Yaesu FT-991 User manual

HF/VHF/UHF All Mode TrAnsceiVer
FT-991
operATing MAnUAl
YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD.
Tennozu Parkside Building
2-5-8 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002 Japan
YAESU USA
6125 Phyllis Drive, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
YAESU UK
Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.

Page 1
FT-991 OperaTing Manual
Table of ConTenTs
Table of Contents ......................................................... 1
Accessories & Options ................................................. 3
Supplied Accessories................................................ 3
Available Options ..................................................... 4
Adjusting the Clock.................................................. 5
Resetting the Microprocessor................................... 5
Installation and Interconnections............................... 6
Antenna Considerations ........................................... 6
About Coaxial Cable ................................................ 6
Grounding................................................................. 7
Connection of Antenna and Power Cables............... 8
Connection of Microphone and Headphone............. 9
Key, Keyer, and Computer-Driven Keying
Interconnections ..................................................... 10
VL-1000 Linear Amplier Interconnections.......... 11
Interfacing to Other Linear Ampliers................... 12
Front Panel Controls & Switches ............................. 13
Display Indications..................................................... 18
Rear Panel................................................................... 21
MH-31A8J Microphone Switches............................. 23
Optional FH-2 Switches............................................. 24
Basic Operation: Receiving on Amateur Bands...... 25
Operation on 60-Meter (5 MHz) Band (U.S. version
only) ....................................................................... 28
CLAR (Clarier)Operation ................................... 29
LOCK..................................................................... 30
DIMMER ............................................................... 30
VFO COLOR ......................................................... 30
Band Stack Operation............................................. 31
C.S (Custom Switch).............................................. 31
Convenience Features................................................ 31
SCOPE ................................................................... 32
More Frequency Navigation Techniques ............... 33
Receiver Operation (Front End Block Diagram)... 34
ATT (
AttenuAtor
).................................................. 35
Interference Rejection ............................................... 35
IPO (Intercept Point Optimization)........................ 36
IF Noise Blanker (NB)Operation .......................... 37
CONTOUR Control Operation .............................. 38
IF SHIFT Operation (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT
Modes).................................................................... 39
WIDTH (IF DSP Bandwidth)Tuning (SSB/CW/
RTTY/DATA Modes)............................................. 40
NARROW (NAR)One-Touch IF Filter
Selection................................................................. 41
IF NOTCH Filter Operation (SSB/CW/RTTY/
DATA/AM Modes)................................................. 42
Digital NOTCH Filter (DNF)Operation................ 43
Digital Noise Reduction (DNR)Operation............ 43
Tools for Comfortable and Effective Reception ...... 44
RF Gain .................................................................. 44
Audio Peak Filter ................................................... 45
AGC (Automatic Gain Control)............................. 46
Adjustable Receiver Audio Filter........................... 47
SSB/AM Mode Transmission .................................... 48
ATU Operation ....................................................... 50
Using the Automatic Antenna Tuner ........................ 50
About ATU Operation ............................................ 51
P
ArAmetric microphone equAlizer
(SSB/Am/Fm
mode
) ...................................................................... 52
Enhancing Transmit Signal Quality......................... 52
Using the Speech Processor (SSB Mode).............. 54
Adjusting the SSB Transmitted Bandwidth (SSB
Mode) ..................................................................... 55
Voice Memory (SSB/AM/FM modes: Requires
optional DVS-6 and FH-2)................................ 56
Transmitter Convenience Features .......................... 56
VOX (SSB/AM/FM Modes: Automatic TX/RX
Switching using Voice Control) ............................. 58
MONITOR (SSB/AM/FM modes)......................... 59
Split-Frequency Operation ..................................... 60
Setup for Straight Key (and Straight Key emulation)
Operation................................................................ 61
CW Mode Operation ................................................. 61
Using the Built-in Electronic Keyer....................... 62
CW Spotting (Zero-Beating).................................. 65
CW Convenience Features ........................................ 65
CW Delay Time Setting ......................................... 66
Contest Memory Keyer (Using the Optional FH-2
Remote Control Keypad) ....................................... 67
Basic Operation ...................................................... 72

Page 2
FT-991 OperaTing Manual
Table of ConTenTs
FM Mode Operation .................................................. 72
Repeater Operation................................................. 73
Tone Squelch Operation ......................................... 74
Memory Operation .................................................... 75
Convenient Memory functions............................... 75
QMB (Quick Memory Bank)................................. 75
Standard Memory Operation.................................. 76
Memory Groups ..................................................... 80
Operation on Alaska Emergency Frequency: 5167.5
khz (U.S. Version Only) ............................................. 81
VFO and Memory Scanning ..................................... 82
VFO Scanning........................................................ 82
Memory Scan ......................................................... 83
PMS (Programmable Memory Scanning) ............... 84
RTTY (Radio Teletype)Operation ........................... 85
Example of Connecting RTTY Communications
Device..................................................................... 85
DATA (PSK)Operation ............................................. 86
Example of Data Communications Device ........... 86
Menu Mode................................................................. 87
Specications .............................................................. 91

