Operator's Manual

OM-E 2072-09689-00
1-4
1-3.2 Micom-Z Transceiver
The Micom-Z transceiver is a complete HF/SSB receiver-transmitter capable of receiving and
transmitting voice, data, and continuous-wave (CW) telegraphy using upper-sideband (USB),
lower-sideband (LSB), AME and pilot carrier modulation. High selectivity and a wide dynamic range
ensure clear, undisturbed signal reception.
The transmit power can be selected by the operator for optimum transmission performance (125 W
PEP for maximum range; 100 W, 60 W or 25 W to reduce interference to nearby stations, and
decrease power dissipation).
The transmitter includes thermal protection. If, for any reason, the transmitter internal temperature
exceeds the maximum permitted temperature, the output power is automatically reduced to avoid any
fault due to excessive heat. Antenna mismatch protection is also included: if the antenna VSWR is too
high, the transmit power will also be automatically reduced to avoid damage.
The transceiver nominal output impedance is 50 Ω, and therefore it can be directly connected to
broadband antennas (dipoles, traveling wave antennas, delta and semi-delta antennas). For mobile
service using whip antennas, an external antenna tuning unit (ATU) is necessary. Suitable ATUs are
available on order.
Micom-Z utilizes digital signal processing for implementing most of the receiver functions, e.g.,
demodulation, narrow band filtering, automatic gain control, tunable notch filter, squelch, etc. The
digital syllabic (speech identifier) squelch is activated whenever speech is identified, thus opening the
audio path. However, if speech is not received, the audio path is muted, thus preventing background
noise from disturbing the operator.
In addition, Micom-Z uses ClearCom, a voice communication denoising algorithm that uses advanced
digital signal processing to remove background noise and dramatically enhance the received voice
clarity and intelligibility. This means that you can receive clear voice even with weak signals. Since all
the processing takes place within the receiving Micom-Z, ClearCom enhances any voice transmission
irrespective of the type of far radio set.
Moreover, ClearCom operates only on voice traffic, therefore it can be used even when using ALE or
CCIR automatic link establishment protocols, and does not interfere in any way with data or vocoder
transmissions. Therefore, you should enable ClearCom whenever the reception is weak: when
communication conditions are good, ClearCom is not needed and will not make any difference.
NOTE
The ClearCom feature replaces the noise blanking feature, which is
effective only for reducing engine noises.
Micom-Z internal GPS receiver (optional) is a standard L1-band C/A SPS receiver that can provide
navigation and time-of-day data. The minimum number of satellites that must be received is four, but
the receiver can simultaneously receive and process a larger number of satellites, thereby improving
the positioning accuracy. When using the ALE or CCIR mode, the positioning data can be sent, upon
request, to other radio sets.
The optional GPS receiver is supplied with an omnidirectional GPS antenna with magnetic mount,
which can be located at up to 5 meters (15 feet) from Micom-Z.
Two dedicated connectors located on the rear panel provide a connection point for connecting data
equipment, and other user’s equipment.
The transceiver is powered from 13.8 VDC (nominal) (negative pole grounded). The transceiver can
also provide DC power to a compatible ATU, through the RF cable.