Vertex Standard FT-950 User manual

FT-950

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

About This Manual . . .

The FT-950 is a leading-edge transceiver with a number of new and exciting features,

some of which may be unfamiliar to you. In order to gain the most enjoyment and

operating efficiency from your FT-950, we recommend that you read this manual in its

entirety, and keep it handy for reference as you explore the many capabilities of your

new transceiver.

Before using your FT-950, be sure to read and follow the instructions in the “Before You

Begin” section of this manual.

General Description

Congratulations on the purchase of your Yaesu amateur transceiver! Whether this is

your first rig, or if Yaesu equipment is already the backbone of your station, rest

assured that your transceiver will provide many hours of operating pleasure for years

to come.

The FT-950 is an elite-class HF transceiver providing exceptional performance both on

transmit and receive. The FT-950 is designed for the most competitive operating

situations, whether you primarily operate in contest, DX, or digital-mode

environments.

Built on the foundation of the popular FTdx9000 transceiver, and carrying the proud

tradition of the FT-1000 series, the FT-950 provides up to 100 Watts of power output on

SSB, CW, and FM (25 Watts AM carrier). Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is utilized

throughout the design, providing leading-edge performance on both transmit and

receive.

Available as an option for the FT-950 is the Data Management Unit (DMU-2000),

which provides extensive display capabilities via a user-supplied computer monitor.

Included are Band Scope, Audio Scope, X-Y Oscilloscope, World Clock, Rotator Control,

and extensive transceiver status displays, in addition to station logging capability.

For exceptional protection from strong nearby incoming signals, the optional RF

µTuning Kits may be connected via the rear panel, providing extraordinarily sharp

selectivity to protect your receiver from close-in interference on a crowded band.

FT-950

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

You may select, in the front end, one of two RF preamplifiers, or IPO (Intercept Point

Optimization) utilizing direct feed to the first mixer, and/or three levels of RF

attenuation in 6-dB steps.

The FT-950 receiver utilizes DSP filtering, incorporating many of the features of the

FTDX9000, such as Variable Bandwidth, IF Shift, and Passband Contour tuning.

Digital Noise Reduction and Digital Auto-Notch Filtering are also provided, along with

a manually-tuned IF Notch filter.

On the transmit side, the Yaesu-exclusive Three-Band Parametric Microphone

Equalizer allows precise and flexible adjustment of the wave-form created by your

voice and microphone. The Amplitude, Center Frequency, and Bandwidth of

equalization may be adjusted independently for the low-frequency, mid-range, and

high-audio-frequency spectra, and the transmitted bandwidth may also be adjusted, as

well.

Advanced features include Direct Keyboard Frequency Entry and Band Change,

Speech Processor, IF Monitor for Voice modes, CW Pitch control, CW Spot switch, Full

CW QSK, adjustable IF Noise Blanker, and all-mode Squelch. Two TX/RX antenna

ports are provided on the rear panel. Two key jacks are provided (one each on the front

and rear panels), and they may be configured independently for paddle input or

connection to a straight key or computer-driven keying interface. The CW Message

Memory is provided.

Frequency setup is extraordinarily simple on the FT-950. Besides direct frequency

entry for both the VFO-A and VFO-B, separate keys are provided for band selection,

and each band key accesses three independent VFO frequency/mode/filter settings per

band, so you can establish separate VFO settings for three different parts of each band.

In addition, 99 memories are provided, each of which stores its own mode and IF filter

selection, in addition to frequency, Clarifier offset, and scan-skip status. What’s more,

five quick-recall (“QMB”) memories can instantly store operational settings at the push

of a button.

The built-in automatic antenna tuner includes 100 memories of its own, automatically

storing antenna matching settings for quick automatic recall later.

FT-950

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

Interfacing for digital modes is extremely simple with the FT-950, thanks to dedicated

RTTY/PKT connection jack on the rear panel. Optimization of the filter passbands,

DSP settings, carrier insertion point, and display offset are all possible via the Menu

programming system.

