MICOM-3F/3T/3R

HF-SSB Transceivers

Owner’s Guide
Part I - Operation & Installation
6886867J01A
 MICOM-3F/3T/3R
HF-SSB Transceivers

© Motorola Inc., 2005

Motorola Inc. Owner’s Guide
Land Mobile Products Sector
1301 E. Algonquin Road
Part I – Operation & Installation
Schaumburg, IL 60196 Cat. No. 6886867J01A
 Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Page
Introduction .....................................................................................................................1
MICOM-3 HF-SSB Radio Features......................................................................2
MICOM-3 Options and Accessories....................................................................3
Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios ..............................................................................4
MICOM-3F Front Panel......................................................................................4
MICOM-3T Front Panel......................................................................................5
MICOM-3R Front Panel .....................................................................................6
Rear Panel (All Models) ......................................................................................7
LCD Display Functions .......................................................................................8
General Procedures............................................................................................10
Using the External (USB) Keyboard Option (MICOM-3F/3R only) .......................13
The Menu ..........................................................................................................14
Basic Operating Instructions .............................................................................................16
Turning the Radio On and Off............................................................................16
Transmitting and Receiving.................................................................................17
Using the Channel Mode....................................................................................18
Using the Frequency Mode ................................................................................22
Using the Scan Mode .........................................................................................30
Using the BIT Mode ...........................................................................................31
Locking the Radio...............................................................................................32
Changing the Password.......................................................................................33
Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE).........................................................................34
ALE Capabilities and Features.............................................................................34
Using ALE Functions in the Channel Mode .........................................................43
Entering the ALE Mode.......................................................................................43
Receiving and Transmitting Calls in ALE Mode....................................................45
Using the Programming Mode ..........................................................................................78
Programming the Radio Parameters ..................................................................................81
Programming Channels.......................................................................................82
Selecting Radio Parameters.................................................................................84
Setting Radio Options.........................................................................................86
ALE Programming .............................................................................................................87
Programming Nets..............................................................................................88
Setting the Net Options ......................................................................................90
Directory Parameters..........................................................................................90
AMD Message Configuration ..............................................................................91
ALE Options Configuration .................................................................................91
Auto Dial Parameters..........................................................................................93

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Storing ALE parameters.......................................................................................93

Using the New Station Address Filter ..................................................................94
Using the VP-116 Mini Voice Privacy Unit........................................................................95
Introduction .......................................................................................................95
Specific Parameters for Privacy Operation ..........................................................95
Connecting/Disconnecting the VP-116 Unit........................................................95
Using the VP-116 Unit .......................................................................................96
Programming the VP-116 Unit from the MICOM-3 ............................................97
Using the Vocoder............................................................................................................100
Introduction .......................................................................................................100
Using the Vocoder..............................................................................................100
Programming the Vocoder..................................................................................102
Using the MICOM-3 GPS Receiver ...................................................................................104
Introduction .......................................................................................................104
GPS Receiver Functions......................................................................................104
GPS Antenna......................................................................................................105
Operating the GPS Receiver ...............................................................................106
Installation........................................................................................................................110
General ..............................................................................................................110
Base Station Installation ......................................................................................111
MICOM-3R Installation ......................................................................................112
MICOM-3F Installation.......................................................................................113
MICOM-3T Installation.......................................................................................113
Installation Procedures .......................................................................................115
Connectors.........................................................................................................120
Maintenance ....................................................................................................................124
Introduction .......................................................................................................124
Preventative Maintenance ..................................................................................124
Using BIT ...........................................................................................................125
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................127
Service ...............................................................................................................129
Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver ...........................130
Introduction .......................................................................................................130
Preparing the micomTrooper 3 for Operation.....................................................134
Operating Instructions ........................................................................................140
Preparing micomTrooper 3 for Static Operation .................................................141
Using the micomTrooper 3 Battery Charger, FLN9541 .......................................142
List of Procedures .............................................................................................................144

ii
 Acronyms

Acronyms
AGC Automatic Gain Control
ALE Automatic Link Establishment
AMD Automatic Message Display
AME Amplitude Modulation Equivalent
ARQ Automatic Repeat Request
BITE Built-In Test Equipment
CW Continuous Wave
DSP Digital Signal Processing
DTCXO Digitally Temperature Controlled Crystal Oscillator
FEC Forward Error Correction
FSK Frequency Shift Keying
GND Ground
GPS Global Positioning System
HF High Frequency
HSM High Speed Modem
LED Light Emitting Diode
LQA Link Quality Analysis
LSB Lower Side Band
LSM Low Speed Modem
MCW Modulated Continuous Wave
MRC MICOM Radio Control Application
OCXO Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator
PEP Peak Envelope Power
PLL Phase Lock Loop
PTT Push To Talk
RGC Receiver Gain Control
RSS Radio Service Software
RTTY Radio Telex Teletype
SINAD Signal to Signal Noise Distortion Ratio
SSB Single Side Band
USB Upper Side Band
VP Voice Privacy
VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
XMIT Transmit

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Performance Specifications
MICOM-3F – Model M90AMNOKV5-K
MICOM-3T – Model M91AMNOKV5-K
MICOM-3R – Model M95AMNOKV5-K
General Transmit Frequency Range 1.6 to 30 MHz
Receive Frequency Range 0.1 to 30 MHz (0.1 to 1.6 MHz reduced
performance)
RF Input Impedance 50 Ω
Number of Channels 200 simplex or half duplex, user programmable
Scanning 5 groups with up to 100 channels per group,
including 1 guard channel.
Programmable scan rate: 1 to 5 sec. per
channel, in 1 sec. steps
ALE Per FED-STD-1045B and MIL-STD-188-141B,
JITC certified
Frequency Stability 0.6 ppm (0.1 ppm optional) @ -30° to 60°C
Frequency Drift (Aging) 1 ppm/year
Synthesizer Lock Time 10 msec. max.
Frequency Resolution 10 Hz
Operating Temperature Range -30° to +60°C
Storage Temperature Range -40° to +85°C
Humidity Max. 95% @ 50°C
Remote Control Interface RS-232C (optional)
Modes of Operation • ]3E SSB
• R3E PILOT
• H3E AME
• J2A CW
• J2B RTTY, ARQ, FEC, PACKET, MCW
• B8C FAX, DATA, FSK
Operating Voltage 13. 8 VDC ±20%, negative ground
Dimensions
MICOM-3F 92 H × 302 W × 270 D mm
(3.7 H × 11.9 W × 10.7 D inch)
MICOM-3R 92 H × 302 W × 285 D mm
(3.7 H × 11.9 W × 11.3 D inch)
MICOM-3T 92 H × 302 W × 285 D mm
(3.7 H × 11.9 W × 11.3 D inch)

iv
 Performance Specifications

Weight
MICOM-3F 5.7 kg (12.5 lb)
MICOM-3R 5.9 kg (13 lb)
MICOM-3T 5.8 kg (12.8 lb)
Current Transmit
Consumption Voice (125 W P.E.P) 14 A (see Note 1 on page vii)
@ 13.8 VDC 2 Tones (125 W P.E.P) 23 A
Single Tone 28 A
Receive
Full Audio 3 A (see Note 1 on page vii)
Squelch 2.2 A (see Note 1 on page vii)
FCC Transmitter Peak Envelope Power 125 W
Information (P.E.P)
Frequency Range 1.6 to 30 MHz
Emissions Authorized J3E, R3E, H3E, J2A, J2B, B8C
Applicable Parts of FCC Rules 15, 80, 90
FCC Type Acceptance Number
Standard for Stability ABZ9QCC1635
0.1 ppm High Stability Option ABZ9QCC1634
Military and Vibration US MIL-STD 810C Method 514.2
Industrial US MIL-STD 810D 514.3
Standards US MIL-STD 810E 514.4
Shock US MIL-STD 810C Method 516.2
US MIL-STD 810D 516.3
US MIL-STD 810E 516.4
Rain US MIL-STD 810C Method 506.1
US MIL-STD 810D 506.2
US MIL-STD 810E 506.3
Dust US MIL-STD 810C Method 510.1
US MIL-STD 810D 510.2
US MIL-STD 810E 510.3
Salt Fog US MIL-STD 810C Method 509.1
US MIL-STD 810D 509.2
US MIL-STD 810E 509.3

The MICOM-3 also meets the EIA-RS152B for shock, vibration and applicable test
procedures, US FCC for channel occupancy, spurious, interference and frequency
tolerance. It is manufactured according to the demanding standards of ISO 900
and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility).

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Transmitter Output Power 125 W P.E.P and average

Reduced Power Levels 25 W, 62 W, 100 W (MRC or RSS
programmable)
Audio Bandwidth
Voice 350 to 2700 Hz at -6 dB
CW 650 to 1150 Hz
Low Speed Data 1450 to 1950 Hz
High Speed Data 350 to 3300 Hz (see Note 2 on page vii)
Audio Bandwidth Ripple 3 dB
Intermodulation • -31 dB/P.E.P
• -35 dB/P.E.P typical (see Note 1 on page vii)
Harmonic Emissions • -64 dB/P.E.P
• -70 dB/P.E.P typical (see Note 1 on page vii)
Spurious Emissions • -64 dB/P.E.P
• -70 dB/P.E.P typical (see Note 1 on page vii)
Carrier Suppression -50 dB/P.E.P
Undesired Sideband Suppression -55 dB/P.E.P
Audio Distortion 2.5%
1/2 Power Microphone Sensitivity 25 to 125mV (RMS)/600 Ω
Hum & Ripple -50 dB
Inband Noise -60 dB (30 Hz BW)
TX/RX Switching Time 10 msec
Tx Tuning Adjustments None
Receiver Sensitivity (SINAD) SSB • 0.5 µV for 10 dB SINAD
• 0.35 µV typical (see Note 1 on page vii)
• 0.1 to 1.6 MHz with reduced performance
1/2 Rated Power Sensitivity 1 µV for 2.5W audio at speaker
Selectivity -6 dB @ 350 to 2700 Hz
-60 dB @-1 kHz; +4 kHz
Image Rejection -80 dB
IF Rejection -85 dB
Undesired Sideband Rejection -55 dB @ -1 kHz
Spurious -80 dB
Intermodulation -80 dB
Crossmodulation -100 dB @ 100 kHz
Desensitization -100 dB @ 100 kHz
Reciprocal Mixing -100 dB @ 100 kHz
Audio Power at Speaker 5W @ 2.5% distortion

vi
 Performance Specifications

RGC Range 5 µV to 1V (2 dB change in output level)

RGC Time Constants
Voice Attack time 10 msec
Release time 1500 msec
Data Attack time 10 msec
Release time 10 msec
Squelch Constant SINAD (digital)
Clarifier Range ±200 Hz in 10 Hz steps (see Note 2 on page
vii)
Receiver Tuning Adjustments None
Preselector Sections Sub-octave (1.6 MHz to 30 MHz range)
Maximum Antenna Input 20 kV transient, 100V RMS for 2 minutes
Controls Standard and optional: Volume, on/off, scroll, squelch, scan, USB/LSB, call,
monitor, priority, function and accessory/programming connector

Note 1: Values noted as "Typical" are valid over 90% or more of the frequency range.
Note 2: Optional for authorized dealers only.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Warnings, Cautions and Notes

The following notations are used to place special emphasis on procedures, or to call attention to
precautionary measures.

