[1000mp] Couple of Quadra Questions

[Adam Farson]

Hi Bill,

Although the exciter in my HF station is an IC-756Pro, there are some close
parallels. I shall try to address your questions, although I am unfamiliar
with the FT-1000MP line.

1. The VL-1000 requires at least 80W of drive for correct auto-tuning or
bandswitching. In the MP, Menu item 4-3 Exciter Drive Power - must be set to
MAX. Also, the reflectometer at the auto-tuner output will report a HI SWR
error for load SWR > 3:1. There appears to be a slight non-linearity in the
power/SWR relationship of this reflectometer, so at full power the amplifier
may report a HI SWR error for load SWR > 2.75:1.

If the tuner appears to run for a few seconds and then stops with an ERROR
indication, this is a sign that the exciter is not sending the amplifier a
carrier for tuning. With a Yaesu FT-100MP or MkV as exciter, the tuning
cycle consists of two processes:

A.  The "Band Data 1" (4-bit DIN) cable is connected between the exciter and
amplifier BAND-DATA 1 jacks. The 4-bit code sent to the VL-1000 on the "Band
Data 1" cable sets the bandswitching relays to the band selected on the
transceiver.

B. The "Band Data 2" cable (DB15 to RCA) must be connected between the
VL-1000 BAND-DATA 2 jack and the MP's "REMOTE" jack to allow the next step
to take place. In addition, Menu item 7-9 on the exciter must be set to "EL"
(the default value). When you press the [F SET] or [TUNE] button, the
amplifier keys the MP, which in transmits a CW carrier to the amplifier. The
VL-1000's CPU counts the excitation frequency, and initiates band selection
[F SET] or tuning [TUNE]. When the band-selection or tuning cycle is
complete, the VL-1000 unkeys the MP. The TUNER screen of the VL-1000
displays 'COMPLETE' if tuning is successful.

When the autotuner has been tuned on a given frequency, the VL-1000 will
memorise the tuner settings. When you tune the exciter to that frequency
range again, pressing [F SET] will set the tuner to the closest memorised
tuning point. This takes less time than a full tuning cycle. (VL-1000 user
manual, page 7).

If the "Band Data 2" cable is not connected, pressing [F SET] will have no
effect. Pressing [TUNE] will start the autotuner, but in the absence of a
carrier the tuner will stop almost immediately with an 'ERROR' display.

3. The instructions for connecting the "Band Data 2" cable are on page 4 of
the user manual. The reason for the RCA plug is to accommodate non-MP
exciters. For use with an MP, cut off the RCA plug and connect a 3mm mono
mini-phone plug as follows:

Tip to Band Data 2 Pin 9
Sleeve to Band Data 2 Pin 10

Plug the 3mm plug into the "REMOTE" jack on the MP.

This will correct the problem of the tuner not responding, as described
above.

Incidentally, if the rear-panel "REMOTE" switch is in the ON position, the
exciter's POWER switch will power the VL-1000 up and down.  (User manual,
page 8).

4. The fans in the RF cabinet can cycle on and off, or run continuously at
low speed, depending on ambient. They will speed up when the VL-1000 is
keyed. The fans in the PSU cabinet cycle on and off. (User manual, page 10).

5. I would recommend at least 4 in. of clear space around the top, sides and
rear panel (if possible), to ensure adequate air-flow. The feet should also
be locked in the elevated position.

Hope this is helpful.

Best 73,
Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ
North Vancouver, BC, Canada
http://www.qsl.net/ab4oj/
Icom FAQ site:
http://www.qsl.net/icom/