stack is also the first that you see on the display.

➤

To view the calls in the stack:

1. Press (F3).

The radio displays information on the total number of calls in the stack, and information on the first call. If the number of characters exceeds the available space, press

<->

(F4) to activate the view mode. the /

DOWN

keys to view any additional calls in the stack.

51


➤

To return a call to a station registered in the stack:

1. Press (F3). the /

DOWN

keys to scroll to the required call.

3. Press (F1).

4. Press (F2) if you want to attach a message when you reply to the call.

5. Press (F3) if you want the call to be initiated on a specific channel in the currently used net.

Note

The

CHAN

(F3) key is displayed only if the radio is in the ALE mode.

6. Press (F1) or

ENTER

to initiate the call.

Note

After initiating a call to a station, its page in the stack is automatically deleted, together with all other calls from the same address.

➤

To remove an address from the stack:

The radio automatically removes an address from the stack in the following cases:

• When the operator calls a station registered in the caller stack, all stack calls containing that address are erased from the stack, regardless of whether the call was returned from within the stack or during an individual call.

• The stack can contain up to ten addresses. When the stack is full and a new address comes in, the new address replaces the oldest address in the stack.

In addition, you can manually remove an address from the stack as follows:

1. Press (F3).

2. Use

UP

/

DOWN

keys to scroll to the required call.

3. Press (F2).

4. Press (F1) to confirm or,

NO

(F2) to cancel the deletion.

52


Disconnecting Calls

When you are in the link state, your radio can communicate with at least one other ALE station.

➤

To disconnect an incoming call:

MICOM-3

Press the

ESC

key. This disconnects the link and returns the radio to the mode used before the link was established.

END CALLING

When you disconnect a link, you can instruct the other station(s) to return to the working mode they were in before they entered the link state. This feature is called Home Acknowledge, and can be programmed. If Home Acknowledge is enabled:

• In an individual link, each of the stations in the link can transmit the Home Acknowledgement to instruct the other stations to disconnect the link.

• In a net/AnyCall link, the Home Acknowledgement can only be transmitted by the radio which initiated the call.

Transmitting Calls in ALE Mode

To transmit an ALE call, you must specify the destination. In general, the destination consists of a net and one or more stations (members of the specified net):

• When the MultiNet function (page 41) is disabled, the destination net is always the currently selected net (its number is displayed on the

LCD while the radio is scanning). Therefore, if you do not want to select a different net, you can skip directly to the selection of the destination station(s).

MICOM-3

ALE

NET 1 1

MON

USB

CALL

LQA

MON

• When the MultiNet function is enabled, first you must always select a net and then the

destination station(s).

To expedite the transmission of an AllCall, you can send a global AllCall by pressing the

P/ESC

key for a few seconds.

MICOM-3 stores the last called address, so you can simply press the PTT twice in rapid sequence

(double pressing) to call again that address. This also applies to AllCall, and therefore after sending

AllCall for the first time, you can send it again by double pressing the PTT.

Note

If you want to monitor the call set up process on the speaker and be alerted by a beep when the link is set up, turn the monitor on, using the

MON

(F4) key.

Selecting the Desired Net

➤

To select a net:

1. Press and select

ALE

(F3).

The radio displays current active net number, flashing.

MICOM-3

ALE

NET# 7

53


2. To change the currently used net, press the

UP

/

DOWN

keys, or enter the net number on the keypad, and then press

ENTER

.

MICOM-3

ALE

NET 1 1

MON

USB

CALL

LQA

MON

Calls to an Individual Station

➤

To transmit an individual call with MultiNet OFF:

1. Press (F1).

The radio displays the last called address. This may be a station address, or any other type of address (for example, net, wildcard, etc.).

2. To select a different station:

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

CHAN

MICOM-3

CALL

1009

Press the

UP

/

DOWN

keys to scroll between stations. or

Use the keypad to enter a station name and then press

SAVE

(F1) or

ENTER

when the required station name appears.

MICOM-3

CALL

1234

SAVE

<--

-->

CLR

Note

When scrolling between stations with the

UP

/

DOWN

keys, every key pressing displays destination addresses in the following order:

• The last called address

• The AIICall address (GL ALLCALL, or SL ALLCALL, if you used it instead of

GL ALLCALL)

• The current active net number

• The addresses of the members in the current net

• Other addresses in the directory.

3. Press (F1) or

ENTER


MICOM-3

CALL

1234

SEND

PAGE

MON

54


4. The radio now starts the link set up process. During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel on which the set up request is being sent (the channel may change, if the called station does not answer on the first channel(s)).

MICOM-3

TO

1234

STOP

MICOM-3

CH 2

1234

STOP

Note

While the radio is initializing the link, you can press

STOP

(F1) or

ESC

to abort the entire process.

5. After the link is established, you will see a LINK message. Now you may press the PTT and start talking.

MICOM-3

LINK

1234

PAGE

I

MON

Note

If the link with the selected station cannot be set up, you will see for a few seconds a flashing NO LINK message.

6. To disconnect the link, press the

ESC

key (see page 48).

Note

If you want to call again the same station, double-press the PTT to use the quick-call feature (see page 57).

➤

To transmit an individual call with MultiNet ON:

1. Press (F1).

The radio displays the current net number, flashing. If you wish to change the currently used net, press the

UP

/

DOWN

keys or enter the net number on the keypad.

MICOM-3

ALE

NET# 7

2. Press to confirm the net number.

3. The radio displays the last called station.

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

Press the

UP

/

DOWN

keys to scroll between stations, or use the keypad to enter a station name and then press

SAVE

(F1) or

ENTER

when the required station name appears.

MICOM-3

CALL

1009

SEND

PAGE

I

4. Press (F1) or

ENTER


5. The radio now starts the link set up process. During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel the set up request is being sent (the channel may change, if the called station does not answer on the first channel(s)).

55


Note


STOP

(F1) or

ESC




ESC

key (see page 48).

➤

To transmit on a specific channel:

1. Initiate a call as explained above (page 54 or 55) and select the desired station.

MICOM-3

CALL

1009

SEND

PAGE

I

CHAN

MICOM-3

CALL

CH 3 30%

SEND

PAGE

BEST

2. Press (F3) to select a specific channel.

The channel with the best LQA score is displayed. The speaker is unmuted to enable you to check the channel quality by listening to it.

Note

If the name of the called station has been edited and the new station name is not in the directory, no LQA score is displayed.

3. Press (F3) to select the channel with the best LQA score ...

Note

If the name of the called station has been edited and the new station name is not in the directory, the channel displayed after pressing

BEST

(F3) is the first scanned channel of the net.

… or

Press the

UP

/

DOWN

keys to scroll to the channel of your choice.

Note

You can use this option to transmit a call to a station operating in the Channel mode. If the other station is in the Channel mode, your radio switches to the

Channel mode for the duration of the call, and then returns to the ALE mode after the link to that station is disconnected.

4. Press (F1) or

ENTER



Note


STOP

(F1) or

ESC




ESC

key (see page 48).

56


Quick Call

A quick call is a call to the last station you tried to call (regardless of whether the call was successful or not). In the ALE mode, the channel used for the original call is reused for the quick call.

The Quick Call feature can be enabled or disabled as part of ALE parameters programming.

Notes

• Quick Call will not transmit a message, even if the last call contained a

message.

• The first time the station is switched to the ALE or Channel mode, quick call is

not possible as no "most recent" station data exists.

➤

To send a quick call:

Double-press the PTT of your microphone or handset.

The radio automatically tries to contact the last called station.

MICOM-3

TO

1234

STOP

During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel on which the set up request is being sent (the channel may change, if the called station does not answer on the first channel(s)).

Note


STOP

(F1) or

ESC


MICOM-3

CH 2

1234

STOP

57


Using Autodial

The Autodial feature lets you use a single digit to call a preprogrammed address. There are ten programmable Autodial addresses, where each can include a message.

See Auto Dial Parameters on page 93 for details on programming the Autodial list.

➤

To use Autodial to send a call:

1. Press on the keypad.

MICOM-3

CALL

SELECT#_

Note

If you do not select an auto-address within a few seconds, the display automatically reverts to the previous state.

2. Press the desired preprogrammed Autodial number (0 to 9).

The programmed address is immediately displayed; if a message is preprogrammed, an exclamation sign will appear before the station name.

Press

PAGE

(F2) if you want to attach a message to the call or to replace/edit a preprogrammed attached message.

See page 59.

MICOM-3

CALL

1009

SEND

PAGE

I

MON

Note

If the Autodial number you enter is not programmed, the message NOT PROG will be displayed.

3. Press (F3) if you want the call to be initiated on a specific channel. See page 59.

4. Press or

SEND

(F1) to start the call.


Note


STOP

(F1) or

ESC




ESC

key (see page 48).

58


Sending Messages

You can send messages (page) together with the initial call (before the link is set up), and also whenever necessary while the link is already set up (that is, when your station is in a link with the destination station).

In the link state, if you are making an individual call, both the receiving and the calling station can send messages to the other station. This is also true for net calls and group calls.

➤

To transmit an individual call with a message:

1. Initiate a call as explained above (page 54 or 55) and select the desired station.

MICOM-3

CALL

1009

SEND

PAGE

I

CHAN

2. Press (F2) to add a message. The last sent message is displayed.

MICOM-3

AMD

5AM

SEND

EDIT

CHAN

3. You may now select a different (stored) message or edit this message:

• Press the message.

UP

/

DOWN

keys to scroll to the required

MICOM-3

AMD11

11 AMD MESS

SEND

EDIT

CHAN

<-> or

• To edit the message, press

EDIT

(F2) and use the keypad to enter a new message.

MICOM-3

AMD

5AM

SAVE

<--

-->

CLR

4. Press (F1) when the message is ready.

5. Press (F1) or

ENTER


MICOM-3

CALL

1009

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

6. Proceed with the call as explained above (page 54 or 55).

59


➤

To send a message during a call (link state):

1. Press (F2).

Note

If this function key is not displayed, you cannot send a message in the present mode.

2. Select or edit the desired message as explained on page 58.

3. Press (F1) or

ENTER

to send the message.

4. The radio now starts the link set up process for this message

(this process is similar to the process used to set up the link for this call). During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel being used.

Notes

• While the radio is initializing the link, you can

press

STOP

(F1) or

ESC


• If the link needed to send the message to the

selected station cannot be set up, you will see for a few seconds a flashing NO LINK message.

MICOM-3

CH 2

1234

MICOM-3

LINK

1009

PAGE

I

MON

MICOM-3

AMD11

11 AMD MESS

SEND

EDIT

CHAN

<->

MICOM-3

TO

1234

STOP

STOP

60


Other Types of Calls

In addition to calls to individual stations described on the pages 53 to 59, additional types of calls can be used to help you call multiple stations (see list on page 45).

Note

A properly designed address assignment plan is needed to take advantage of the special ALE calling modes.

The special call types are reached under a special submenu, designated MULT (see Figure 5 for its organization).

➤

To select a special call type:

1. Press (F1).

The radio displays the last called address. This may be a station address, or any other type of address (for example, AllCall, net, wildcard, etc.).

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

CHAN

2. Press once.

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

MULT

I

3. Press (F1) to display the first page of special calls. If the desired call type is located on this page, press the corresponding function key to select it. press again to display the next page.

Note

Pressing

MORE

again return you to the first page of special calls: do not use the

ESC

key, as it cancels the

MULT option.

5. Go to the page listed below for detailed instructions.

MICOM-3

CALL

MICOM-3

CALL

ALL

NET

I

GRP

ANY

WILD

SELF

I

ALL

AllCall – call directed to all the other stations simultaneously; usually used as a distress call.

NET

Net call – call directed to a net (a net is a preprogrammed group of stations).

Up to 20 nets can be defined.

GRP

Group call – call directed to a group of individually selected stations. Groups can be preprogrammed, but you can also select the stations to be called and save the selection for reuse. Up to five groups can be defined.

ANY

AnyCall – call directed to all the other stations simultaneously, usually used to detect new stations.

WILD

Wildcard call – call simultaneously addressed to a selected group of stations within a net, with wildcards used within the address to specify the desired stations. Wildcard calls use the special ALE addressing modes. If you are not familiar with these modes, you should review pages 37 to 41.

62

65

66

68

71

61


SELF

Self call – call using the station’s own address, generally used for test purposes. 73

Transmitting AIICalls

An AllCall is a message which your radio uses to establish a connection with all the other stations simultaneously, and is typically used to broadcast a message or send a distress call. An AllCall can also include a message.

In addition to this type of AllCall (referred to as a global (GL) AllCall), it is also possible to use

selective (SL) AllCall: this is a simultaneous call addressed only to all the stations whose names

(addresses) end with a character you specify.

Note

If so required, you can set your radio so that it cannot send AIICalls.

You cannot select the channel on which an outgoing AllCall will be sent: outgoing AIICalls are sent on the AllCall channel defined for the currently selected net, or on the best scanned channel of the net.

Note

When radios in other nets have their MultiNet feature enabled, AIICalls may also reach these radios. See details on page 41.

There are two ways to send a global AllCall: using the

ESC

key or using the CALL function. A selective

AllCall can be sent only using the CALL function.

➤

To send global AllCall using the

ESC

key:

MICOM-3

TO

GL ALLCALL

STOP

1. Press continuously for a few seconds. The radio starts sending the GL AllCall.

During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel on which the set up request is being sent.

MICOM-3

CH 2

GL ALLCALL

STOP

Note


STOP

(F1) or

ESC


2. After a delay, you will see LINK with a flashing GL ALLCALL.

MICOM-3

LINK

GL ALLCALL

3. Confirm the link set up by pressing

ENTER

or the PTT. The GL

ALLCALL message stops flashing, and you can start talking.

4. Press (F2) if you want to send a message. See page 60 for details.

MICOM-3

LINK

GL ALLCALL

PAGE

I

MON

62


MICOM-3

END CALLING

5. To end the call, press

ESC

.

➤

To send global AllCall using the CALL function:

1. Press (F1).

The radio displays the last called address. the /

DOWN

3. Press (F2) if you want to add a message to the call. See page 59 for details.

4. Press (F1) or

ENTER

to start the call.

The call now proceeds as for call initiated by pressing the

ESC

key.

➤

To send selective AllCall:

1. Press (F1).

The radio displays the last called address.

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

once.

(F1).

keys until you reach GL ALLCALL.

(F1) to display the first page of special calls.

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

MICOM-3

CALL

GL ALLCALL

SEND

PAGE

I

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

MICOM-3

CALL

GL ALLCALL

MULT

I

MICOM-3

CALL

ALL

NET

I

GRP

ANY

MICOM-3

CALL

GL ALLCALL

SEND

PAGE

GLOB

SEL

63


5. Press (F4).

Note

If you decide to send a Global AllCall, press

GLOB

(F3).

6. Type the desired character (only one character is accepted).

Note

You can press

?

(F1) if you decide to send a global

AllCall.

7. Confirm your selection by pressing

ENTER

.

Note

If you decide to send a global AllCall, press

GLOB

(F3).

MICOM-3

ALL

EDIT:_

?

MICOM-3

ALL

EDIT:5

?

CLR

MICOM-3

CALL

SL ALLCALL

SEND

PAGE

GLOB

SEL

MICOM-3

TO

SL ALLCALL

STOP

8. Press (F1) or

ENTER

to start the call. The radio starts sending the selective AllCall.

Note


STOP

(F1) or

ESC


MICOM-3

CH 2

SL ALLCALL

STOP

9. After a delay, you will see LINK, and you can start talking.

10. Press (F2) if you want to send a message. See page 60 for details.


ESC

.

MICOM-3

LINK

SL ALLCALL

PAGE

I

MON

MICOM-3

END CALLING

64


Transmitting Net Calls

Before starting, select the net you want to use as explained on page 53. However, when MultiNet is enabled, you will be prompted for a net number as soon as you start a call.

Notes

• You can program nets using the front panel, the MRC, or the RSS.

• The radio must be programmed as a MASTER radio in the net (an ALE

Programming option) in order to be able to transmit net calls.

➤

To transmit a net call:

1. Press (F1).


If you see the net you want, skip directly to Step 5 below, otherwise continue as explained below.

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

2. Select the NET option as explained on page 61.

MICOM-3

CALL

NET 1

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

3. Press (F2) if you want to attach a message to the call.

4. Press (F3) if you want to initiate the call on a specific channel.

5. Press (F1) or

ENTER


The radio now starts the link set up process. During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel on which the set up request is being sent.