An operating procedure, practice and so forth, which if not followed

correctly, could result in personal injury, or loss of life.
Warning

BEFORE USING THIS RADIO, READ THIS BOOKLET WHICH CONTAINS

IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE USAGE AND RF
Caution ENERGY AWARENESS AND CONTROL INFORMATION FOR
COMPLIANCE WITH RF ENERGY EXPOSURE LIMITS IN APPLICABLE
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.

Note An operating procedure, condition and so forth, to which special attention should
be paid.

General Safety Precautions

The following are general safety precautions that are not related to any specific procedures and
therefore do not appear elsewhere in this publication. These are recommended precautions that
personnel must understand and apply, in addition to the precautions listed in the Information for Safe,
Efficient Operation section (page ix).

Do not touch the antenna and the RF connectors when the transceiver
operates.
During transmission, high RF voltages appear at the RF connectors, the
Warning
antenna cables, and on the antenna itself. These voltages may cause
High
severe injury or even death on contact.
Voltage
Operating and maintenance personnel must be familiar with the
applicable safety requirements before attempting to install or operate the
transceiver. Severe injury or death could result from failure to comply
with the safety practices.

viii
 Information for Safe, Efficient Operation

Information for Safe, Efficient Operation

Product Safety and RF Exposure for Mobile Two-Way Radios

Installed in Vehicles or as Fixed Site Control Stations

BEFORE USING THIS RADIO, READ THIS BOOKLET WHICH CONTAINS

IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE USAGE AND RF
ENERGY AWARENESS AND CONTROL INFORMATION FOR
Caution COMPLIANCE WITH RF ENERGY EXPOSURE LIMITS IN APPLICABLE
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.

The information provided in this document supersedes the general safety information contained in
user guides published prior to February 2002.

Compliance with RF Energy Exposure Standards

NOTICE This radio is intended for use in occupational/controlled applications where users have
been made aware of the potentional for exposure and can exercise control over their
exposure. This radio device is NOT authorized for general population, consumer or
similar use.

Motorola, Inc. 2003

8000 W. Sunrise Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33322
Printed in USA. 7/03

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Federal Communication Commission Regulations

The FCC has established limits for safe exposure to radio frequency (RF) emissions from mobile
two-way radios. The FCC requires manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with RF exposure
limits before mobile two-way radios can be marketed in the U.S. When two-way radios are
approved for occupational/controlled environment exposure limits, the FCC requires users to be
fully aware of, and exercise control over, their exposure. Awareness and control of RF exposure
can be accomplished by education or training through appropriate means such as information
and instructions in user manuals or safety booklets, or other appropriate means. This user safety
booklet includes useful information about RF exposure and helpful instructions on how to
control your RF exposure.
Your Motorola two-way radio is designed and tested to comply with a number of national and
international standards and guidelines (listed below) regarding human exposure to radio frequency
electromagnetic energy. This radio complies with the IEEE (FCC) and ICNIRP exposure limits for
occupational/controlled RF exposure environments at usage factors of up to 50% talk-50% listen.
In terms of measuring RF energy for compliance with FCC exposure guidelines, your radio radiates
measurable RF energy only while it is transmitting (during talking), not when it is receiving
(listening) or in standby mode.
Your Motorola two-way radio complies with the following RF energy exposure standards and
guidelines:
• United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal Regulations; 47CFR part 2
sub-part J
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) / Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
(IEEE) C95.1-1992
• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95.1-1999 Edition
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998
• Ministry of Health (Canada) Safety Code 6: Limits of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency
Electromagnetic Fields in the Frequency Range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz, 1999
• Australian Communications Authority Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation –
Human Exposure) Standard, 2001
• ANATEL, Brasil Regulatory Authority, Resolution 256 (April 11, 2001). Additional Requirements
for SMR, Cellular and PCS Product Certification.

x
 Information for Safe, Efficient Operation

Compliance and Control Guidelines and Operating Instructions for

Mobile Two-Way Radios Installed in Vehicles
To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the occupational/controlled environment
exposure limits, always adhere to the following procedures:
• To transmit (talk), push the Push-To-Talk (PTT) button; to receive, release the PTT button.
Transmit only when people outside the vehicle are at least 7 feet from a properly installed,
externally-mounted antenna.
• Install mobile antennas at the center of the roof or the center of the trunk deck per specific
guidelines and instructions in the Radio Installation Manual. These mobile antenna
installation guidelines are limited to metal body vehicles.
Use only the Motorola-approved, supplied antenna or a Motorola-approved replacement
antenna. Use of non-Motorola-approved antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage
the radio and may violate FCC regulations.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Compliance and Control Guidelines and Operating Instructions for

Mobile Two-Way Radios Installed as Fixed Site Control Stations
If mobile radio equipment is installed at a fixed location and operated as a control station or as a
fixed unit, the antenna installation must comply with the following requirements in order to ensure
optimal performance and compliance with the RF energy exposure limits in the standards and
guidelines listed on page x:
• The antenna should be mounted outside the building on the roof or a tower if at all possible.
• As with all fixed site antenna installations, it is the responsibility of the licensee to manage the site
in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and may require additional compliance
actions such as site survey measurements, signage, and site access restrictions in order to ensure
that exposure limits are not exceeded.

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility
Note Nearly every electronic device is susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI)
if inadequately shielded, designed, or otherwise configured for electromagnetic
compatibility. It may be necessary to conduct compatibility testing to determine if
any electronic equipment used in or around vehicles or near fixed site antenna is
sensitive to external RF energy or if any procedures need to be followed to
eliminate or mitigate the potential for interaction between the radio transmitter
and the equipment or device.

Facilities
To avoid electromagnetic interference and/or compatibility conflicts, turn off your radio In any
facility where posted notices instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using
equipment that is sensitive to external RF energy.

Vehicles
To avoid possible interaction between the radio transmitter and any vehicle electronic control
modules, for example, ABS, engine, or transmission controls, the radio should be installed only by an
experienced installer and that the following precautions be used when installing the radio:
1. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions or other technical bulletins for recommendations on
radio installation.
2. Before installing the radio, determine the location of the electronic control modules and their
harnesses in the vehicle.
3. Route all radio wiring, including the antenna transmission line, as far away as possible from the
electronic control units and associated wiring.

xii
 Information for Safe, Efficient Operation

Driver Safety
Check the laws and regulations on the use of radios in the area where you drive. Always obey them.

When using your radio while driving, please:

• Give full attention to driving and to the road.
• Pull off the road and park before making or answering a call if driving conditions so require.

Operational Warnings
For Vehicles with an Air Bag
Do not mount or place a mobile radio in the area over an air bag
Warning deployment area. Air bags inflate with great force. If a radio is placed in
the air bag deployment area and the air bag inflates, the radio may be
propelled with great force and cause serious injury to occupants of the
vehicle.
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
Turn off your radio prior to entering any area with a potentially explosive
atmosphere. Sparks in a potentially explosive atmosphere can cause an
explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death.
The areas with potentially explosive atmospheres include fueling areas
such as below decks on boats, fuel or chemical transfer or storage
facilities, and areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as
grain, dust or metal powders. Areas with potentially explosive
atmospheres are often, but not always, posted.

Blasting Caps and Blasting Areas

To avoid possible interference with blasting operations, turn off warning
Warning your radio when you are near electrical blasting caps, in a blasting area,
or in areas posted: "Turn off two-way radio". Obey all signs and
instructions.
For radios installed in vehicles fueled by liquefied petroleum gas, refer to
the (U.S.) National Fire Protection Association standard, NFPA 58, for
storage, handling, and/or container information. For a copy of the LP-gas
standard, NFPA 58, contact the National Fire Protection Association, One
Battery Park, Quincy, MA.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Intentionally Left Blank

xiv
 Introduction

Introduction
Welcome to the MICOM-3 HF-SSB radio family! Your choice of a MICOM-3 radio means you have
selected the highest of standards in design, quality, and performance. This manual is designed to
acquaint you with the features, care, and installation of the following MICOM-3 radios to better serve
all your communication needs:

MICOM-3F
Transceiver for long range wireless voice, fax, data and
email communication, with built-in front panel, for fixed
and mobile use.

MICOM-3T
Transceiver for trunk mounting with separate control box,
saves valuable cabin space in mobile use.

MICOM-3R
Ruggedized transceiver with military handset and
connectors, for fixed and mobile use in applications
requiring the utmost dependability and reliability.

In Appendix A, you will also find information on the micomTrooper 3, the 5-to-50W backpack
transceiver version of MICOM-3 transceiver, and its Battery Charger, FLN9541.
For convenience, the manual is divided into two Parts:
• Part I – Operation and Installation (this Part) presents the information you need to familiarize
with MICOM-3 radios and operate them efficiently. It also explains how to install your radio set
and correct most of the problems that may occur during its operation.
• Part II – Manual Programming explains in detail how to program manually any radio parameter
from the MICOM-3 front panel, instead of using the dedicated MICOM-3 Radio Control
Application (MRC) or Radio Service Software (RSS). For this purpose, you will find in this Part
explanations and step-by-step instructions that expand the general radio programming of Part I.
Note In both Parts of this manual, the generic term MICOM-3 is used for information
applicable to all the transceiver versions. The complete transceiver designation is
used only for information applicable to a specific equipment version.

1
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3 HF-SSB Radio Features

• Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
• Built-in Test Equipment (BITE)
• RF power indications
• 200 channel capacity, simplex or half-duplex
• Channel scan or Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) per MIL-STD-188-141B/FED-STD-1045
• MultiNet function for seamless integration of different HF radio networks in one network
• Automatic IF shift
• Clarifier
• Voice-activated digital squelch
• Excellent transmitter and receiver performance
• High frequency stability option
• DSP software can be upgraded to incorporate future options and new technologies
• Large LCD display and optional support for multiple languages
• MIL-STD-810C, D and E compliance.

Transmitter Features
The maximum output power of the transmitter is 125 W PEP (Peak Envelope Power). The average
transmission duty cycle is up to 1:4, thus enabling even CW (Continuous Wave) signals to be
transmitted at the maximum available power. Output power can be preprogrammed to one of four
levels: 25W, 62.5W, 100W and 125W. Accurate sensors are used to keep the output power at the
selected value.
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 VSWR (Voltage
Standing Wave Ratio) rises to more than 2:1, the transmission will be inhibited to avoid damage and
a message will be displayed.

