Ham Radio Tutorial: CW on the Yaesu FT-991A
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- čas přidán 2. 09. 2021
- This Video is a brief, easy, tutorial on how to do Morse code, or CW, with the Yaesu FT-991A. It discusses connecting a straight key into the key Jack, connecting a paddle into the key Jack, connecting a keyer, using the WinKeyer USB that uses the K1EL keying chip.
Link to the WinKeyer USB: hamcrafters2.com/WKUSBX.html
Link to ARRL Code Practice: www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-sc...
Chapters:
00:05 Introduction
00:53 Menu settings
03:57 Function - F(MLIST) settings
07:48 Tips for practicing CW
09:49 Helpful Functions while operating
11:10 Using an External Keyer (WinKeyer USB)
12:11 Summary/End Notes - Věda a technologie
Tom, thanks for your clear and concise videos. Also thank you for speaking clearly and distinctly, You have helped me get comfortable with the FT991A my first new rig in 16 years! 73, Sid K3SX
You are very welcome
Fine trx Tom, many thanks for the clear description of the CW mode. Greetings from Italy, 73 de IK2RGV, CW forever! ✌
I prefer the CW jack on the front. Another plus for the 991A imo! Nice vid. ☘️👍
While I agree with you, I sure would like the option for front or back. 73 de Tom, ND3N
Thanks. Ideal video. New to the hobby, looking to buy a FT-991A and will be use CW.
Thanks for the vid. You explain things very well and your pace is perfect.
Hello,
Since purchasing the ft-991A, I have watched many of your videos and they have all been very helpful and useful in setting up the ft-991A.
That's why I wanted to thank you for your help in this way.
All the best for You
73 SP5MTX
Excellent Tom, the most informative and sucesent tutorial have heard for FT991A. I am so delighted with your skillful tutoring. Keep it up. God bless you.73's
Many thanks!
Target audience reached! Learning CW & have a 991a. Almost ready to add the radio & go live. Picked up some good info on this vid! Thank you for putting this up. 73 / K0ATV
Thanks for the review and glad to see another fist on the air. 73 de Tom, ND3N
I have a Yaesu FTDX1200 and don't yet do CW (working on learning Morse) and you have given me some ideas on what to check when I do get ready. Thank you for taking the time to do your videos. K1AUS
I used to teach morse code classes and once code was no longer required, I put together a 1 day seminar on the code. I looked up your rig - the process on your rig is nearly identical to the 991A - many of the same menu settings and functions, but different menu numbers - the owner's manual does a really good job of describing your options and how to set them (starting on page 77)... Unlike the 991A, you have both front and back Key/Paddle inputs.
The best way to learn the code is to use the code - set aside some regularly scheduled time and pound brass. You'll be surprised at how fast it will come to you.
@@ND3N Thanks. I can "recite" the code along with the alphabet but haven't learned to "hear" Morse which is my next goal. As I have a tremor in my hands, using a straight key could be interesting. Paddles would probably be doable.
Thank you Tom for your advice. I will adjust things as you say and keep at it. I also was prescribed Volterol, I use it on hips and knees etc. But didn't think of using it on my hands, so thanks for the tip. Appreciate your help, I must get myself organised with the paddle keyer it will certainly make for easier sending if I can get my mind and muscle memory down to it.
keith GW0CMI
Thank you Sir for your excellent videos
You are most welcome
Tom, I would love to see you do a video on operating the 991 in CW mode in poor conditions. Topics that could be include: how to pull out a signal during lots of QRN, switches and settings to be used. Also, best methods to enhance a signal when QRM is near by. Thanks! Bret C / AC0AE
Bret - what a great idea - I've done something similar, but I can certainly focus on what you suggested. Expect it next weekend and I will be sure to credit you for the idea. 73 de Tom, ND3N
@@ND3N Tom, what is the title of this particular video? Being new to the rig I am sure your tutorial will make this easy! K3SX
Thanks for the video!
You're very welcome
Thanks, just ordered a 991a while it was on sale to possibly replace my TenTec Eagle as my picnic table portable rig (it won’t replace my KX2 for Summits).
I’m about 99% CW, so this is a pretty important mode for me. The TR switch didn’t seem too noisy in your demo. I’m used to my silent pin diode Elecraft rigs which has spoiled me.
W1ND
I can’t say that I’ve ever noticed the T/R switch noise. But I’m just above the threshold of deafness…. Hi hi. You can also pre program 5 CW messages. I’ve got a video out on how to do that…. 73 de Tom, ND3N
An addendum to my previous. During operations today, I turned the sound down and put my ear right next to the rig. There is a very low volume T/R switch click, but if I had the sound up at all I wouldn't have heard it. Not objectionable at all (IMO)... 73 de Tom
Totally agree on the key jack. They should certainly put one on the back!
