Yeticomnz Optima User manual

OPTIMA
OPERATING MANUAL

Copyright © 2010 by YeticomNZ. All rights reserved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ......................................................................................................... 4
imited Warranty ................................................................................................. 5
Installation ...................................................................................................... 6 - 7
Front Panel Controls .................................................................................... 8 - 10
Other Features .................................................................................................. 10
Specifications .....................................................................................................11
Contact Information ........................................................................................... 12
3

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of Yeticom's OPTIMA 10 meter FM/SSB/AM transceiver. The OPTIMA is
designed to provide years of enjoyment and trouble-free service. There are many features and functions
designed into this transceiver. To ensure that your investment is enjoyed to its fullest extent, please take a
few moments and thoroughly read this manual.
The OPTIMA is a 50w all mode microprocessor controlled, user programmable radio combining high RF
performancewith a user-friendly environment. The OPTIMA is a 12 volt DC, HF transceiver designed for
mobile use. The transceiver utilizes the latest in surface mount production techniques. This keeps the size of
the unit to a minimum without sacrificing any of the advanced circuits required for today’s high performance
radios, and as cabin space diminishes in modern vehicles, this concept helps create a wider variety of
installation options. Although engineered with mobile use in mind the OPTIMA, with the addition of a high
quality 15-amp power supply, may be easily adapted for fixed station operation.
Some of the features of the OPTIMA are; an advanced design liquid crystal display that provides the operator
with a full visual account of the transceivers operating status, automatic frequency or memory scanning from
either the front panel or microphone, memory storage of your favorite frequencies and modes, programmable
frequency resolution of either 1 kHz, 10 kHz or 100 kHz, and split frequency operation for repeater use. The
default frequency step is 5khz and the radio includes full coverage the new 12m Amateur band. A small fan
has been added to the heat sink to ensure cool operation in warmer climates. A second filter has been added
to the IF chain and this can be switched in or out from the front panel as required. These are just a few of the
features that make the OPTIMA a pleasure to own and operate.
IMPORTANT: The OPTIMA is designed for amateur radio use. In many countries a licensed amateur radio
operator must be present at the station. Please make sure you comply with the licencing regulations in place
for the country you are operating in.
4

LIMITED WARRANTY
YeticomNZ warrants this product to be free of defects for a period of one (1) year from the original
date of purchase.
This warranty is non-transferable. This limited warranty is subject to repair or replacement
of defective components only. This warranty is void if the radio has been tampered with or misused.
IMPORTANT: RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT/PROOF OF PAYMENT
5

INSTALLATION
1. Content
Unpack and inspect your OPTIMA for missing or
damaged components. Your OPTIMA includes the
following items:
Quantity Description
1 YeticomNZ OPTIMA Transceiver
1 Microphone with Up/Down Controls
1 Mounting Bracket with Hardware
1 Microphone Hanger with Hardware Set
1 Operating Manual and DC power cord
2. Microphone Hanger
The microphone hanger may be attached to the
side of the transceiver, or any other convenient
location. Use the provided screws to attach the
microphone hanger either vertically or horizontally to
the side of the transceiver.
3. Mounting
When attaching the OPTIMA mounting bracket to
the vehicle, choose a location that will provide easy
access to all front panel controls and air circulation to
the rear panel. When selecting a mounting location,
make sure that there is ample space behind the control
deck for the cables. Do not pinch, or bend sharply, the
power or antenna cables. Do not install the OPTIMA in
any compartment that restricts airflow and do not install
in a location that interferes with the safe operation of
the vehicle.
Attach the mounting bracket to the vehicle first then
mount the OPTIMA to the bracket. If the rear panel is
not accessible you may want to attach the power and
antenna cable prior to mounting.
4. Electrical Connection
The OPTIMA is designed to work on any 13.8 volt
DC, negative ground, source. The condition of a
vehicle’s electrical system can affect operation. A low
battery, worn generator/alternator, or poor voltage
regulator will seriously impair the performance of the
transceiver. Any of the above conditions could result in
a high level of receiver noise generation or a
substantial loss of the transmitter’s RF output. Make
sure that all of these components of your vehicle’s
electrical system are in good condition prior to installing
the transceiver.
CAUTION!
VOLTAGE EXCEEDING 15 VDC WILL DAMAGE
THE RADIO. MEASURE VOLTAGE AT BATTERY
TERMINALS, WITH VEHICLE RUNNING, PRIOR
TO INSTALLATION!
Before making any electrical connections make sure
the AF gain (volume) control on the control deck is in
the “OFF” position.
Connect the positive (+) red wire of the DC power cord to a
positive 13.8 volt source at the vehicle fuse block. If
connecting to the fuse block, it is recommended that a
switched power source is used so that the power to the
transceiver is disconnected when the vehicle is off. This will
eliminate the possibility of the transceiver draining the
vehicle’s battery.
Connect the negative (-) black wire to a metal part of
the vehicle’s frame, or chassis ground. Make sure that
this is a good ground connection.
The OPTIMA power cord may also be connected directly to
the battery. Connecting directly to the battery has several
benefits, the first of which is to maximize RF output.
Secondly, the battery is a very large capacitor and
will help eliminate certain types of ambient and vehicle
noise. If connecting directly to the vehicle’s battery,
additional power cable may be required. On runs of 8
feet or less use 12-gauge stranded wire. Use 10-gauge
wire on longer runs.
5. Antenna Connection
The transceiver will operate using any standard 50-
ohm ground-plane, vertical, mobile whip, long wire or
similar antenna. The antenna should be rated at 50
watts PEP minimum. A standard SO-239 type antenna
connector is located on the rear panel of the OPTIMA.
Connection is made using a P -259 and high grade coaxial
cable (RG213, RG58A/U or Mini RG-8 is recommended).
A ground-plane antenna provides greater coverage and
is recommended for fixed station-to-mobile operation.
For point-to-point fixed station operation, a directional
beam antenna operates at greater distances even under
adverse conditions. A non-directional antenna should be
used in a mobile installation; a vertical whip is best suited
for this purpose. The base loaded whip antenna normally
provides effective communications.
For greater range and more reliable operation, a full
quarter wave whip may be used. Either of these antennas
uses the metal vehicle body as a ground plane.
Once the antenna is mounted on the vehicle, route the
coaxial cable so that it is not next to any power cables
or vehicle cables. Connect the P -259 to the antenna
connector on the rear panel of the OPTIMA. Make sure that
the cables does not interfere with the safe operation of
the vehicle.
6