Receiver Features
The radio utilizes digital signal processing for implementing most of the receiver functions, e.g.,
demodulation, narrow band filtering, automatic gain control, noise blanking, tunable notch filter,
squelch, etc. An automatic digital noise blanker is activated whenever repetitive noise (e.g., ignition
spikes) is encountered in the received signal. 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.

Frequency Sources
Two types of frequency sources are available for the MICOM-3 radio. The standard 0.6 ppm DTCXO
frequency source which assures a frequency accuracy of better than ±18 Hz. For frequencies lower
than 10 MHz, it assures a frequency accuracy of better than ±6 Hz. When higher frequency accuracy
is required, the G112 0.1 ppm OCXO frequency source can be ordered. It will assure a frequency
accuracy of better than ±3 Hz at 30 MHz.

2
 Introduction

Power Source
The radio is designed for 13.8 V ±20% negative-ground operation and may be connected to a
standard 12 V battery.

CW Keying Operation
When the CW key is pressed, the radio transmits a continuous wave (at the full programmed power)
and stops transmission when the key is released. CW keying operation is enabled by connecting a
Morse key to the accessories connector. If you wish to operate CW keying with external headphones,
the S809 Interface cable can be used, thus enabling a standard PL55 headphone and standard PL99
Morse key to be connected to the accessories connector.

Programmable Features
The radio can be programmed using a PC running the MICOM Radio Control Application (MRC) or
the Radio Service Software (RSS). The following radio features can be programmed:
• Up to 200 simplex/half duplex channels supporting SSB (J3E), AME (H3E), or Pilot (R3E) modes.
• Up to four levels of output power (up to 125W PEP and average).
• Five scanning groups of up to 200 channels, each with guard channel.
For further details, refer to “MICOM Radio Control Application Owner’s Guide”, Publication
6886869J01, or to “MICOM-3 HF-SSB Transceiver, RSS User’s Guide”, Publication 6886867J01.

MICOM-3 Options and Accessories

• RS-232 remote control interface
• Linear power amplifier interface
• Phone patch interface
• Data/fax modem interface
• MRC or RSS for PC
• High (0.1 ppm) frequency accuracy
• micomLink
• VP-116 voice privacy unit
• HF vocoder unit
• Internal GPS receiver
• ISB operation
• Desktop microphone
• Automatic antenna tuners
• Continuous duty data transmission kit
• AC power supply
• 500 W linear power amplifier
• 1 kW linear power amplifier
• Antennas and grounding
• CW key and headphones
• External speaker.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios

MICOM-3F Front Panel

ON/OFF & Volume Control

Turns radio on and off
and controls the
speaker volume

Tx Indicator
Up/Down Keys Lights when
Used to scroll radio is MENU Key
Internal Speaker values Display Not used transmitting Displays the
main menu

ESC Key
MICOM-3
Cancels the
?
1/@ 2 CB 3 FE
A D
MENU
last action
F1 and reverts to
4
G
H 5
J
K 6
M
N P the previous
F2 I L O Esc
screen
P T Y
7SQR 8 9ZWX ALARM
F3 V
U
GPS
Not used
F4
* 0 #
ENTER Key
Saves the
selection
and/or value

Connector for Move MORE Key Function Keys Keypad

Optional cursor to Displays additional Activate different A set of keys
the left menu options when functions, as used to enter
External USB
Keyboard Û appear in the display. displayed next
to each key
alphanumeric
data
Microphone Also serves to move
Connector the cursor to the right
Connector for
microphone
with PTT and
cable to RSS

4
 Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios

MICOM-3T Front Panel

Tx Indicator
Up/Down Keys Lights when
Used to scroll radio is MENU Key
values Display Not used transmitting Displays the
main menu
ON/OFF & Volume Control
Turns radio on and off
and controls the ESC Key
speaker volume MICOM-3
Cancels the
?
1/ @ 2 CB 3 FE
A D
MENU last action
F1 and reverts to
Move 4
G
H 5
J
K 6
M
N
P the previous
F2 I L Esc
cursor to O
screen
the left F3
P
7SQR 8 VU
T Y
9ZWX ALARM
GPS
Not used
F4
* 0 # ENTER Key
Saves the
selection
and/or value

Microphone MORE Key Function Keys Keypad

Connector Displays additional Activate different A set of keys
Connector for menu options when functions, as used to enter
microphone
with PTT and
Û appear in the display. displayed next
to each key
alphanumeric
data
Also serves to move
cable to RSS
the cursor to the right

5
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3R Front Panel

ON/OFF & Volume Control MENU Key

Turns radio on and off Displays the
and controls the main menu
speaker volume
Tx Indicator ESC Key
Up/Down Keys Lights when Cancels the
Used to scroll radio is last action
Internal Speaker values Display Not used transmitting and reverts to
the previous
screen

Connector
MICOM-3 ? A D
for
1 @ 2 B 3 E MENU
USB
F1
/ C F
Optional
F2 4
G
I
H 5
J
L
K 6
M
O
N
P
Esc External USB
COM P T Y Keyboard
7SRQ 8 VU 9ZWX
ALARM
F3 GPS

F4
* 0 # Not used

AUDIO ENTER Key

Saves the
selection
and/or value
Move MORE Key Function Keys Keypad
cursor to Displays additional Activate different A set of keys
the left menu options when functions, as used to enter

Internal Speaker Û appear in the display. displayed next

to each key
alphanumeric
data
Also serves to move
ON/OFF Switch the cursor to the right

Audio Microphone
Connectors Connector
Connectors for Connector for
external speaker microphone
and handset with PTT and
cable to RSS

6
 Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios

Rear Panel (All Models)

No. Item Function

1 Antenna connector N-type female connector for connection to antenna or optional linear power
amplifier
2 Accessories 44-pin male D-type connector, used to connect the radio to external accessories
connector such as: personal computers, MRC, external modems, Morse key, etc.
3 DC connector 3-pin D-type male connector for connection of DC power source
4 Grounding screw Connection of ground to the radio case
5 GPS antenna Connection to the GPS antenna (for MICOM-3 with the optional GPS receiver)
connector

7
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

LCD Display Functions

Display Organization
MICOM-3
PWR
1 CH 6
F 16,000.00 MODE
I 6
2 NF
USB AGC
SQ BW3.3 NB
AGC CLAR BW

3 4 5 7

No. Designation Description

1 Mode indicator Indicates the current working mode
2 Work area Displays information on the current working mode and the selected operating
parameters
3 Transmit level indicator In the transmit mode, displays the relative transmitter power
4 Receive level indicator In the receive mode, displays the relative power of the received signal
5 Tx Bar Appears when the radio is transmitting
6 More options icon The presence of this icon indicates that more options can be displayed in the
options area. Press the MORE key when this icon appears to see more menu
options
7 Options display area Displays a list of options you can select in the current working mode

Other Indications
The following indications may appear in the work area of the LCD display to indicate functions that
are active when you work with MICOM-3.
Indication Meaning
USB Using upper sideband for transmission and reception
LSB Using lower sideband for transmission and reception
Squelch is active: the speaker is turned on only when the radio identifies speech, to prevent
SQ
reception noise from being heard (see Note)
When using ALE, indicates that the speaker is normally off, and is automatically turned on when
MON
the link is established (see Note)
AGC Non-standard AGC mode (AGC off, or fast AGC) has been selected
Non-standard bandwidth has been selected (the bandwidth appears next to the BW indicator for
BW
example, 3.3 (3.3 kHz) in the display shown above)
NB Noise blanker is active
Clarifier is active (meaning that you selected a frequency deviating from the nominal channel
CLAR
frequency)
NF Notch filter is active

Note For the MICOM-3R, the squelch and monitor functions also effect the handset.

8
 Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios

RF Level Indications

Indication Meaning
Strong received signal
Relative indication of received RF signal, displayed when the radio is in
the receive mode
Weak received signal
Transmit bar appears when the radio is switched to the transmit mode
Full transmit power (for example, when the PTT is pressed). Its length indicates the MICOM-
(125W) 3 maximum transmit power, 125 W.
Actual transmit power The height of the inverted triangle indicates the relative transmitter
output (forward) power. It fluctuates as a result of modulation.
Low transmit power
The relative reflected power is indicated by the base line: its length
Reflected indicates the fraction of power reflected because of antenna VSWR (the
Power length should be small relative to the total height of the indicator, which
is proportional to the forward power)

Audible Indications
The user can configure the MICOM-3 to generate audible tones to indicate events related to the
radio operating conditions. The tone volume, low or high, may also be set using the RSS, MRC or by
programming from the front panel.
Event Description
Valid key pressing Beep sounds when a key is pressed, to indicate that the key pressing has been
accepted. No beep – no action.
PTT release A beep sounds on the remote radio to indicate that the local PTT button has
been released.
ALE alerts During ALE operation, beeps alert you to events you should be aware off, e.g.,
link establishment/disconnection etc.

9
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

General Procedures
This section provides general procedures that will help you start using your MICOM-3 radio and get
the most of its advanced features.
Most of the activities that can be performed by you (selection of operating mode, status display,
programming, testing, etc.) are done using the keypad together with the four navigation keys (up, down,
left and right) and the front panel display.
To simplify operation, MICOM-3 uses soft keys that let you control the radio simply and efficiently,
using a menu-driven mode that guides you and helps you make the required selections.
“Menu-driven” simply means that whenever you must select a parameter, an operating mode, etc.,
you select it from a list of allowed values displayed on the front panel display, thereby reducing the
chance of error:
• To make the selection, you use navigation keys to reach the desired parameter value or
operation, and then confirm the selection by pressing the ENTER key.
• To let you go back to previous options, there is an ESC key.

Using the Keypad

Each key is imprinted with a numeral and several letters. These
? A D
characters are accessed in clockwise order, as follows: 1/ @ 2 CB 3 FE MENU

• A single key press enters the numeral

G J M P
• Two consecutive key presses enter the first letter 4 IH 5 LK 6ON Esc

• Three consecutive key presses enter the second letter P T Y ALARM

7SRQ 8 VU 9ZWX GPS
• Four consecutive key presses enter the third letter.
• Five consecutive key presses enter the fourth letter. #
* 0
• To enter a blank space, press 0 twice.
When entering frequencies, use the * key as a decimal point, if needed. In the ALE mode, the *
key is also used to enter the wild-card character (? or @).

Note To enter the ampersand @ symbol, press the # key twice. Do not use the ?
1/ @

key.

Example: to enter “MIKE 01”:

Press 6ON
M
twice (for the letter M).
Press 4 IH
G
four times (for the letter I).
Press 5 LK
J
three times (for the letter K).
Press 3 FE
D
three times (for the letter E).
Press 0 twice (for the blank space).
Press 0 once (for the numeral 0).
Press 1
?
/
@
once (for the numeral 1).

