 I like the shades! |
K6JRF's Page formerly W6FZC Yaesu FT2000 ESSB Audio Setup |
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(Updated: Feb 9, 2010)
- - What's NEW - -
[02/09/10] - EBS Ckt Analysis challenged as "meaningless" . . . click here
[01/11/10] - Improved EQ Settings for 'ttbf' mode . . . click here
[01/11/10] - Improved Audio BW Response for Mic Input Ckt . . . click here
[12/21/09] - Enhanced Spice simulation of Vox and Anti-Vox ckt . . . click here
[12/13/09] - Added the FT950's Internal EQ to EQ Plus . . . click here
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Since the FTdx9000 can be programmed to a SSB Tx BW of 4Khz, so should the FT2000 be able to do the same. That's what I've always believed and sure enough, it can! And I now know "how" to do it! Why? It's the way the Tx BW Menu is laid out. Menu #85 shows an entry labelled "1-30" and another "3000WB". "WB" stands for "Wide Band". As you read in the "How to EQ . . " section, both are identical. So that "dual" entry implies that the "WB" can be made to extend further. And it can! How? Simple. With the radio "OFF", press and hold the "CONT" and "DNR" buttons while pressing the main "Power" button. The radio will turn on normally except that when you access the "Tx BW" menu #085, you'll see that the "3000WB" has been replaced with "TTBF". So now, "1-30" is still the same, 50hz to 3Khz but the newly added "TTBF" has 50hz to 4Khz Tx BW. The SSB Rx BW is still 40hz to 4Khz. It's that simple. Unfortunately, the EQ schemes that I've developed for the "3Khz" Tx BW need to be augmented to take advantage of the increased 4Khz SSB BW. I've added a new section to compliment the 3Khz EQ section called "How to EQ the FT2000 - 4Khz Tx BW". Click here to see my current audio rack settings. The old section was renamed to "How to EQ the FT2000 - 3Khz Tx BW". The new TTBF EQ section will build as time progresses. The MP3 clip below demonstrates the fuller 4Khz SSB audio captured by Duke, NA1A on a Flex5000A @ 4Khz BW. The extra BW, results in a more "relaxed" and "open" sound. This clip shows that fullness can also be had at the same time! |
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The information here centers the use of external audio equipment, primarily and, secondarily, the internal parametric EQ to attain improved Tx ESSB audio. The techniques described here are directly applicable to the FT2000, however the recommendations are applicable to any modern HF transceiver. The capabilities of this radio seem, at first, overwhelming. But once you spend some time looking at the operational manuals, browsing through the schematics and playing with the knobs, you see the best of all worlds is built into this radio. The "Technical Supplement Menu" section contains the "service" documentation for the FT2000 and DMU module. Each PDF contains the schematics, board layout and parts-list of all modules. This data is a must if you plan on making any changes. Also, the "Alignment" manual contains the "how-to-do" instructions including the required test equipment to properly align the radio. Please RIGHT-CLICK and select "Save Target As" to download the PDF files. The main Service Manual is 25Mb!
In the "Audio Techniques Menu" section, specific instructions for attaining 'good' ESSB audio including adjustment techniques, alignment improvements as well as tips for proper audio system interconnection. Included are links to equipment manufacturers. These techniques are applicable to any radio however they are tailored for the FT2000.
In the "Modification Menu" section, improvements to the FT2000's circuits are shown. These are shown in detail using Spice ckt analysis to show the actual performance of the "stock" ckt as compared to the improved operation after the mods are made. In addition, all of the details of required parts along with instructions that show how-to-accomplish the changes including the PWB parts layout from the Service Manual. Presently, there are a technical analysis of the FT2000's VOX and MIC ckts.
In the "Amplifier Modification Menu " improvements to accessory equipment such as linear amps, etc are detailed. This section concentrates on using Spice ckt analysis to show the actual performance of the "stock" ckt as compared to the improved operation after the mod(s) are made. In addition, all of the details of required parts along with instructions that show how-to-accomplish the changes including the PWB parts layout from parts suppliers such as Mouser Electronics. Presently, there are a technical analysis of the AL-1500, AL-572 and 6mtr mod to the SB-230.
In the "Home Pics" section, improvements to my home and surrounding area is detailed. Recently "Operation No-Grass" was completed and the pics here show the highlights of the project.
Each section will be documented with photos showing both how-to-do and results of the modifications, following the format of the FT-1000 pages. |
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This room was
remodelled recently and the goals were to make it clean, comfortable, well lighted
and organized, all of the things that the former studio was not! Also made sure to have lots of