6. VSWR
Before use, it is important to determine the antenna
system’s VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio). First,
make sure the SWR bridge (meter) is in good working
order and is calibrated.
To ensure your radio is performing properly the VSWR
should never exceed 1.5 to 1. Never transmit on any
antenna system where the VSWR exceeds 1.8 to 1.
This will stress the output stage and could destroy the
RF transistors; this type of misuse and failure is not
covered under warranty.Measure the VSWR at the
center of the operating band.
Tune the antenna (according to the manufacturer’s
tuning instructions) so that the VSWR is as close to
1.1 to 1 at the center of the operating band.
Next, measure the VSWR at the lowest and highest
frequency of the transceiver. If the antenna has a wide
enough frequency range and band-pass, the VSWR
readings should be below 1.5 to 1 across the entire
operating band. If at the lower or upper end of the
transceiver operating frequency, the VSWR measures
more than 1.5 to 1, it is recommended that the antenna
be re-tuned before operating on those frequencies.
If you are experiencing unusual VSWR readings check
for the following possible problems:
1) Make sure that the antenna is installed properly and
grounded.
2) Check all coaxial cable and connectors for defects
and poor routing.
3) If testing a vehicle installation, make sure that all
vehicle doors are closed when testing.
4) Do not test near or around large metal objects or
buildings.
7. Ignition Noi e
In certain vehicle installations, electrical noise or
interference may be present in the receive audio of the
transceiver.
Typically the vehicle’s ignition system or more
specifically the alternator generates this noise. The
OPTIMA is equipped with a noise blanker circuit
that is designed to improve, and in many instances
eliminate, this electrical noise.
In extreme cases, the noise blanker may not eliminate
all the electrical noise. In such cases, an after-market
alternator noise or ignition noise filter can be
purchased and installed according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
If purchasing an alternator noise filter for the OPTIMA
make sure the filter is rated for at least 15 amps
continuous current draw.
7

