MFJ MFJ-9417 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CAUTION: Read All Instructions Before Operating Equipment
MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
300 Industrial Park Road
Starkville, MS 39759 USA
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
COPYRIGHT 2012 MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
C
Model MFJ-9417
VERSION 1A

MFJ-9417 Installation Manual 17-Meter SSB Travel Radio
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your choice of the MFJ-9417 17-Meter transceiver. The MFJ-9417 is
specially designed to deliver performance you never thought possible from a low power radio.
Please read this manual carefully before attempting to operate your new radio. Lets begin with
an introduction to some special features we think you’ll like!
FEATURES
EASY TO OPERATE: The MFJ-9417 is an easy-to-operate,” back to basics" radio. Operate the
unit with ease in minutes!
GREAT SENSITIVITY: A quiet double-balanced mixer front end and lots of overall gain for
great sensitivity. If the signal is there, you will hear it!
ANALOG S-METER: Adjust your tuner or aim the beam with pinpoint accuracy. A calibrated
analog S-Meter measures even the smallest variations in signal strength. The meter also
monitors your speech processing level on transmit.
EXCELLENT SELECTIVITY: Sharp ladder filter cuts adjacent chatter and focuses transmitter
power where you need it most for great selectivity.
SMOOTH, STABLE VFO: Effortless tuning with custom manufactured 8:1 reduction drive ball
bearing VFO tuning capacitor provides smooth and stable VFO. Fine Tune lets you zero-in
smoothly.
POWERFUL AF OUTPUT: Big audio and powerful AF output even in noisy locations from a
special Philips BTL audio chip and rugged 3" speaker.
FULL-TIME RF SPEECH PROCESSING: Commanding speech cuts through QRM and
competes with radios running far more power. Compare with your 100-watt rig. You will be
amazed by the signal reports!
TRAVEL LIGHT: Packs the same punch as 50-Watt radios without the heavy 10 Amp power
supply! Designed to run on NiCd's or the ultra light MFJ-4110 AC wall adapter supply.
RUGGED TRANSMITTER: Bullet-proof 2SC3133 PA runs cool, tolerates 3:1 VSWR, and
won't fail from an accidentally opened or shorted feedline.
MADE TO LAST: Conservative design, with a premium plate through pc board, quality
components, handsome brushed panel, and a tough vinyl-clad case ensure years of dependable
service.
At home or on the go, you will enjoy countless hours operating the MFJ-94217. Best of all, it is
fully backed by MFJ's exclusive "No Matter What" 1 year guarantee. If it breaks, we will take
care of it!

MFJ-9417 Installation Manual 17-Meter SSB Travel Radio
QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS:
You will need three things to get your MFJ-9417 on the air fast:
[ ] 12-14 Volt 2-Amp Power Source
[ ] 600 Ohm Dynamic PTT Microphone
[ ] 17-Meter Antenna
1. POWER SUPPLY: The MFJ-4114 AC/NiCd Portable Power Pack or MFJ-4110 AC wall-
adapter supply are Especially designed to run the MFJ-9417. However, you may use any 13.8
Volt supply or 10-cell NiCd pack as long as it delivers 2 A on peaks (12-Volt supplies will work
but at reduced RF output). Use a 5.5mm OD x 2.1mm coaxial type power plug (Radio Shack
274-1567) with (+) connected to the center pin.
2. MICROPHONE: The MFJ-9417 speech processor circuit was designed around the
companion MFJ-290 600 Ohm Dynamic Microphone. Radio Shack's 21 1172 replacement
microphone also plugs in without modification and works well. If the mic you select requires a
plug, install a 5 Pin DIN connector (Radio Shack 274 003) as shown:
Pin 3: PTT Line
Pin 4: Mic Line
Pin 1,2,5: Ground
3. ANTENNA: We recommend using your MFJ-9417 with any efficient 17-Meter antenna
exhibiting a VSWR of 2:1 or less. AVOID USING ANTENNAS WITH UNKNOWN OR HIGH
VSWR. The MFJ-9417 PA is rugged, but not protected by high VSWR shutdown circuitry and
you may generate out-of-band parasitics if a high VSWR load (3:1 or greater) is present.
IMPORTANT OPERATING NOTES
Your MFJ-9417 features a very potent speech processor. PLEASE RESIST THE
TEMPTATION TO SHOUT OR "CLOSE TALK" INTO THE MICROPHONE IN ORDER TO
BE HEARD! Instead, hold the mic about 2" away and speak normally. The S-Meter should
deflect about 1/2 scale as you speak -- although this may vary somewhat with antenna load.
When operating in noisy environments, you may find it necessary to turn down the mic gain
control (a screwdriver adjustment located on back panel) to reduce background noise.
The MFJ-9417 uses an analog VFO tuning dial that is inherently less accurate than digital
readouts (on the plus side, the analog VFO reduces phase noise, lowers power consumption, and
saves you money). As the licensed operator, you are responsible for staying inside your
authorized band allocation. Please take the potential for dial error into account when operating
near the band edge.