120 Vac outlets. To that end, a new service line was added which makes 36 outlets available!
The studio is also wired for 240Vac which powers all radios (FT2000D + TS-711) and AL-1500 linear and
Y0-301 scope. I recommended doing this b/c it isolates the high current draw devices and improves the
power transfer efficiency. The air conditioner was recently replaced w/ a new LG 8500BTU unit. A/C makes radio operation a pleasure on hot summer days. The computer system has been 'upgraded' w/ a new monitor, keyboard, printer and scanner shown in the picture below. |
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The desk lineup
shows; audio rack with three (3) studio grade audio processors; Technics 40W audio amplifier; Yaesu FT2000,
Yaesu YO-301 monitor scope, Kenwood TS-711 VHF transceiver. In front of the audio rack is a Dell C640 P4-2.4Ghz laptop
computer used for digital recordings/playback, 5Spice analysis and making/recording Spectra Plus charts. Second tier shows; SP-5 Speaker w/ Time Wave DSP, Sony MDS-E10 recorder, Nye-Viking wattmeter, HyGain HDR300 rotator and an Ameritron AL-1500 linear amplifier. On the floor, to the right of the desk, is a 1KW dummy load . . which gets used during ESSB audio sessions. |
This
is my new FT2000 which has a different look from the FT-1000D. The PS is external and it's next to the radio. My older Sony recorder
was replaced with a Sony MDS-E10 recorder shown here. Easy to use and the recordings are a carbon copy of the input signal.
 click here for a larger picture |
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My current audio
equipment. Starting from the top;  The DDP equalizer screen with its 'visual' frequency display! |
The current antennas are different from my previous shown here.
The large 20mtr mono-band antenna spread out over the deck and pool as the picture shows and it provided a "resting-place" for all birds to constantly 'bomb' the real estate below. After 35+ years, they won so all of the antennas were removed.  It's been over 8 years and all traces of birds and their droppings are gone. So I've put up a different, mostly smaller, antennas and these have Bird Spikes added to the elements and boom. This product prevents birds from landing and there is no mess to clean up on the deck or in the pool! My current plans are for a 3L SteppIR w/ a 40mtr driven, a Create Design, CD78 75/80 dipole. On top of the tower is a Hustler G6-144B 6dB colinear antenna, all with Bird Spikes mounted on all potential bird-landing surfaces! The picture shows George, W6ZZ, Terry, N6CW and yours truly along w/ our respective ages. The "Three Old Amigos" continue to ride! The alternate picture shows a closeup of the CD78 feed point taken by my "hand held" Panasonic DMC-TZ5 camera on the ground at 17x zoom! Amazing Optical Stabilization; even the label on the DX Eng balun is clearly readable. CD78 Dipole Analysis The CD78 is an amazing antenna for it's size. The 75 mtr gain is lower than a full size dipole b/c of its reduced size, apx 58 ft from tip to tip but since it can be mounted high on a tower, the height makes it very efficient b/c of the lowered radiation angle. It also loads on 20mtrs perfectly. I've used it on 15mtrs w/ the FT2000's automatic tuner. Using antenna software called Antenna Optimizer [AO] by K6STI, Brian Beezley, I checked to see what it would take to increase the gain. AO was able to quantify the gain loss due to the dipole's "coils" and then show what can be attained with lower loss coils. Click here to see the AO analysis results. |
 click for CD78 closeup w/ Bird Spikes  click for overall tower picture click for closeup of CD78 mounting After 39 years of studying birds, I've found the "secret"; if you wish to be bird free, you MUST not let them land. If you do, you WILL have a bird problem. It's as simple as that! 1/27/10 |
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The tower
is a 13 year old crank-up tubular tower by US Tower
MA-850MDP. This base system, MARB-850 rotator base, is planted in 6' x 6' x 4.5' of reenforced
concrete and is bolted to the concrete via the four (4) 2 inch diameter bolts. Besides holding the tower,
this allows for easy leveling of the overall structure. Also the base allows the tower to fold over when
it's fully collapsed via the two 2.5 inch triple hardened bolts used as hinges! The five (5) section tower sits on a trust bearing supplied with grease fittings in order to keep rotational wear to a minimum. The bottom plate supports most popular rotators. I've used the HyGain HDR-300 rotator (5000in/lbs of rotating torque) for 13 years with no problems. |
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The tower system
was purchased with the positive pull-down feature. This feature is very desirable during high winds. If
you've gone though this, then you know what I mean! The reversible 1/2hp motor mounts a 1' pulley driving about 10:1 reduction gear that powers the worm drive box with another 40:1 internal reduction. With all this power, it breaks tangled coax (or anything else) without hesitation! Unfortunately this has happened at least once! The upper spring and pulley assembly takes up slack in the positive pull-down cable that goes directly to a tie point on top of the tower. The tower is controlled by two (2) limit switches that set the highest and lowest points before the motor power is cut off. The control box is basically a junction box for 120Vac and contains reversing and limit switch wiring. The ladder allows you to climb the first section (20') when it's fully collapsed. |
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This new HF
amplifier is just great addition to my studio. The
Ameritron AL-1500
uses a single 8877 (3CX1500A7) tube from Eimac and it outputs 1500W for 40 watts drive. The amp has an Electronic Bias Ckt (EBS-1)
which cuts the tubes off very cleanly been words. Thus the total dissipation is kept remarkably low and, even more
important, the heat buildup is minimized. Check here to see how it was mounted into a tight space.
This is my main amplifier. |
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I never thought that
I'd never sell this amp but you can't ever say "never"! I don't use it so, it was sold to Jerry, W6XI and the
pic shows that it's headed for a new home in Arizona. The amp is 35+ years old and it's never 'failed' or even hiccuped!