10
 Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios

Function Keys
The function keys F1, F2, F3 and F4 appearing next to the display
are soft keys used to select options which depend on the current
radio mode. The current function of each key is shown in the MICOM-3

PROG RAD F1

options area of the display, next to the key. For example, on the ALE F2

PROG screen you can press F2 to start programming the ALE LANG F3

parameters. F4

If a certain function key is not used, no label appears next to the

key (see for example F4), and pressing that key has no effect.

Scroll (MORE) Key

The MORE key is used to scroll the options appearing in the options area of the display.

Up/Down Scroll Keys

The up and down scroll keys are used to scroll between values that are
already programmed into the radio. For example:
• In the Channel mode, pressing the up or down scroll key once lets Up
you view the previous, respectively next, programmed channel.
Pressing either key continuously scrolls the channels in the selected
direction. More

• In the Frequency mode, you can change the frequency in the

corresponding direction. Down
• In the radio Programming mode, you can use these keys to scroll
among the programmable parameters.

Selection from List of Predetermined Values

When the parameter you want to select can assume only one of several
predetermined values, you select the desired value by pressing the MICOM-3

function keys: PROG 1

ADT - 9 SEC <--
• F1 enters the lowest possible value (or OFF) -->
• F4 enters the highest possible value 10

• F2 and F3 increment or decrement the value. When you reach either

end, the corresponding key disappears
You cannot use the keypad to enter a value for such parameters.

Toggle Mode
When the function being set can only be toggled on or off, one function
key will be marked YES and another NO. MICOM-3

PROG YES

To expedite turning on and off often-used functions (for example, turn the ALE - NO NO

squelch on or off) only one key is used. In this case, just press the key
assigned to the function to be toggled: the new state is shown for a few
seconds, and then disappears as it takes effect immediately.

11
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Alphanumeric Edit Mode

When you need to enter an alphanumeric string in a field, or edit a string, you type the desired
alphanumeric character on the keypad. A blinking cursor _ indicates the location being edited.
In addition, the following function keys are available:
SAVE (F1) Saves editing changes (equivalent to pressing the ENTER key).
<−− (F2) Used to move the cursor backwards and forwards. When you reach either end,
−−> (F3) the corresponding key disappears.

CLR (F4) Pressing this key momentarily erases the digit/letter at which the cursor is
presently located, and shifts the entire field one place to the left.
Press this key continuously clears the entire field.

Numeric Edit Mode

When you need to enter a number in a field, or edit the number, you type the desired digits on the
keypad. A blinking cursor _ indicates the location being edited.
In addition, the following function keys are available:
BACK (F3) Erases the last digit.
CLR (F4) Erases all newly entered digits and restores the original value.

View Mode
When the string to be displayed is longer than the number of characters that fit in one line (for
instance, with long addresses or messages), the view mode enables scrolling to the rest of the string.
MICOM-3

AMD 0 EDIT
The view mode is indicated by the symbol <-> next to one of the 01 AMD MESS ERAS

function keys.
<->

When you press <->, the key functions change:

HOME (F1) Scrolls to display the first character of the string. MICOM-3

AMD 0 HOME

<−− (F2) Scroll one character to the left or right, respectively. If 1 AMD MESSA <--
-->
−−> (F3) you press either key continuously, the scrolling continues
END
at a rate of four characters per second.
END (F4) Scrolls to display the last character of the string.
When you reach the beginning of the string, the HOME (F1) and <−− (F2) function keys disappear,
whereas when you reach the end of the string, the −−> (F3) and END (F4) function keys disappear.

Message Attached Alert

When a message is attached to the received call (an option available for MICOM-3

FROM
ALE calls, even if you are using the Channel mode), an exclamation sign ! !ABC
appears to the left of the originating station name.
You can view the message contents after you accept the call.

12
 Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios

Using the External (USB) Keyboard Option

(MICOM-3F/3R only)
MICOM-3F and MICOM-3R have a USB connector (see pages 4 and 6) for connecting the optional
external keyboard with USB connector.

Note When you plug in the keyboard while the radio operates, the LCD displays for a
short time DEVICE RM followed by USB KEYBOARD DETECTS. After these
messages, you can start using the keyboard.

While the USB keyboard is connected, you can use it to control the functions normally performed
with the keys on MICOM-3 front panel.
Moreover, MICOM-3 accepts entries from both the USB keyboard and its panel: just do not use them
at the same instant.
The following table explains the keyboard functions.

Keyboard Key MICOM Panel Key Function

P Cancels the last action and reverts to the previous screen.

ESC Esc
Pressing ESC for a few seconds initiates AllCall

F1, F2, F3, F4 F1 F2 F3 F4 Action in accordance with current screen

F5 to F12 – No function

ENTER key Confirm action, save the selection and/or value

SHIFT and ↑, or ↓ – Changing the display contrast

SHIFT @, #, or * – Use in AllCall, AnyCall or wildcard modes

↑, ↓ Use to scroll values

←, → Display previous/next menu option

Space bar Creates a space

Backspace – Moves the cursor to the left. To delete the character, press F4

WIN key MENU Display the main menu

Number keys 0 to 9 Used to enter digits in alphanumeric data

Character key A to Z Used to enter letters in alphanumeric data

To stop using the keyboard, disconnect it from the MICOM-3 USB connector (the disconnection also
results in messages that notify you the keyboard has been disconnected).

13
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

The Menu
The menu is used to select what you want your radio to do.
➤ To display the menu:
MICOM-3
1. Press MENU to display the first part of the Menu screen. MENU CHAN
You can press the MENU key at any time during any sequence FREQ
I
of operations: that sequence is then discontinued and the ALE
BIT
menu screen is immediately displayed.

Note When the ALE function is not used, the third item is
SCAN.
MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
2. Press MORE to scroll to the second part of the Menu screen. I
PSW
DIM

3. To select any item, press the function key next to it.

➤ To exit the menu and return to the previous working mode (e.g., CHAN or FREQ):
Press the ESC key. The deeper you are in the menu, the more times you need to press ESC.

Selecting the Display Language

MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
1. Display the second part of the Menu screen as explained above. I
PSW
DIM

MICOM-3

RAD
PROG
ALE
2. Press PROG (F2) to enter the Programming mode. LANG

MICOM-3

LANG ENGL
3. Press the function key next to the desired language. ENGLISH FREN
ESPA
4. Confirm the selection by pressing the ENTER key.

Notational Convention
In this manual, the following convention is used to simplify the description of the steps you need to
carry out actions using the keys and the LCD:
When a procedure begins with a sequence of steps, that sequence is represented in an
abbreviated format, with the > symbol indicating the next key to be pressed.
For instance, the following represents a sequence of steps that involves five key pressings:
MENU > MORE > PROG (F2) > RAD (F1) > CHAN (F1).

14
 Familiarization with MICOM-3 Radios

What you can Select

Use the following description with Figure 1, which shows the details of the main menu. Additional
options are available for a MICOM-3 with the GPS receiver option (see the Using the MICOM-3 GPS
Receiver section starting on page 104).

Menu item ... and its purpose

CHAN Channel mode: the radio uses a set of preset parameters. Up to 200 sets of
parameters can be defined and stored in the MICOM-3 where each set is
assigned a channel number (1 to 200). You can use Figure 2 (page 21) to find
details on the selections available on the CHAN menu.
FREQ Frequency mode: you can select manually the frequency and the other
parameters to be used. You can use Figure 3 (page 27) to find details on the
selections available on the FREQ menu.
ALE ALE mode: when you want to call other radio, the radio automatically sets up a
link on the best free frequency that can be found. The sets of parameters needed
for this operation mode are stored under net numbers (1 to 20).
SCAN SCAN mode: when ALE is not used, you can define a set of channels to be
scanned before starting a call. The scan parameters are always loaded with the
MRC together with the other operational parameters, but cannot be changed
using the MICOM-3 panel.
BIT BIT mode: lets you check that the MICOM-3 is OK.
LOCK Lock the radio to prevent unauthorized use. To lock and unlock, you enter a
password.
PROG Programming mode: lets you program (select and store) the required parameters.
You can use Figure 6 (page 79) and Figure 7 (page 80) to find details on the
selections available on the PROG menu.
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
I
ALE
BIT

More

CHAN FREQ BIT LOCK PROG PSW DIM

1 SMPX FULL
2 DPLX CHAN LOCK PSW LEVEL
PSW RAD OLD 0123
3 RXO L.RF
4 TXO

ALE = YES ALE = NO ALE

ALE SCAN
LANG ENGLISH
STOP FRENCH
NET ENTER SLOW ESPA
NO FAST
VCD Option
GRP A
B
C VP Option
D

Figure 1. Main Menu

15
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Basic Operating Instructions

This chapter provides basic operating instructions for the MICOM-3: it covers issues such as turning
the radio on and off, receiving and transmitting, selecting a channel or a frequency, etc..

Note The information needed to use MICOM-3 in the ALE mode appears in the Using
Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) section, starting on page 34.

You can use these instructions to start using your MICOM-3 radio and become familiar with its
operation. In most cases, the radio reaches you after being configured for use in your radio net.
However, if you need to make changes, see the Programming the Radio section, starting on page 81.

Turning the Radio On and Off

➤ To turn the radio on:
Turn the ON/OFF/VOLUME knob clockwise. You may hear a click
as the radio is turned on.

MICOM-3

The display turns on and shows SELF TEST for a few seconds. SELF TEST
Note If the display is too dim, adjust its brightness using
MENU > CHAN > MORE > DIM.

If the self-test procedure is successfully completed, the radio MICOM-3

automatically resumes operation in the last used mode (CH, ALE, CH 1

F 14,000.00 BAND
SCAN, or FREQ). I
USB SQ
SQ DSP

Note If automatic dimming is enabled (DIM ALT is YES), the

display may turn off after a few seconds of inactivity. To
cancel this feature, use MENU > MORE > PROG >
RAD > PRMT > DIM to select NO for DIM ALT.

If a problem is detected during self-test, the display shows ERR and a MICOM-3

code number, followed by a concise description of the error (if the ERR01 EXIT
LOW
description does not fit in one row, its parts alternate in the display).
The error codes are listed in Table 7 on page 125.
If the detected problem does not prevent using the radio, press EXIT
(F1) to cancel the display and continue.
➤ To turn the radio off:
Turn the ON/OFF/VOLUME knob counterclockwise beyond the
detent. You may hear a click as the radio is turned off.
The display turns blank.

16
 Basic Operating Instructions

Transmitting and Receiving

Notes • When transmitting, the RF output of the radio must be connected to an
antenna installed as explained in the Installation section – page 104 (for
maintenance, you may also connect to a dummy load of suitable power
rating). Do not attempt to transmit when the antenna is not connected, or
when the antenna or any cable leading to it is physically damaged.
• If the antenna system is equipped with an automatic antenna tuner and the
tuner is enabled, the radio will automatically tune the antenna tuner. In the
Channel mode, pressing the ENTER key automatically retunes the antenna.

