Connecting the Quadra (VA7OJ)
Quadra Interface Diagram
for Ft1000MP and Mark V
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
band switching. 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-1000MP 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 band switching 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 auto tuner has been tuned on a given frequency, the VL-1000
will memorize the tuner settings. When you tune the exciter to that
frequency range again, pressing [F SET] will set the tuner to the
closest memorized 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 auto tuner, 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:
Corrected Jan 6 2007 and should now read:
Tip to Band Data 2 Pin 10
Sleeve to Band Data 2 Pin 9
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. Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