Jerry will enjoy this amp from now on . . I sold it to him if he guaranteed that he wouldn't beat me in the pileups . . .
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 click for larger picture |
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Detailed Audio Rack View: The Behringer MIC2200 preamp has a combination tube and solid state amplifier that gives the best of both worlds. A tube preamp in general gives a warmer sound to the audio from the mic. The Behringer Ultra Curve Pro DEQ2496 is a unique audio dynamics processor that employs 24-bit A/D/A converters in a 96Khz sampling environment. The DDP is a unique audio dynamics processor that employs 24-bit A-D and D-A converters under control of a dBx developed DSP chip with a LCD display. A truly marvellous dynamics unit in one increment of panel height. |
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click for detailed picture |
The key element in
audio work is the microphone and there are as many opinions as there are microphones, so here we all tend to get subjective.
The best overall mic is probably a 'dynamic' such as the Electrovoice
RE20 or Shure
KSM44. These mics
produce audio with little or no coloration. I personally have settled on the 'condenser' style mic because of its high sensitivity (typically 15db more sensitive than a dynamic), and broad pickup pattern. Currently I'm using the Neumann TLM-103. It's a great example of a well engineered and quality manufactured product albeit pricey! The Marshall MXL2003 is a good condenser microphone that is reasonably priced. For those who don't want to spend a lot, try the Shure C606 dynamic mic. Priced around $25 and it's can be used directly (XLR connection) into the FT2000 or FT950 using the internal EQs with a 75hz to 12Khz response and a rise starting at 1Khz. Marvellous mic for the price. |
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W2ONV became a SK on Aug 12, 2007 due to a battle with scleroderma. His disease became aggressive and quickly
caused other immune diseases resulting in the taking of his life. A sad day for all Ham Radio. Bill had been "one- two, one- two" for so many years before anybody took notice that many incorrectly attribute his SSB experiments to the early 90s. In truth, he had been doing that in the late 80s and, in fact, I would "stop-by" 14.178 and ask if he got it "right" yet. He'd reply that when he got to "three" he would be close! I asked why he was wasting so much time with this "hifi" audio. One of my problems, was simply that I couldn't hear it b/c of a "standard" rcvr bw of 400hz to 2400hz. His radio transmitted 50hz to 3.5Khz, so that's why it was a mystery to me! The Spectra Plus chart captures the essence of Bill's SSB audio.  About a 6 - 7 months later, the new FT1000D ESSB radio was born. The radio continued to evolve for another year as more advanced mods were done. The details of how this was done are on my FT1000 web pages here . Suffice to say, that this delighted Bill to no end. He would mention it every time he found me on frequency. He was so proud that it was done and a member of the 'group' did it. That's the kind of man he was. I left active ham radio in 2000 or so and was off-the-air until about 6 months ago. I removed all of my antennas so I couldn't get on the air even if I wanted . . . and believe me, I wanted, mainly to talk to Bill. As I was 'getting' ready to come back, I was told of his passing. All I can say, it was as if my father had passed. It delayed me for at least, another 6 - 8 months before I got over his demise. When I was setting up the "external audio rack", Bill said that he had the 'magic' setup info that will give you great audio. At that time, I was naive enough to believe him so he said he'd send me the proven Aphex setup info. 
Here's the sketch of Bill's setup (click for larger view) that he used when he ran Aphex audio processing. It was well
marked meaning it had made the 'rounds'. The "key" was the Aphex "Big Bottom" setup outlined in the blue box. The BB drive
. . . "must be exact"! Nothing against Aphex (and Behringer, etc) but the BB circuit was a 'joke' . . The only thing
that's a 'secret' is the fact that all audio is mainly dependent on the 'voice' and mic driving the rack. However, I
treasure that info and have shared with you all today. |
Speaking of knobs, I'm not much for marrying a computer w/ a radio b/c I'm basically an old-timer and I still love
buttons, knobs and sliders on the radio. Well, last night, I decided to try a Software Defined Radio (SDR) program so
I d/l the latest version of Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD), V4.0 SP4 build 1901 and installed it. The work that has
gone into the development of this fine program is to be lauded. Simon Brown, HB9DRV has done fantastic work to bring
the program to this latest state of perfection. 
I works so well that I couldn't believe what I saw. All functions work so nicely and effortlessly, that I was taken
back. All of the buttons and knobs on the radio are available in HRD they all work as advertised. The picture shows the basic FT2000 radio setup (sliders are not shown). You can either click a button on the screen w/ your mouse or use the radio. The program has many features and one of these is the "DX Cluster" announcements right on your screen sorted by band. If you're interested in a particular station, you simply "click" on the station and your radio changes to that frequency and aims the antenna. It takes the "work" out of chasing DX. The program can be downloaded here. Scroll down to the "Installation" section and click on the highlighted "Download". After the d/l completes, click on the main file EXE program to start the installation. |
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Links to Sites
ESSB Settings for K3UR's FT2000 here courtesy of W3OZ. A "pair" of FT2000s in K3UR's shack. Checkout Duke's, [NA1A] Voodoo pages for audio info. Send me 
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