Note


STOP

(F1) or

ESC


When a net call is transmitted, each member in the net responds to the call and the initiator of the call receives an indication of the response on the display.

MICOM-3

LINK

1111

6. After links have been established, you can start talking.


ESC

.

MICOM-3

END CALLING

65


Transmitting Group Calls

Group calls let you call several individual stations in your net (at least 2) at once. Thus, you can use a group call to communicate with a few select stations, while other stations can still communicate at will, using other channels available to your net.

You can call up to 5 stations in a group call. The only restriction is that the total length of all the addresses cannot exceed 12 ALE words (36 characters). If the maximum allowed length is exceeded, you get a BUFF FULL error.

Notes

• If you need to check beforehand the length, remember that as explained on page

37, each ALE word must include 3 characters. Therefore, when an address is not an exact multiple of 3, stuffing symbols are automatically added in the last positions.

• ALE addresses are categorized in accordance with their leading ALE word (that is,

their first three characters: if the address is short and has only one or two characters, stuffing symbols @ are added). When assembling a group you must also take into consideration that the maximum number of different address categories (as identified by their leading word) in one group is 5. If more are included, then when you try to send the call you will see UFA WRONG. In this case, remove addresses to make the group more homogenous.

To make a group call, first you must specify the stations to be included in the group. The addresses of the stations you include in the group can be saved as a group; the radio can store up to 4 different groups. If a group including the desired stations is already programmed, you can directly initiate the call to the desired group.

Note

Before starting, you may want to select a different net to use: see instructions on page 53.

When MultiNet is enabled, you will be prompted for a net number as soon as you press CALL (F1) to start a call.

➤

To transmit a group call:

1. Press (F1).


MICOM-3

CALL

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

CHAN

If you see the group you want, skip directly to Step 6 below, otherwise continue as explained below.

2. Select the GRP option as explained on page 61.

3. The first group displayed is always group 1. If this is the group you want, skip directly to

Step 6 below, otherwise press the UP or DOWN arrows until you see the desired group.

4. Press (F2) if you want to attach a message to the group call.


6. Press (F1) or

ENTER


66


Notes

• If the selected group does not include at least 2 stations, your request is

rejected and you will see for a few seconds AT LEAST 2.

• If the addresses in the group have more than 5 different leading words,

your request is rejected and you will see for a few seconds UFA WRONG.

The radio now starts the link set up process. During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel on which the set up request is being sent.

Note


STOP

(F1) or

ESC


When a net call is transmitted, each member in the group responds to the call and the initiator of the call receives an indication of the response on the display.

MICOM-3

LINK

1111

7. After links have been established, you can start talking.

MICOM-3


ESC

.

END CALLING

➤

To define or change a group:

1. Press CALL (F1) and select the GRP option, as you do to start a group call (page 66).

2. The first group displayed is always group 1. If this is the group you want, skip directly to Step 3 below, otherwise press the UP or DOWN arrows until you see the desired group.

MICOM-3

CALL

GRP 1

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

3. To select the stations you want in this group, press

SEL

(F4).

Note

The following example explains how to build a new group, but you can use the same procedures to change an existing group.

pressing (F4), you will see the DIR screen. Therefore, you can select stations from the addresses already stored in the directory, or type new addresses using the keypad.

MICOM-3

DIR

1005

ADD

OK

To select an address from these already in the directory:

• Use the UP and DOWN arrows to display the desired directory entry, and then press

ADD

(F1).

The label above the selected entry changes to ADDED, to indicate that it is now included in the group.

Now you can also have the option (

ERAS

(F1)) to delete the entry from the group.

MICOM-3

ADDED

1007

ERAS

OK

67


Note

If adding the station would cause the total length of the station addresses in the group to exceed 12 ALE words, then after pressing

ADD

(F1) you will see BUFF

FULL and the process stops.

• Repeat the procedure described above until the group includes only the desired stations.

As you scroll through the directory, you will see DIR for stations that can be added, and ADDED for those already added. If the station you want to add to the group is not in the directory:

!"Enter the new station using the keypad. If you make a mistake, scroll to the desired position using

<--

(F2) and/or

-->

(F3), or clear (

CLR

(F4)) the whole entry and start again.

MICOM-3

GROUP

BUFF FULL

MICOM-3

DIR

BU_

SAVE

<--

-->

CLR

!"When ready, press

SAVE

(F1) to store the new station in the directory.

Now you can add it to the group by pressing

ADD

(F1).

MICOM-3

DIR

BUD

ADD

OK

Transmitting AnyCalls

An AnyCall is a general broadcast which your radio uses to simultaneously establish links with other stations. An AnyCall can also include a message.

Note

If so required, you can set your radio so that it cannot send AnyCalls.

AnyCall is somewhat similar to AllCall, except that it requests responses from the other stations and therefore it can be used to detect new stations. Another difference is that you can also select the channel on which the AnyCall will be transmitted (alternatively, you can let the radio select automatically the channel).

Note

When radios in other nets have their MultiNet feature enabled, AnyCalls may also reach these radios. See details on page 41.

You can send three types of AnyCalls (see also description of addressing modes on pages 37 to 41):

• General: the address sent by your radio is @@?. This is a simultaneous call addressed to all the stations.

• Selective: you specify the last character of the address. This is a simultaneous call addressed only to the stations whose names (addresses) end with a character you specify.

• Double selective: similar to selective, except that you specify the last two characters of the address.

To make an AnyCall, first you must select the address to be used for the call.

MICOM-3 will wait for responses for a certain time before entering the link state with all the stations that responded within this interval (the maximum number of stations that are accepted in an AnyCall is 16).

68


Note



➤

To transmit an AnyCall:

1. Press (F1).


If you see the address you want (that is, you want to repeat the last AnyCall), skip directly to Step 10 below, otherwise continue as explained below.

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

2. Press once.

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

MULT

I

3. Press (F1) to display the first page of special calls.

4. Press (F4).

MICOM-3

CALL

MICOM-3

CALL

ANY

MICOM-3

ALL

ENDING:_

5. Press (F4).

Note

If you try to send (

SEND

(F1)) the call without first selecting an address, your attempt is rejected and you see for a few seconds NOT PROG.

6. Select the AnyCall address:

• To send a general AnyCall, press

?

(F1).

MICOM-3

ALL

ENDING:_

?

CLR

• To send a selective AnyCall, enter the desired character

(any character except #, @ or ?).

MICOM-3

ALL

ENDING:1_

?

<--

CLR

ALL

NET

I

GRP

ANY

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

?

69


• To send a double-selective AnyCall, enter two characters.

MICOM-3

ALL

ENDING:59

?

<--

CLR

7. Confirm your selection by pressing ENTER (see below examples for the 3 types of addresses).

MICOM-3

CALL

ANY

@@

?

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

MICOM-3

CALL

ANY

@@

2

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL SEL

8. Press

PAGE

(F2) if you want to attach a message to the call.


10. Press (F1) or

ENTER


The radio now starts the AnyCall process. During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel on which the request is being sent.

Note

You can press

STOP

(F1) or

ESC


When an AnyCall is transmitted, the initiator of the call receives an indication of each station answering the call (its address flashes in the display, until replaced by the next answering station).

MICOM-3

CALL

ANY

@

59

MICOM-3

LINK

1111

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

11. After a programmed interval (or after 16 stations answer, whichever comes first), the link is established. Now you can start talking.

MICOM-3

LINK

ANY

PAGE

I

MON

MICOM-3


ESC

.

END CALLING

70


Transmitting Wildcard Calls

Wildcard calls, that is, calls in which the destination address includes the wildcard character ?, let you to simultaneously address multiple stations with a single address:

• Any station receiving an address with wildcards stops scanning and checks the address length: if the number of characters in the received address is different from the number of characters in its own self-address, the station ignores the call.

• If the received address matches the length, a receiving station checks the significant positions in the received address against its own. For example, the stations JOHN and JOIN will both accept a call with the address JO?N.

• Each station accepting the call answers the calling station in a pseudo-random slot.

MICOM-3 will wait for responses for a certain time before entering the link state with all the stations that responded within this interval (the maximum number of stations that are accepted in a wildcard call is 16). Therefore, with the wildcard option, the link set up process takes more time, because the radio waits longer to get responses (it cannot “guess” the number of stations that will answer).

Before continuing, you may wish to review pages 37 to 41, which present details on ALE addressing

(including the use of wildcards in addresses).

Note



➤

To transmit a wildcard call:

1. Press (F1).


If you see the address you want (that is, you want to repeat the last wildcard call), skip directly to Step 11 below, otherwise continue as explained below.

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

CHAN

2. Press once.

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

MULT

I


4. Press again to display the next page.

MICOM-3

CALL

MICOM-3

CALL

ALL

NET

I

GRP

ANY

WILD

SELF

I

71


5. Press (F1) to start.

MICOM-3

CALL

WILD

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

?

MICOM-3

WILD

_

6. Press (F4).

Note

If you try to send (

SEND

(F1)) the call without first selecting an address, your attempt is rejected and you see for a few seconds NOT PROG.

7. Select the desired address:

• To insert a wildcard, press

?

(F1).

• Enter the desired characters using the keypad

MICOM-3

WILD

?135?

?

<--

-->

CLR

8. Confirm your selection by pressing ENTER.

MICOM-3

CALL

?135?

SEND

PAGE

CHAN

SEL

9. Press (F2) if you want to attach a message to the call.


11. Press (F1) or

ENTER


Note

If the selected group does not include at least 2 stations, your request is rejected and you will see for a few seconds AT LEAST 2.

The radio now starts the process. During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel on which the request is being sent.

Note

You can press

STOP

(F1) or

ESC


12. After a delay, you will see LINK with the wildcard address flashing.

MICOM-3

LINK

?135?

PAGE

I

LQA

MON

13. Confirm the link set up by pressing

ENTER

or the PTT. The address stops flashing, and you can start talking.

MICOM-3

LINK

?135?

PAGE

I

LQA

MON

72


MICOM-3

END CALLING


ESC

.

Transmitting a Self Call

The self-call is a test call addressed to your own address within the currently selected net. Its purpose is to check that your radio set is OK and can transmit calls (to check reception, you can simply listen to other radio sets).

When you send the self-call, the radio starts sending calls to its own address, successively, on each channel in the current net. After going through all the channels, the call process stops. No other response is expected.

Note

You can also include the self address in a group call.

➤

To send a self-call:

1. Press (F1).


MICOM-3

CALL

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

CHAN

2. Press once.

MICOM-3

CALL

1001

MULT

I


4. Press again to display the next page.

MICOM-3

CALL

MICOM-3

CALL

ALL

NET

I

GRP

ANY

WILD

SELF

I

5. Press (F2) to start the self-call.

6. You may select now a specific channel to perform the call, by pressing

CHAN

(F1). See details on page 56.

MICOM-3

CALL

1007

SEND

CHAN

MICOM-3

CALL

CH 3 30%

SEND

BEST

73


7. When ready, press

SEND

(F1) to start transmitting. The display alternates between your self-address and the channel used for the call is sent. If you did not select a specific channel, the channel number changes as the radio sends the call on each channel assigned to the selected net.

After all the channels have been used, the call automatically stops.

You can press STOP (F1) at any time to end the call sooner.

MICOM-3

TO

1007

MICOM-3

CH 3

1007

STOP

STOP

Bidirectional Handshake

The bidirectional handshake is used to exchange LQA scores with other stations without establishing a link.

Note

The MICOM-3 can also be programmed to automatically initiate the call to the station after finishing the bidirectional handshake (using the BDLK parameter reached under the ALE programming options).

A bidirectional handshake can be carried out with a single station or with all stations in the net. It can be carried out either on a single channel, or on all the net channels. When required, a message can also be added to the procedure.

After a bidirectional handshake with a single station, the LQA matrices of both radios are updated.

The operator can then initiate a call to that station and obtain the best channel automatically.

When the bidirectional handshake procedure is performed with a net, all the stations in the net update their LQA tables.

MICOM-3 will wait for responses for a certain time before entering the link state with all the stations that responded within this interval (the maximum number of stations that are accepted in a bidirectional handshake is 16).

Note



➤

To execute a bidirectional handshake with an individual station:

MICOM-3

LQA

BIDR

SOND

1. Press (F2) to enter the LQA menu.

2. Press (F1).

The last called address is displayed. If this is the address you want, skip directly to Step 6 below.

MICOM-3

BIDR

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

CHAN

74


3. To select a different address, use the

UP

/

DOWN

keys to scroll to the required address in the directory, and then press

ENTER

to confirm your selection. or

If the station you want to add to the group is not in the directory:

• Enter the new station using the keypad. If you make a mistake, scroll to the desired position using

<--

(F2) and/or

-->

(F3), or clear (

CLR

(F4)) the whole entry and start again.

MICOM-3

BIDR

BU_

SAVE

<--

-->

CLR

• When ready, press the directory.

SAVE

(F1) to store the new station in

MICOM-3

DIR

BUD

SEND

PAGE

I

4. Press (F2) if you wish to attach a message to the bidirectional handshake process.

After confirming the message, exclamation mark precedes the name of the called station, indicating that a message has been attached.

5. Press (F3) if you wish to execute a bidirectional handshake process on a specific channel.

6. Press (F1) or

ENTER

in order to initiate the bidirectional handshake process. During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel on which the set up request is being sent.

Note

During the bidirectional handshake process, you can press

STOP

(F1) or

ESC


➤

To execute a bidirectional handshake with a net:

MICOM-3

LQA

BIDR

SOND


2. Press (F1).

The last called address is displayed. If this is the net you want, skip directly to Step 8 below.

MICOM-3

BIDR

1001

SEND

PAGE

I

CHAN

3. Press .

MICOM-3

BDIR

1001

MULT

I

75


4. Press (F1).

MICOM-3

BIDR

NET 1

SEND

PAGE

I

CHAN

MICOM-3

BIDR

NET

5. Press (F1).

Note

You cannot change the net number at this stage – the bidirectional handshake is always performed on the currently selected net. To change the net, see page 53.

6. Press (F2) if you want to attach a message to the handshake.

7. Press (F3) if you want to initiate the handshake on a specific channel.

8. Press (F1) or

ENTER

to initiate the handshake. During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel on which the handshake is being sent.

Note

While the radio is initializing the handshake, you can press

STOP

(F1) or

ESC


Sounding

Sounding is used to test the quality of the channels and propagation paths of all channels in the net.

The sounding signal is normally repeated automatically, at regular intervals. A complete round of sounding messages, or "sounding cycle" can be programmed to 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, or can be set to OFF.

Sounding can also be initiated manually whenever necessary, even if automatic sounding is enabled.

➤

To manually initiate sounding:

MICOM-3

LQA

BIDR

SOND


MICOM-3

SOND

SOUND OFF

ON

OFF

2. Press (F2).

3. Press

ON

(F1) to start manual sounding, or

OFF

(F2) to stop an ongoing sounding process.

Notes

• The radio automatically returns to ALE mode when sounding is stopped.

• When the radio transmits a sounding signal, the Tx bar is visible.

76


Using the Inlink Function

When the inlink function is enabled (see instructions in the ALE Options

Configuration section starting on page 91), the stations participating in a call are automatically notified by a DISC message whenever another

MICOM-3

DISC

1001

USB

PAGE

LQA participant leaves (disconnects from) the call.

MON

The link is then automatically disconnected when only one station is left (that is, after all the other participants disconnected).

The inlink function is available in any type of call that involves the setting up of a link using bidirectional handshaking. Therefore, you can use it in individual calls, group calls, net calls, etc., but not in AllCalls and self calls.

Notes

For the inlink function to operate correctly, it must be enabled on all the stations.

Do not enable the inlink function when communicating with a radio that does not support the full ALE capabilities in accordance with MIL-STD-188-141B.

To avoid disconnecting the link too soon as a result of inactivity (that is, after the PTT time-out interval (PTOT) programmed under the ALE Options

Configuration section), each participant can request other stations to wait beyond the PTOT interval (up to 10 minutes more) before automatic disconnection occurs.

MICOM-3

LINK

1001

USB

RCLV

FREQ

TOT

This option (TOT – time-out interval) is displayed over the F4 key after the link is set up: to send a request for the other stations to wait more time, press the TOT (F4) key.

Transmitting ALE Calls in the Channel Mode

The ALE option is available in both the ALE and Channel modes and therefore, the radio can also answer ALE calls.

The transmission process is similar for both operating modes, with the following differences:

• In the Channel mode, every call is initiated on the currently selected channel.

• The LQA function is not available in the Channel mode: sounding and bidirectional calls can only be initiated in the ALE mode.