Page 3
FT-991 OperaTing Manual
aCCessories & opTions
Supplied AcceSSorieS
Hand Microphone (MH-31A8J)1 pc A07890001
DC Power Cord 1 pc T9025225
Spare Fuse (25A) 1 pc Q0000074
Operating Manual 1 pc
Warranty Card 1 pc

Page 4
FT-991 OperaTing Manual
Accessories & options
AvAilAble OptiOns
MD-200A8X Ultra-High-Fidelity Desktop Microphone
MD-100A8X Desktop Microphone
YH-77STA Lightweight Stereo Headphone
FH-2 Remote Control Keypad
VL-1000/VP-1000 LinearAmplier/ACPowerSupply
FC-40 ExternalAutomaticAntennaTuner
FP-1030A ExternalPowerSupply(13.8VDC25A)
CT-118 VL-1000LinearAmplierConnectionCable
CT-39A PacketInterfaceCable
CTCable(MDIN10P-BareWire2m) LinearAmplierConnectionCable(P/NT9207451)
MD-200A8X YH-77STA FH-2
VL-1000/VP-1000 FC-40

Page 5
FT-991 OperaTing Manual
ON/OFF switch
MENU(SETUP) button
A

M button
LCD
before You begin
reSetting the MicroproceSSor
reSetting MeMorieS
(
only
)
Use this procedure to reset (clear) the previously stored
Memory channels, without affecting any conguration
changes you may have made to the Menu settings.
1. Press the front panel ON/OFF switch to turn the
transceiver off.
2. While holding the A

Mbutton in, press and hold
in the front panel ON/OFF switch to turn the trans-
ceiver on. Once the transceiver comes on, you may
release the buttons.
Menu reSetting
Use this procedure to restore the Menu settings to their
factory defaults, without affecting the memories you
have programmed.
1. Press the front panel ON/OFF switch to turn the
transceiver off.
2. While holding the MENU(SETUP) button in, press
and hold in the front panel ON/OFF switch to turn
the transceiver on. Once the transceiver comes on,
you may release the buttons.
Full reSet
Use this procedure to restore all Menu and Memory set-
tings to their original factory defaults. All Memories will
be cleared by this procedure.
1. Press the front panel ON/OFF switch to turn the
transceiver off.
2. While holding the FAST and LOCK buttons in,
press and hold in the front panel ON/OFF switch to
turn the transceiver on. Once the transceiver comes
on, you may release the buttons.
LOCK button
FAST button
ON/OFF switch MENU(SETUP) button
ON/OFF switch
AdjuSting the clock
Use the following procedure to adjust the clock shown at the top right of the LCD display.
1. Press and hold the MENU(SETUP) button.
2. Touch [TIME/DATE] on the LCD.
3. Enter the present time with the number keys on the
LCD, then touch [ENT].
4. Touch [DATE] on the LCD to switch the screen.
5. Enter month, day, and year with the number keys on
the LCD, then touch [ENT].
6. Touch [BACK] on the LCD to return to the setup
mode display.
7. Press the MENU(SETUP) button to return to the
radio operation display.

Page 6
FT-991 OperaTing Manual
AntennA conSiderAtionS
The FT-991 is designed for use with any antenna system providing a 50 Ohm resistive impedance at the desired operat-
ing frequency. While minor excursions from the 50-Ohm specication are of no consequence, if the Standing Wave Ra-
tio (SWR) present at the Antenna jack is greater than 3:1, the transceiver’s Automatic Antenna Tuner may not be able to
reduce the impedance mismatch to an acceptable value.
Every effort should be made to ensure that the impedance of the antenna system be as close as possible to the specied
50-Ohm value. Note that the “G5RV” type antenna does not provide a 50-Ohm impedance on all HF Amateur bands. An
external wide-range antenna coupler must be used with this antenna type.
Any antenna to be used with the FT-991 must be fed from the transceiver with 50 Ohm coaxial cable. Therefore, when
using a “balanced” antenna such as a dipole, remember that a balun or other matching/balancing device must be used to
ensure proper antenna performance.
The same precautions apply to any additional (receive-only) antennas connected to the antenna jacks. if your receive-
only antennas do not have impedance near 50 Ohms at the operating frequency, you may need to install an external an-
tenna tuner to obtain optimum performance.
About coAxiAl cAble
Use high-quality 50-Ohm coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT-991 transceiver. All efforts at providing an efcient
antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy coaxial cable is used. This transceiver utilizes standard “M” (“PL-
259”) type connectors.
insTallaTion and inTerConneCTions
typicAl pl-259 inStAllAtion

