FT-990 OPERATING MANUALGeneral Information The FT-990 is a high performance transceiver providing up to 100 watts transmitter power out- puton all HF amateur radio bands in CW, SSB, FM, RITY and Packet (F1 and F2) modes, and up to 25 watts carrier in AM mode. The receiver tunes all frequencies between 100 kHz and 30 MHz in 10-Hz steps. An automatic antenna tuner and iambicelec- tronic speed keyer/bug simulator are built in as standard accessories, along with five IF filters for the 2nd and 3rd receiver IFs, and a universally tunable, digital switched capacitance filter (SCF) for receiver audio. The FT-990 may be ordered with or without an efficient, heavy-duty switching regulator AC power supply. Inside the FT-990, modular construction with plug-in composite epoxy boards provides excel- lent RF circuit isolation, high reliability and serv- iceability. Two 10-bit direct digital synthesizers (DDS) and a magnetic rotary encoder provide si- lent, silky-smooth tuning, pure local signals and very fast t/r changeover important in QSK CW and digital modes. Frequency accuracy and stabil- ity are assured by driving all DDSs from a single master oscillator, and the optional TCXO-2 tem- perature-compensated oscillator is available for exceptional 0.5-ppm stability from 10 to +50 °C. The extremely low-noise, high-performance re- ceiver front end uses PIN-diode-controlled push- pull FETs in a constant-gain RF amplifier, feeding an active double balanced quad FET ring mixer. Six microprocessors in the FT-990 are program- med to provide the simplest possible control inter- face for the operator, even for previously complex applications like HF packet. Interference rejection is facilitated by both IF shift and an IF notch filter, with pushbutton selection of IF bandwidths, and the astounding dual digital SCF audio filter with independently adjustable selectivity skirts (unique to the FT-990). An automatically mode-dependent AGC selection is provided along with manual AGC decay selection/disable. The front panel keypad provides 1-touch band selection, with two independent (A/B) vios for each band holding their own frequencies, modes and IF bandwidth settings, and even clarifier off- sets and repeater shifts, if used. Switching bands instantly recalls all of these settings last used on each band. Ninety freely tunable and scannable memories are selectable with single (MEM) knob, each storing all of the operating data held in a vfo. Other important features include general coverage reception from 100 kHz to 30 MHz, a jack and front panel button for a separate receive-only antenna, an effective noise blanker, all-mode squelch, inde- pendent receive and transmit clarifiers, 6-function multimeter and a unique adjustable passband- shifting RF speech processor which lets you tailor transmitter audio to your own voice for SSB. Special features for CW include a built-in iam- bic memory keyer, presettable bfo offset and spot- ling button for precise tuning by zero-beat, and key jacks on both front and rear panels. In addition to the facility of the SCF audio filter for CW reception, a 250-Hz 3rd IF filter is available as an option to complement the 2nd IF 500-Hz bandwidth IF filter {also optional in the DC version). Special digital mode provisions include sepa- rate interface jacks for an RTTY terminal unit and packet tnc, and RITY and PKT mode selection but- tons which disable the microphone jack automat- ically while providing either sideband for RTTY or LSB/FM modes for packet: switch between voice and digital modes with only the push of a button. For voice contesting, the DVS-2 digital voice re- corder option introduced with the FT-1000 works with the FT-990, providing continuous-loop recei- ver recording and pushbutton transmission of multiple voice messages to help keep you at your peak QSO-rate throughout the contest. With its efficient internal AC switching supply, the FT-990 weighs only 13kg and always runs cool. Aninternal heatsink and quiet, thermally switched blower allow full power output without rear panel protrusions, giving easy access to connectors. The FT-990 incorporates the same high-speed antenna tuner as the FT-1000, with its own microprocessor and 39 memories which automatically store most recent antenna matching settings for nearly instant recall while changing operating