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1. MICROPHONE INPUT
A 6-pin, lock ring type, mic connector is used.
Microphone wiring is as follows:
Pin 1 : Microphone Audio
Pin 2 : Receive
Pin 3 : Transmit
Pin 4 : Down
Pin 5 : Ground
Pin 6 : +13.8 VDC
2. MICROPHONE GAIN CONTROL
Increases or decreases the energy developed in the
microphone amplifier circuit. The gain increases as the
control is rotated clockwise. For optimum setting, press
the push-to-talk (PTT) switch on the microphone,
adjust the mic gain control until all segments of the
S/RF display are lit. Next, rotate the control
counterclockwise until the last segment of the display
starts to flicker. The S/RF display is the bar graph
located on the lower edge of the CD screen.
3. RF GAIN CONTROL
Adjusts the receiver sensitivity to both signals and
background noise. This affects the distance at which a
signal can be detected. Turning the control
counterclockwise reduces the receiver sensitivity. This
is particularly useful in areas where large volumes of
traffic (signals) are present. The S/RF display indicates
the received signal’s strength. The S/RF display is the
bar graph located on the lower edge of the CD
screen.
IMPORTANT!
Operating ome of the feature in 4 through 9
require the u e of the function control. To activate
the function control, momentarily pu h the FUNC
(10) control, the FUNC prompt will be di played in
upper left-hand corner of LCD. Pu h the control
again to deactivate the function control.
4. STEP \ NB \ 1
STEP: Tuning Step. The STEP control selects frequency
resolution in either 1 kHz, 10 kHz or 100 kHz steps. Press
the STEP button, one of the digits will flash on and off.
Press the STEP button again to change stepping resolution.
To tune frequencies in either 10 kHz or 100 kHz increments,
press the STEP button until the desired digit is
flashing. Rotate the FREQUENCY control in either direction.
The entire frequency range of the OPTIMA can be stepped
through in 1, 5, 10 or 100 kHz increments.
To tune in 1 kHz increments, press the STEP button
until the 1 kHz digit flashes on and off. Rotate the
FREQUENCY control.
NOTE: When stepping in 1 kHz increments, you are NOT
limite to tuning within a 10 kHz frequency range.
The Default Step function is 5khz on the OPTIMA
NB: Noise Blanker. Noise blanker on and off control.
This circuit eliminates pulse type interference usually
associated with automotive ignition systems. To activate
the noise blanker, press the FUNC control and then press
the NB button. NB will appear on the CD indicating the
noise blanker is turned on. To turn off the noise blanker,
repeat the same process.
1: Memory Channel 1. After programming this button is
memory channel 1. See M. OAD \ M.SAVE control for
programming instructions.
5. LCR \ RPT \ 4
LCR: ast Channel Recall. Press the CR button to
return to the last frequency that was transmitted on for
more than 3 seconds.
Memory Scan To activate the Memory Scan, press the
FUNC control and then press the CR button. The radio will
now commence scanning just the memory channels.
Memory Channel 4. After programming this button
is memory channel 4. See M. OAD \ M.SAVE control
for programming instructions.
8

6. CALL \ 2
CALL: The operation of the CA button is
determined by the internal jumper settings in the radio.
(See Additional Features, Jumper settings; page 10)
CB Modes: With the Func actve the display will toggle
between channel read out and frequency read out.
In Ham Mode: The radio will toggle between 10m and
12m modes.
In freeband mode the OPTIMA will step up in 1mhz
steps.
2: Memory Channel 2. After programming this button
is memory channel 2. See M. OAD \ M.SAVE control
for programming instructions.
7. MODE \ T. LOW \ 5
MODE: Operating Mode. Press the MODE control to
select the operating mode. The operating mode is
indicated on the liquid crystal display: AM, FM, USB, or
SB.
T. LOW: Tone ow. Press the FUNC button, and then
press the T. ow button to turn on the receive audio
tone control. OW will appear on the CD when the
low tone is activated. This feature will roll-off high
frequency noise (i.e. “white” noise). Under many
operating conditions this will improve the clarity and
understanding of received signals.
5: Memory Channel 5. After programming this button
is memory channel 5. See M. OAD \ M.SAVE control
for programming instructions.
8. SCAN \ SHIFT \ 3
SCAN: Frequency Scan. Scans in increments of 10
kHz. There are two ways to scan using the front panel
controls.
(1) Receive Audio On Scanning: Press the SCAN
button. Scan rate is one step every 5 seconds. To stop
scanning press the SCAN button again, or momentarily
press the PTT button on the microphone (scanning
will stop without transmitting).
(2) Receive Audio Mute Scanning: Carefully rotate the
squelch control a minimum excursion (refer to 14) until
the receive audio is off. The receiver scan rate will now
be five frequencies per second. When a signal is
detected the squelch is automatically disengaged and
the scanning is paused. The squelch circuit will
automatically re-engage and the receiver will continue
to scan the moment the received signal is no longer
detected.
To stop scanning, press the SCAN button, or
momentarily press the PTT button on the microphone
(scanning will stop without transmitting).
SHIFT: Shift Offset. Used for programming offsets to
operate repeater networks. The OPTIMA can transmit and
receive on different frequencies.
To program the offset, press the FUNC button and hold
down the SHIFT button for 3 or more seconds. Three
digits will appear on the CD. This is the offset frequency
in kHz. Rotate the FREQUENCY control until the desired
offset frequency is displayed. To return to the main display
press the FUNC button and hold down the SHIFT button for
3 or more seconds, or momentarily press the PTT button on
the microphone (the transmitter will not be engaged).
To activate the programmed offset frequency, press the
FUNC button, and then press the SHIFT button once.
+SHIFT is displayed on the CD. The radio will now
transmit on the frequency that is XXX kHz greater than the
displayed, or receive, frequency (XXX represents the
programmed offset frequency in kHz).
To transmit on the frequency that is XXX kHz lower than the
displayed, or receive, frequency press FUNC, then the
SHIFT button. Repeat this until -SHIFT is displayed on the
CD.
To disengage the programmed offset frequency, press
the FUNC button and then press the SHIFT button.
Repeat this until the SHIFT indicator is no longer displayed
on the CD.
3: Memory Channel 3. After programming this button
is memory channel 3. See M. OAD \ M.SAVE control
for programming instructions.
9. M.SAVE \ M.LOAD
M.SAVE: Memory Save. To save in memory a specific
frequency and operating mode, select the desired mode
and rotate the FREQUENCY control to the desired
frequency.
Press the FUNC button, and then press the
M.SAVE button. S will appear on the CD next to the
frequency. While S is displayed, immediately press any
of the memory channel buttons (1 - 5). The mode and
frequency is now saved into memory. If the S indicator
disappears before you press the memory channel button,
the information will not be saved and the process
must be repeated.
M.LOAD: Memory oad (Recall). To load, or recall,
any of the saved memory channels press the M. OAD
button. will appear on the CD for several seconds.
While the letter is displayed press the desired memory
channel button (1 - 5). The programmed mode and
frequency will be displayed.
9