➤ To transmit a voice message:

Press and hold down the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button on the side of the microphone or handset,
and speak slowly and clearly after the channel is clear. The TX LED turns on and remains lit
until the PTT button is released to indicate that you are “on-the-air”. You should hear a
sidetone, which verifies that your radio transmits normally.
Tx Bar

The display changes to show the TX bar, together with

indications of forward and reflected power.
Forward
During normal speech, these indications fluctuate in Power

accordance with your voice.

Reflected
Power

➤ To receive calls:
When the radio identifies a call addressed to it, it sounds a beep
and if it is a voice message – you start hearing it in speaker, or in Strong received signal
the handset or headset connected to the radio. The display shows
the name of the calling station (blinking) and the call type. The
display now shows the RX indication, which is proportional to the Weak received signal

received signal strength.

PTT Types
The radio can receive and transmit in response to four different types of PTT signals:
• MIC PTT – PTT from the microphone or handset connected to the front panel connector;
transmits your voice.
• Voice PTT – PTT from an accessory connected to the radio set through its rear panel accessories
connector; it causes the radio to transmit the voice signal provided by the accessory device.
• Data PTT – PTT from an accessory connected to the radio set through its rear panel accessories
connector; it causes the radio to switch to the data mode and transmit the modem signal.
• CW PTT – PTT from a Morse key connected to the radio set through its rear panel accessories
connector; it causes the radio to switch to the CW (Morse) transmission mode.
Note For CW communication, the squelch should be set to OFF.
The PTT type is automatically identified according to the type of device that generated it, and the
radio operating mode is automatically adapted for best performance with the signal expected for the
detected PTT type.

17
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Filter Bandwidth
The filter bandwidth depends on the type of signal to be transmitted and received. A default filter
bandwidth can be configured for each channel (if no particular filter is set for the current channel, the
radio retains the previously used filter). When a new type of call is received or sent, the bandwidth
filter changes automatically, depending on the PTT source (voice, data or CW), and the programmed
bandwidth for the channel being used.
Bandwidth set to: Service type: Filter changes after:
2.1 K Data First data PTT
2.7 K Voice First microphone or voice PTT
3.0 K Data First data PTT
3.3 K High speed data, vocoder, First data PTT
or voice privacy device
CW Morse First CW PTT
LSM Low speed data First data PTT

Note When the filter bandwidth is set to CW, the following CW bandwidths can be
configured in the Programming mode: 0.25 K, 0.5 K or 0.8 K.

Using the Channel Mode

The Channel mode is used for choosing channels already programmed in the MICOM-3.
The following sections describe how to use the Channel mode.

Selecting the Channel Mode

In general, the MICOM-3 automatically enters the Channel mode when turned on, and starts using
the last used channel.
If not, use the Menu screen to select the Channel mode: this is the first item on the menu you see
when you press MENU.
➤ To enter the Channel mode:
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. I
ALE
BIT

MICOM-3

CH 1
2. Press CHAN (F1).
The last active channel flashes in the display.

3. Press ENTER to confirm your choice, or select another

channel as explained in the Choosing a New Channel section
starting on page 21.

18
 Basic Operating Instructions

Channel Mode Options

In the Channel mode, you can operate a variety of functions and options which can help eliminate
noise or otherwise assist reception and/or transmission. The display reflects the options selected.

Note The changing of the channel options is temporary. When you change the currently
used channel, all the current options will be lost and replaced by the values
configured for the newly selected channel.

➤ To select Channel mode options:

Refer to Figure 2 for a concise description of the options available in the Channel mode.
Additional options are available for MICOM-3 with the GPS receiver option (see the Using
the MICOM-3 GPS Receiver section starting on page 104).
MICOM-3

TXM (F1) – press to switch to the channel transmit frequency CH 1 TXM

(appears only when using a duplex or Tx only channel). After T 15,000.00 BAND
I
USB SQ
releasing, the radio returns to the receive frequency. DSP

Note For a MICOM-3 with the VP-116 option, this position displays PVT or CLR (for the
vocoder option, you may also see DGTL) respectively. Pressing F1 then toggles the
operating mode of the VP-116 or vocoder.
MICOM-3

CH 1
BAND (F2) – toggles between upper sideband (USB) and lower BAND USB BAND
I
sideband (LSB). USB SQ
SQ DSP

MICOM-3

CH 1
13A
SQUELCH ON BAND
SQ (F3) – toggles the squelch on/off. I
SQ
USB
SQ DSP

MICOM-3

CH 1 CLAR
DSP (F4) – accesses the Digital Signal Processing menu, which DSP PARAM NF
I
includes the following options: USB CLIP
SQ NB

MICOM-3

CH 1
13A
• CLAR (F1) – controls the clarifier (off/lower frequency/higher CLAR OFF <--

frequency). USB -->

SQ

MICOM-3

CH 1
13A
• NF (F2) – controls the notch filter (off/lower frequency/higher NF OFF
frequency). USB -->
SQ

19
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Note The CLAR (F1) and NF (F2) function keys are not available for TXO (transmit only)
channels.

MICOM-3

CH 1 CLAR
CLIP - OFF NF
• CLIP (F3) – toggles the clipper on/off. I
CLIP
USB
SQ NB

MICOM-3

CH 1 CLAR
NB - OFF NF
• NB (F4) – toggles the noise blanker on/off. I
CLIP
USB
SQ NB

MICOM-3

CH 1
ATTEN - ON ATTN
• ATTN (MORE, F2) – toggles the attenuator on/off. I
USB
SQ

MICOM-3

CH 1 LOW
PWR (MORE, F1) – selects the transmit power level (LOW, MED, POWER LOW MED

HIGH or MAX). USB HIGH

SQ MAX

MICOM-3

CH 1 SSB
MODE (MORE, F2) – selects the operation mode (SSB, AME or MODE SSB AME

PLT). USB PLT

SQ

MICOM-3

CH 1 PWR
AGC (MORE, F3) – controls the automatic gain control function AGC FAST MODE
I
(fast/slow/off). USB AGC
SQ BW

MICOM-3

CH 1 2.1
BW 2.7 2.7
BW (MORE, F4) – selects the filter bandwidth. I
3.0
USB
SQ 3.3

RCLV (MORE, MORE, F1) – displays the receive level when F1 is

pressed.
When ALE is active, three additional options appear:
• CALL – initiates an ALE call.
• PAGE – displays the stacked received messages.
• MON – enables/disables the speaker during ALE link establishment.
For a description of these options, refer to the Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) chapter
starting on page 34.

20
 Basic Operating Instructions

MICOM-3

CH 6
F 16,000.00 BAND VP-116 only Vocoder only
For duplex
USB I
SQ VP VCD TXM and TX only
channels
DSP PVT# PVT#
CLR DGTL
CLR

Only for ALE Enabled

More More More

BAND SQ DSP PWR MODE AGC BW RCLV GPS CALL MON

LSB ON LOW Note 1 Note 2

CLAR .. -200 . SSB SLOW 2.1 SEND ON
USB OFF .. ... MED AME FAST 2.7 PAGE OFF
.. OFF. HIGH PLT OFF 3.0
.. ... MAX 3.3 More
+200 LSM
CW MULT ALL SEND
NF
.. PAGE
.. GLOB
SEL
NET SEND
PAGE
CLIP ON
CHAN
OFF
NB ON SEND
GRP
OFF PAGE
ATTN ON CHAN
OFF SEL
ANY SEND
PAGE
CHAN
SEL
WILD SEND
PAGE
CHAN
SEL
SELF SEND
CHAN

Figure 2. Channel (CH) Menu

Notes The RCLV item appears only if the received signal level display is not
permanently enabled using MENU>PROG>RAD>PRMT>RCLV.
The GPS item appears only if your radio includes the GPS option.

Choosing a New Channel

➤ To choose a channel:
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
1. If you are not in the Channel mode, press MENU to display FREQ
I
the menu screen, and press CHAN (F1). ALE
BIT

MICOM-3

CH 1
The last used channel number is displayed, blinking.

21
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Note To access the priority channel (available in the Scan mode, that is, when ALE is
disabled, provided it has been preprogrammed by the RSS or MRC), press ESC
momentarily.

MICOM-3

CH 1
2. To use the displayed channel, press ENTER.
BACK
CLR

or
Select a channel by pressing the UP/DOWN keys until you
reach the required channel.
or
Use the keypad to enter the desired channel number.
The channel number blinks, indicating that the selection has not yet been confirmed.
MICOM-3

Note If you enter a channel that is not yet programmed, a CH 31

NOT PROG message appears. To program a new NOT PROG
channel, see Programming Channels on page 82, or use
the RSS or MRC software.

3. When the desired channel is displayed, press ENTER to confirm your choice.
Example: To choose channel 12:
Step 1 Enter Channel mode (if not in already).
Step 2 Press the digits “1” and “2” on the keypad. The 12
number 12 blinks in the LCD display. ? A D
1/ @ 2 CB 3 FE MENU

Step 3 Press ENTER to confirm your choice. 4

G
H 5
J
K 6
M
N P
I L O Esc

P T YW
7SQR 8 U
V 9Z X ALARM
GPS

* 0 #

Using the Frequency Mode

Frequency mode is used to receive and transmit on a specific frequency. You can select the
frequency type, change the frequency being used, and operate a variety of functions and options to
assist transmission and reception. You can also store the frequency in a channel of your choice.
There are four frequency types;
• SMPX (Simplex Frequency): the same frequency is used for both transmission and reception.
• DPLX (Duplex Frequency): transmits on one frequency and receives on a different frequency.
• RXO (Receiving Only Frequency): defines a frequency for reception only. You cannot transmit on
that frequency.
• TXO (Transmitting Only Frequency): defines a frequency for transmission only. You cannot
receive on that frequency.

22
 Basic Operating Instructions

The available frequency ranges are:

• Reception: 100 kHz to 30 MHz.
• Transmission: 1.6 to 30 MHz.
Notes • The Frequency mode is accessible only if the radio is not locked.
• ALE and Frequency modes are mutually exclusive.