frequency. Accessories include the SP-6 Loudspeaker with audio filters and optional LL-5 Phone Patch; the YH-77ST Headset; the FP-25 AC PSU (for DC ver- sions) or DC Cable (for AC versions) and the MD- ‘log Desktop- and MH-1ys Hand Microphones. Before connecting power, please read the Instal- lation section carefully, heeding the warnings in that section to avoid damage to theset. After instal- lation, please take time to work through the Opera- tion chapter, referring to the Controls & Connectors chapter as necessary for details. These chapters are intended to be read while sitting in front of the FT-990, so you can try out each control and func- lion as they are described. page 1Specifications General Receiving frequency range: 100 kHz — 30 MHz, ‘Transmitting frequency ranges: 160-m band, 1.8 to 2.0 MHz (or 1.81/1.83 to 185) 80-mband, 35 to 40 MHz 40-mband, 70 to 7.5 MHz 30-mband, 10.0to 10.5 MHz 20-m band, 14.0to 145 MHz 17-mband, 18.0 to 185 MHz 15-mband, 21.0 to 215 MHz 12-mband, 24.5 to 250 MHz 10-m band, 28.00 29.7 MHz Frequency stability: < 10 ppm from —10 to +50 °C (except FM, < 200112) , <0.5 ppm from -10 to +50 °C w/TCXO2 option (FM < 150 Hz) Emission modes: [SB/USB (/3E), CW (ATA), FSK (1D, J2D), AM (ASE), FM (F3E) Basic frequency steps 10 Fiz for JSE, ALA and J1D; 100 Hz for ASE, F3E and J2D Antenna impedance: 16.5 to 1502 (502 nominal) Supply voltage: 100 ~117 oF 200~234 VAC * 10%, 50/60 Hz Power consumption (approx.): OVA receive, 470 VA for 100 watts transmit Dimensions (WHD): 368 x 129 x 370 mm Weight (approx): 13 kg, (28.6 lbs) Transmitter Power output: ‘adjustable up to 100 watts (25 watts AM carrier) Duty cycle: 100% @ 100 watts, 50% @ 100 watts (FM & RITY, 3-minute to) Modulation types SSB: Balanced, filtered carrier ‘AM: Low-level (carly stage) FM: Variable reactance FSK: Audio frequency shift keying Maximum FM deviation: +2.5 kHz FSK chift frequencies: 170, 425 and 850 Hz Packet shift frequencies; 200, 1000 Hz Harmonic radiation: at least 50 dB below peak out- put ‘S88 carrier suppression: at least 40 db below peak output Undesired sideband suppresion: atleast 50 dB below peak output Audio response (SSB): not more than ~6 UB from 400 to 2600 Iz 3rd-order IMD: -36 dB typical @ 100 watts PEP on 14.2 MHz, Microphone impedance: 500 to 600.2 Receiver Circuit type: triple-conversion supetheterodyne Intermediate frequencies: 47.21 and 10.94 MHz, and 455 kHz Sensitivity: (Gor i0aBS/N.04m= 140) Selectivity (-6/~60 dB): ‘Maximum Baton | Modes | SSgpaW | soda BW 24kte | atop Fa 2oKH2 ‘oie 2.0 hHe llexg AM, FM, J.B KHz 6k sik | CW.ATIY,Packet | —sooHe | iauie 250 He OW. RTTY 240Hz 700 Hz AM Lad 16 kHe Squelch sensitivity: 1,8~30 MHz (CW, SSB, AM): <2.0 kV 28 ~ 30 MHz (FM): < 0.32 IF rejection (1.8 ~ 30 MHz): 80 dB or better Image rejection (1.8 ~ 30 MH2): 80 dB or better IF shift range: £1.2 kHz Maximum audio power output: 2watis into 42 with < 10% THD Audio output impedance: 4 to 80 Specifications are subject fo change, in the interest of technical improvement, without notice or obli- gation. page 2Accessories & Options Supplied Accessories @ AC Cord = sT9OIT7B0) @ 34-inch, Peontact Pug an >H030034 Options TCXO-2 High Stability Master Reference Oscillator For special applications and environments where extra frequency stability is essential, such as for long-term HF packet monitoring under wide temperature variations, the TCXO-2 provides 0.5- ppm stability from -10 to +50°C for the master reference oscillator. MD-1¢g Desk-Top Microphone Designed especially to match the elecirical and cosmetic features of the FT-990, the MD-Icg has 600-Q impedance, and includes up/down scan- ning buttons and a large PTT switch with latch page 3Accessories & Options SP-6 Loudspeaker with Audio Filters and LL-5 Phone Patch Option Selectable audio high- and lowpass filters with a large loudspeaker complement the superb audio characteristics of the FT-990 with your choice of 12 different audio filtering combinations. Two input terminals are provided for multiple transceivers, with a front panel switch to select between them. A phone jack is provided on the front panel to take advantage of the audio filters with headphones. With the optional LL-5 Phone Patch Unit instal- led in the SP-6, the FT-990 can be patched to the public telephone network. The LL-5 includes a hy- brid transformer cireuit