• When the radio is in the Channel mode, it uses the parameters programmed for net 1.

Important

If net 1 is not programmed, there is no ALE functionality in the Channel mode, even if the ALE option is turned on.

77


Using the Programming Mode

Note

This section provides concise instructions for using the PROG mode. If you need detailed instructions, refer to Part II of this manual – Manual Programming.

The Programming (PROG) mode is used to program the parameters needed by your radio set:

• Language – the language used on the MICOM-3 display. The default language is English, however you also select French or Spanish.

• Radio parameters – the parameters for communication in your environment and in the radio nets you use most of the time. Some of these parameters are stored as channels.

• ALE parameters – the parameters needed to use the ALE function. Some of these parameters are stored as nets.

You can also use the PROG mode to program the parameters needed by the optional vocoder or by

VP-116 voice privacy unit, when used by your radio set. To find details on the selections available to you on the PROG menu, use Figure 6 (page 79) and Figure 7 (page 80).

Note that MICOM-3 lets you change the currently-used parameters on-line, as required in any particular situation. When you select another channel or net, the changes are discarded and the programmed values are used again.

Note

The Programming mode is accessible only if the radio is not locked. See the

Locking the Radio section on page 32.

➤

To enter the Programming mode:


MICOM-3

MENU CHAN

FREQ

I

ALE

BIT


MICOM-3

MENU LOCK

PROG

I

DIM


MICOM-3

PROG RAD

ALE

LANG

Notes

• If your MICOM-3 is equipped with an internal vocoder, or

connected to an external vocoder, you will see

VCD

next to

F3.

MICOM-3

PROG

RAD

ALE

LANG

VCD

• If your MICOM-3 is connected to the VP-116 privacy unit, you will see

VP

next to F4.

78

MICOM-3

MENU

CHAN

Using the Programming Mode

LOCK

PROG

I

PSW

DIM

RAD ALE

..

..

PRMT OPTS

ENG

FRNC

ESPA

More

VP

PVT

PK

LLB

BIT

Option

..

..

.

.

..

1

..

8

VOL

..

..

.

.

..

1

..

8

VCD

Option

PVT

CONF

ERAS

ACC

AMP

TUNE

NONE

More

ALE

YES

NO

More

BAUD

1.2

2.4

4.8

9.6

DPWR

LOW

MED

HIGH

MAX

MST

YES

NO

AST

YES

NO

PTBP

YES

NO

KBBP

YES

NO

TONE

LOW

HIGH

ADT

..

..

.

.

..

1

..

10

ATTN

YES

NO

CW

0.25

0.5

0.8

RCLV

YES

NO

DIM

YES

NO

More More

GET STOR ERAS PWR

LOW

MED

HIGH

MAX

FREQ BAND MODE

SMPX

DPLX

RXO

TXO

LSB

USB

SSB

AME

PLT

AGC

SLOW

FAST

OFF

BW

2.1

2.7

3.0

3.3

LSM

CW

Figure 6. PROG Menu – Radio Parameters Programming

79


MICOM-3

MENU

LOCK

PROG

I

PSW

DIM

NET

RCV

RAD

..

..

DIR

ALE

AMD

EDIT ERAS

OPT

LANG

More

ENG

FRNC

ESPA

More

AUTO

ADDR

AMD

Option

More

VP

PVT

PK

LLB

BIT

..

..

.

.

..

1

..

8

VCD

Option

PVT

CONF

ERAS

VOL

..

..

.

.

..

1

..

8

STOR

YES

NO

More More

ADD ERAS

YES

NO

ADD

SAVE

-->

CLR

ERAS SAVE

YES

NO

ALL

YES

NO

ALL

PTOT

..

..

.

.

..

1

..

10

EXAL

YES

NO

ALRT

YES

NO

More

TOT

YES

NO

MLQA

..

..

.

.

..

0

..

100

QCAL

YES

NO

AADR

YES

NO

MNT

YES

NO

MxCH

..

..

.

AUTO

0

..

.

..

59

ANY

YES

NO

WILD

YES

NO

AMD

YES

NO

ILNK

YES

NO

BDLK

YES

NO

NAME MEMB CHAN OPT GET ERAS

YES

NO

More

NET

EDIT

SELF

EDIT

ADD

EDIT

ADDR

ERAS

YES

NO

ALL

SORT

MAN

AUTO

ADD ERAS

SOND

MAN

..

..

.

..

..

.

120

SLNT

YES

NO

LQAR

YES

NO

ALLC

SCN

2

5

More

HACK

YES

NO

MACK

YES

NO

OCUP

OFF

..

..

.

..

..

.

3000

M/S

MAST

SLAV

ALLC

NONE

RCV

SEND

R&S

TUNE

..

..

.

OFF

.

..

1

..

20

Figure 7. PROG Menu – ALE Parameters Programming

80

Programming the Radio Parameters

Programming the Radio Parameters

The Radio Programming mode is used to program the following types of parameters:

• Channel parameters

• General radio parameters

• Radio options.

The following sections explain the programming procedures.

➤

To enter the Radio Programming mode:

MICOM-3

MENU


CHAN

FREQ

I

BIT

MICOM-3

MENU


LOCK

PROG

I

PSW

DIM


MICOM-3

PROG

RAD

ALE

LANG

4. Press (F1) to enter the Radio Programming mode.

MICOM-3

RADIO

PROGRAMMING

CHAN

PRMT

OPTS

81


Programming Channels

➤

To enter the Channel Programming mode:

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (page 79).

MICOM-3

RADIO

PROGRAMMING

CHAN

PRMT

OPTS

2. Press (F1).

MICOM-3

CHAN

PARAMETERS

GET

STOR

I

USB

PWR

The CHAN menu provides the following options (see also Figure 6):

• GET GET retrieves a channel already programmed in MICOM-3. Retrieving a channel retrieves all the parameters defined for that channel. You can store these parameters as a new channel using the STOR function, and then edit the parameters as required.

• STOR Store the current set of parameters in a selected channel.

Note

GET and STOR are used to copy the channel parameters from one channel to another.

• ERAS ERAS is used to delete (erase) a channel. Actually, this action only replaces the user-modified parameters of the channel with the factory-default parameters, but marks the channel as not programmed.

• PWR Select the channel transmit power level. Four transmit power levels can be selected:

• LOW – 25 W nominal

• MED – 62.5 W nominal

• HIGH – 100 W nominal

• MAX – 125 W nominal.

• FREQ Select the channel frequency. MICOM-3 offers four frequency options:

• SMPX (Simplex Frequency): the same frequency is used for both transmission and reception.

• DPLX (Duplex Frequency): transmits on one frequency and receives on a different frequency.

• RXO (Receiving Only Frequency): defines a frequency for reception only.

Transmission on that frequency is disabled.

• TXO (Transmitting Only Frequency): defines a frequency for transmission only. You cannot receive on that frequency.

82


Note

The available frequency ranges are: • Reception: 100 kHz to 30 MHz.

• Transmission: 1.6 to 30 MHz.

• BAND Select the channel SSB mode:

• USB – upper sideband mode

• LSB – lower sideband mode.

• MODE Select the channel radio operating mode:

• SSB – single sideband

• AME – amplitude modulation equivalent

• PLT – single sideband with pilot signal.

• AGC Select the channel Automatic Gain Control mode. MICOM-3 offers two AGC response speeds: SLOW and FAST. You can also turn the AGC OFF completely.

• BW Select the default channel filter bandwidth:

• 2.1 K

• 2.7 K

• 3.0 K

• 3.3 K

• LSM (Low Speed Modem)

• CW (Continuous Wave). The bandwidth used in this case is selected by

MENU

>

PROG

>

RAD

>

PRMT

>

CW

.

Note

The factory-default parameter values are as follows:

• Rx Frequency

15.000.00 MHz

• Tx Frequency

15.000.00 MHz

• SSB Mode (Band) USB

• Bandwidth 2.7K

• Tx Power

• AGC Type

MAX

SSB

83


Selecting Radio Parameters

➤

To enter the Radio Parameters programming mode:


MICOM-3

RADIO

PROGRAMMING

CHAN

PRMT

OPTS

2. Press (F2).

MICOM-3

RADIO

PARAMETERS

GET

STOR

I

LSB

PWR

The PRMT option in the Radio Programming menu provides the following options (see also Figure 6):

• BAUD Select the data transmission rate:

• 1.2 – 1200 bps

• 2.4 – 2400 bps

• 4.8 – 4800 bps

• 9.6 – 9600 bps.

• DPWR Select the maximum transmit power for data transmission, that is, for a transmission initiated by the data PTT. The available selections are:

• LOW 25 W nominal

• MED 62.5 W nominal

• HIGH 100 W nominal

The transmit power used in the other modes is independently selected for each channel. If the selected data transmit power exceeds the transmit power configured on the operating channel, the radio will use the lower channel transmit power.

• MST Enable/disable the sidetone heard in the speaker when you transmit using the microphone.

• AST Enable/disable the heard in the speaker sidetone when you transmit using an accessory connected through the rear panel.

• PTBP Enable/disable the transmission of a beep when the local push-to-talk (PTT) button is released.

This beep is used to notify the other stations that the local (your) radio set has stopped transmitting and returned to the receive mode: therefore, another radio can start transmitting.

• KBBP Enable/disable the keypad beep. When enabled, a beep is heard whenever a valid key is pressed.

• TONE Select the keypad beep level: high or low. The selection is relevant only when the keypad beep is enabled.

84


• ADT Select the alternate display time-out, that is, the time after which a keypad sequence is automatically aborted in case no action is taken. In this case, the display returns to the previous screen.

The time-out interval can be selected in the range of 1 to 10 seconds.

• ATTN Enable/disable the use of the attenuator. The attenuator is used to reduce interference when your radio is located near strong transmitters.

• CW Select the channel filter bandwidth used in the CW mode:

• 0.25 – 250 Hz

• 0.5 – 500 Hz

• 0.8 – 800 Hz

A lower value improves the reception but requires better frequency accuracy.

• RCLV Enable/disable the receive signal level display. If the receive signal indication is not enabled, you can temporarily enable it using one of the function keys.

• DIM Enable/disable automatic dimming of the display.

Usually, the display operates continuously. However, you can program the display to be normally off, and be automatically turned on when the transceiver detects any type of activity (keypad, PTT, incoming call, etc.). The ADT option selects the time before the display is again turned off when inactive.

85


Setting Radio Options

➤

To enter the Radio Options mode:


MICOM-3

RADIO

PROGRAMMING

CHAN

PRMT

OPTS

2. Press (F3).

MICOM-3

RADIO

OPTIONS

AMP

TUNE

ALE

The OPTS option in the Radio Programming menu provides the following options (see also Figure 6):

• AMP Enables/disables operation with an external RF power amplifier.

• TUNE Enables/disables operation with an external antenna tuner. If you are using an external tuner, you must set this option to YES.

• ALE

Enables/disables the ALE functionality. When the ALE option is disabled, MICOM-3 can use the Scan Mode (see Using the Scan Mode on page 30).

86

ALE Programming

ALE Programming

This ALE Programming mode is used to configure the parameters needed by the ALE function. The

ALE parameters are identified in Figure 7.

Note

The Programming mode is accessible only if the radio is not locked.

After locating the required ALE parameter in the Programming menu, you can change it by pressing the function key next to the parameter name, and then press the

UP

/

DOWN

keys to scroll or set parameters.

➤

To enter the ALE Programming mode:


MICOM-3

MENU CHAN

FREQ

I

ALE

BIT


MICOM-3

MENU LOCK

PROG

I

DIM

3. Press (F2).

4. Press (F2) to enter the ALE Programming mode.

MICOM-3

PROG RAD

ALE

LANG

5. Press as required to access additional ALE programming parameters.

MICOM-3

ALE

PROGRAMMING

NET

DIR

I

OPT

In the ALE Programming mode, you can program the following features (see also Figure 7):

Description …

• NET Net parameters: station names, options, members and scanned channels. 88

• REC Edit the list of stations not appearing in the directory from which calls have been received. This item is displayed only after such calls have been received, and therefore will not appear when the MICOM-3 is just turned on.

90

• DIR Directory: configuration of the ALE address list.

• AMD Messages: preparation of AMD messages to be sent with ALE calls.

90

91

Note

You can also edit, or prepare a new message, on-line.

• OPT Options: configuration of the various ALE options, such as PTT timeout, external alarm, and so on.

• AUTO Autodial parameters: shortcuts for ALE calls to frequently called stations.

91

93

87


• STOR Store the changes made in the ALE programming session. 93

The following sections explain the programming of these features. For detailed instructions, refer to

Part II of this manual.

Important

• The

ESC key is used to cancel a change you have made, if not yet confirmed. If you have already saved changes, the ESC key will only return to a previous screen of the ALE Programming menu.

• When you end ALE programming, you must store the parameters

you defined.

If you press the MENU key to exit the programming mode without first saving your changes, you will be prompted to store the ALE configuration changes. Press YES to store the configuration. If you press NO , the configuration will revert to the previous configuration, and any changes made in the current ALE programming session will

be ignored.

Programming Nets

When programming a net, you can set the net names, define the net members, add channels, configure various options, copy parameters from a defined net or erase an entire net.

Net Programming Overview

The net programming mode enables you to view and edit the configuration of each net. The configuration includes the following menus:

• NAME Edit the net name and the self-address:

• NET: Define or edit the net names. It is not allowed to use a name already used as a self-address, nor an address already appearing in the address directory.

• SELF: Define or edit your self address (the identification of your station, to be used by other stations within the same net).

It is not allowed to use a name already used as a net address, nor an address already appearing in the address directory.

A net name or self address can contain up to 15 characters. Valid characters are the letters A to Z and the numerals 0 to 9.

• MEMB Add or erase members (station addresses) from the list of net members. This list defines which stations can participate in a net call (a net can have up to 16 addresses).

The MEMB menu also enables you to sort the list of members: this determines the order in which members respond to a net call. You can arrange the order of the list of members manually, or instruct the radio to arrange them in alphanumeric order.

A member name can contain up to 15 characters. Valid characters are the letters

A to Z and the numerals 0 to 9. It is not allowed to define a name already used as a net address, nor an address already appearing in the address directory. New member names will automatically be added to the directory list (unless the directory is full).

88

ALE Programming

• CHAN Add or remove channels to the list of scanned channels in a net, and to define the channel on which AllCalls are to be transmitted (the AllCall channel (ALLC)).

Notes

• Each net can contain up to 100 scanned channels.

• All nets combined can contain up to 100 scanned channels. If you

exceed this number, the message OVER 100 CH is displayed for one second, and then the display returns to the previous menu.

• If you enter a channel which is not programmed, a NOT PROG

message is displayed for a second, and the display returns to the previous menu.

• OPT Configure net options, including: sounding, silent network, LQA request, scan rate, home acknowledgment, monitor acknowledgment, occupancy detection, master/slave definitions, AllCall options and tune time.

• GET Copy all parameters from one network to another. This function is useful if you are defining a new network and wish to base most of its parameters on an existing network, for instance if you need to use different frequencies/channels for day and night communication, but all other net information (such as stations and names) is identical.

• ERAS Erase an entire network from the ALE data base.

After preparing a set of parameters, your entries are checked and any errors are reported. If you do not correct the detected errors, MICOM-3 will offer to discard the new set of parameters.

Default Values

Unless you define different values, each net uses the following factory-defaults:

• Net Name

• Self Address

• AllCall

• AllCall Channel

• Tune Time

No default defined

No default defined

Send and receive enabled

No default defined

No tune time

• Silent

• Home Acknowledgment

• Monitor Acknowledgment

• Master/Slave

• LQA Request

• Sounding

• Occupancy Check

No

Yes

No

Master

Yes

Manual

No

• Scanned Channels No default defined.

When programming a new network or other ALE parameters, you do not need to define all parameters – change only those for which the default values are not suitable.

89


Setting the Net Options

Use this menu to configure net options. The following sections explain the purpose of the net options.

For detailed instructions, refer to Part II of this manual.

• SOND Sounding Parameters: define the interval (in minutes) at which automatic sounding is performed (30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes), or define sounding as a manual function. See

Sounding on page 34 for a detailed explanation on the sounding process.

• SLNT Silent Mode: select whether the net is in the silent mode, which means that members in the net can initiate calls but not allowed to respond to an ALE transmission.

• LQAR LQA Reports: select whether your radio will ask the called station for a report on the quality of the communication every time a call is initiated.