➤ To enter the frequency mode:

MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. I
ALE
BIT

MICOM-3

SMPX SMPX
2. Press FREQ (F2). The last used frequency blinks, and the F 14,000.00 DPLX

frequency type is displayed in the top line. RXO

TXO

The letter preceding the frequency in the second line of the display indicates whether
the frequency is used for Transmission (T), Reception (R) or both transmission and
reception (F).
3. To use the displayed frequency and frequency type, press ENTER. If the Frequency type
is Duplex, press ENTER twice to accept both transmission and reception frequencies.
or
Change the frequency type and the frequency as explained below.
➤ To change the current frequency/frequencies:
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
1. If you are not in Frequency mode, press MENU to access the FREQ
I
Menu screen, and press FREQ (F2). ALE
BIT

MICOM-3

SMPX SMPX
The last used frequency blinks, and the frequency type is F 14,000.00 DPLX

displayed in the top line. USB

RXO
SQ TXO

or
MICOM-3

If you are already in the Frequency mode, press MORE until FREQ T/R
F 15,000.00 BAND
the T/R function appears next to the F1 function key, and I
SQ
USB
then press T/R (F1). AGC
DSP

23
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

DPLX SMPX
The current frequency type is displayed in the top line, F 14,000.00 DPLX

followed by the frequencies in use. USB

RXO
SQ TXO

2. If necessary, change the frequency type by pressing the relevant function key:
SMPX (F1), DPLX (F2), RXO (F3) or TXO (F4).

Note Different frequency types may have default frequency settings, which will appear
automatically when that frequency type is selected.

3. If you are using the SMPX, RXO or TXO frequency type, and you wish to use the
displayed frequency, press ENTER.
or
Enter a new frequency.
There are two ways to change the frequency.
Method A:
• Press LEFT/RIGHT to move the cursor to the digit in the frequency value that you
want to change. The blinking digit indicates the cursor location.
• Press UP/DOWN to scroll to the value of your choice.
Method B:
Type the frequency on the keypad.

The frequency digits blink, indicating that the selection has MICOM-3

SMPX
not yet been confirmed. F 12,345.67
BACK
When the desired frequency is displayed, press ENTER to USB
SQ CLR
confirm your choice.
MICOM-3

4. If you are using the DPLX frequency type, the frequency DPLX SMPX

R 15,000.00 DPLX
displayed first is the Rx frequency. If you want to use the RXO
USB
displayed frequency, press ENTER. SQ TXO

or
Enter a new frequency.

The frequency digits blink, indicating that the selection has MICOM-3

DPLX
not yet been confirmed. R 23,456.00
BACK
When the desired frequency is displayed, press ENTER to USB
SQ CLR
confirm your choice.
After confirming the Rx frequency, the Tx frequency blinks in the display.

24
 Basic Operating Instructions

MICOM-3

5. If you are using DPLX frequency type, the frequency DPLX SMPX

T 14,000.00 DPLX
displayed first is the Rx frequency. To display the transmission RXO
USB
frequency, press DPLX (F2). SQ TXO

If you want to use the displayed Tx frequency, press ENTER.

or
Enter a new frequency.
The frequency digits blink, indicating that the selection has MICOM-3

DPLX
not yet been confirmed. T 12,345.67
BACK
When the desired frequency is displayed, press ENTER to USB
SQ CLR
confirm your choice.
MICOM-3

FREQ T/R
6. Press ENTER to confirm the frequency type and the F 30,000.00 BAND
I
frequencies you have set. USB
SQ
DSP
AGC

VFO Operation
VFO (Variable Frequency Offset) is a feature available in the Simplex mode, that enables you to
operate the transceiver simultaneously on two different channels, designated A and B.
• Using the A/B function, you can “freeze” the frequency of channel A, switch to channel B and
then return to channel A again.
• Using the A=B option, you can copy the frequency of the current channel to another channel.
➤ To operate the VFO function:
1. If you are not in the Frequency mode, enter the Frequency MICOM-3

mode and verify that the frequency type is Simplex: FREQ T/R
F 15,000.00 BAND
MENU > FREQ (F2) > SMPX (F1) > ENTER. I
SQ
USB
For more information, see page 24. AGC
DSP

2. Select the required frequency and press ENTER to confirm

your choice.
MICOM-3

FREQ A/B
3. Press MORE until the A/B function appears next to the F1 F 15,000.00
I
function key. USB <--
-->
AGC

MICOM-3

4. Press A/B (F1) to select the A/B mode. FRQ-A A/B

F 15,000.00 A=B
The A=B function appears next to the F2 function key’ I
<--
USB
together with the first frequency (frequency A). AGC
-->

25
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

FRQ-B A/B
F 14,000.00 A=B
5. Press A/B (F1) to alternate between the two frequencies. I
<--
USB
-->
AGC

6. Press A=B (F2) to copy the frequency of the displayed channel to the alternate channel.
7. You can adjust the frequency of either A or B at any time, using the following methods:
• Press <-- (F3) and --> (F4) to move the cursor backwards and forwards,
depending on the digit you wish to change, and then type the desired digit on the
keypad.
• When <-- (F3) and --> (F4) are used in conjunction with the UP/DOWN scroll
keys, the frequency digit scrolls according to the location of the cursor.
For instance, if the current frequency is 7,500.54 and MICOM-3

the cursor is at the 100 kHz location (7,_00.54), FREQ A/B

F 15,_00.54
pressing the UP/DOWN scroll keys will scroll the I
<--
USB
100 kHz digit to 7,400.54; 7,600.54; 7,700.54 and so AGC
-->
on.

➤ To return to the regular Frequency mode:

1. Press MORE until the T/R function appears next to the F1
function key.
2. Press T/R (F1) to select the regular mode.

26
 Basic Operating Instructions

Frequency Mode Options

In the Frequency mode, you can operate a variety of functions and options which can eliminate noise
or otherwise assist reception and/or transmission. The display reflects the options selected. Refer to
Figure 3 for a concise description of the options available in the Frequency mode. Additional options
are available for MICOM-3 with the GPS receiver option (see the Using the MICOM-3 GPS Receiver
section starting on page 104).
MICOM-3
T/R
FREQ VP-116 only Vocoder only
F 15,000.00 BAND
I
SQ
VP VCD T/R Select
options
USB
SQ PVT# PVT#
DSP
CLR DGTL
CLR
Frequency
Change
−−>
Enter <−−
More More More More

T/R BAND SQ DSP PWR MODE AGC BW RCLV STOR A/B GPS

LSB ON LOW Note 1 Note 2

SMPX CLAR .. -200
. SSB SLOW 2.1 BACK A/B
DPLX USB OFF .. ... MED AME FAST 2.7 CLR A=B
RXO OFF
.. .. HIGH PLT OFF 3.0 <− −
TXO .. .. MAX 3.3 − −>
+200 LSM
CW
NF
..
..

CLIP ON
OFF
NB ON
OFF
ATTN ON
OFF

Figure 3. Frequency (FREQ) Menu

Notes 1. The RCLV item appears only if the received signal level display is not
permanently enabled using MENU>PROG>RAD>PRMT>RCLV.
The GPS item appears only if your radio includes the GPS option.

➤ To select frequency mode options:

T/R (F1) selects the transmit and receive frequencies and frequency type.

Note For a MICOM-3 with the VP-116 option, this position displays PVT or CLR (for the
vocoder option, you may also see DGTL) respectively. Pressing F1 then toggles the
operating mode of the VP-116 or vocoder.

MICOM-3

FREQ
BAND (F2) toggles between upper sideband (USB) and lower BAND USB BAND
I
sideband (LSB). USB SQ
SQ DSP

27
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

FREQ
SQ (F3) toggles the squelch on/off. SQUELCH ON BAND
I
SQ
USB
SQ DSP

MICOM-3

FREQ CLAR
DSP (F4) accesses the Digital Signal Processing menu, which DSP PARAM NF
I
includes the following options: USB CLIP
SQ NB

MICOM-3

FREQ
• CLAR (F1) – controls the clarifier (off/lower frequency/higher CLAR OFF <--

frequency) USB -->

SQ

MICOM-3

FREQ
• NF (F2) – controls the notch filter (off/lower frequency/higher NF OFF
frequency USB -->
SQ

Note The CLAR (F1) and NF (F2) function keys are not available for TXO (transmit
only) channels.

MICOM-3

FREQ CLAR

CLIP - OFF NF
• CLIP (F3) – toggles the clipper on/off. I
CLIP
USB
SQ NB

MICOM-3

FREQ CLAR

NB - OFF NF
• NB (F4) – toggles the noise blanker on/off. I
CLIP
USB
SQ NB

MICOM-3

FREQ
ATTEN - ON ATTN
• ATTN (MORE, F2) – toggles the attenuator on/off. I
USB
SQ

MICOM-3

FREQ LOW
PWR (MORE, F1) – selects the transmit power level (LOW, MED, POWER LOW MED

HIGH or MAX). USB HIGH

SQ MAX

28
 Basic Operating Instructions

MICOM-3

FREQ SSB
MODE (MORE, F2) – selects the operation mode (SSB, AME or MODE SSB AME

PLT). USB PLT

SQ

MICOM-3

FREQ PWR
AGC (MORE, F3) – controls the automatic gain control AGC FAST MODE
I
(fast/slow/off). USB AGC

SQ BW

MICOM-3

FREQ 2.1

BW (MORE, F4) – selects the filter bandwidth. BW 2.7 2.7

I
USB 3.0

SQ 3.3

RCLV (MORE, MORE, F1) – displays the receive level when F1 is pressed.

STOR (MORE, MORE, F2) – stores the frequency parameters in the selected channel.

<-- (MORE, MORE, F3) and --> (MORE, MORE, F4) – move the cursor backwards and
forwards. When these function keys are used in conjunction with the UP/DOWN scroll keys,
the frequency scrolls according to the location of the cursor, enabling you to change the
frequency with greater ease.

Storing Frequencies
You can store specific frequencies and frequency parameters in channels which you have
programmed (see Programming Channels on page 82).
➤ To store a frequency in a channel:
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
1. If you are not in the Frequency mode, press MENU to display FREQ
I
the Menu screen. ALE
BIT

2. Press FREQ (F2).

The last used frequency blinks, and the frequency type is displayed in the top line.
3. If you wish to use the displayed frequency and frequency type, press ENTER. If the
frequency type is DPLX, press ENTER twice to accept both transmission and reception
frequencies.
or
Change the frequency type and the frequency as required (see To change the current
frequency/frequencies on page 23).
4. If necessary, select the other parameters, using the MORE key and pressing the required
function keys (see To select frequency mode options on page 27).
5. Press MORE twice, and then press STOR (F2).

29
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Using the Scan Mode

Note The Scan mode is available only when ALE is turned off using
MENU>PROG>RAD>OPT>ALE.

In the Scan mode, MICOM-3 scans preprogrammed channels. The channels used in the Scan mode
are organized in groups. Up to five scan groups, identified as A to E, may be created using the RSS or
MRC, each containing up to 200 channels.
When a guard channel is selected, it is monitored after every other scanned channel.
➤ To enter the Scan mode:
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. I
SCAN
BIT

2. Press SCAN (F3).

The last used group flashes in the display.

Note You can use the Scan function only after at least one group has been downloaded
by means of the RSS or MRC. If no scan group is stored in the radio, after selecting
Scan you will see NO GROUPS, and then the display skips to the PROG menu.