to assure proper imped- ance matches, andgain controls and level meter to set proper audio levels on the telephone line. _— YH-77ST Lightweight Headphones Dual samarium-cobalt transducers with sensi- tivity of 1084B/mW (2dB, @1 kHz, 350) provide the perfect match for the FT-990, taking full advan- tage of the spectacular audio performance DVS-2 Digital Voice System Serving as either a continuous receiver recorder for instant pushbutton playback, or microphone audio recorder for multiple on air playback, the DYVS-2 applies the advantages of random-access solid-state digital memory (0 serious communica- tions. All data fs stored electronically, with no mov- ing parts except your finger and the pushbutton. ‘More information is on page 36. FIF-232C CAT System Interface To control the FT-990 from an RS-232C serial portof anextemal personal computer, use the FIE- 232C to convert the TTL levels required by the transceiver to the RS-232C levels required by the serial port. A cable is included for connection be- tween the transceiver and the FIF-232C (the cable to the computer must be provided separately), The FIF-232C includes its own AC power supply IF Crystal Filter Options For extra CW receiver selectivity, the XF-ASSK- 251-01 8-pole 250-Hz crystal filter may be installed in the 455-kHz 3rd IF of the FT-990, to cascade with the 500-Hz 2nd IF filter (factory-installed in the AC version, or optional in the DC version). Also, for SSB reception under difficult condi- tions, the XF-10.9M-202-01 &-pole 2-kHz I fil- ter may be installed in the 10.9-kHz 2nd IF, and switched in from the front panel when needed, page 4Station Installation Preliminary Inspection Inspect the transceiver thoroughly immediately upon opening the packing carton. Check to see that all controls and switches work freely, and inspect the cabinet for any signs of damage. Make sure the accessory fuses and plugs pictured on page 3 are included. Ifany damage is found document it com- pletely, and contact the shipping company (or dealer, if you purchased it over the counter) right away. Save the packing materials in case you need to return the set for service, IF you purchased optional internal accessories separately, install them as described in Insialling Internal Accessories (page 45). Power Connection ‘The FT-990 is available in an AC/DC version, which includes the FP-25 switching power supply, and a DC-only version. Page 47 describes DC in- slallation for both versions, while the following paragraphs describes only AC power connections for the AC/DC version. Before connecting power, check the label on the rear panel which indicates the AC mains voltage range for which your transceiver is currently set. If your AC mains voltage is outside of this range, the voltage switch on the power supply in the trans ceiver must be reset, and three fuses must be CAUTION! Permanent damage will result if im- proper supply voltage is applied to the transceiver. Your warranty does not cover damage caused by application of improper supply voltage, or use of im- proper fuses. changed. This requires only a screwdriver and is not difficult (see below), but you should make sure the power supply isset correctly before connecting power. If you have any doubts about the proce- dure, ask your dealer for help You should also make sure the fuse in the rear panel fuse holder is correct for your mains voltage: ‘AC Mains Voltage Fuse Capacity 100~ 117 BA 200 ~ 234 4A Afler making eertain the AC voltage for which the transceiver is set matches your mains voltage, and that the correct fuse is installed in the fuse holder, connect the AC power cord to the 3-pin Ac jack on the rear panel. Don't phug the cord into the wall until all other transceiver interconnections have been made. Changing the Power Supply Setting for a Different AC Voltage Range 1 Make certain that all cables are disconnected from the transceiver. Remove the top cover as shown at the top of page 10, and the bottom cover as shown at the bottom of page 12. 