• SCN Scan Rate: select the number of channels scanned each second when the radio is in

ALE mode: can be set to 2 or 5 channels per second.

• HACK Home Acknowledgment: enable/disable home acknowledgment. When enabled, the radio transmits an end-of-call indication to the remote station.

• MACK Monitor Acknowledgment: enable/disable monitor acknowledgment. When enabled, the radio transmits an accept call indication to the station that initiated the call.

• OCUP Occupancy Check: enable/disable the occupancy check. The occupancy check defines whether the radio uses the speech detect mechanism to determine whether a channel on which a call is about to be made is occupied. If this option is ON, a call cannot be initiated on a channel determined to be occupied. This option can be operated in addition to the ALE signal detection mechanism.

You can select the interval at which occupancy checks are made (300 to 3000 msec, in 300-msec increments).

• M/S Master/Slave: select whether your radio serves as a master or slave in the current ALE network. Only a master station can initiate a Net Call.

• ALLC AIICall Settings: this option determines whether the ALE is able to receive and/or send

AllCalls. An AIICall is an ALE broadcast transmission. All stations receiving an AIICall are linked to the sender, even if they do not recognize the sender’s address. If no

AIICall channel is defined, the call will be made on the best channel in the net.

• TUNE Tune Time: select the tuning time. Tuning time is the maximum time the current ALE waits for the called station to tune (this is the tune-in time of the slowest tuner in the net). The tune time is added to the calculated response time. Tune time can be 1 to

20 seconds, or OFF (zero).

Directory Parameters

This DIR option on the ALE Programming menu enables preparing the ALE address list. This list contains the names of stations to which the radio can address a private call using the ALE. You can add a new address, and edit an existing address.

A name can contain up to 15 characters. Valid characters are the letters A to Z and the numerals

0 to 9. You cannot add an address which is identical to the name of a programmed net, nor an address already used as a self address in a programmed net. The list can contain up to 100 addresses, and is automatically sorted in ascending alphanumeric order.

90

ALE Programming

AMD Message Configuration

The AMD option of the ALE Programming menu is used to view, edit, add or erase messages intended for transmission. The characters you can enter in messages using the radio keypad are: A to

Z, 0 to 9, space, * and #. See message preparation details on page 59.

Messages programmed using a remote PC with a standard keyboard can contain all the ASCII characters the range of 20 (hex) to 5F (hex).

The message list can contain up to 12 messages, numbered AMD 0 to AMD 11. Each message can contain up to 90 characters.

Note

If no messages are stored, empty will appear in the second display line.

ALE Options Configuration

This menu enables you to configure the following ALE options:

• PTOT PTT Timeout: the time (in minutes) which elapses between the moment you release the PTT button, until the ALE disconnects the link. The allowed range is 1 to

10 minutes.

• EXAL External Alarm: activate/deactivate the radio external alarm when a call is received.

• ALRT Alert tone: enable/disable the generation of an alert tone whenever a link is established.

• TOT Accept Link Time-out Time: the radio can be configured to disconnect the link automatically if neither the PTT, nor any other key is pressed within 30 seconds from the reception of a call. If Accept Link TOT is set to NO, the received call is accepted immediately and automatically.

• MLQA Minimum LQA Score: determines the minimum acceptable LQA (Link Quality

Analysis) score allowed when trying to establish a link on a specific channel.

If the minimum score is not achieved when the radio attempts to establish a link in the ALE mode, the radio will try to establish a link on the scanned channel with the next best LQA score. At the end of this process, a link will be established on the scan channel with the best LQA score. If the call is made on a specific channel, the radio ignores the minimum LQA score check.

The allowed range of LQA scores is 0 to 100%. When selecting the minimum LQA score, remember that in accordance with the ALE standards, the maximum LQA score (assigned for receiving an optimum sounding is 70%), and the minimum score is 30%. The score given to a station that did not send any sounding or a station whose sounding has not been received is also 30%.

• QCAL Quick Call: enable/disable initiating a call to the last called address by pressing the

MIC PTT button twice in rapid sequence (double pressing).

• AADR Automatic address: enable/disable automatically adding the source addresses of incoming calls to the ALE directory.

Note

If the directory is full, new addresses will not be added.

91


• MNT MultiNet: enable/disable the scanning of multiple ALE nets. When enabled, this feature lets the radio communicate with stations in nets other than the currently selected net.

• MxCH Maximum Scan Channels: when MultiNet is enabled, the time needed for scanning all the nets may be rather long. This parameter is used to adapt the duration of the calling signal to the number of scanned net, to ensure that communications are not disrupted. You can select between automatic selection, or select a value in the range of 0 to 59 seconds.

• ANY AnyCall: enable/disable the sending AnyCalls.

• WILD Wildcard: enable/disable the sending wildcard calls.

• AMD Automatic Message Display: enable/disable the sending AMD messages.

• ILNK Inlink: enable/disable the inlink facility, which enables notifying other call participants when each participant disconnects from the link. All participants must be programmed to use the same selection (either YES or NO).

Do not enable the inlink function when communicating with a radio that does not support the full ALE capabilities in accordance with MIL-STD-188-141B.

• BDLK Bidirectional link: enable/disable automatically setting up a link on the best channel after a bidirectional handshake with an individual station.

The ALE options have the following factory-default values:

• PTT Timeout No timeout

• Alert

• External Alarm

Yes

Yes

• Auto Address

• Quick Call

No

Yes

• Minimum LQA score 0

• Accept Link Timeout Yes

•

•

•

ANY

•

•

AMD

•

MNT

MxCH

WILD

ILNK

• BDLK

Yes

Auto

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

When configuring ALE options, you do not need to define all parameters – change only those for which the factory-default values are not suitable.

92

ALE Programming

Auto Dial Parameters

Auto Dial enables you to set shortcuts for calls to frequently called stations, with or without automatically attaching messages when a station is called:

• AUTO Used to configure up to 10 autodial codes, numbered AUTO 0 to AUTO 9.

• AMD Used to prepare AMD messages for sending when an autodial code is used. See message preparation details on page 59.

Note

If a message is attached to the address, an exclamation mark precedes the address.

Storing ALE parameters

Before exiting the ALE programming menu, you must store the parameters you have programmed.

If you press the MENU or ESC key to exit programming mode without first saving your changes, you will be prompted to store the ALE configuration changes. Press YES to store the configuration.

Important

If you press NO, the configuration will revert to the previous configuration, and any changes made in the ALE programming session will be ignored.

93


Using the New Station Address Filter

To help you add new station addresses to the ALE directory of your radio set in a controlled manner,

MICOM-2 has a special ALE address filter. To enable this filter, enable the Auto Address function on the

PROG>ALE>OPT>AADR

menu (this function can also be enabled by means of the RSS).

When enabled, the address filter compares the source address of each call received by your radio set with the addresses stored in the ALE directory. When the first new unlisted address is found, it is stored in a special memory stack, and you are notified that at least one unlisted address has been detected by adding the option

RCV

(F2) under

PROG>ALE

, after the

NET

option. When you want to check the addresses stored in the stack, you select

RCV

(F2) and then decide whether to erase an address or add it to the ALE directory of your radio set.

Up to 20 new addresses can be stored in this stack, which is organized as a FIFO stack: this means that when a new address, different from all the previously detected addresses, is received while 20 addresses are already stored, it will replace the oldest address.

The information on the received addresses is automatically erased when the radio is turned off; only addresses added to the directory remain in the directory.

➤

To edit the received addresses and add addresses to the ALE directory:

1. Press (F1) and select

ALE

(F2)

2. When addresses are stored in the new received addresses stack, you will see the

RCV

(F2) option. Press

RCV

(F2) to display the RCV screen.

MICOM-3

RCV

5061

ADD

ERAS

SAVE

3. You will see RCV screen. The screen displays the last detected unlisted address. Use the

UP/DOWN

arrows to display the desired address (the display is cyclical).

MICOM-3

ALE

PROGRAMMING

NET

RCV

I

AMD

4. When the desired address is displayed, press the key corresponding to the action to be performed:

• To delete the address from the stack, press

ERAS

(F2).

• To add the address to the directory, press

ADD (F1). The address is removed from the stack. press (F4).

6. Repeat the actions until all the desired addresses are processed. When done, press

ESC

to end.

If the stack is now empty, the

RCV

(F2) option is no longer displayed on the ALE menu.

94

Using the VP-116 Mini Voice Privacy Unit

Using the VP-116 Mini Voice Privacy Unit

Introduction

The VP-116 Voice Privacy unit provides voice privacy at good voice quality. For information on the

VP-116 unit, read the manual supplied with the unit.

You can order option G849 that enables the MICOM-3 to support the VP software, so that you can program the VP-116 unit directly from the radio.

Notes

The VP menu appears on your MICOM-3 radio only if the radio is connected to the VP-116 before the radio is turned on.

Radio performance may be reduced when a VP unit is connected.

Specific Parameters for Privacy Operation

When the radio is turned while the VP-116 is physically connected to the MICOM-3, the radio automatically starts using the specific parameters needed by the VP-116. For example, you can see that when the privacy function is used, the bandwidth is set to 3.3K, instead of 2.7K in the clear mode (operation without VP).

After you turn the radio off and disconnect the VP-116, the radio reverts to normal operation with a

2.7K filter bandwidth.

The parameter values used by the VP-116 are as follows:

• Volume: Level 6

• Squelch: Level 0

• Sidetone: Level 0.

• Squelch: OFF

• BW: 3.3K filter.

Connecting/Disconnecting the VP-116 Unit

➤

To connect the VP-116 to your MICOM-3:

1. Turn the radio off.

2. Connect the VP-116 to the 44-pin accessories connector at the back panel of your

MICOM-3, using the supplied cable.

3. Turn the radio on.

➤

To disconnect the VP-116 from your MICOM-3:

Important

If you do not turn the radio off before disconnecting the VP-116, the radio will continue working in the VP-116 mode, even though the unit is disconnected.

95


4. Turn the radio off.

5. Disconnect the VP-116 from the 44-pin accessories connector of your MICOM-3.

6. Turn the radio on.

Using the VP-116 Unit

When operating the radio with the VP-116 unit in the Channel, Frequency or ALE mode, you can choose between the CLR and PVT (private) modes:

• PVT activates the VP-116 automatic voice privacy functions

• CLR reverts to regular radio activity.

Notes

1. There are eight preprogrammed PVT keys, PVT1 to PVT8, and one public key

(PK). Program the key to be used as described in the Programming the VP-116

Unit from the MICOM-3 section starting on page 97. The currently-used key

number appears on the screen.

2. In the PVT and PK modes, the VP controls whether you hear or not the received signals, and therefore the squelch option (

SQ

(F3)) is not displayed.

The Squelch option (F3) appears only in the Clear (CLR) mode.

3. When the PTT is activated, a hold-off tone sounds. Wait for the hold-off tone to end before talking.

➤

To use the VP-116 unit in the Channel mode:

1. Press (F1) whenever it is necessary to toggle between the

PVT (Private) and CLR (Clear) modes.

MICOM-3

CH 6

F 16,000.00

USB

CLR

BAND

I

SQ

BW3.3K

DSP

Note

When using the public key, you see

PK

(F1) instead of

PVT#

.

➤

To use the VP-116 unit in the Frequency mode:

MICOM-3

CH 6

F 16,000.00

PVT3

BAND

I

USB

BW3.3K

DSP

1. When using the Frequency mode, press the third screen.

MORE

twice to access

MICOM-3

FREQ

F 16,000.00

USB

RCLV

STOR

VP

I

BW3.3K

2. Press (F3) whenever it is necessary to toggle between the PVT (Private) and CLR

(Clear) modes.

➤

To use the VP-116 unit in the ALE mode:

1. Enable the ALE mode, as described in Enabling the ALE Mode on page 43.

2. After a link has been set up, press

PVT#

(F1) whenever it is necessary to toggle between the PVT (Private) and CLR (Clear) modes.

96


Programming the VP-116 Unit from the MICOM-3

The PROG menu of the MICOM-3 provides access to the following functions:

• Programming the VP-116 unit key.

• Adjusting the volume provided by the VP-116 unit to match the normal radio volume.

• Testing the operation of the VP-116.

➤

To access the VP-116 unit programming menu:


MICOM-3

MENU CHAN

FREQ

I

BIT


MICOM-3

MENU

LOCK

PROG

I

DIM

3. Press (F2) to enter the Programming screen.

MICOM-3

PROG RAD

ALE

LANG

VP

4. Press (F4) to enter the VP-116 menu.

5. Press the relevant key to access the VP-116 modes:

•

PVT

(F1) Select the key used in the private mode.

•

PK

(F2)

Select the public key mode.

•

LLB

(F3)

Activate the local loopback, used to check proper operation of the

VP-116 in conjunction with the MICOM-3.

•

BIT

(F4)

Perform the Built-In-Test, used to confirm that the VP-116 is working

OK.

After pressing

MORE

, you see the

VOL

(F1) option, used to adjust the relative receive volume of the VP-116.

Figure 8 shows the VP programming options. The available selections are described in the following sections.

97


MICOM-3

PROG

RAD

ALE

LANG

VP

Figure 8. VP Programming Menu

PVT

PK

LLB

BIT

..

..

.

.

..

1

..

8

More

VOL

..

..

.

.

8

..

..

Selecting the VP-116 Mode and Keys

VP-116 offers two protection modes: privacy and public key encryption. The keys to be used must be loaded into the VP-116, before starting operations.

All the VP-116 involved in a private call must use the same key: any unit not using the proper key cannot participate in the call.

Selecting the VP-116 Private Mode and Key

Private reception and transmission are possible only when a valid key is selected. If the selected key is not valid or is not stored in the VP-116, a tone will be heard and the selection is rejected.

➤

To select the VP-116 Private mode and the key to be used in this mode:

1. Access the VP-116 Programming menu:

MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

VP

(F4).

2. Press (F1) to enter the privacy key selection mode. the keys to scroll through PVT1 to PVT8.

Note

The key number flashes until its selection is confirmed.

4. Press to confirm the selection of the key displayed on the screen.

Press

ESC

to revert to the previous setting.

Using the VP-116 PK (Public Key) Mode

In the public key mode, two VP-116 units can communicate in private without having to use prearranged keys. A public key call can be established only between two radios, and cannot be used for a group of radios. The key used for the call is temporary and is destroyed when you exit the PK mode, or when you turn the radio off.

➤

To switch to the VP-116 Public Key mode:


MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

VP

(F4).

2. Press (F2) to initiate a public key exchange with another unit.

The message VP-PK P-WAIT...” is displayed. The initialization process takes approximately

60 seconds.

Note

To cancel the pending call, press the

STOP

key.

98


When the other unit responds, you will see PVT-P.

3. Press PTT to start talking in the PK mode.

To cancel the call, both parties must press

ESC

.

If after 120 seconds there is no response from the other station, or the radio identifies a communication error, the message ERR RESPONSE is displayed.

Press

STOP

(F1) to end the call.

➤

To respond to a VP-116 public key call:

When a public key call is sent to you, the message VP-PK P-WAIT is displayed on your radio.

• Press

RESP

(F2) to answer the PK request.

• Press

STOP

(F1) to cancel the PK request.

After approximately 60 seconds, the message PVT-P is displayed:

• Press PTT to start talking in the PK mode.

• Press

ESC

to cancel the call.

VP-116 LLB (Local Loopback) Mode

The Local Loopback (LLB) mode tests the local audio circuits by closing a loopback from the microphone input to the speaker output; this loopback remains connected until the

ESC

key is pressed.

Note

No signal is actually transmitted by the radio.

➤

To perform the VP-116 Local Loopback test:


MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

VP

(F4).

2. Press (F3) to enter the LLB mode.

3. Press the PTT and talk. When everything is OK, you will hear your own signal during the test.

4. Press to end the LLB test.

VP-116 BIT (Built-In-Test) Mode

The BIT mode enables checking the proper operation of the VP-116 unit.

➤

To perform the VP-116 Built-In-Test:


MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

VP

(F4).

2. Press (F4) to start the BIT test.

3. During the test, the message IN TEST... is displayed. The number of periods indicates the progress of the test.

• If the test is successful, VP BIT-PASS is displayed.

• A malfunction is detected in the VP-116, you will see VP BIT-ERR. In this case, repeat the BIT test. If the test fails again, your VP-116 must be serviced.

4. Press to end the BIT mode.

99


Using the Vocoder

Introduction

A vocoder option can be ordered for the MICOM-3. The vocoder provides voice privacy at good voice quality, using digital signal processing techniques.