3. If you want to use the currently displayed scan group, press ENTER.
or
Press the function key next to the group you want to choose and press ENTER to confirm
your choice.

Notes • In the Scan mode, one of the five groups is always selected, and the other
groups (up to four) are displayed next to the function keys.
• If the selected group is not yet programmed, the message GRP X EMPTY
appears in the display, where X is the selected group.

30
 Basic Operating Instructions

Scan Mode Options

In the Scan mode you can select various parameters and options, some used control the scanning and
others which can help eliminate noise or otherwise assist reception and/or transmission.
• The following options control the scanning operation:

STOP (F1) stops the scanning. When scanning is stopped, the label changes to SCAN: pressing
F1 again starts the scanning.

SLOW (F2) decreases the scanning speed.

FAST (F3) increases the scanning speed.

Note The scan speed can be varied in the range of 150 milliseconds to 5 seconds:
• From 150 to 950 milliseconds, each F2 or F3 pressing results in a
50-millisecond change.
• From 1 to 5 seconds, each pressing results in a 1-second change.

GRP (F4) selects a scan group.

• The other options are identical to those available in the Channel mode (see the Channel Mode
Options on page 19).

Note The changing of the channel options is temporary. When you exit the Scan mode
and then return to Scan, all the current options will be lost and replaced by the
values configured for the various channels.

Using the BIT Mode

The BIT mode lets you check that the MICOM-3 is OK, and identify any malfunctions.
➤ To enter the BIT mode:
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. I
ALE
BIT

MICOM-3

BITE FULL
CHAN
2. Press BIT (F4). L.RF

The options available in the BIT mode are as follows:

• FULL (F1) runs a full test of the MICOM-3.
• CHAN (F2) tests MICOM-3 operation on the current channel.
• L.RF (F3) tests the MICOM-3 receive path only.
See the Using BIT section on page 125 for detailed instructions.

31
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Locking the Radio

You can use the Lock mode to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing the programming and
frequency modes.
To enter the Lock mode, you need to provide a password. The password consists of six digits.
The default factory-defined password is 123456. See Changing the Password on page 33 for details
on selecting a new password.
➤ To lock the radio:
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. I
ALE
BIT

MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
2. Press MORE to scroll to the second Menu screen. I
PSW
DIM

MICOM-3

LOCK
PSW:_
3. Press LOCK (F1).

4. Enter the password to lock the radio.

Note If you enter the wrong password, you will see WRONG PSW!. Enter the password
again.

5. Press O.K. (F1) or ENTER to confirm.

➤ To unlock the radio:

Use the same procedure as when entering the Lock mode.

32
 Basic Operating Instructions

Changing the Password

To be able to lock the radio, it is necessary to use a password. For security reasons, you may want to
change the password often. You enter a password and make changes in the Password mode.
➤ To enter the Password mode:
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. I
ALE
BIT

MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
2. Press MORE to scroll to the second Menu screen. I
PSW
DIM

MICOM-3

PSW
OLD:_
3. Press PSW (F3).

4. Enter the old password, using the keypad. MICOM-3

O.K
PSW
When you start to enter the password, you can use the OLD:****** <--

function keys to move the cursor to the left or right, or to

CLR
clear the display and enter the complete string .

Note If you have not yet set a password, use the factory-defined password, 123456.

MICOM-3

5. Press O.K. (F1) after you enter the old password. PSW
WRONG PSW!
If you enter the wrong password, MICOM-3 displays an error
message.

6. Enter the new password with the keypad.

MICOM-3

7. Press O.K. (F1) to confirm the new password. PSW SAVED

33
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Using Automatic Link Establishment

(ALE)
The MICOM-3 unit supports the Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) function, a method that enables
automatically selecting the best working channel from a group of preprogrammed channels without
any user intervention, thereby facilitating communication among HF radio stations and improving the
communications quality and reliability. The ALE incorporates all the advanced data transmission
techniques required by MIL-STD-188-141B and FED-STD-1045.
The ALE function ensures the best possible link without requiring prior knowledge of radio
communication conditions, and thus enables reliable HF communication even under rapidly changing
propagation conditions. For this purpose, HF radio sets using the ALE function continuously monitor and
evaluate the transmission quality on each frequency assigned for communication, and automatically
select an optimal frequency for each transmission. After selecting the optimal frequency, a link between
the communicating stations is established via an automatic handshake process, which is performed
without requiring operator’s intervention.
ALE combines sounding, scanning, selective calling, channel selection and LQA (Link Quality
Analysis). These features, all automatic, ensure that communication takes place on the channel with
the best link quality, even with an unskilled operator. The ALE also includes many types of calls you
can use to rapidly and efficiently set up links with other ALE users, and features such as messages,
stack and quick call.
The following sections present an overview of MICOM-3 ALE capabilities and services, and then
provide instructions on using ALE.

ALE Capabilities and Features

Scanning
The method used to select the best channel is based on scanning: as long as it is idle, a radio
operating in the ALE mode switches frequency at a relatively rapid rate (programmable at 2 or 5
channels per second) within the group of channels that can be used (the ALE frequency table, with up
to 100 frequencies). During this process, it collects information regarding the state of each channel
(busy/free and its background noise) that can be used together with the quality information collected
by sounding when the user initiates a call.
• When a station initiates a call, it selects the best free channel on the basis of the most recent
information, switches to that channel and then transmits a call request for a time sufficient for
any station to finish scanning all the preprogrammed channels and reach the selected channel.
• Any station that should receive this call will then stop on the channel used by the initiating
station, and will use the channel for communication. The exact response to the call request
depends on the type of call (call types are described below): as a result, it is possible to program
any desired station to ignore some types of calls (in fact, any call not specifically addressed to it).

Sounding
Automatic sounding is the method used by ALE for testing the quality of channels and propagation
paths under field conditions. The sounding signal is a unilateral identifying broadcast, repeated at
periodic intervals on unoccupied channels.

34
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Identification of a sounding signal sent from a station indicates a high probability of bidirectional
communication.
The length of the sounding cycles can be set to short or long cycles, depending on propagation
conditions. When propagation changes are slow, long intervals of about 1 or 2 hours may be
sufficient. If, however, the propagation changes are erratic and rapidly changing, or if it is critical to
have updated connectivity information, then shorter intervals are recommended. Each station can
also measure BER and S/N, and update the LQA table accordingly.
The maximum score for receiving an optimum sounding is 70%; the minimum score is 30%. The
score given to a station that did not send any sounding or a station whose sounding has not been
received is also 30%.

Sounding Cycle Time

The sounding signal is repeated at regular intervals on all the channels in the network. A complete
round of sounding messages, or sounding cycle, can be programmed to 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes
when the automatic sounding is on. You can also manually initiate sounding when there is a specific
need for it, even if the system is set to operate in the automatic mode.
A short sounding cycle ensures a more updated LQA memory. However, frequent sounding increases
network occupancy, leaving less channel-free time for the users. Figure 4 illustrates network
occupancy in relation to sounding cycles of 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. (Note that both axes have
logarithmic scales.) The chart also shows 80% and 95% occupancy in a 120-minute sounding cycle at
a very rapid scanning rate (applicable only to multiple-channel networks).
200

100
90
80
70
60
50 30
cyc min
40 le
60
30 cyc min
le
90
cyc min
50 le
12
0
cyc min
le
CHANNELS

80%
80%
10
9 40% 53% 80%
40%
8
7 27% 40%
20% 20%
6
10%
5 20%
10% 13%
4 5% 5%
7% 10%
3
5%

1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 200 300
USERS

Figure 4. Network Occupancy

Use the chart to determine the best sounding cycle for your particular network, bearing in mind
network occupancy, propagation conditions and other considerations.
The following examples demonstrate how to read the chart.

35
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

• In a network of nine channels used by eight members, a 30-minute sounding cycle would result
in 80% occupancy; a 60-minute cycle would result in 40% occupancy; a 90-minute cycle would
result in 27% occupancy and a 120-minute cycle would result in 20% occupancy.
• If there are only two or three channels in the network, a sounding cycle of 30 minutes allows
enough channel-free time, even for as many as ten users.
Under field conditions, occupancy will usually be less than the value obtained from the chart because
not every station receives all the soundings that are being broadcast on all channels.
To increase channel-free time for the users by reducing network occupancy, you can try one of these
four methods (in this order):
1. Increase the sounding cycle time (to 90 or 120 minutes).
2. Reduce the number of channels in the network (for example, by using different nets for
different times of day).
3. Reduce the number of stations in the network by re-arranging the hierarchical
subgrouping of stations.
4. Request all stations to set the fast scan rate option.

Manual Sounding
When it is necessary to perform a rapid sounding cycle on all channels instead of, or in addition to
the automatic sounding cycle, manual sounding can be used.

LQA Memory
The ALE builds a database of connectivity information based on calls and the ALE sounding messages
transmitted by other stations in the network. This information is stored in a special LQA memory and
is used to determine the link quality of all channels in the networks. The data in the LQA memory is
time-weighted, that is, recent information is given more value than old, thus compensating for
changing propagation conditions.

Bidirectional Handshake
The bidirectional handshake is an operator-initiated procedure used to exchange LQA scores with
other stations without establishing a link.

Note The MICOM-3 can also be programmed to automatically initiate the call to the
station after finishing the bidirectional handshake (using the BDLK parameter
reached under the ALE programming options).
This procedure is useful in the following cases:
• The radio has only recently been switched on and the automatic sounding cycle has not yet been
completed.
• The operator wishes to update the LQA scores before initiating a call to another station, for
example, for example, because of abrupt atmospheric charges, or other propagation changes.
• A new or passive station has joined the system.
A bidirectional handshake can be carried out with a single station or with all stations in the net. It can
be carried out either on a single channel, or on all the net channels. When required, a message can
also be added to the procedure.

36
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

After a bidirectional handshake with a single station, the LQA matrices of both radios are updated.
The operator can then initiate a call to that station and obtain the best channel automatically.
When the bidirectional handshake procedure is performed with a net, all the stations in the net
update their LQA tables.

Selective Calling
MICOM-3 uses an approach standardized in MIL-STD-181-141B and FED-1075 to selective calling,
and therefore has the capability and flexibility to link with one or many prearranged or as-needed
single or multiple stations.