The Yaesu CAT system provides a direct link to the transceiver CPU for computer

control and customization of tuning, scanning, and other operating functions. The

FT-950 includes a built-in data level converter for direction connection to a personal

computer serial port. Yaesu products are supported by most all of the leading contest

and DX logging programs, and the extensive programming protocol is included in this

manual, if you wish to write your own software!

Advanced technology is only part of the FT-950 story. Vertex Standard stands behind

our products with a worldwide network of dealers and service centers. We greatly

appreciate your investment in the FT-950, and we look forward to helping you get the

most out of your new transceiver. Please feel free to contact your nearest dealer, or one

of Vertex Standard’s national headquarters offices, for technical advice, interfacing

assistance, or accessory recommendation. And watch Vertex Standard U.S.A.’s Home

Page for late-breaking information about Vertex, Standard Horizon, and Yaesu

products: http://www.vertexstandard.com.

Please read this manual thoroughly, so as to gain maximum understanding of the full

capability of the FT-950, and we thank you again for your purchase!

Table of Contents

General Description 1

Accessories & Options 4

Supplied Accessories 4

Available Options 4

Before You Begin 5

Connecting AC Power 5

AC Input Voltage Selection 5

Extending the Front Feet 6

Adjusting the Main Tuning Dial Torque 6

Resetting the Microprocessor 7

FT-950

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

Resetting Memories (Only) 7

Menu Resetting 7

Full Reset 7

Installation and Interconnections 8

Antenna Considerations 8

About Coaxial Cable 8

Grounding 9

Connection of Antenna and Power Cables 10

Connection of Microphone and Headphone 11

Key, Keyer, and Computer-Driven Keying Interconnections 12

VL-1000 Linear Amplifier Interconnections 13

Interfacing to Other Linear Amplifiers 14

Plug/Connector Pinout Diagrams 15

Front Panel Controls & Switches 16

Display Indications 28

Rear Panel 32

Basic Operation: Receiving on Amateur Bands 35

Operation on 60-Meter (5 MHz) Band (U.S. version only) 38

CLAR (Clarifier) Operation on Main (VFO-A) 39

LOCK 40

DIM 40

Convenience Features 42

Dual Receive 42

Using Headphones for Dual Receive 43

Sideband Diversity Reception 43

Bandwidth Diversity Reception 44

Polarity Diversity 44

P.BACK (Audio Playback) from Main (VFO-A) Receiver 45

P.BACK feature from the optional FH-2 Remote Control Keypad 45

“MY Bands” Operation 46

Band Stack Operation 47

C.S (Custom Switch) 47

Rotator Control Functions 48

More Frequency Navigation Techniques 49

Keyboard Frequency Entry 49

Using the [SUB VFO-B] knob 49

FT-950

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

Using the UP/DOWN switches of the supplied MH-31B8 Hand Microphone 49

Receiver Operation (Front End Block Diagram) 50

IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) 51

ATT 51

RF Gain (SSB/CW/AM Modes) 52

Advanced Interference-Suppression Features: RF Front End 53

Using the VRF (Variable RF Front-end Filter) 53

Interference Rejection (Signals Off Frequency by Just a Few kHz) 54

R.FLT (Roofing Filters) 54

Interference Rejection (Signals within 3 kHz) 55

CONTOUR Control Operation 55

IF SHIFT Operation (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT/AM Modes) 56

WIDTH (IF DSP Bandwidth) Tuning (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT Modes) 57

Using IF Shift and Width Together57

IF Notch Filter Operation (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT/AM Modes) 58

Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) Operation 59

Digital Notch Filter (DNF) Operation 59

NARROW (NAR) One-Touch IF Filter Selection 60

IF Noise Blanker (NB) Operation 61

Tools for Comfortable and Effective Reception 62

AGC (Automatic Gain Control) 62

SLOPED AGC Operation 63

Mute Feature (Main (VFO-A) Band) 63

SSB/AM Mode Transmission 64

Using the Automatic Antenna Tuner 66

ATU Operation 66

About ATU Operation 67

Lithium Battery Replacement 68

Enhancing Transmit Signal Quality 69

Using the Speech Processor (SSB/AM Mode) 69

Adjusting the SSB Transmitted Bandwidth (SSB Mode) 70

Parametric Microphone Equalizer (SSB/AM mode) 71

Transmitter Convenience Features72

Voice Memory (SSB/AM/FM modes) 72

Voice Memory Operation from the optional FH-2 Remote Control Keypad 73

VOX (Automatic TX/RX Switching using Voice Control: SSB/AM/FM Modes) 74

FT-950

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

MONITOR (SSB/AM/FM modes) 74

Split Operation Using the TX Clarifier (VFO-A Operation) 75

Split-Frequency Operation 76

VFO Tracking Feature 76

Quick Split Operation 77

CW Mode Operation 78

Setup for Straight Key (and Straight Key emulation) Operation 78

Using the Built-in Electronic Keyer 79

Full Break-in (QSK) Operation 79

Setting the Keyer Weight (Dot/Space:Dash) Ratio 80

Selecting the Keyer Operating Mode 80

CW Convenience Features 81

CW Spotting (Zero-Beating) 81

Using CW Reverse 82

CW Delay Time Setting 83

CW Pitch Adjustment 83

Contest Memory Keyer 84

Message Memory84

Transmitting in the Beacon Mode 85

TEXT Memory 86

Contest Number Programming 87

Decrementing the Contest Number 87

Contest Memory Keyer (Using the optional FH-2 Remote Control Keypad) 88

Message Memory88

TEXT Memory 90

FM Mode Operation 92

Basic Operation 92

Repeater Operation 93

Memory Operation 94

Convenient Memory functions 94

QMB (Quick Memory Bank) 95

Standard Memory Operation 96

Memory Storage 96

Memory Channel Recall 96

Checking a Memory Channel’s Status 97

Erasing Memory Channel Data 97

FT-950

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

Moving Memory Data to the Main Band (VFO-A) 98

Memory Tune Operation 98

Memory Groups 99

Memory Group Assignment 99

Choosing the Desired Memory Group 99

Operation on Alaska Emergency Frequency: 5167.5 kHz (U.S. Version Only) 100

VFO and Memory Scanning 102

VFO Scanning 102

Memory Scan 103

PMS 104

Packet Operation 105

Packet Setup (Including Subcarrier Frequency) 105

Basic Setup 105

RTTY (Radio Teletype) Operation 106

Setting Up for RTTY Operation 106

Basic Setup 106

Miscellaneous AFSK-Based Data Modes 107

Menu Mode 108

Using the Menu 108

Menu Mode Reset 108

AGC Group 112

DISPLAY Group 112

DVS Group 113

KEYER SETUP Group 114

GENERAL Group 115

S IF SFT Group 116

MODE-AM Group 117

MODE-CW Group 117

MODE-DAT Group 119

MODE-FM Group 119

MODE-RTY Group 120

MODE-SSB Group 120

RX AUDIO Group 121

RX DSP Group 121

SCOPE Group 123

TUNING Group 124

FT-950

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

TX AUDIO Group 124

TX GNRL Group 125

Specifications 126

Accessories & Options

Supplied Accessories

Hand Microphone 1 pc MH-31B8

DC Power Cord 1 pc T9025225

Separe Fuse (25A) 1 pc Q0000074

4-pin DIN Plug 1 pc P0091004

5-pin DIN Plug 1 pc P0091006

1/4-inch 3-contact Plug 1 pcs P0090008

3.5 mm 3-contact Plug 1 pcs P0091046

3.5 mm 2-contact Plug 1 pcs P0090034

RCA Plug 2 pcs P0091365

Operating Manual 1 pc

Warranty Card 1 pc

Available Options

MD-200A8X Ultra-High-Fidelity Desk-Top Microphone

MD-100A8X Desk-Top Microphone

YH-77STA Lightweight Stereo Headphone

SP-2000 External Speaker with Audio Filter

VL-1000/VP-1000 Linear Amplifier/AC Power Supply

DMU-2000 Data Management Unit

RF µTuning Kit A For 160 m Band

RF µTuning Kit B For 80/40 m Bands

RF µTuning Kit C For 30/20 m Bands

FH-2 Remote Control Keypad

DVS-6 Digital Voice Memory Unit

Before You Begin

FT-950

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

Power Connection