The vocoder supports the following protection modes:

• Privacy (PVT) mode, compatible with the VP-116 Mini Voice Privacy Unit. The vocoder can store up to 8 private keys for use in this mode.

• Digital (DIG) encryption mode.

You can select the desired protection mode, or switch to the clear (CLR) mode. To support protected communication, the radio bandwidth is automatically switched to 3.3K.

The vocoder can be used in all the modes (Channel, Frequency and ALE).

Note

When using the DIG mode with ALE, the radio scans in the Clear mode. When a vocoder call is detected, the radio automatically switches to the protected DIG mode after the link is established, and returns to scan in the Clear mode after the link is disconnected.

Using the Vocoder

When operating the radio with the vocoder in the Channel, Frequency or ALE mode, you can choose between the CLR, DIG, and PVT (private) modes:

• PVT activates the automatic voice privacy functions

• DIG activates the vocoder digital encryption function

• CLR reverts to regular radio activity.

Notes

1. There are eight preprogrammed PVT keys, PVT1 to PVT8, and one digital encryption key (DIG). Program the key to be used as described in the

Programming the Vocoder section starting on page 102. The currently-used key number appears on the screen.

2. In the PVT and DIG modes, the vocoder controls whether you hear or not the received signals, and therefore the squelch option (

SQ

(F3)) is not displayed.

The Squelch option (F3) appears only in the Clear (CLR) mode.

3. When the PTT is activated, a hold-off tone sounds. Wait for the hold-off tone to end before talking.

100

Using the Vocoder

➤

To use the vocoder in the Channel mode:

1. Press F1 key whenever it is necessary to toggle between the

PVT (Private), DIG, and CLR (Clear) modes.

MICOM-3

CH 6

F 16,000.00

USB

CLR

BAND

I

SQ

BW3.3K

DSP

MICOM-3

CH 6

F 16,000.00

PVT3

BAND

I

USB

BW3.3K

DSP

Note

When using the digital mode, you see

DIG

(F1) instead of

PVT#

.

MICOM-3

CH 6

F 16,000.00

DIG

BAND

I

USB

BW3.3K

DSP

➤

To use the vocoder in the Frequency mode:

1. When using the Frequency mode, press the third screen.

MORE

twice to access

MICOM-3

FREQ

F 16,000.00

USB

RCLV

STOR

I

CLR

BW3.3K

2. Press the F3 key whenever it is necessary to toggle between the PVT (Private), DIG, and

CLR (Clear) modes.

➤

To use the vocoder in the ALE mode:

1. Enable the ALE mode, as described in Enabling the ALE Mode on page 43.

2. When using the DIG mode, the radio scans automatically in the CLR mode (you may see that the bandwidth returns to the default, 2.7K) and switches to the DIG mode without your intervention when a DIG call is detected.

When using the PVT mode, you must press the F1 key to switch to the CLR (Clear) mode to enable the radio to scan or to initiate a call to the desired destination. After a link is established, press

CLR

(F1) to switch to the PVT mode. Switch back to the CLR mode after the link is disconnected.

101


Programming the Vocoder

The PROG menu of the MICOM-3 provides access to the following functions:

• Programming the vocoder private (PVT) key.

• Display the vocoder hardware and software versions, and the vocoder configuration.

• Erasing the stored keys. You should erase the keys after their validity expires, or as a precaution when the radio must be serviced.

➤

To access the vocoder programming menu:


MICOM-3

MENU

CHAN

FREQ

I

BIT


MICOM-3

MENU LOCK

PROG

I

DIM

3. Press (F2) to enter the Programming screen.

MICOM-3

PROG RAD

ALE

LANG

VCD

4. Press (F4) to enter the Vocoder menu.

5. Press the relevant key to access the Vocoder options:

•

PVT

(F1) Select the key used in the private mode.

•

CONF

(F2) Display information on the vocoder hardware and software.

•

ERAS

(F3) Erase the stored keys.

Figure 9 shows the VCD programming options. The available selections are described in the following sections.

MICOM-3

PROG

Figure 9. VCD Programming Menu

RAD

ALE

LANG

VCD

PVT

CONF

ERAS

..

..

.

..

..

.

8

102

Using the Vocoder

Selecting the Vocoder Mode and Keys

Vocoder offers two protection modes: privacy and public key encryption. The keys to be used must be loaded into the vocoder, before starting operations.

Selecting the Vocoder Private Key

Private reception and transmission are possible only when a valid key is selected. If the selected key is not valid or is not stored in the vocoder, a tone will be heard and the selection is rejected.

➤

To select the vocoder private key to be used in this mode:

1. Access the Vocoder Programming menu:

MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

VCD

(F4).

2. Press (F1) to enter the privacy key selection mode. the keys to scroll through PVT1 to PVT8.

Note

The displayed key number flashes until its selection is confirmed.

4. Press to confirm the selection of the key displayed on the screen.

Press

ESC

to revert to the previous setting.

Display of Vocoder Information


MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

VCD

(F4).

2. Press (F2).

3. The screen changes to display the vocoder host version, and the function of key F1 changes: it now enables you to scroll cyclically through the information items displayed on the screen.

Note

If you need additional details on the displayed information, contact

[email protected].

4. To end the display, press

ESC

.

Erasing the Stored Keys


MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

VCD

(F4).

2. Press (F3).

3. You are requested to confirm: press

YES

(F1), or cancel the task by pressing

NO

(F2).

103


Using the MICOM-3 GPS Receiver

Introduction

This section provides you with the information needed to use the GPS receiver option.

Note

MICOM-3 transceivers that support the internal GPS receiver option have a connector for the GPS antenna on their rear cover. The GPS receiver itself is installed only upon specific order.

GPS Receiver Functions

The GPS receiver is an integral part of the MICOM-3 transceiver and can be used whenever the GPS antenna supplied together with the MICOM-3 transceiver is properly connected and installed.

The GPS receiver provides accurate time and navigation data. The navigation data includes the geographical coordinates (position data) and the altitude. When the MICOM-3 transceiver is moving, you can also see the speed and direction (heading).

The information collected by the GPS receiver can be displayed on the MICOM-3 display when using the CH and FREQ modes. In the ALE mode, the position data can be reported by means of AMD messages; it can also be automatically reported in response to position queries (also sent by AMD messages).

Format of GPS Information

The format of the navigation data can be selected in accordance with your needs:

• LLA format: Latitude, longitude and altitude (LLA). The latitude and longitude are displayed in degrees, with a precision of hundredths of arc minutes (1/100 min); the altitude is reported in meters, relative to the mean sea level (MSL).

Velocity is reported as the change in the East, North, and Up coordinates, presented in meter/sec with a precision of 0.001 meter/sec.

• ECEF format: Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed format for position and velocity. Provides your position and velocity in a Cartesian (X, Y, Z) coordinate frame with its center at the Earth's center, the Z-axis through the North Pole, and the X-axis through 0 degrees longitude, 0 degrees latitude. The position is reported in meters.

Velocity for each axis (that is, is the change in the X, Y and Z coordinate) is displayed in meter/sec, with a precision up to 0.001 meter/sec.

The time is always presented on basis of the UTC (Universal Time Coordinated).

How to Get the Best Results from your MICOM-3 GPS Receiver

The GPS receiver extracts the information it needs by analyzing the signals received from GPS satellites. These satellite periodically transmit navigation messages, where the transmission of each complete message requires almost 15 minutes. To calculate all the data your GPS receiver is capable of providing, it must receive and decode navigation messages from at least 4 GPS satellites (the GPS receiver can use as many as 8 satellites to improve accuracy).

104

Using the MICOM-3 GPS Receiver

Therefore, after turning a GPS receiver on for the first time after a long period of inactivity, it is essential to let the GPS receiver operate continuously for at least 15 minutes, to enable it to collect updated almanac data. After this initial 15-minute interval, a GPS receiver can relatively rapidly acquire the satellites and calculate its position; thereafter, a GPS receiver must remain on only for a few minutes in order to be able to provide navigation data.

The internal GPS receiver is always powered when the transceiver is turned on. Therefore, if the GPS antenna is connected, the GPS receiver can start the acquisition process as soon as the transceiver is turned on, and can then track the satellites continuously. Turning the MICOM-3 transceiver off will force the GPS receiver to reacquire the satellites.

GPS Antenna

Antenna Description

The GPS antenna is a compact active omnidirectional antenna with magnetic mounting, which attaches easily and firmly to vehicle’s steel body parts, even when painted. The antenna will not attach to non-magnetic alloys (e.g., aluminum alloys), nor to parts made of composite materials (e.g., fiberglass).

The antenna connects to the GPS connector of the MICOM-3 transceiver through a 5-meter (15 feet) long coaxial cable, which is part of the antenna. This cable carries both DC power for the antenna, and the received GPS signals.

The antenna is 42 mm wide by 50.5 mm long by 13.8 mm high (1.65”×1.99”×0.55”), and it requires a minimal ground plane of 60 by 60 mm (2.36”×2.36”) to provide the specified performance.

Selecting a Proper Location for the GPS Antenna

GPS satellites transmit their special signals in the 1575 MHz range: such signals do not penetrate conductive or opaque surfaces. When selecting the location of the GPS antenna, you should also be aware that strong local interference as well as reflections from nearby objects may disrupt normal reception and degrade the signal quality.

Thus, GPS antennas should be installed on horizontal surfaces, in a place that provides a clear view of the sky, which, in as far as possible, is not obstructed by large objects. For example, the roof of the passenger’s cabin is a good place for the GPS antenna.

Moreover, you should not park the vehicle under dense foliage or other cover, for example, in a garage, if you want to get a position fix from your GPS receiver.

Note

When the GPS antenna is installed on a metal surface for prolonged periods, care must be taken to insulate the antenna, to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Installing the GPS Antenna

Before starting, select a good location for the GPS antenna and plan the route for the cable connecting it to your transceiver. The cable route should be selected in the same way you would select the route for antenna cables: however, never run the GPS antenna cable in parallel to the transceiver’s cables!

105


GPS Antenna

Connector

Figure 10. Location of GPS Antenna Connector on the MICOM-3

➤

To install the GPS antenna:

1. Place the antenna in the selected place, and make sure it attaches well to the surface.

2. Route the cable to the rear side of the MICOM-3 transceiver, and if required, secure the cable at several places.

3. Connect the coaxial connector of the antenna cable to the MICOM-3 GPS connector.

Operating the GPS Receiver

GPS Menu

The GPS menu is displayed by selecting the

GPS

item on the FREQ or CH menu. The GPS menu structure is shown in Figure 11.

CH Mode

FREQ Mode

MORE

MORE

Existing Menu

MORE MORE

Existing Menu

ECEF Format

GPS

LLA Format

X

Y

Z

DX

DY

DZ

MORE

TIME

DEV

FRMT

Figure 11. GPS Menu

MORE

FULL

VERT

DHOR

HOR

TIME

DEV

FRMT

The menu structure depends on the display format,

ECEF

or

LLA

, selected by the

FRMT

item.

106


GPS Menu for the LLA Format

FULL

Alternating display of the absolute velocity (VEL) in the horizontal plane, and its direction relative to the North (azimuth – AZIMTH).

VERT

DHOR

HOR

TIME

DEV

FRMT

Alternating display of altitude and up/down velocity.

Alternating display of North/South and East/West velocities.

Alternating display of latitude and longitude.

Display the time-of-day obtained from the GPS receiver.

Used to check that the GPS receiver is operating.

Toggle the display format (to ECEF).

GPS Menu for the ECEF Format

X

Display the X coordinate.

Y

Z

Display the Y coordinate.

Display the Z coordinate (altitude).

DX

DY

DZ

TIME

FULL

DEV

FRMT

Display the velocity along the X axis.

Display the velocity along the Y axis.

Display the velocity along the Z axis.

Display the time-of-day obtained from the GPS receiver.

Alternating display of the absolute velocity (VEL), and its direction relative to the

North (azimuth – AZIMTH).

Used to check that the GPS receiver is operating.

Toggle the display format (to LLA).

First-Time Operation

The internal GPS receiver is always powered when the transceiver is turned on. Therefore, if the GPS antenna is connected and you are in a good place with a clear view of the sky, the GPS receiver can start the satellite acquisition process as soon as the transceiver is turned on, and can then track the satellites continuously.

Thus, the

GPS

item on the FREQ or CH menu only enables/disables the display of GPS data: the result is that after selecting

GPS

, the GPS data can be immediately displayed, and is updated once per second (time is updated once every 5 seconds).

Before using the GPS receiver, turn the MICOM-3 transceiver on and let it operate for at least 15 minutes.

107


Operating Instructions

Switching to the GPS Display

Note

You cannot switch to the GPS display if you are using the ALE mode.

GPS

item by scrolling with the

MORE

key on the FREQ or CH menu, and then pressing F2. You will see a message that indicates the current display format, GPS LLA or GPS

ECEF.

2. If necessary, switch to the alternate display format: press

MORE

as required to see

FRMT

, and then press the key next to

FRMT

(F4).

3. If the GPS receiver operates normally and is ready, you will see the information selected the last time the receiver has been used.

Selecting what to Display

1. Press the key next to the type of information you want to see: use Figure 11 to find the key.

2. The displayed information appears on the display and is automatically updated every second.

The time is updated every 5 seconds.

3. To change the display of GPS information, scroll to the desired item.

4. To cancel the display of GPS information, select any other menu except GPS.

Sending Your Position/GPS Position Requests

You can use the ALE AMD service to:

1. Send your position to any another destination (including one-to-many).

2. Request the position of another MICOM-3 transceiver equipped with the optional GPS receiver. You can make this type of request only when you call an individual station:

• If the request is made in the CALL mode (that is, before a link has been set up between the two stations), a link will be set up and then the other station will automatically return an AMD message with its latitude and longitude.

• If the request is made while in the LINK mode, the other station displays WHERE ARE

YOU?

. In this case, the operator can manually send its position as explained below.

Note that the operations described above automatically set up a link between the two stations and therefore it is necessary to disconnect the link when it is no longer needed. For this purpose, it is recommended to enable HOME acknowledge, and/or enable the PTT time-out function.

Note

AMD messages with the GPS position do not enter the stack (the information such message carries is good only at the time you got it): if you do not read the message in time, you can no longer retrieve the message at a later time.

Thus, you must allow sufficient time for the destination station to read the position message before when link is disconnected. This is particularly important when

HOME acknowledge is enabled: the message will disappear as soon as you disconnect the link.

108


➤

To send your position report to other station(s):

1. Select the

CALL

mode (either from the ALE mode or the CHAN mode).

2. Select the destination address and/or the call type.

3. Select the

PAGE

selection mode.

4. Scroll until you see the I AM AT … message, and then send the message.

5. Your station sends the AMD message with your latitude and longitude.

➤

To automatically get the position of another station:

1. Select the

CALL

mode (either from the ALE mode or the CHAN mode).

2. Select the destination address (you can make only an individual call).

3. Select the

PAGE

selection mode.

4. Scroll until you see the RMT POS message, and then send the message.

5. Your station starts the link set up to the selected station; after the link is set up, you will see the response AMD of the called station, which includes its latitude and longitude.

6. You may now continue with voice communication, or disconnect the link to the called station.

➤

To send a position request to the station you are linked to:

1. While in the LINK mode, select the

PAGE

selection mode.

2. Scroll until you see the RMT POS message, and then send the message.

3. The called station displays WHERE ARE YOU?:

• To send an automatic response, the called operator select the

PAGE

selection mode, and then sends the I AM AT … message as explained above.

• Alternatively, the called operator may answer with a voice message.

What to do if …

1. If the GPS display mode, GPS LLA or GPS ECEF, does not appear when switching to the GPS display, scroll to the

DEV

item. You should see the GPS receiver type.

• If you see UNKNOWN, turn the MICOM-3 transceiver off and after a few minutes turn it back on. If the problem persists, the GPS receiver must be serviced.

• If you see NONE, your MICOM-3 transceiver does not include the optional GPS receiver.

2. If the requested information does not appear within 15 minutes, but the check in Step 1 above is successful, check for proper connection of the GPS antenna cable to the rear GPS antenna connector of the transceiver.

3. After checking that the antenna is properly connected, check that the GPS antenna did not shift from its intended position, and has a clear view of the sky. Try to improve your location: avoid locations near trees, high buildings, or steep hills.

109


Installation

General

This section describes the installation of the radio in a mobile or fixed station configuration.

The following paragraphs contain general installation procedures for both types of configuration.

Government Regulations

Read carefully the Licensing and Safety Information given in the front matter of this manual. Be sure that all your radio operations comply with these guidelines.