10. CLAR \ FUNC
CLAR: Clarifier. The clarifier shifts both the TX and
RX frequency 1.0 kHz each side of the center
frequency.
This is necessary for tuning to an SSB signal.
Rotate the clarifier control clockwise or
counterclockwise to tune an SSB signal.
FUNC: Function. This control is used to operate the
six control buttons on the front panel that are printed in
orange. Press slightly and release, (do not hold)
FUNC will be displayed on the CD indicating that the
function command is activated. After you have pressed
one of the buttons the FUNC will disappear from the
screen.
2. When pushed and held for 2 seconds the additional
IF crystal filter will be engaged. This will help to reduce
noise and interference from nearby stations in most
instances. To disengage repeat the above. A small led
to the left of the frequency selector will illuminate when
the filter is active.
11.CHANNEL: Frequency. Rotate clockwise or
counterclockwise to select the desired frequency.
12. OFF / VOLUME
OFF: Turns the power to the radio on and off.
VOLUME: Adjusts the AF gain, or volume of the
received audio. Turn clockwise to increase and
counterclockwise to decrease.
14. SQ: Squelch. Used to eliminate background or
“white” noise when monitoring strong signals. Also
used to activate SCAN feature (refer to 8). To properly
adjust squelch circuit, start rotating the control slowly
clockwise until the received white noise disappears.
15. PWR: Variable RF Output Power. Rotate clockwise
to increase RF output power. Rotate counterclockwise
to decrease RF output power.
Variable RF output power allows low power for QRP
operation.
16. Pu h-To-Talk Switch: Press and hold the switch
to transmit. TX will appear on the CD screen when
transmitting.
Release the switch to receive.
17. UP / DN: Up and Down Frequency Controls. Press
the UP control to increase in frequency. Press the DN
control to decrease in frequency.
REAR PANEL
1. External Speaker Jack
An external speaker jack is located on the rear panel
of the transceiver. The OPTIMA is designed to accept
any standard 8 ohm external speaker for use with two-
way transceivers.
OTHER FEATURES
1. PROGRAMMING TONE
This tone sounds each time the CPU is being programmed.
It is helpful, in the beginning so you can be sure the
command has been entered. You may eliminate the tone by
simply pressing the PTT switch on the microphone and
turning on the ON/OFF POWER switch at the same time.
2. Memory Back Up
The memories in the OPTIMA are stored in non Volatile
RAM and will remain until user changed, despite the radio
being disconnected from the power source for long periods
of time
3. Internal Jumper to et Operating Mode
The Optima has a small jumper board inside the radio to
allow users to set the mode of operation. Currently these
modes are:
1. NZ 40 CB Channels only
2. US 40 CB Channels only
3. 10 & 12m ham Bands Only
4. Free Band
NOTE:
The Above settings may be changed to suit operating
conditions in other countries.
External Fan External Fan on heatsink allows radio to run
cooler at higher powers. It is controlled from the PTT and
runs for 60 seconds after PTT is released.
10