OPTIMA MK2 DMANUAL OWNERS R & USER GUIDE A F T 24.500 – 29.999 Mhz 50W All Mode HF Mobile Transceiver (January 2012 production) REV 1.5 Copyright © January 2012 by YeticomNZ. All rights reserved. D TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction . 3 Notification of new functionality.3 Limited Warranty. 4 Installation . 5 - 6 Microphone Wiring.5 Mode Information.6 Front Panel Controls .7- 9 Other Features . 9 Specifications .10 Contact Information . 11 R A F T 2 INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of Yeticom's 2012 OPTIMA 10/12 meter FM/SSB/AM transceiver. The OPTIMA is designed to provide years of enjoyment and trouble-free service. There are many features and functions designed into this transceiver. To ensure that your investment is enjoyed to its fullest extent, please take a few moments and thoroughly read this manual. D The OPTIMA is a 50w all mode microprocessor controlled, user programmable radio combining high RF performancewith a user-friendly environment. The OPTIMA is a 12 volt DC, HF transceiver designed for mobile use. The transceiver utilizes the latest in surface mount production techniques. This keeps the size of the unit to a minimum without sacrificing any of the advanced circuits required for today’s high performance radios, and as cabin space diminishes in modern vehicles, this concept helps create a wider variety of installation options. Although engineered with mobile use in mind the OPTIMA, with the addition of a high quality 10-amp power supply, may be easily adapted for fixed station operation. R Some of the features of the OPTIMA are; an advanced design liquid crystal display that provides the operator with a full visual account of the transceivers operating status, automatic frequency or memory scanning from either the front panel or microphone, memory storage of your favorite frequencies and modes, programmable frequency resolution of either 1 kHz, 10 kHz or 100 kHz, and split frequency operation for repeater use. The default frequency step is 5khz and the radio includes full coverage the new 12m Amateur band. A small fan has been added to the heat sink to ensure cool operation in warmer climates. A second filter has been added to the IF chain and this can be switched in or out from the front panel as required. The 8 pin microphone plug is compatible with certain icom microphones and most base microphones can be easily rewired to suit the OPTIMA. These are just a few of the features that make the OPTIMA a pleasure to own and operate. A IMPORTANT: The OPTIMA is designed for amateur radio use. In many countries a licensed amateur radio operator must be present at the station. Please make sure you comply with the licencing regulations in place for the country you are operating in. NOTICE: F The following paragraph outlines the changes made to the radio for the January 2012 production. 1. Step Function. The step function default is 5khz. The radio will default to 5khz when the radio is powered on. On previous models the radio would only hold the step function chosen until another function was engaged (ie press the PTT) upon which the radio would revert to 5khz step function. From the 2012 MK2 release onwards the step function chosen by the step button 1, will remain until either changed by the step function or the radios is powered off, when the step will revert to 5khz. The choice of 1khz, 5khz, 10khz, and 100khz is retained. 2. Mic Gain. The mic gain circuits have been increased a further 10db for 2012 to allow for stronger FM audio and allow greater control of user supplied microphones. In SSB the best audio with supplied microphone will be about 50% or 12 O'clock. More may cause overmodulation and a decrease in SSB audio quality. T 3. Function Switch. The function switch has been removed from the clarifier and is now located on VFO frequency selector control. This was to allow users to activate the function control without disturbing the clarifier position. Depress VFO knob to activate FUNCTION 3 D LIMITED WARRANTY YeticomNZ warrants this product to be free of defects for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase. This warranty is non-transferable. This limited warranty is subject to repair or replacement of defective components only. This warranty is void if the radio has been tampered with or misused. R In the event of a malfunction the radio should be returned to the factory for examination and repair. This allows us to maintain the quality of the product and become aquainted with any problems occurring in the field and to change subsequent designs if required. Freight to factory will be paid by factory while the fault is assesed. Should the fault be deemed to be caused by operator abuse or misuse then the repair and freight costs will be charged to the customer. If the fault is caused by product or component failure the cost of shipping and repair will be borne by the company. This factory repair warranty applies to radios purchased though YeticomNZ but may also be valid for other sellers on discussion with the factory. Contact 