MFJ-9417 Installation Manual 17-Meter SSB Travel Radio
TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS
RECEIVER SECTION:
Frequency Coverage: 18.068 to 18.168 MHz
Receiver Type: Single conversion superhet
VFO Frequency: 5.8 MHz Range
IF Frequency: 12.288 MHz
IF Selectivity: -6 dB at 2.5 KHz
AGC: Audio-derived
Sensitivity: < 0.5 uV for 12 dB S/N
Audio: > 1 Watt into 8 Ohms at 10% THD
Receive Current: 50-100 mA typical
TRANSMITTER SECTION:
RF Power Output: 12W PEP (8-10W CW)*
VSWR Tolerance: 3:1 VSWR
Maximum Current: 2.0 Amps peak at 13.8 VDC
Audio Enhancement: RF compression processor
* Requires CW adapter module
BLOCK DIAGRAM:
RX BPF
L1-L2
VFO
RX MXR
U1
BFO /
PROD DET
U3
SW-Q5
AF AMP
U4a AF PWR
U5
XTAL
FILTER IF AMP U2
A
GC
Q2-Q4
SW-Q6 BUF
Q1
SW-Q8
SW-Q7 T / R
K1
V
OL
MIC AMP
U4b BAL MOD U6 TX MXR U7 TX BPF L5-L6 PRE-DRV
Q9 DRV Q10 PA Q11 LPF
M
F S
PTT