5 Move the switch next to the speaker (see be- low) to the required 115 or 20 V side 11 On the bottom of the chassis (see below), re- place fuses FH6901 and FH6902 with two of the supplied fuses: either the 10-A fuses (for 100~ 117 VAC) or 5-A (for 200 ~ 234 VAC). © Replace the fuse in the rear panel holder, and then replace thecoverand the carrying handle. Important! If you change the AC toilape sarge seu ag oie must change the two in- ternal fuses and the fuse in the rear pane! holder. Abo be sure to change the voltage marking on the labelon the rear panel to match the new valtage seiting: Do net use slow- blow fuses. pagesStation Installation Transceiver Location ‘To assure long life of the components, aprimary consideration in setting up the FT-990 is providing for adequate ventilation around the cabinet. The cooling system of the FT-990 must be free to draw coo! air in at the bottom rear of the transceiver, and to expel warm air out of the upper rear panel. Do not place the transceiver on top of another heat- generating device such as a linear amplifier, and do not place equipment, books or papers on top of the transceiver. Place the transceiver ona hard, flat surface, Also, provide a few centimeters of space on either side of the transceiver, if possible. Avoid heating vents and window locations that could expose the transceiver to excessive direct sunlight, especially in hot climates. Grounding For protection from shock and proper perform- ance, connect the GND terminal on the rear panel to a good earth ground, using a heavy braided cable of the shortest length possible, All other station equipment should be connected to the same grounding cable, as close together as practical. If you use a computer with or near the FT-999, you may need to experiment with grounding of both the transceiver and the computer to suppress com- puter noise in the receiver. Adjusting the Front Feet The two front feet of the FT-990 can be set in citherof two positions. By turning the knurled ring, around a (retracted) foot clockwise, the middle of the foot will extend about one centimeter, Turn the ring as far as it will go (about %-tumn) to lock the extended foot in place, To retract an extended foot, turn the knurled ring counterclockwise %-turm while pressing on the center of the foot. Adjusting the Front Feet Antenna Considerations Any antennas connected to the FT-990 should haye coaxial feedlines with 50-0 impedance, and include well-grounded lightning arrestors. For the antenna at the main ANT jack, the antenna tuner in the FT-990 is capable of matching antennas with an SWR of up to 3:1 or more on the amateur bands to the transmitter. Nevertheless, optimum perform- ance for both reception and transmission will gen- erally result with an antenna designed to provide 50-Q unbalanced resistive load at the operating frequency. An antenna that is not resonant at the operating frequency may present too high an SWR for proper matching with the built-in antenna tuner, in which case the antenna itself should be readjusted, or an outboard antenna tuner used. If the (uner is unable to bring the SWR down to an acceptable level, attempting to transmit will result in an automatic reduction in power output and increased losses in the feedline. Operation under such conditions is not recommended: itis better to install another antenna designed for that band. Also, if your antenna has a balanced feedpoint and you use a balanced feedline, install a balun be- tween the feedline and the transceiver’s ANT jack. The same precautions apply to any additional (receive-only) antenna connected to the RX ANT IX jack, except that this antenna will not have the benefit of the built-in antenna tuner. Therefore, unless such a receive-only antenna has an imped- ance near 50 Q at the operating frequency, you may need an external tuner for good performance. Interconnection of Accessories ‘The diagrams on the following pages show in- terconnections of external accessories. If you have any questions on these accessories or connecting devices notshown, contact your dealer for advice, Memory Backup ‘The lithium memory BACKUP switch inside the top access panel is turned on at the factory, allow- ing vfo and memory data to be retained while power is off. Backup current is miniscule, so it is not necessary to turn the BACKUP switch off unless the transceiver is to be stored for a long time. After about five years the transceiver may fail to retain memories (although operation will be other- ‘wise unaffected), and the lithium battery should be replaced, Ask your dealer for replacement of the battery, or for instructions on how to do so your- self. page 6