User guide

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of Yeticom's MK3 OPTIMA 10/12 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 10-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. The 8 pin microphone plug

is compatible with certain icom microphones and most base microphones can be easily rewired to suit the

OPTIMA. 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.

NOTICE:

The following paragraph outlines modifications incorporated into the December 2012 MK3 production. This

functionality has not altered significantly since the release of Optima ver 2.5 when the function was returned

to the clarifier knob. Significant changes have been made to the software and the PLL circuit to enhance

SSB stability in the MK3.

1. Step Function. The step function default is 5khz. The radio will default to 5khz when the radio is

powered on. On previous models the radio would only hold the step function chosen until another

function was engaged (ie press the PTT) upon which the radio would revert to 5khz step function.

From the 2012 MK2 release onwards the step function chosen by the step button 1, will remain until

either changed by the step function or the radios is powered off, when the step will revert to 5khz.

The choice of 1khz, 5khz, 10khz, and 100khz is retained.

2. Mic Gain. The mic gain circuits have been increased a further 10db for 2012 to allow for stronger

FM audio and allow greater control of user supplied microphones. In SSB the best audio with

supplied microphone will be about 50% or 12 O'clock. More may cause overmodulation and a

decrease in SSB audio quality. Compatibility with Icom Electret microphones retained.

3. Function Switch. The function switch has been returned to the Clarifier position and the software

has been updated to prevent the radio scanning when the VFO is turned rapidly.

Depress Clarifier

knob to activate

FUNCTION