One of the only design disagreements I have with Yaesu about this video. I've been told that there is a way, using the data jack, to run your keyer to the back, but it involves a lot of work... hi hi... 73 de Tom, ND3N
Thank you great content
Being able to pre program a set of CW messages makes a few things easier. Btw, something I found out after I recorded the video is that you can use your fist to record at a slow speed, and play it back at any speed you want. Record at 8 playback at 35. 73 de Tom
I have a Vibroplex blue racer. All new to me. Please tell. Me how I physically hook it up to the 991. Thanks your the best. 👍
Very good thanks
Hi Tom do you know when try to send CW whit MRP40 in the yaesu 991 the no sends the radio is not in mode transmission
what menu setup I have to change thank you
Hi Tom very interesting video. I own the ft 991 with the winkeyer usb. winkeyer connected to the key jack in front with the 2 ends red and white red to PTT and white to key 1 which works ok with my CW software. now when i try to connect my bencher paddle in the Winkeyer paddle jack it just keep sending characters . do you experience something like that in your radio or maybe is just a setup in the radio menu? Thanks Tom KP2BH/Jimmy
Check your function menu - the break-in should be on and the keyer should be off
@@ND3N break-in is on and keyer off and still the same.
Hi Tom.
you seem to know a fair bit when it comes to the ft991a,Do you know anything about the MRP40 morse decoder software and what settings need to be set in the ft991a menu,my 991a works fine with wsjtx and grid tracker but i cannot seem to get my radio to tx in MRP40,i cannot find anything on you tube could you please take a look and maybe make a short video to help others to.🙂
I’ll have to do some research, but I expect it is doable. 73
I agree with you on the CW jacks!!!! When I bought my Yaesu FT991-A and I read the manual. On page 17 of the Operating Manual it states clearly there are two jacks, "one on the front and one on the rear panel". I reached out to Yaesu May 14, 2020 with this information because I wanted a CW jack on the rear! I do not like the front jack, the cords get in the way of radio functions and display. Here is the response I got back from Yaesu on May 14,2020, "Hello Tommy.
Unfortunately, the reference to the radio having a rear jack for a CW key is a misprint.
As shown on the diagram of the connections on the rear of the radio, there is no jack for a key.
There is also no reference to a rear CW jack in the description of the functions of the rear connections.
I have passed your comments on to management so we can correct the misprint in the manual as you suggested in an earlier email.
Again, thank you for bringing this to our attention."
Thanks for this info and being proactive with Yaesu. It would have nice if instead of correcting a misprint, they added a Jack to the back. 73 de Tom, ND3N
@@ND3N I agree. I would like all cords to be on back side. My radio sits at eye level above my laptop, have to move cords to see laptop.
A possible quick-fix would be to get a right angle plug, then you could route the cable to the side and drop it down and finish the run under the radio. You've inspired me to give that a try, so will order something off amazon tonight. 73
@@ND3N I have thought about running a short jumper to rear with a jack to plug into. Just wish the jack had been anywhere except on the front next to a similar audio jack, poor design for end user like me.
Repair shop will install the plug wherever you want it.
Great video, thanks. This wasn't covered, but I dont understand which keyer setting to select. menu 12: KEYER TYPE. Elekey -A, Y, or ACS. The manual makes no sense to me. I have an iambic paddle.
They are talking about how the internal keyer operates. There are a number of different types of keyers and each has their own "signature". All of them will work with your paddle. I'd advise that you play with the settings and find the one that sounds the best to you - truly a case of "your mileage may vary." To tell the truth, I have a hard time distinguishing between them.
@@ND3N thanks, I'll have a play. 73.
@@ND3Nis it possible to use the ft991 is a simulation mode, where nothing is really send out? I tried reducing rf power to 0, but 5W is the lowest. 73, PD0HRX
Would like your advice a number of yeas ago I used to do a fair amount of CW using a straight key. Recently returned to Radio, though never being far away from it. I decided that as I have arthritis in the fingers I would try a paddle key. this was fine. can send my call sign, go right through the alphabet no trouble, but when trying a CW contact I just loose it, it doesn't come natural to me. but using a straight key mind mind automatically just sends what's in my mind with no trouble my hand works the key automatically. I have tried many hours of practice with paddle key, but doesn't make any difference. I don't want to go back to using a straight key, because I know it will only make things worse. Can you suggest anything ? (using twin paddle in auto mode)
Hi Keith…. I also have arthritis in my hands that made me give up playing guitar about 10 years ago. First, there’s a cream that was recommended to me by an orthopedist and is available over-the-counter. He recommended it for my knees, but I found that it also helps with my hands. It’s called Voltaren and is an nsaid that absorbs through the skin. Second, make sure that your paddles are adjusted correctly. It should only take a light touch to make contact. The springs should only be set at the minimum tension to return open the contact after sending. Third, make sure you are sending from a comfortable position that doesn’t put any additional strain on your wrist, fingers, and arms. Finally, practice will not only build the muscle memory so you’ll send without thinking, but will also build up the supporting tendons and muscles in your fingers that will lessen the pain in your fingers. Hope this helps…. 73 de Tom, ND3N
I have the same problem but found the paddle difficult. I started using the paddle with my left hand and the straight key and bug with the right after reading the suggestion somewhere. I don't know why, but it worked for me.