Inspection

Carefully inspect the radio immediately upon receipt, and notify the shipper of any damage incurred in transit.

Radio Installation Planning

Select the mounting location for convenience of access to electrical connections and for maintenance. The selected location should be clean, dry and well ventilated. Do not mount the unit in close proximity to strong electrical fields produced by brush motors and generators, welders, etc.

The antenna, antenna tuner and associated cable kits are provided separately. These should be installed before the radio is installed. Follow the instructions included with the units and kits.

The radio may be placed on any sturdy, flat surface. An accessory mounting tray (included in the

Mobile Mounting Kit, FLN2272) allows the radio to be mounted in any position.

Before installing the radio, read the entire installation procedure detailed in this section. Follow the instructions carefully.

No preliminary internal wiring connections are required before installing the radio.

110

Installation

Base Station Installation

In fixed station installation, an AC power supply is used instead of the 12 V battery. It is possible to connect a backup battery to the battery terminals on the power supply. One power supply model is available, FPN5590, for 110/220 V AC, 50/60 Hz.

Green (Output 1 - max. 5A)

Black (Ground)

Red (Output 2 - max. 25A)

Radio

Fuse

30A

12V Battery

Figure 12. FPN5590 Power Supply Connections

This power supply also serves as a charger for the external backup 12 V battery, if connected. When

AC power failure occurs, the battery functions as the main power source. When AC power is again available, the power supply charges the battery.

111


MICOM-3R Installation

Figure 13 illustrates the installation procedure for the MICOM-3R.

Trunk Compartment Outside the Car

Antenna

Antenna Cable

Ferrite

Installation

Vehicle Frame

Ground

F2

7.5A

F1

30A

Microphone

Antenna

Connector

Passenger Compartment

Green Red

Black

+

-

12V

Battery

Engine

Compartment

Figure 13. MICOM-3R Installation Diagram

Figure 14 shows the location of the installed components within the vehicle.

ATU

Antenna Cable

Radio

DC Power

Cable

BAT

Figure 14. Typical MICOM-3R Installation Within Vehicle

112

Installation

The radio is installed on the dashboard of the vehicle inside the passenger compartment. The other components connect to the power source, the battery, and to the antenna, which enables the radio to transmit and receive.

If the battery is located in the rear section of the vehicle, the power cable extends to the battery location in the rear.

Note

To achieve maximum operating range, the antenna should be mounted as high on the vehicle body as possible without striking overhead obstructions in the normal service area of the vehicle. Select a mounting location on a flat portion of the vehicle body, compatible with the maximum allowable high voltage lead-in cable length.

MICOM-3F Installation

The procedure shown above for the MICOM-3R is also used to install the MICOM-3F.

MICOM-3T Installation

For MICOM-3T, only the control head, the speaker, and the microphone are installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The radio transceiver is installed in the trunk of the vehicle together with the antenna tuner.

Figure 15 illustrates the installation procedure for the MICOM-3T.

Trunk Compartment

Outside the Car

Antenna

Tuner

Power

Connector

Antenna

Connector

Antenna

Ferrite

Installation

Power Cable

Transceiver

Ferrite

Installation

Microphone

Speaker

Connector

Antenna Cable

Control Head Cable

Speaker

Vehicle Frame

Ground

F2

7.5A

F1

30A

Passenger Compartment

Control Head

Green

Red

+

12V

Battery

-

Black

Engine

Compartment

Figure 15. MICOM-3T Installation Diagram

113


Figure 16 shows the location of the installed components within the vehicle.

1

ATU Control

Head

Control Head

Cable

DC Power Cable

2

BAT

Figure 16. Typical MICOM-3T Installation Within Vehicle

The MICOM-3T model requires the connection of two cables across the length of the vehicle because the radio transceiver is located in the trunk. If the battery is located in the rear section of the vehicle, the power cable extends to the battery location.

Notes

1. The upper installation (number 1 in Figure 16), is recommended over the front

installation (number 2 in Figure 16) because of the covering that protects the

control head from direct sunlight.

2. To achieve maximum operating range, the antenna should be mounted as high on the vehicle body as possible without striking overhead obstructions in the normal service area of the vehicle. Select a mounting location on a flat portion of the vehicle body, compatible with the maximum allowable high voltage lead-in cable length.

114

Installation

Installation Procedures

Follow these procedures to install the radio in the desired location. If the accessory mounting tray is not used, ignore the steps pertaining to it.

Mobile Mounting Kit

Step 1.

Mount the accessory mounting tray in the desired location. Use the tray as a template if holes must be drilled.

Figure 17. Accessory Mounting Tray

Step 2.

Use the four supplied screws to fasten the mounting tray bracket to the bottom of the radio housing.

Step 3.

Drill an additional hole for the ground bolt.

DC Power Connection

This paragraph describes connections to a 12-V negative-ground vehicular battery.

Fuse

30A

Connector

Red (# 8)

Radio

Fuse

7.5A

Green (# 12)

Black (# 12)

Mobile Chassis

12V Battery

Figure 18. DC Power Connection

Step 1.

Bring the power connector of the DC power cable to the radio DC power connector, but do not attach it to the radio. Then bring the three heavy wires (red, green, black) to a 12-V battery, passing them through access holes as required.

Note

The wires must be as short as possible. They should be cut down to a minimum as required.

115


Step 2.

Thread the ends of the red and green wires from the power connector through the two fuse holder caps. Cut apart the two fuse clips and solder or crimp them to the wires.

Step 3.

Install the 30-A fuse in the fuse holder on the red wire, and the 7.5 A fuse in the fuse holder on the green wire. Then assemble the fuse holders.

Step 4.

Crimp or solder the supplied lugs to the red, green, and black wires.

Step 5.

Connect the lugs on the red and green cables together to the positive terminal of the battery. Then connect the lug on the black wire to the negative terminal of the battery.

Notes

1. It is recommended to attach the black (ground) wire to the vehicle’s chassis.

The point of attachment should be located as close as possible to the radio.

Refer to Figure 19.

2. In front installation, add one ferrite (supplied with the installation radio kit) on the DC cable as close as possible to the radio.

3. In trunk mount installation, add one ferrite (supplied with the installation radio kit) on the DC cable as close as possible to the radio and one ferrite on the control cable between the control head and the radio.

No 14x3/4"

Self-Tapping

Screw

Chassis Cable and Lug

1/4” Lockwasher

3/16' (187")

Diameter Hole

Floor Surface

Throughly

Clean this Area

Figure 19. Wire Attachment to Chassis

116

Installation

Microphone Clip

The microphone cable enables placing the microphone clip in any convenient location up to five feet from the radio. To install the clip, use it as a template to drill two holes to receive self-threading sheet-metal screws. Mount the clip using the supplied screws.

Bracket

64A85596

Tapping Screws

35122830

AEPO - 1488-A

Drill 1/8” Holes in Dashboard

Figure 20. Microphone Clip

Mounting the MICOM-3T Control Head

1. Using the trunnion mounting plate as a template, mark the position of the holes on the mounting surface.

2. Secure the trunnion mounting bracket to the surface with the four (10-16 × 1”) self drilling screws, or drill a 6 mm φ hole at each location.

3. Mount the control head onto the bracket and secure it with the two wing screws provided.

MICOM-3F/3R Final Connections

Warning

Ensure that the radio is off before making these connections.

Step 1.

Connect the power cable to the DC power connector J4 and connect the antenna RF cable to the antenna connector.

If an antenna tuner is used, connect the antenna to the tuner, connect the tuner RF cable to connector J3, located on the radio rear panel.

Step 2.

If the mounting tray is used, slide the radio into the tray and fasten the tray bracket with the supplied screw.

117


Figure 21. Fitting Radio onto Mounting Tray

Step 3.

Use the tie straps included with Cable Kit to tie loose cables out of the way.

Step 4.

Connect a ground lead from the GND screw on the radio body to the mobile chassis.

Important

Special attention should be given to locating a good vehicle ground.

Optimum radio performance can only be achieved with a ground connection having a very low resistance. The vehicle frame makes the best ground, but body structural reinforcement members are also suitable for grounding purposes. The ground lead should be as short as possible.

Step 5.

If desired, plug an external speaker into the accessories connector. Any speaker with an impedance greater than 8 ohms can be used.

External Speaker Installation for MICOM-3F

Connect the external speaker (8Ω, 8W) to the accessories connector (pins 1, 3). The external speaker is connected in parallel to the internal speaker.

To disconnect the internal speaker, perform the following steps:

Step 1.

Insert a small, flat-blade screwdriver in the slotted area on the right hand-side panel of the radio and press the screwdriver towards you, to release the control head.

118

Figure 22. Opening the MICOM-3F Control Head

Step 2.

Disconnect the internal speaker from the board.

Installation

Step 3.

Return the top cover to its original position by applying pressure on both sides of the cover. Observe that the seal is correctly located.

MICOM-3T Final Connections

Ensure that the radio is off before making these connections.

Warning

1. Connect the power cable to DC power connector and connect the antenna RF cable to the antenna connector.

In an antenna tuner is used, connect the antenna to the tuner, connect the tuner RF cable to the RF connector located on the radio rear panel.

2. If a mounting tray is used, slide the radio with bracket into the tray and fasten the bracket to the tray with the supplied screw (see Figure 21 on page 118).

3. Use the tie straps included with the cable kit to tie loose cables out of the way.

4. Connect a ground lead from the GND screw on the radio body to the chassis of the vehicle.

5. Connect the control head cable to the connector in the front panel of the radio and to control head.

Important

Special attention should be given to locating a good vehicle ground.

Optimum radio performance can only be achieved with a ground connection having a very low resistance.

The vehicle frame makes the best ground, but body structural reinforcement members are also suitable for grounding purposes.

The ground lead should be as short as possible.

Operational Checks

When installation is complete, carefully check all operating functions (refer to the Operation section).

In case of malfunctioning, refer to Troubleshooting section in this manual.

119


Connectors

MICOM-3F/3T Microphone Connector

The microphone connector is located on the lower part of the radio front panel. Table 3 lists the functions of the microphone connector pins.

Table 3. MICOM-3F/3T Microphone Connector, Pin Functions

Pin Designation

1

2

3

SWA+

RXD

TXD

4 GND

Description

Power output to the microphone

Serial communication line (input)

Serial communication line (output)

6 PTT MIC

7 MONITOR impedance; 100 mV tone is required for full output power).

Activates transmission by short to ground.

Mutes the speaker before transmission is enabled (short momentary to ground to open speaker).

MICOM-3R Audio Connectors

The audio connectors are located on the lower left part of the radio front panel. An external speaker and handset can be plugged into both connectors. Table 4 lists the functions of the audio connector pins.

Table 4. MICOM-3R Audio Connectors, Pin Functions

Pin Designation

A GND

Description

B HANDSET

AUDIO

C PTT MIC

Receive audio output to external speaker

Activates transmission by short to ground

D MIC AUDIO Input audio signals generated by the microphone

(600 Ω impedance; 6 mV tone is required for full output power)

F SWA+ Power output to microphone

120

Installation

Antenna Connector J2

The N type antenna connector is located on the rear panel of the transceiver. In transmit mode, it is used to feed the antenna with the transmit power; and in receive mode it is used to deliver the received signal from the antenna to the radio.

Accessories Connector J5

The accessories connector is a 44-pin D-type male connector located on the radio rear panel. It is intended for use with external accessories such as: modem, linear RF power amplifier, phone patch, etc.

You can use the 44-pin D-type plug to make your own required connections or use the Interface cable FKN4403 (same as S809 option) to connect Morse key and headphones with standard connectors. Also, FLN2271 can be used when it is necessary to connect up to four devices. Table 5 lists the pin functions of the accessories connector.

Table 5. Accessories Connector Pin Functions

Pin Designation Description

1 SPKR-

2 STOP SCAN

3 SPKR+

Differential output to the external 8Ω, 8W speaker

Digital control input for stop scan function

Differential output to the external 8Ω, 8W speaker

4 EXT RX AUDIO+ Differential received audio output (0 dBm; 600Ω; not controlled by volume)

5 EXT RX AUDIO- Differential received audio output (0 dBm; 600Ω; not controlled by volume)

6 EXT TX AUDIO+ Differential transmit audio input (600Ω input impedance, 0 dBm is required for full power)

7 EXT TX AUDIO- Differential transmit audio input (600Ω input impedance, 0 dBm is required for full power)

8 PTT IN VOICE Transmission command (short to ground) for voice signals

9 PTT IN DATA Transmission command (short to ground) for data signals

10 PTT IN CW

11 SW A+

12 DSI/KW CC

Transmission command (short to ground) for CW (Morse) signals

Primary DC voltage current limited output (max 1A)

13 KW ON/OFF

BDM

– Data serial in/kW amplifier channel change kW amplifier power on/off output

14 REV CLOSE LOOP Close the loop of ALC radio (input)

15 RXA Receive input (point-to-point protocol to host/HLC)

16 TXA

17 EX RESET

18 GND

19 KW PTT

Transmit output (point-to-point protocol to host/HLC)

External RESET input (for BDM)

Ground

PTT output to kW amplifier

121


Table 5. Accessories Connector Pin Functions (Cont’d)

Pin Designation Description

20 EXT ALARM

21 VPP

22 DSC/KW_ALC

23 SQ GATE

24 DSO/FAN

ON/OFF

External alarm output (open collector, pulled to ground when external alarm is activated

Flash programming voltage, input to BDM

BDM – Data serial clock/kW amplifier ALC

Squelch open/closed indication output

BDM – Data serial out/Fan control

25 FREZE/KW TU BDM – Freeze/kW amplifier tune

26 GND Ground

ALC radio loop closure input 27 FWD CLOSE

LOOP

28 RXC

29 TXB

Receive input (point-to-point protocol to host/HLC)

RS-232 transmit output to VP-116, PPS, 500W, ASTIC

30 AMP REV

31 RXD

Maintain constant power at 500W transceiver output

Receive input (point-to-point protocol to host/HLC)

32 TX AUDIO OUT Input to baseband TX path

33 RXB RS-232 protocol receive input to VP-116, PPS, 500W, ASTIC

34 RX AUDIO OUT Input to baseband RX path

35 RX AUDIO IN Output from baseband RX path

36 AMP FWD

37 VP PTT

38 TXD

39 TXC

Maintain constant power at 500W transceiver output

PTT output (active low)



40 TX AUDIO IN

RX

AUDIO(2)+

Output from baseband TX path

Audio out from the optional ISB processor

42 EXT TX AUDIO(2)- Audio input to the optional ISB processor

43 EXT RX DATA-

Baseband output (0 dBm, 600 Ω)

44 EXT RX DATA+

Baseband output (0 dBm, 600 Ω)

122

Installation

DC Power Connector

The DC power connector located on the rear panel of the radio is used to provide power to the radio. Table 6 lists the functions of the DC connector pins.

Table 6. DC Power Connector, Pin Functions

Pin Designation

1 TX Power

Description

Used to deliver high current to the radio (up to 28A), mainly for the transmitter circuits

2 Ground

3 RX Power

Used as return line for receive and transmit lines

Used to deliver relatively low current to the radio (up to

3A), mainly for the receiver circuits

Vehicular Noise Reduction

Most vehicles contain several noise sources which can greatly disturb radio reception. The most noisy sources are the high voltage ignition sparks that are produced at the vehicle's plugs. The second is the alternator activity.

In keeping with the following installation practices and if necessary by adding some damping components, it may be possible to reduce these noises to a tolerable level.

1. Keep your antenna tuner and antenna as far as possible from the engine compartment.

2. Connect the primary power lead of the radio directly to the battery instead of the starter relay.

The battery acts as a large capacitor (about one farad for 50 Amp capacity batteries) by passing the noise to ground.

3. If necessary, connect 0.01 – 0.1 microfarad capacitors across the primary leads of the coil and across the alternator output.

4. Keep your DC and RF cables as short as possible.

5. If your vehicle does not have a resistive ignition wire, it is recommended to replace it with a such a wire.

6. The RF noise reduction kit for alternator equipped vehicles (TLN8845) includes some useful accessories for noise reduction. Among them being the resistive ignition coil suppresser cable.

In severe noise conditions, you may find this kit helpful.

123


Maintenance

Introduction

This section provides maintenance information for the user of the MICOM-3 radio. By carrying out the installation procedures correctly and following the maintenance instructions properly, you ensure continuous operation of your radio set.

When an internal problem appears or is suspected, the MICOM-3 internal BITE (built-in test equipment) will assist you in locating the source of this possible problem to inform the service representative accordingly.