MFJ-9417 Installation Manual 17-Meter SSB Travel Radio
THEORY OF OPERATION
RECEIVER:
Four-pole bandpass filter L1-L2 preselects incoming 17-Meter signals. Active mixer U1
amplifies and converts them to 12.288 MHz using a self generated 5.8 MHz VFO signal. Crystal
ladder filter Y1-Y6 sets the message-channel bandwidth (diode switching routes transmit and
receive signals through the filter and U2). IF-amplifier U2 provides AGC controlled IF gain in
RX and RF compression speech processing in transmit.
The DC amplifier Q3/Q4 drives the AGC input of U2 and the S-meter circuit. In RX, AGC is
audio derived from AF pre-amp U4a (switch Q2 sets slow AGC decay for SSB reception). On
transmit, processor control voltage is derived from PA level detector D9 (Q2 sets fast decay for
syllabic processor).
Receiver product detector U3 demodulates incoming SSB signals (12.288-MHz LO is self
generated by U3). U3's audio output feeds U4a, a preamp and active LP audio filter. U4a drives
ACG detector D6/D7 (input to U4a is killed by switch Q5 during TX to disable the AGC path to
U2). U4a also drives AF power amplifier U5 through the volume control. U5, which powers the
speaker during RX, is gated into standby during TX to prevent residual feed through.
TRANSMITTER:
Microphone speech amp U4b drives balance modulator U6 during TX (switch Q6 kills U4
output to prevent mic bleed through via U6/U2 during RX). LO for U6 is derived from U3's
BFO oscillator. Q8 is used to unbalance U6 for carrier or CW generation. DSB output from U6
is routed to Y1 Y6 via switch D1/D2 for removal of LSB products and carrier artifacts. After
undergoing dynamic compression in U2, the processed USB signal is routed to transmitter mixer
U7 by switch D3/D4 where it is mixed with 5.8-MHz VFO (VFO signal is sampled from U1's
oscillator and buffered by Q1). Bandpass filter L5-L6 selects the 18.1 MHz mixer product and
feeds it to pre-driver Q9. Q9 feeds driver Q10. Q10 drives PA stage Q11. Q11 operates in
single-ended class AB with bias generated by clamping diode D10. T5 matches PA output to a
50 Ohm system, and low pass filter L7-L8 suppresses harmonic content. Level detector D9
tracks the SSB speech envelope and generates feedback to Q3/Q4 and U2. Syllabic compression
of the speech waveform optimizes average transmitter output power. The MFJ-9417 is
especially designed to operate from lightweight constant current power sources such as NiCd
cells or the MFJ wall-adapter AC supply.
SWITCHING AND REGULATION:
Q7 activates relay K1, which routes the antenna line and activates the +T and +R buses (+T and
+R buses power some stages, key switch nodes, and bias Q11 on during TX). Adjustable
regulator U8 sets Vcc for low-level stages. Fixed regulator U9 sets U1 operating voltage to
ensure VFO stability. Crowbar diode D11 and a pc track fuse protect the radio from reverse
polarity.

MFJ-9417 Installation Manual 17-Meter SSB Travel Radio
MFJ-9417 CONTROL LOCATION AND FUNCTION
ANTENNA
MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
STARKVILLE, MS USA
POWER
12-15VDC
1. 2 AMP
+
IN
OUT
CW KEY
INPUT
MIC
GAIN
2
1
5
3
4
REAR PANEL
1. POWER JACK: 5.5mm OD, 2.1mm ID, (+) to center pin.
2. ANTENNA JACK: SO 239 for standard coax plugs.
3. MIC GAIN: Sets Speech amp Gain (normal setting 12:00).
4. CW ADAPT: Engages CW adapter (accessory).
5. KEY: Accepts straight key or keyer.
18.068 18.168
18.110
.18.090 18.140
MHZ MHZ
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
XMIT
POWER MIC TUNE
TUNING
FINE VOLUME
TUNE
MFJ 17-METER SSB TRANSCEIVER
MODEL MFJ-9417
MFJ
1
2
34
56
78
FRONT PANEL
1. METER: Show signal strength on RX, ALC on TX.
2. POWER SWITCH: Turns power on to transceiver.
3. MIC: 5 Pin Din Jack for Dynamic Microphone.
4. TUNE: Injects carrier for ATU adjustments.
5. XMIT: LED illuminates when transmitting.
6. TUNING: Tunes in stations, indicates VFO frequency.
7. FINE TUNE: Allows for fine tune adjustment.
8. VOLUME: Adjusts listening level.