Page 7
FT-991 OperaTing Manual
insTallaTion and inTerConneCTions
proper ground connection
GND
Linear
Amplifier
GND
TNC
GND
Transceiver
GND
Transceiver
GND
Linear
Amplifier
GND
TNC
"Daisy Chain"
GND
Linear
Amplifier
GND
TNC
GND
Transceiver
GND
Transceiver
GND
Linear
Amplifier
GND
TNC
"Daisy Chain"
iMproper ground connection
grounding
The FT-991 transceiver, like any other HF communications apparatus, requires an effective ground system for maxi-
mum electrical safety and best communications effectiveness. A good ground system can contribute to station efciency
in a number of ways:
It can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the operator.
 It can minimize RF currents owing on the shield of the coaxial cable and the chassis of the transceiver. such cur-
rents may lead to radiation, which can cause interference to home entertainment devices or laboratory test equip-
ment.
It can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver/accessory operation caused by RF feedback and/or improper
current ow through logic devices.
An effective earth ground system may take several forms. for a more complete discussion, see an appropriate RF engi-
neering text. The information below is intended only as a guideline.
Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more copper-clad steel rods, driven into the ground. If multiple
ground rods are used, they should be positioned in a “V” conguration and bonded together at the base of the “V” which
is nearest the station location. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from type RG-213 coaxial cable)
and strong cable clamps to secure the braided cable(s) to the ground rods. Be sure to weatherproof the connections
to ensure many years of reliable service. Use the same type of heavy, braided cable for the connections to the station
ground bus (described below).
Inside the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 25 mm diameter should be used. An al-
ternative station ground bus may consist of a wide copper plate (single-sided circuit board material is ideal) secured to
the bottom of the operating desk. Grounding connections from individual transceivers, power supplies, and data com-
munications devices (TNCs, etc.) should be made directly to the ground bus using a heavy, braided cable.
Do not “Daisy-Chain” ground connections from one electrical device to another and thence to the ground bus. This
method may nullify any attempt at effective radio frequency grounding. See the drawing below for examples of proper
grounding techniques.
Inspect the ground system - inside the station as well as outside - on a regular basis to ensure continued performance
and safety.
Besides following the above guidelines carefully, note that household or industrial gas lines must never be used in an
attempt to establish an electrical ground. Cold water pipes may, in some instances, help in the grounding effort, but gas
lines represent a signicant explosion hazard, and must never be used.

Page 8
FT-991 OperaTing Manual
connection oF AntennA And power cAbleS
Please follow the outline in the illustration regarding the proper connection of antenna coaxial cables, as well as the DC
power cable. The DC power connector for the
FT-991
must only be connected to a DC source providing 13.8 Volts DC (±10
%), and capable of at least 23 Amperes of current. Always observe proper polarity when making DC connection:
The RED DC power lead connects to the Positive (+) DC terminal.
The BLACK DC power lead connects to the Negative (–) DC terminal.
We recommend the use of the FP-1030A (USA market only) AC Power Supply. Other models of power supplies may
be used with the FT-991, but the 13.8 VDC input voltage, 23 Ampere current capability, and DC cable polarity guide-
lines described above must be strictly followed.
Note that other manufacturers may use the same type of DC power connections as does your FT-991 transceiver, how-
ever, the wiring conguration may be different from that specied for your transceiver. Serious damage can be caused if
improper DC connections are made; consult with a qualied service technician when in doubt.
The 100 V RF voltage (@100 W/50-ohm) is applied to the TX RF section of the transceiver while transmitting.
Do not touch the TX RF section absolutely while transmitting.
Permanent damage can result when improper supply voltage, or reverse-polarity voltage, is applied to the FT-
991. The Limited Warranty on this transceiver does not cover damage caused by application of AC voltage, re-
verse polarity DC, or DC voltage outside the specied range of 13.8 V ±10 %. When replacing fuses, be certain to use a
fuse of the proper rating. The FT-991 requires a 25 A blade fuse.
Advice:
Do not position the FT-991 in a location with direct exposure to sunshine.
Do not position the FT-991 in a location exposed to dust and/or high humidity.
Ensure adequate ventilation around the FT-991, to prevent heat build-up and possible reduction of performance due
to high heat.

Do not install the
FT-991
on an unstable desk or table. Do not place in a location where objects may fall onto it from above.
To minimize the possibility of interference to home entertainment devices, take all precautionary steps including
separation of TV/FM antennas from Amateur transmitting antennas to the greatest extent possible, and keep trans-
mitting coaxial cables separated from cables connected to home entertainment devices.
Ensure that the DC power cord is not subject to undue stress or bending, which could damage the cable or cause it to
be accidentally unplugged from the rear panel DC IN jack.
Be certain to install your transmitting antenna(s) so they cannot possibly come in contact with TV/FM radio or other
antennas, or with power or telephone lines.
insTallaTion and inTerConneCTions
Check the DC volt-
age and current rating
(+13.8 V, 23 A) of the power
supply before connecting to the
transceiver.
To prevent damage from
lightning, atmospheric elec-
tricity, electrical shock etc., please
provide a good earth ground.
Use a short,
thick, braided
cable to con-
nect your station
equipment to the
buried ground rod (or alternative earth
ground system).