Preventative Maintenance

System Integrity

Periodically check the integrity of your system: check the power source, cables including coax cables, connectors, antenna tuner (if used) and antenna.

Carefully check that no damage has been caused to your cables; pay extra attention to runway through holes and bent cables.

Periodic Calibration

To keep the frequency accuracy of your radio, it is required to calibrate its internal frequency source after 3, 6 and 12 months of operation during the first year, and once a year thereafter. Please ensure that your radio is calibrated on time.

124

Maintenance

Using BIT

Every time the radio is turned on, a self-test procedure is performed. If an internal malfunction is found, an error message will be displayed. Please contact your service representative and report the malfunction or error indicated by the BIT function. Table 7 lists the error messages that may be generated by the BIT function.

15

20

21

22

23

16

17

18

19

05

11

12

13

14

08

09

10

DSP internal RAM memory

HC16 flash memory checksum

HC16 RAM memory

No 16.8 MHz clock

Battery low

Control head wake-up

Radio not programmed

Table 7. Error Messages

Error Code

00

01

02

03

Meaning

O.K. – no errors

DSP boot checksum fail (during download)

DSP PLL unlock

DSP external RAM memory

Probable Cause

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

Check for good power cable connection.

Possible LORD board problem

Weak internal battery: replace battery to correct problem

Control head problems

Database fail

VCO 1 first injection



VCO second injection

Synthesizer unlock

Receiver failure

Preselector range 1

Preselector range 2

Problem experienced during programming. Program radio (connect MRC or RSS at 1200 bps)

ALE scanned channels do not match the programmed channels by means of the MRC or RSS

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

125


Table 7. Error Messages (Cont’d)

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

Error Code

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Meaning

Preselector range 3

Preselector range 4

Preselector range 5

Preselector range 6

Preselector range 7

Preselector range 8

Exciter test

Antenna mismatch

Harmonic filter range 1







Power amplifier fail

Probable Cause

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

LORD board problem

HIGH POWER board problem

Problem with antenna: check antenna and its connections. If problem persists, it is a HIGH POWER board problem









126

Maintenance

Troubleshooting

In case a problem or malfunction occurs, identify the closest description appearing in Table 8 and then perform the listed corrective actions.

Table 8. Troubleshooting Chart

Blank display

Display present but weak or no receive signal or noise

CHECK

• DC power cable is connected properly to the radio and battery.

• A 7.5A fuse is installed in the fuse holder located on the green wire of the DC power cable.

CHECK

• Connection of antenna to antenna tuner and antenna tuner to radio cables (loose or broken connections).

• Squelch position OFF.

• Correct programming of operating channel (frequency, mode of operation, etc).

Engine noise picked up by the antenna

Determine by observing difference in the reception by turning the engine ON/OFF.

ENSURE

• Ground leads are properly connected, all power wires and ground leads are as short as possible

• That noise blanker (if installed) is enabled.

• Install noise reduction Kit TLN8845.

Poor or no transmission

CHECK

• That a 30A fuse is installed in the fuse holder located on the red wire of the power cable.

• That proper grounding cables are connected from the radio and from the antenna tuner to the vehicle chassis.

• While speaking, check RF power bars for activity. The resultant RF power output is displayed in approximately 15 W increments (bars) being added from left to right.

• If the received signal level (RCVL) indication is low, there may be a problem in the antenna system. If antenna cabling, antenna mast rigging position has changed since the antenna was last tuned, the antenna tuner will not be adjusted automatically. To retune the antenna tuner, scroll to the next channel and thereafter scroll back. If this procedure does not correct the situation, inspect the tuner, antenna and ground plane for loose connections or misplaced parts. If no loose connections are found, call the nearest manufacturer’s suport technician or service facility for assistance.

• If the low transmit power indication is low, this may be caused by a faulty microphone, faulty transmitter, overheating, or defective antenna system.

127


In case a failure occurs during operation, the radio displays a fault message. Refer to Table 9 and perform the corrective actions listed for the corresponding message.

Table 9. Fault Messages

NO CLOCK

SYN FAIL

PW_LATCH

OVER TMP

CHECK

•

That a 30A fuse is installed in the fuse holder located on the red wire of the power cable.

• Check for good connection of power cable to the power supply and to the radio. If connections and cable are OK, then the problem is in the LORD board

Perform the built-in test using the MRC or RSS, to obtain more information.

Perform the built-in test using the MRC or RSS, to obtain more information.

Check the condition of the antenna and its connections, because this error is displayed when the VSWR exceeds 3.5:1. To check whether the problem is caused by high

VSWR, transmit into a dummy load. If the problem persists, there is a problem in the

HIGH POWER board

CHECK

• That there is no obstruction to free air flow around the radio.

• That the fan system is working and there are no obstructions to the fan

• Perform the built-in test using the MRC or RSS, to obtain more information. If no further information is displayed, the problem is in the HIGH POWER board

CU-LIMIT

NOT PROG

(displayed when the radio DC power failed during programming)

CHECK

• That the radio is programmed to TUNER OFF when your antenna system is not equipped with an ATU.

• For short-circuit or other damage to the antenna feed coax.

• That the ATU is in good working condition.

• The radio is not programmed and the baud rate is 1200 bps.

•

Program the radio parameters (using the MRC or RSS).

This forces the radio to accept the downloaded parameters

BATTERY FAIL

ERROR 11

DATABASE FAIL

ERROR 15

The radio has an internal battery, that enables the memory to store the last channel information that was used before the radio was turned off. If this battery becomes weak, it will display this warning. When the battery is dead, all the channel information will be retained, but the radio will always use channel 1 when you turn the radio on. (Example: if you are scanning in the ALE mode and you turn the radio off; when you turn the radio back on, it will be on channel 1)

This message will display if the ALE scanned channels don’t match the programmed channels in the RSS. (Example: ALE is programmed to scan channels 1, 2 and 3, but the

MRC or RSS program does not have a frequency programmed into channel 3)

128

Maintenance

Service

Proper repair and maintenance procedures will assure efficient operation and long life for this product. A maintenance agreement will provide expert service to keep this and all other communication equipment in perfect operating condition.

For a contract service agreement, please contact your nearest service representative, or sales representative at MOBAT USA, 1720 West Paul Dirac Drive, Tallahassee 32310 FL, USA

([email protected]).

Radio Checks

If you suspect a radio problem, check the following items before requesting service.

• Be sure the radio is turned on.

• Replace or recharge the battery. The first time a new battery is used, it should be charged for at least 16 hours.

• The antenna must be screwed on properly, with its base flush against the top of the antenna base.

• Could your radio problem be caused by accessories improperly connected?

Try operating the radio from several different locations, especially when using the radio inside buildings.

129


Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB

Backpack Transceiver

Introduction

Scope

This Appendix covers the installation and operation of the micomTrooper 3, the 5-to-50W backpack transceiver version of the MICOM-3 transceivers.

Figure 23. micomTrooper 3

Ready for Operation, General

View

micomTrooper

Transceiver

Backpack C arrying

Harness

Handset

130

Whip Antenna

Antenna

Base

Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver micomTrooper 3 is part of the MICOM-3 family of HF-SSB radio sets; it has compatible characteristics and uses the same operating procedures as other MICOM-3 transceivers. Therefore, this manual covers only procedures specific to micomTrooper 3; the other procedures, which are common to the whole MICOM-3 product line, are described in the previous sections.

Purpose and Use

micomTrooper 3 is a backpack version of the robust MICOM-3 mobile radio. For backpack operation, micomTrooper 3 is powered by a lightweight Lithium Ion rechargeable battery, has selectable power output of 5 to 20 W and high sensitivity, and uses a 1.5 meter (5 ft) flexible steel blade whip antenna matched by a built-in automatic antenna tuner unit. When necessary, micomTrooper 3 can be programmed to reach a power output of 50 W, and can also be used with dipole, long-wire and many other types of broadband antennas for static operation.

The micomTrooper 3 capabilities provide reliable long-range HF-SSB radio communications in a rugged yet lightweight backpack configuration. Designed to meet the needs of users who carry out on-foot operations in remote areas, it is built to withstand years of shock and vibration as well as severe weather conditions. micomTrooper 3 is certified for dependability and durability, and complies with US standard MIL-STD-810F. micomTrooper 3 is equipped with a military-type handset, whip antenna, cables and connectors, delivering superior quality in a radio priced to fit the needs of a wide range of organizations. For backpack operations, micomTrooper 3 is carried in a convenient, lightweight harness that completely envelops the transceiver.

The durable aluminum frame of the harness protects against damage and allows placing the transceiver on ground for static operations.

Equipment Description

micomTrooper 3 Functional Description

micomTrooper 3 is an advanced, highly backpack-portable HF-SSB transceiver that provides a complete solution to the communication requirements in the crowded HF band. micomTrooper 3 has an automatic antenna tuner, which supports a wide range of antennas, including a light-weight

1.5 meter (5 ft) whip for portable (backpack) operation. The whip antenna consists of a flexible steel blade that bends without damage when striking an obstacle, and can also be easily folded for storage.

Dipole, long wire, and many other types of antennas can be used for static operation. micomTrooper 3 provides voice, data, and telegraphy (CW) communication. Extensive use of digital signal processing ensures high performance and supports as a standard many advanced features, e.g., digital noise blanking, and offers as options features such as embedded vocoder, data modem and encryption. Moreover, new features and improvements can be easily added by software updating.

To ensure the best possible communication reliability and quality, micomTrooper 3 uses automatic frequency management and automatic link establishment (ALE), and is JITC-certified to FED-1045 and MIL-STD-188-141B. In addition, the ALE function also provides Automatic Message Display

(AMD), that enables operators to exchange preprogrammed messages while establishing a link.

The transmit output power is operator-selectable (5, 10 or 20 W). When used in a backpack configuration, the operator can reduce the transmit power and thus increase battery life when the communication conditions do not require the maximum transmit power (20 W).

131


Under bad propagation conditions or in an emergency, the operator can rapidly switch to static operation by simply placing the self-supporting micomTrooper 3 harness on ground, and increasing the transmit power to 50 W.

Under static operating conditions, the operator can easily connecting a dipole or another long wire antenna instead of the whip, further increasing communication efficiency. micomTrooper 3 is powered by a 16V, 12Ah rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, type ML1416-L. Spare batteries can be carried in the backpack harness.

Main micomTrooper 3 Operational Features

This section presents a concise list of the main operational features of the micomTrooper 3 transceiver. For a complete description of all the capabilities and features of MICOM transceivers, see the Performance Specifications section.

➤

Fast and simple radio link establishing:

• Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) per FED-1045 and MIL-STD-188-141B, JITC certified.

• ISB (Independent Sideband) ready.

• Full interoperability with other manufacturers' radios complying with the same ALE standards.

➤

Loud and clear voice communication:

• Built-in voice quality system with proprietary DSP algorithms that filter out background noises and elevates sound bytes, providing exceptional communication clarity.

• Selectable bandwidth, for fine tuning and optimal voice reception.

• Unmatched combination of high power (up to 50 W) and high sensitivity (0.3 µV) for outstanding communication coverage.

• Voice-activated digital squelch.

➤

User-friendly operation:

• Large alphanumeric front panel display and keyboard for programming and set-up.

• Large LCD, full-dot matrix digital display and an enhanced keyboard for programming and set-up.

• Radio can be operated using any standard USB keyboard (requires USB option).

• Support for multiple languages.

• Transceiver can be controlled using PC and programming application.

➤

Years of trouble-free, advanced communications.

• Upgrading to future technologies is easily made by installing new software into the transceiver's DSP unit.

• Easily replaceable digital components ensure cost-effective maintenance and repair.

• Very high MTBF, as with all MICOM radios.

• Unique Built-In Self Test system that provides exceptional diagnostic capability.

➤

Comprehensive communication and networking services

• Office-quality communication services integrating fax, e-mail and data transmission and reception.

132

Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver

• MultiNet option, enables integration of different HF radio networks into one seamless network, allowing excellent coordination between different operational nets.

• AMD (Automatic Message Display) for free and pre-set text messages.

• Optional GPS embedded application.

➤

Part of a proven family of radio products:

• micomTrooper 3 is a member of the family of MICOM radio transceivers for fixed base stations, mobile vehicle-mounted and hand-carried units serving the long-range wireless communication needs of hundreds of organizations worldwide.

➤

Main options and accessories:

• Embedded vocoder/modem/encryption

• Built-in GPS receiver

• Various types of antennas

• Spare 12Ah rechargeable Lithium Ion battery

• AC battery charger, FLN9541

• Hand crank generator

• Portable solar panels

Main micomTrooper 3 Technical Specifications

Specifications

Transmit Frequency Range

1.6 to 30 MHz

Number of Preset Channels

200

Transmit Power

5, 10, 20, 50 W

Receive Frequency Range

100 kHz to 30 MHz Rx

Sensitivity

Audio Bandwidth

Data Bandwidth

Frequency Stability

Frequency Resolution

Operating Temperature

Range

Operating Voltage

SSB: 0.3 µV for 10 dB SINAD

350 to 2700 Hz

300 to 3300 Hz

0.6 ppm (0.1 ppm optional)

10 Hz

-124 to +184°F (-30 to +60°C)

16V nominal

Transceiver

Mechanical

Data

Antenna

Height

Width

Depth

Weight

Construction

Antenna Length

17.7 inch (450 mm)

13 inch (330 mm)

5.1 inch (130 mm)

16 lbs (7.1 kg)

Flexible steel blade

1.5 meter (5 feet)

133


Preparing the micomTrooper 3 for Operation

Scope

This Section provides instructions for preparing the micomTrooper 3 for backpack operation. The information presented in this Section includes:

• Unpacking

• Familiarization with main equipment components

• Preparation for backpack operation

Refer to page 141 for instructions on how to adapt the backpack transceiver to static operation with dipole or other long-wire antennas.

During transmission, dangerously high RF voltages appear at the RF connectors, the antenna cables, and on the antenna itself.

Warning

High Voltage

Do not touch the antenna and the RF connectors when the transceiver operates. Make sure the antenna is not near high-voltage lines.

Lithium batteries contain dangerous chemicals. Handle and dispose of used Lithium batteries according to the prescribed safety regulations. In particular, observe the following precautions:

Warning

1. Do not short-circuit Lithium batteries.

2. Do not damage battery case and do not tamper with battery in any way.

3. Do not dispose of used Lithium batteries by burning or incinerating.

Unpacking and Inspection

a. A preliminary inspection of the equipment containers should be made prior to unpacking.

Evidence of damage should be noted and reported immediately to the proper authorities.

Unpack the equipment as follows:

(1) Place each container on a clean flat surface, cut all straps, and open or remove the top.

(2) Take out each item carefully and place it securely on a clean surface.

(3) Remove the packing material while looking for small items.

(4) Fold and store the containers and packing materials for use. b. Checking Unpacked Equipment.

(1) Inspect all items for damage. Immediately report any damage found.

(2) Check all items against the items listed in the accompanying packing slip. Report any missing items or discrepancies.

134


Familiarization with micomTrooper 3

Before continuing, review Figure 23, which shows a micomTrooper 3 transceiver installed in its harness.

Backpack Carrying Harness

Figure 24 shows a general view of a typical backpack carrying harness. The harness has a frame that supports the transceiver and also holds the battery. When placed on level ground, the four feet of the frame support the whole assembly in a vertical position.

The frame, together with the whole transceiver, is completely enveloped by the harness cloth and its upper and bottom flaps, and therefore only the antenna and the handset protrude. Two storage pouches for storing accessories and/or spare batteries are located to the two sides.

All the flaps and covers are held by Velcro fasteners.

Shoulder

Straps

Protection Flap

(Closed)

Harness

Frame

Access Flap to Handset

Connector

Storage

Pouches

Breast

Strap

Shoulder

Strap

Adjustment

Buckle

Bottom Flap

(Closed)

Waist Straps

Figure 24. Typical Backpack Carrying Harness, General View

Figure 25 shows a view of the open harness, as needed to gain access for installing the equipment in it. Note the location of the battery holder and the transceiver retaining straps.

The battery holder consists of a frame with integral battery connector, and a removable cover that holds the battery in place. The battery connector is terminated in a power cable with a 3-pin female power connector.