MFJ-9417 Installation Manual 17-Meter SSB Travel Radio
SETTING UP YOUR MFJ-9417 PORTABLE STATION
To put your MFJ-9417 station in operation, you will need a power source, a 17-Meter antenna,
and a microphone. Here are some specific suggestions to help you get started:
POWER SOURCE: 12 15 V @ 2A (+) TO CENTER PIN
The MFJ-4114 AC/DC PORTABLE POWER PACK and MFJ-4110 AC wall adapter supply are
especially designed for your radio. However, you may use any filtered DC power source capable
of delivering 12 15 volts at 2 Amps (13.8V required for full RF output). The DC power
connector at the rear of your MFJ-9417 is a 5.5mm OD, 2.1mm ID coaxial type jack. Extra
plugs are available from RadioShack stores (#274-1567). Always connect plus (+) to the
CENTER PIN.
MICROPHONE: USE 600 OHM DYNAMIC
The MFJ-9417 speech circuit is designed especially for 600 Ohm dynamic microphones such as
the MFJ-290 (the MFJ-290 is supplied if you purchase the MFJ-9417M package). You may also
use other suitable 600 Ohm desk or hand mics by installing a 5 pin DIN plug (Radio Shack
#274-003). See installation diagram below:
PTT pin 3
MIC pin 4
GND pins 1,2,5.
14253
WARNING:
NEVER USE AN AMPLIFIED MICROPHONE WITH YOUR TRANSCEIVER.
The speech processor already has extremely high gain and may distort severely
overdriven by a "power mic".
ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS: Recommended VSWR 2:1 OR LESS
The MFJ-9417 accepts 17-Meter antennas with a VSWR of 2:1 or less. Use your regular station
antenna or a portable 17-Meter dipole. For non-resonant wires, use a tuner such as the MFJ-971.
Always "rough tune" for maximum receiver sensitivity first using incoming signals and your S-
Meter to find a peak. AVOID OPERATING INTO UNMATCHED HIGH VSWR ANTENNAS.
THE MFJ-9417 DOES NOT HAVE A HIGH VSWR SHUT DOWN CIRCUIT AND BADLY
MISMATCHED LOADS COULD RESULT IN TRANSMITTER INSTABILITY AND
GENERATION OF OUT OF BAND SIGNALS!

MFJ-9417 Installation Manual 17-Meter SSB Travel Radio
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR MFJ-9417 TRANSCEIVER
STEP 1. Connect a suitable microphone, power source, and 17-Meter antenna.
STEP 2. Turn VOLUME fully counter clockwise (down) and press ON switch to power up
radio. PWR indicator should light.
STEP 3. Turn VOLUME clockwise for a comfortable listening level.
STEP 4. If you are using an antenna tuner, adjust ATU controls for strongest received signals or
maximum background noise on the S-Meter. Then, press CARRIER to generate a
steady RF signal for final adjustment. Red XMIT indicator should light.
STEP 5. The VFO tuning range covers 18.068-18.168 MHz and the tuning dial was carefully
calibrated at the factory. However, by its nature, the analog frequency readout may be
subject to some inaccuracy or visual misinterpretation. To ensure compliance with FCC
rules, we suggest the following:
(a.) Periodically check the VFO dial with a digital transceiver or counter to confirm
location of band edges.
(b.) NEVER TRANSMIT SSB BELOW 18.110 MHz! The voice band allocation
is from 18.110 to 18.168. When operating on SSB, make certain you are you are
calling well inside the voice sub-band!
STEP 6. To transmit, press the mic's PTT switch and speak at normal conversational level with
the mic held about 2 inches from your mouth. The MFJ-9417 has a very potent speech
processor and will pick up your voice at full intensity. Avoid the natural temptation to
yell or close talk this will only overload the processing circuit and hurt the intelligibility
of your signal!
SPECIAL OPERATING NOTES
The MFJ-9417 does not have automatic high VSWR shutdown and you must provide a
"reasonable" 17-Meter antenna to ensure proper operation. Whenever possible, use a low SWR
resonant type antenna such as a dipole or tuned vertical. If you use an ATU (or a high Q loop
such as the MFJ-1786), carefully rough tune first for maximum S-Meter readings before
activating the CARRIER switch.
Under FCC Rules, licensed amateurs are solely responsible for the frequency of operation of
their transmitters. MFJ cannot be held responsible for out of band operation due to
misinterpretation or miscalibration of the MFJ-9417 analog VFO dial.