does the FT-991A have a CW DECODER? thanks
Will this procedure work with the ameritron ATP 102 pulser
I’ve never used an amplifier so I really don’t know. Sorry
Thank you for sharing your knowlege. 73 Bret C / AC0AE
My pleasure! 73 de Tom, ND3N
Thanks 73s
You're welcome
73 de Tom, ND3N
Hi can you do a video how connect MFJ-464 to Yaesu 991A
Unfortunately, I don't have an MFJ-464 in my shack and I really don't need one - check for CW readers that you can install on your computer (many contest s/w programs and Ham Radio Deluxe have them). Do a google search to see if there's something available for free.
@@ND3N Thank According to your experience, which one is the easiest to use or the one that suits you best?
I use Ham Radio Deluxe for general chat and WriteLog for contesting - both will let you sample for 30 days for free.
It boils down to production costs. Most manufactures have done away with the rear key jack so now you only have one and you have to go into the setting every time and you have to plug in a different key. I have a Yaesu FT-2000 that has both a front and rear key jacks. Vibroplex Vibrokeyer in the front key jack and the Vibroplex Lightning bug in the rear key jack. Can instantly and seamlessly switch between the two keys effortlessly. the old FT-2000 is one the best radios I have used, great on SSB and CW but sucks big time in AM mode. Well I guess you Can't have everything! Don't be a scope head. Hi Hi. KE0SJQ
Thanks for your well thought out comment. Save a few cents and make the radio less flexible. I’d prefer to spend a few more cents…. 73 de Tom, ND3N
Whay does this radio have a CW-USB & a CW-LSB ? I that CW was just CW?
The USB and LSB refers to your the direction of your beat frequency oscillator offset. The BFO is the tone that you hear and tune to. Regardless of which (USB/LSB) you decide to use, your transmit frequency is the same. Generally, the rule of thumb is to use LSB below 10 MHz and USB above. I gotta tell you that I've never had a rig with U-CW and L-CW before and don't see a lot of reason or use for doing it this way - so my plea is that "I'm only the messenger." 73 de Tom, ND3N
@@ND3N Yes I kind of wish I would have got an Icom 7300 and not a Yaesu FT991a.
I've been mostly a Kenwood guy and my TS-890S is my primary station rig. I do like the FT-991A, but I recognize that every rig has it's kinks. I have no experience with the IC-7300, but I'm sure there are really good things and really irritating things about it. There is no perfect radio, but you should get the best radio for you. 73 de ND3N
Hi there James, get to understand the all kinds of AM audio amplifier ( class A,B,AB,C) maybe then you will understand usb and lsb.
Is there a CD decoder for us new folks
There are a few, but I can't speak for how good they are. Do a Google search for "CW Decoder" to see what's out there.
@@ND3N Pity that the 991a does not automatically decode by itself, having the screen and all
Why would you want a CW jack on the front and back? That’s nitpicking!
Actually, my complaint was that it was only on the front. Where I have a choice between front or back, I always choose the back because it keeps the wires out of the way. Nitpicking? If I didn't do it, someone else would... hihi 73 de Tom, ND3N
filters? =(
I guess I should have at least mentioned them. Thanks for the catch... 73 de Tom, ND3N
Thanks for your video.i just purchased a FT991A, and could get me paddle to transmit using the Meyer, I could hear what I was sending quetly over the speaker! But no transmit, BK-IN was set to off! Switched it to on transmitted straight away, thanks for help. If you have any further comments you think would help in addition to the video please let me know thanks again GW0CMI
I disagree. I think decoders help you identify and copy by ear down the road.
Hi Tom. Really enjoyed this video! I've had a 991a for a long time and didn't realise some of the CW features were there! 73
de M0VFX / EI8IYB
Cool, thanks!
Hi.. very nice and clear instructions and very good and true tip on using a code reader.. 73s. Kd6okf.
Thanks - after a few years of pounding brass, I've picked up a few things... 73 de Tom, ND3N