The DC power connector for the FT-950 must only be connected to a DC source

providing 13.8 Volts DC (±10 %), and capable of at least 22 Amperes of current. Always

observe proper polarity when making DC connection:

The RED DC power lead connects to the Positive (+) DC terminal: and

The BLACK DC power lead connects to the Negative (–) DC terminal.

We recommend the use of the FP-1030A AC Power Supply. Other models of power

supplies may be used with the FT-950, but the 13.8 VDC input voltage, 22-Ampere

current capability, and DC cable polarity guidelines described above must be strictly

followed.

Note that other manufacturers may use the same type of DC power connections as does

your FT-950 transceiver, but the wiring configuration of the other manufacturer’s plug

may be different from the specified for your transceiver. Serious damage can be caused

if improper DC connections are made; consult with a qualified service technician when

in doubt.

Caution: Permanent damage can result improper supply voltage, or reverse-polarity

voltage, is applied to the FT-950. The Limited Warranty on this transceiver does not

cover damage caused by application of AC voltage, reverse polarity DC, or DC voltage

outside the specified range of 13.8 V ±10 %.

When replacing fuses, be certain to use a fuse of the proper rating. The FT-950 requires

a 25 A blade fuse.

Extending the Front Feet

In order to elevate the front panel for easy viewing, the front left and right feet of the

bottom case may be extended.

 Pull the front legs outward from the bottom panel.

 Rotate the legs counter-clockwise to lock them in the extended position. Be sure the

legs have locked securely in place, because the transceiver is quite heavy and an

unlocked leg could result in damage, should the transceiver move suddenly.

Retracting the Front Feet

 Rotate the legs clockwise, and push them inward while rotating to the right.

 The front feel should now be locked in the retracted position.

Adjusting the Main Tuning Dial Torque

FT-950

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

The torque (drag) of the Main Tuning Dial knob may be adjusted according to your

preferences. Simply hold down the rear skirt of the knob, and while holding it in place

rotate the knob itself to the right to reduce the drag or to the left to increase the drag.

Available adjustment range is 120°.

Resetting the Microprocessor

Resetting Memories (Only)

Use this procedure to reset (clear out) the Memory channels previously stored, without

affecting any configuration changes you may have made to the Menu settings.

1. Press the front panel’s [POWER] switch to turn the transceiver off.

2. Press and hold in the [A>M] button; while holding it in, press and hold in the front

panel’s [POWER] switch to turn the transceiver on. Once the transceiver comes on,

you may release the [A>M] button.

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’s [POWER] switch to turn the transceiver off.

2. Press and hold in the [MENU] button; while holding it in, press and hold in the

front panel’s [POWER] switch to turn the transceiver on. Once the transceiver

comes on, you may release the [MENU] button.

Full Reset

Use this procedure to restore all Menu, Memory settings, and Tuner Memory settings

to their original factory defaults. All Memories will be cleared out by this procedure.

1. Press the front panel’s [POWER] switch to turn the transceiver off.

2. Press and hold in the [FAST] and [LOCK] buttons; while holding them in, press

and hold in the front panel’s [POWER] switch to turn the transceiver on. Once the

transceiver comes on, you may release the other two switches.

Important Note: When the optional µTuning Kit is connected to the FT-950, disconnect

the all cables from the µTuning Kit then perform the Full Reset.

Installation and Interconnections

Antenna Considerations

The FT-950 is designed for use with any antenna system providing a 50 Ohm resistive

Table of contents

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