MFJ-9417 Installation Manual 17-Meter SSB Travel Radio
SIMPLE 17-METER ANTENNA SUGGESTIONS
COAXIAL FED DIPOLES: A wire dipole for the 17-Meter band should measure about 25'-10"
(12'-11" per leg). Feed with RG-58U or RG-8X; raise high and in the clear for best performance.
If you have only one high support, make an inverted V. The "full sloper" (sloping dipole) is also
an excellent single support antenna with some directivity.
25' 10" Support
>90 Best
Direction
DIPOLE INVERTED V FULL SLOPER
MFJ-1771 PORTABLE DIPOLE: As an alternative to making a coax-fed dipole, consider
purchasing the pre-assembled MFJ-1771 antenna. This is a no compromise 17-Meter folded
dipole complete with a lightweight 300-Ohm twin-lead feedline drop that also functions as the
antenna’s 50-Ohm matching section. Connect a random length of coax from the MFJ-1771
feedline drop to your rig and let the matching network do the rest. The antenna is pre-tuned,
easy to handle, and broad-banded for full coverage with low SWR.
18.0 18.2
18.1
1.0
1.5
2.0
Typical SWR Plot - MFJ-1771
50-Ohm Coax
Termination
Flat Top ~25.5 Feet
Matching Section
Folded Dipole
Twinlead
SWR
Freqauency MHz
WARNING: CONSTRUCTING OR ERECTING AMATEUR RADIO ANTENNAS IN
LOCATIONS WHERE THEY MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH
ELECTRICAL POWERLINES MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL
INJURY OR DEATH!

MFJ-9417 Installation Manual 17-Meter SSB Travel Radio
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR MFJ-9417 STATION:
While spanning the globe with a small portable rig like the MFJ-9417 may SOUND difficult, it
really is not. High power and big antennas have never been a requirement for worldwide radio
communication and still are not. Despite the vast distances involved, hams consistently reach
every corner of the planet running far less power than your MFJ-9417. How do they do it? Here
are some proven tips guaranteed to work:
GROOM YOUR ANTENNA
Inspect and clean all traps and contacting surfaces. Replace corroded hardware, dirty
connectors, and aging coax. Retune for minimum SWR on your preferred operating sub-band.
Raise wire dipoles high and in the clear -- 40 to 60 feet is always better than 10 or 20. Carefully
prune for minimum SWR. If you have only one high support, install as an inverted V or sloper.
Multi-band 1/4 wave antennas require at least 4 good radials for each band. 18.1 MHz radials
measure just under 13 feet. Clean up any corrosion and adjust your top section for minimum
SWR in the phone band.
Avoid compromise antennas. When it comes to pure operating enjoyment, every dB you gain at
the antenna pays big dividends!
USE PROVEN DX OPERATING TECHNIQUES
Be a good listener and search out and answer CQs, or call stations that have just completed
QSOs (a practice called tailgating).
Never hesitate to call a weak station because it may be QRP or using a marginal antenna. You
may be much louder than you think!
Be realistic about diving into huge pileups. Once a choice DX station hits the packet clusters
and the big guns move in, calling may be a waste of time until the smoke clears.
Tune slowly and listen carefully. If one exotic station is coming through, there may be others
from the same region you can work operating nearby.
Pay attention to DX forecasts and gray line propagation. When the band is hot, power
differences become much less significant. Operating just before the band goes out at night may
yield strong signal reports from exotic locations with little QRM.
Do not be shy about calling. The MFJ-9417 has very potent audio and on air tests indicate its
signal is competitive with higher-powered radios. If your antenna is good, most stations will not
even be aware you are running low power!
TROUBLESHOOTING
IN CASE OF TROUBLE, CHECK IT OUT FIRST – THEN CALL US AT 800-647-TECH
(800-647-8324): Your MFJ-9417 is fully backed for 1 year by MFJ's "NO MATTER WHAT
GUARANTEE". After that, MFJ Customer Service Technicians will be there to help you keep
your rig in top shape for as long as you own it. However, before you call us, please check
through this list just to make sure the problem is not something simple you can fix yourself!
1. RADIO DOES NOT POWER UP
Is power plug okay, broken supply wire?
Is supply or battery functional?