91dd018@gmail.com re warranty issues. A Spare parts may also be purchased as required. Additional microphones, spare knobs etc. Please be careful of the microphone plug layout when configuring user supplied microphones as there are live voltages supplied to run electret type microphone elements that should not be used on dynamic microphones. (Pin 2 +8V DC) The driver and PA final transistors are IRF 520 MOSFET devices. (3 ea) F IMPORTANT: RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT/PROOF OF PAYMENT T 4 INSTALLATION 1. Contents Unpack and inspect your OPTIMA for missing or damaged components. Your OPTIMA includes the following items: Quantity 1 1 1 1 1 Description YeticomNZ OPTIMA Transceiver Microphone with Up/Down Controls Mounting Bracket with Hardware Microphone Hanger with Hardware Set Operating Manual and DC power cord 2. D Connect the positive (+) red wire of the DC power cord to a positive 13.8 volt source at the vehicle fuse block. If connecting to the fuse block, it is recommended that a switched power source is used so that the power to the transceiver is disconnected when the vehicle is off. This will eliminate the possibility of the transceiver draining the vehicle’s battery. Fuse Connect the negative (-) black wire to a metal part of the vehicle’s frame, or chassis ground. Make sure that this is a good ground connection. R Microphone Hanger The microphone hanger may be attached to the side of the transceiver, or any other convenient location. Use the provided screws to attach the microphone hanger either vertically or horizontally to the side of the transceiver. 3. 12A slow blow type Mounting When attaching the OPTIMA mounting bracket to the vehicle, choose a location that will provide easy access to all front panel controls and air circulation to the rear panel. When selecting a mounting location, make sure that there is ample space behind the control deck for the cables. Do not pinch, or bend sharply, the power or antenna cables. Do not install the OPTIMA in any compartment that restricts airflow and do not install in a location that interferes with the safe operation of the vehicle. Attach the mounting bracket to the vehicle first then mount the OPTIMA to the bracket. If the rear panel is not accessible you may want to attach the power and antenna cable prior to mounting. The OPTIMA power cord may also be connected directly to the battery. Connecting directly to the battery has several benefits, the first of which is to maximize RF output. Secondly, the battery is a very large capacitor and will help eliminate certain types of ambient and vehicle noise. If connecting directly to the vehicle’s battery, additional power cable may be required. On runs of 8 feet or less use 12-gauge stranded wire. Use 10-gauge wire on longer runs. A 5. Antenna Connection The transceiver will operate using any standard 50ohm ground-plane, vertical, mobile whip, long wire or similar antenna. The antenna should be rated at 50 watts PEP minimum. A standard SO-239 type antenna connector is located on the rear panel of the OPTIMA. Connection is made using a PL-259 and high grade coaxial cable (RG213, RG58A/U or Mini RG-8 is recommended). A ground-plane antenna provides greater coverage and is recommended for fixed station-to-mobile operation. For point-to-point fixed station operation, a directional beam antenna operates at greater distances even under adverse conditions. A non-directional antenna should be used in a mobile installation; a vertical whip is best suited for this purpose. The base loaded whip antenna normally provides effective communications. For greater range and more reliable operation, a full quarter wave whip may be used. Either of these antennas uses the metal vehicle body as a ground plane. F 4. Electrical Connections The OPTIMA is designed to work on any 13.8 volt DC, negative ground, source. The condition of a vehicle’s electrical system can affect operation. A low battery, worn generator/alternator, or poor voltage regulator will seriously impair the performance of the transceiver. Any of the above conditions could result in a high level of receiver noise generation or a substantial loss of the transmitter’s RF output. Make sure that all of these components of your vehicle’s electrical system are in good condition prior to installing the transceiver. CAUTION! VOLTAGE EXCEEDING 15 VDC WILL DAMAGE THE RADIO. MEASURE VOLTAGE AT BATTERY TERMINALS, WITH VEHICLE RUNNING, PRIOR TO INSTALLATION! T Before making any electrical connections make sure the AF gain (volume) control on the control deck is in the “OFF” position. Once the antenna is mounted on the vehicle, route the coaxial cable so that it is not next to any power cables or vehicle cables. Connect the PL-259 to the antenna connector on the rear panel of the OPTIMA. Make sure that the cables does not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle. Microphone Connections Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 5 Mic Input, +8VDC Freq up/dn NC Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 PTT Ground (PTT) Ground (MIC) NC