135


Protection Flap

(Open)

Harness

Frame

Retaining

Straps

Power Cable to Transceiver

Battery

Frame

Battery

Cover

Battery

Holder

Bottom Flap

(Open)

Battery

Battery

Clamps

(2 places)

Figure 25. Typical Backpack Carrying Harness, Open View

micomTrooper 3 Transceiver

Figure 26 shows a general view of the micomTrooper 3 transceiver, and its connectors. Note the coaxial cable connecting the transceiver to the automatic antenna tuner (ATU).

micomTrooper

Transceiver

Automatic Antenna

Tuner (ATU)

ATU RF Connector

Transceiver

RF Connector

Coaxial Cable

Whip Mount

Power

Connector Accessories

Connector

Figure 26. micomTrooper 3 Transceiver, General View

136


Preparing micomTrooper 3 for Backpack Operation

To prepare the micomTrooper 3 for static operation, refer to page 141.

Outline of Preparation Procedures

The preparation of a micomTrooper 3 transceiver for operation includes:

1. Installation of transceiver in carrying harness.

2. Installation of battery.

3. Installation of antenna and audio accessories.

4. When ready to go − wearing the backpack carrying harness.

Installation of micomTrooper 3 in Carrying Harness

Warning

Before starting, make sure that the transceiver is off by turning the volume control fully counterclockwise beyond the detent (you should hear a click).

1. Place the carrying harness on a level surface, with the metal braces facing upward.

Transceiver

2. If necessary, open the harness protection flap.

Power

Connector

Note For clarity, the figure at the

right does not show the harness.

3. Place the micomTrooper 3 on the top of the carrying harness, with its front panel upwards and its rear resting on the carrying harness (see figure). Note position of audio connectors: they must be on the left.

4. Connect the three-pin D-type power connector of the power cable to the micomTrooper 3 power connector.

Fasten securely the two connector screws.

5. Push the transceiver down, toward the battery, until it is stopped by the aluminum frame.

Power

Cable

Battery

137


6. Fasten the transceiver to the carrying harness with the two retaining straps.

Installation of micomTrooper 3 Battery

Warning

Before starting, make sure that the transceiver is off by turning the volume control fully counterclockwise beyond the detent (you should hear a click).

1. Place the carrying harness on a clean, flat surface.

2. Open the harness protection flaps to gain access to the battery holder (for clarity, harness is not shown).

3. Release the two battery clamps holding the battery cover.

4. Remove old battery, if any.

Power

Cable

Battery

Plug

5. Visually check the battery, battery holder and battery plug for dirt or damage. Clean if necessary.

Battery

Connector

6. Orient the battery as shown in figure, and push the battery in place to mate connectors.

7. Reattach the battery cover using the two clamps.

8. Close the harness around the transceiver.

Battery

Battery

Cover

Cover

Clamps

138

Installation of Whip Antenna


1. Visually inspect the whip mount connector (located on the ATU) for dirt or damage, and the threadings of the antenna base, and of the whip.

Thoroughly clean dust and dirt if necessary.

2. Screw antenna base into the whip mount connector. Tighten by hand only.

3. Extend the flexible steel blade of the antenna.

4. Screw the whip antenna into the antenna base. See the figure for a general view of the transceiver after completing this step.

5. To remove the whip antenna, perform the above tasks in the reverse order.

Connection of Audio Accessories

1. Connect the handset to either of the two audio connectors on the front panel of the micomTrooper 3.

2. If necessary, connect an additional audio accessory, for example, telegraphy key or headset, to the other audio connector.

139


Wearing the Backpack Carrying Harness

To wear the backpack:

1. Put harness on your back by inserting arms through shoulder straps.

2. Tighten shoulder straps.

3. Buckle waist straps to belt and adjust to size.

4. Adjust the breast strap length and then attach the strap.

At this stage, the micomTrooper 3 is ready for use as a backpack radio set.

Shoulder

Strap

Adjustment

Buckle

Breast

Strap

Shoulder

Straps

Protection Flap

(Closed)

Bottom Flap

(Closed)

Waist

Strap

Operating Instructions

Note

When using the micomTrooper 3 with its whip antenna, make sure to select

YES

for the

TUNER

option (

MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

RAD

>

OPTS

).

When using the micomTrooper 3 with a dipole or long wire antenna (static operation as described on page 141), make sure to select

NO

for the

TUNER

option.

1. Turn the micomTrooper 3 ON/OFF switch and volume control clockwise, and adjust for a comfortable listening level.

2. You are now ready to start using the micomTrooper 3. For operating procedures, use the information appearing in the previous Chapters.

3. To turn the micomTrooper 3 off, turn its ON/OFF switch and volume control fully counterclockwise, beyond the detent position.

140


Preparing micomTrooper 3 for Static Operation

For static operation, the micomTrooper 3 is normally used with a dipole or long-wire antenna. This antenna must be directly connected to the transceiver RF connector. Therefore, first it is necessary to disconnect the connection between the transceiver and ATU, using the instructions presented below.

2. Connect Coaxial

Feed Connector

1. Disconnect Cable

from ATU

Coaxial Feed to Dipole or

Long Wire Antenna

Figure 27. Connecting the Dipole or Long-Wire Antenna

➤

To connect a dipole or long-wire antenna:

1. Turn the transceiver off.

2. Open the harness envelope, to reach the coaxial cable interconnecting the RF connectors of the transceiver and the ATU.

3. Disconnect the cable from the transceiver RF connector.

4. Connect the coaxial feed of the antenna directly to the transceiver RF connector.

5. You may now remove the whip antenna (see page 140).

6. Close the harness envelope. You may now operate the transceiver with the dipole or longwire antenna.

7. Select

TUNER = NO

on

MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

RADIO

>

OPTS

>

ACC

screen.

➤

To return the transceiver to regular operation (with whip antenna):

1. Reconnect the ATU to the transceiver and reinstall the whip antenna by reversing the procedure given above.

2. Select

TUNER = YES

on

MENU

>

MORE

>

PROG

>

RADIO

>

OPTS

>

ACC

screen.

141


Using the micomTrooper 3 Battery Charger, FLN9541

Purpose and Use

FLN9541 is an AC-powered battery charger designed to charge 16V, 12Ah Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries of the type used by micomTrooper 3 (ML1416-L).

FLN9541 is simple to operate and does not require operator attendance during operation. Yet it provides advanced features, such as fully automatic charging and automatic turn-off after battery charging is completed. Three indicators display the operating state, and sounds are used to signal proper connection of battery, end of charge, etc.

FLN9541 has only two controls:

• POWER on/off switch. When the FLN9541 is turned on, a green indicator, UDC, lights to indicate that the charger is OK.

• CHARGE pushbutton (red): after connecting the battery to be charged, press the pushbutton to start charging. While charging, a yellow CHARGE indicator lights. The end of charge is indicated by the flashing of a green FINISH CHARGE indicator.

The battery charger is a compact unit, intended for use in rooms, shelters, etc. Do not expose the battery charger to direct sun radiation or excessive temperatures, rain, snow, or high humidity. Keep charger battery contacts clean and avoid accidental short-circuits by turning the charger on only after a battery is installed on the charger.

FLN9541 Operating Instructions

1. Place the battery charger on a flat surface, protected from sun and rain.

2. Insert the charger power cable plug into an AC outlet.

3. Connect the battery to be charged to the battery charger: place the battery socket over the charger pins and press firmly to mate (the connectors will mate only if battery is placed with the correct orientation). Beeps must be heard, to indicate proper contact with the charger.

Note

Beeps must be heard, to indicate proper contact with the charger.

If no beeps are heard, remove and then reconnect the battery. Also check that the charger pins are clean. If no beeps are heard after the battery is reconnected, the battery is probably bad and cannot be recharged.

4. Turn the charger on by setting its front panel POWER switch to ON:

• The green UDC indicator will light

• The green FINISH CHARGE starts flashing, and a tone is heard.

5. Start the charging by pressing the red CHARGE pushbutton. The yellow CHARGE indicator will turn on and the tone stops.

Note

If the battery is faulty or makes bad contact with the battery charger, the

CHARGE indicator will not turn on after pressing the CHARGE pushbutton,

and no

charge current is supplied to the battery.

6. The charger now operates automatically.

142


Note

If a power source failure occurs while the battery is being charged, the FINISH

CHARGE starts flashing, and an alarm tone is heard. To resume charging after

power returns, press again the red CHARGE pushbutton.

7. You will be notified when the battery is fully charged: the FINISH CHARGE indicator will start flashing and the tone is heard again.

8. At this stage, set the POWER switch to OFF, and remove the battery from the charger.

9. Disconnect the charger power cable from the AC outlet.

Main FLN9541 Technical Specifications

Input voltage 90 to 265 VAC, 20 to 60 Hz

Charged battery voltage 16.8 ±0.2 V

Charging current

Dimensions

3.6 A

220 × 165 × 50 mm

143


List of Procedures

This section presents a list of the main activities explained in this manual and a reference to the location of the procedure in the manual.

What you want to do … Go to page …

➤

To display the menu:.......................................................................................................... 14

➤

To exit the menu and return to the previous working mode (e.g., CHAN or FREQ):............ 14

➤

To turn the radio on: ..........................................................................................................16

➤

To turn the radio off: .......................................................................................................... 16

➤

To transmit a voice message: .............................................................................................. 17

➤

To receive calls:.................................................................................................................. 17

➤

To enter the Channel mode: .............................................................................................. 18

➤

To select Channel mode options: ....................................................................................... 19

➤

To choose a channel: ......................................................................................................... 21

➤

To enter the frequency mode: ............................................................................................ 23

➤

To change the current frequency/frequencies: .................................................................... 23

➤

To operate the VFO function:............................................................................................. 25

➤

To return to the regular Frequency mode: .......................................................................... 26

➤

To select frequency mode options:..................................................................................... 27

➤

To store a frequency in a channel:...................................................................................... 29

➤

To enter the Scan mode: .................................................................................................... 30

➤

To enter the BIT mode: ...................................................................................................... 31

➤

To lock the radio: ............................................................................................................... 32

➤

To unlock the radio: ........................................................................................................... 32

➤

To enter the Password mode: ............................................................................................. 33

➤

To enter the ALE mode: ..................................................................................................... 43

➤

Receiving an individual call: ............................................................................................... 45

➤

Receiving a net call:............................................................................................................ 46

➤

Receiving an AllCall:........................................................................................................... 46

➤

Receiving an AnyCall:......................................................................................................... 46

➤

Receiving a sounding call:................................................................................................... 47

➤

Receiving a bidirectional handshake call:............................................................................ 47

➤

To answer an incoming call: ............................................................................................... 47

➤

To display LQA for the received call: .................................................................................. 47

➤

To select link mode options:............................................................................................... 48

➤

To replace the channel:...................................................................................................... 51

144

List of Procedures


➤

To view the calls in the stack: ............................................................................................. 51

➤

To return a call to a station registered in the stack:.............................................................. 52

➤

To remove an address from the stack: ................................................................................ 52

➤

To disconnect an incoming call: ......................................................................................... 53

➤

To select a net:................................................................................................................... 53

➤

To transmit an individual call with MultiNet OFF:............................................................... 54

➤

To transmit an individual call with MultiNet ON:................................................................ 55

➤

To transmit on a specific channel: ...................................................................................... 56

➤

To send a quick call:........................................................................................................... 57

➤

To use Autodial to send a call:............................................................................................ 58

➤

To transmit an individual call with a message:..................................................................... 59

➤

To send a message during a call (link state): ........................................................................ 60

➤

To select a special call type:................................................................................................ 61

➤

To send global AllCall using the ESC key:............................................................................ 62

➤

To send global AllCall using the CALL function: .................................................................. 63

➤

To send selective AllCall: .................................................................................................... 63

➤

To transmit a net call: ......................................................................................................... 65

➤

To transmit a group call: ..................................................................................................... 66

➤

To define or change a group:.............................................................................................. 67

➤

To transmit an AnyCall: ...................................................................................................... 69

➤

To transmit a wildcard call:................................................................................................. 71

➤

To send a self-call:.............................................................................................................. 73

➤

To execute a bidirectional handshake with an individual station:........................................ 74

➤

To execute a bidirectional handshake with a net: ............................................................... 75

➤

To manually initiate sounding:............................................................................................ 76

➤

To enter the Programming mode:....................................................................................... 78

➤

To enter the Radio Programming mode:............................................................................. 81

➤

To enter the Channel Programming mode:......................................................................... 82

➤

To enter the Radio Parameters programming mode:........................................................... 84

➤

To enter the Radio Options mode: ..................................................................................... 86

➤

To enter the ALE Programming mode: ................................................................................ 87

➤

To edit the received addresses and add addresses to the ALE directory:.............................. 94

➤

To connect the VP-116 to your MICOM-3: ........................................................................ 95

➤

To disconnect the VP-116 from your MICOM-3:................................................................ 95

➤

To use the VP-116 unit in the Channel mode:.................................................................... 96

➤

To use the VP-116 unit in the Frequency mode:................................................................. 96

145



➤

To use the VP-116 unit in the ALE mode:........................................................................... 96

➤

To access the VP-116 unit programming menu:.................................................................. 97

➤

To select the VP-116 Private mode and the key to be used in this mode: ........................... 98

➤

To switch to the VP-116 Public Key mode:......................................................................... 98

➤

To respond to a VP-116 public key call: ............................................................................. 99

➤

To perform the VP-116 Local Loopback test:...................................................................... 99

➤

To perform the VP-116 Built-In-Test:.................................................................................. 99

➤

To use the vocoder in the Channel mode:.......................................................................... 101

➤

To use the vocoder in the Frequency mode:....................................................................... 101

➤

To use the vocoder in the ALE mode:................................................................................. 101

➤

To access the vocoder programming menu:........................................................................ 102

➤

To select the vocoder private key to be used in this mode: ................................................. 103

➤

To install the GPS antenna:................................................................................................. 106

➤

To send your position report to other station(s):.................................................................. 109

➤

To automatically get the position of another station: ........................................................... 109

➤

To send a position request to the station you are linked to: ................................................ 109

➤

Fast and simple radio link establishing: ............................................................................... 132

➤

Loud and clear voice communication:................................................................................ 132

➤

User-friendly operation: ..................................................................................................... 132

➤

Years of trouble-free, advanced communications................................................................ 132

➤

Comprehensive communication and networking services ................................................... 132

➤

Part of a proven family of radio products: ........................................................................... 133

➤

Main options and accessories: ............................................................................................ 133

➤

To connect a dipole or long-wire antenna: ......................................................................... 141

➤

To return the transceiver to regular operation (with whip antenna): .................................... 141

146

Micom 3T Owner's Manual

MICOM-3F/3T/3R

HF-SSB Transceivers

American Communication Systems

http://www.ameradio.com

Owner’s Guide

Part I - Operation & Installation

MOBAT USA

1720 West Paul Dirac Drive

Tallahassee, 32310 FL

United States of America

Owner’s Guide

Part I – Operation & Installation

Cat. No. 6886867J01A

Table of Contents

Acronyms

Performance Specifications

General

MICOM-3F – Model M90AMNOKV5-K

MICOM-3T – Model M91AMNOKV5-K

MICOM-3R – Model M95AMNOKV5-K

Current

Consumption

@ 13.8 VDC

FCC

Information

Military and

Industrial

Standards

Transmitter

Receiver

Controls

Note 1: Values noted as "Typical" are valid over 90% or more of the frequency range.

Note 2: Optional for authorized dealers only.

Warnings, Cautions and Notes

General Safety Precautions

Do not touch the antenna and the RF connectors when the transceiver operates.

Information for Safe, Efficient Operation

Product Safety and RF Exposure for Mobile Two-Way Radios

Installed in Vehicles or as Fixed Site Control Stations

Compliance with RF Energy Exposure Standards

Federal Communication Commission Regulations

Compliance and Control Guidelines and Operating Instructions for

Mobile Two-Way Radios Installed in Vehicles

Compliance and Control Guidelines and Operating Instructions for

Mobile Two-Way Radios Installed as Fixed Site Control Stations

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility

Facilities

Vehicles

Driver Safety

When using your radio while driving, please:

Operational Warnings

For Vehicles with an Air Bag

Potentially Explosive Atmospheres

Blasting Caps and Blasting Areas

Introduction

MICOM-3F

MICOM-3T

MICOM-3R

MICOM-3 HF-SSB Radio Features

Transmitter Features

Receiver Features

Frequency Sources

Power Source

CW Keying Operation

Programmable Features

MICOM-3 Options and Accessories

Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios

MICOM-3F Front Panel

Û

MICOM-3T Front Panel

Û

MICOM-3R Front Panel

Û

Rear Panel (All Models)

LCD Display Functions

Display Organization

I

Other Indications

RF Level Indications