ALE Addressing Method

ALE uses digital addresses to identify stations. The fundamental address element in the ALE system is
the single word: one ALE address word must always contain three characters (one triplet).
A single ALE word is needed for the basic individual station address (this is called a basic address). To
increase the available range of addresses, basic addresses can be expanded up to a maximum of 5
words (15 characters): such addresses are called extended addresses.
The characters that can used in addresses are a subset of the standard Basic 38 ASCII character set.
This subset includes:
• All the capital (upper case) letters (A to Z)
• All the digits (0 to 9)
• Two utility characters:
!"The stuffing symbol @. It can be used to add characters at the end of an address, so that
the resulting length is a whole number of words (triplets). A receiving station then interprets
only the non-stuffing characters. For example, if the address has 8 characters, add one @ at
the end of the address, whereas for an address with 7 characters, two @ symbols must be
added. In special addressing modes, this symbol is interpreted as an ignore instruction: see
additional utilization guidelines in Table 1.
!"The wildcard symbol ?. It is used to indicate that any character (except @) is acceptable
(this is the equivalent of a don’t mind instruction). See Table 2 for utilization guidelines in
the special addressing modes.

Note In the following sections, “A,” “B,” “C” or “D” indicates any alphanumeric
character other than “@” or “?”.
MICOM-3 has the capacity to store and use 100 addresses of up to 15 characters each. MICOM-3
will reject addresses longer than 15 characters, and will notify you with an UFA WRONG message.

Address and Call Types

ALE stations, including the MICOM-3, have the capability and flexibility to link with one or many
prearranged or as-needed single or multiple stations. There are three general addressing methods:
• Individual station addressing
• Multiple stations addressing, for example, net and group
• Special addressing modes, for example, AllCall, AnyCall, etc.
The following sections explain the addressing modes and how they can be used for various purposes.

37
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Individual Station Address

The individual station address may contain 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 words. To enable using addresses that are
not an integer multiple of 3 characters (for example, an address consisting of 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, …, etc.
characters), stuffing can be used: with stuffing, the last address word includes one or two stuffing
symbols in the last position(s) (see the “stuff-1” and “stuff-2” patterns in Table 1).
The wildcard symbol cannot be included in an individual station address, nor in a call request to an
individual station.

Table 1. Use of “@” Stuffing Symbol

Pattern Interpretation
ABC “Standard” 3-character address word, shown here for reference. Only the
station with this address stops scanning and responds
AB@ “Stuff-1” reduced address field, used to add characters “A, B” at the end of the
address
A@@ “Stuff-2” reduced address field, used to add character “A” at the end of the
address
@?@ “AllCall” global address (see also Table 2): all the stations stop and listen (unless
this function is inhibited)
@A@ “Selective AllCall” global address: each station with the same last character “A”
stop scanning and listen (unless this function is inhibited
@@? “AnyCall” global address (see also Table 2): all the stations stop scanning and
respond in randomly selected timeslots (unless this function is inhibited)
@@A “Selective AnyCall” address: each station with same last character(s) “A” (or
“B”) stops scanning and responds in a randomly selected timeslot (unless this
@ B@
function is inhibited), using its own address
(option)
@AB “Double selective AnyCall” address: each station with same last characters “AB”
(or “CD”) stops scanning and responds in a randomly selected timeslot (unless
@CD
this function is inhibited), using its own address
(option)
@@@ “Null” address; all the stations ignore this address. The null address intended
for use in test and maintenance, or to create an extra “buffer” timeslot

Net Addresses
The purpose of a net call is to rapidly and efficiently establish contact with multiple prearranged (net)
stations. This is achieved by the use of a single net address.
The net address is actually an additional address assigned in common to all the stations that are
members of a specific net. Its address structure is identical to that used for individual station addresses
(basic or extended, with or without stuffing, as necessary).
When defining a net, each member station is automatically assigned a timeslot: by having each
station answer a call request in a different timeslot, collisions are avoided.

38
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Group Addresses
The purpose of a group call is to rapidly and efficiently establish contact with multiple non-
prearranged (group) stations.
To make a group call, a calling ALE station uses a sequence of the actual individual station addresses
of the called stations.

Special Addressing Modes – Use of Wildcards

A “wildcard” is a special character,“?”, that a calling station can use to address multiple stations with a
single call address. The following rules apply:
• The total length of a calling address that includes wildcard(s) must be equal to that of the called
station addresses.
• A receiving station will accept a wildcard character as a substitute for the alphanumeric character
in its own address that occupies the same position. This means that the wildcard character is a
substitute for any of 36 characters and digits (A to Z, 0 to 9) in the Basic 38 character subset.
• Multiple wildcard characters can be used in different positions of the same address (basic or
extended).
See Table 2 for examples of patterns using the “?” wildcard symbol.

Table 2. Use of “?” Wildcard Symbol

Pattern Interpretation
ABC “Standard” 3-character address, shown here for reference. All the characters in
this word must be evaluated
AB? “Standard” “wild-1” address word. Indicates that only the positions occupied
A?C by other characters (“A” and “B”) need be evaluated: the position occupied by
the “?” symbol can be ignored (ignored in this context means that any valid
?BC
character is accepted)
A?? “Standard” “wild-2” address word. Indicates that only the position occupied
?B? by an character (“A”, “B” or “C”) need be evaluated: the positions occupied
by the “?” symbols can be ignored
??C
??? “Standard” “wild-3” address word. Indicates that all of the three positions in
this word can be ignored
AB@ “Stuff-1” reduced address field, shown here for reference. Only the first two
characters in this word must be evaluated
A?@ “Wild-1” “stuff-1” address. Only the character “A” or “B” in this word must be
?B@ evaluated

??@ “Wild-2” “stuff-2” address. Only the character “A” or “B” in this word must be
evaluated
A@@ “Stuff-2” reduced address field, shown here for reference. Only the first
character in this word must be evaluated
?@@ “Wild-1” “stuff-2” address. Only the first character in this word must be
evaluated, and is ignored

39
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Table 2. Use of “?” Wildcard Symbol (Cont.)

Pattern Interpretation
@AB “Double selective AnyCall” address word, shown here for reference: only the
last two characters in this word must be evaluated
@A? “Double selective AnyCall” “wild-1” address word: only the middle character
“A” in this word must be evaluated
@?B Not permitted. Use “selective AnyCall”
@?? Not permitted. Use “global AnyCall”
@@A “Selective AnyCall”: see Table 1
@@? “Global AnyCall”: see Table 1
@A? “Selective AllCall”: see Table 1
@?@ “Global AllCall”: see Table 1
?@? “Inlink address”: see page 41

AllCall Addresses
An AllCall is a general broadcast that does not request responses and does not designate any specific
addressee: a call with this address is accepted by any station, which then stops scanning and listens to
the call. The most common use of AllCalls is in cases of distress: when in distress, it is more likely to
want to make any available connection in the minimum period of time than to issue a call to an
individual or to a select group.
The global AllCall address is @?@. As a variation, the calling station can also use selective AllCall.
Basically, the selective AllCall address is identical in function to the global AllCall, except that it
specifies the last single character of the addresses of the desired subgroup of receiving stations (that is,
it replaces the ? with an alphanumeric – see more details in Table 1). Any station whose address
matches the pattern stops scanning and listens.
The operator can always initiate an outgoing (transmit) AllCall, but the MICOM-3 can be programmed
to accept or ignore incoming (receive) AllCalls.
When a radio issues an AllCall, all the stations that are capable of receiving calls receive the AllCall.
In the scan mode, if the MICOM-3 station is set to receive AllCalls, it stops scanning when an AllCall
is received. If an AllCall channel has been defined, then outgoing AllCalls are performed on that
channel. If no AllCall channel has been defined, the call is performed on the first scanned channel of
the net. In the Channel mode, outgoing AllCalls are performed on the currently active channel.

Note You can transmit an AllCall by pressing the ESC button for a few seconds.

AnyCalls
An AnyCall is a general broadcast similar to AllCall with the difference that it requests responses,
without designating any specific addressee(s). Therefore, an ALE station may use the AnyCall to
generate responses from essentially unspecified stations, and thus it can identify new stations and
connectivities.
The global AnyCall address is @@?. As a variation, the calling station can also use selective AnyCall,
which is identical in function to the global AnyCall, except that it specifies the last single character of

40
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

the addresses of the desired subset of receiving stations (that is, it replaces the ? with an alphanumeric
– see more details in Table 1). If even narrower acceptance and response criteria are required,
double selective AnyCall may be used: this is identical to selective AnyCall, except that its special
address (@AB) specifies the last two characters that the desired subset of receiving stations.
The operator can always initiate an outgoing (transmit) AnyCall, but the MICOM-3 can be
programmed to accept or ignore incoming (receive) AnyCalls.
Any station accepting an AnyCall stops scanning, and then initiates a response in a randomly selected
timeslot.

Self Addresses
Stations can also use their own self addresses when making calls. This may be useful for self-test and
maintenance purposes, etc.
The self address may be used only in specifically-addressed calls including a group call, but not in an
AllCall or AnyCall.

Null Address
The null address is a special type of address that is not directed to, accepted by, or responded to by
any station.
This address is intended for test and maintenance purposes, and to provide buffer time: for example,
if a null address appears in a group call, no station will respond in the associated timeslot.

Inlink Address
The inlink address, ?@?, is used to instruct all the stations participating in an already established link
to accept and act upon the information sent with the inlink address. For example, any station can use
the inlink address to send an AMD message that all the linked stations would present to their user.
The inlink address is recognized only after a link is established between two or more stations.

Using the MultiNet Feature

Normally, a radio operating in the ALE mode receives and transmits only in its currently selected net.
However, there are operational scenarios in which it is beneficial to enable radios to use the ALE
functions while still being aware of what is going on in additional nets (for example, firefighters and
paramedics must often respond to the same emergency), and be able of answering a call in another
net. For this purpose, MICOM-3 radios offer the MultiNet feature.
When the MultiNet feature is enabled, a MICOM-3 radio can operate on multiple nets (up to 20).
The operating characteristics then change as follows:
• Channels: each net has a group of assigned (receiving and associated transmitting) frequencies.
The radio scans the channels in one net after the other, until all the nets have been scanned.
• Station addresses (the self-address and the net address used when responding to calls): the radio
responds according to the self-address assigned to the station in its currently selected net (for a
total of up to 20 self-addresses).
• Sounding: each radio sends soundings only within the currently selected net. Each radio scans all
the channels in the currently selected net, one by one. Sounding is started 10 minutes after the
unit is switched on. The sounding group interval is determined according to the programmed
Sounding Auto Time.

41
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

During operation, the MICOM radio scans all the frequencies included in the defined nets:
• When the radio receives a call, it responds with the self-address that is programmed in the radio
for that net.
• When initiating a call, you select the net you want to transmit to, and then select an address (a
specific station, or any other type of address you wish to use). The radio then looks up the
frequencies that are associated with the station you call and uses only those frequencies to call
that station.
• LQA exchanges and sounding use only frequencies associated with the currently selected net.
Note that the time needed to scan multiple nets may be rather long, even when using the rather fast
5 channels/second scan rate. Moreover, the duration of a call set up request must also be long
enough to ensure that your call reaches all the relevant nets. You can use the MaxScanCh parameter
(an ALE programming option) to change the duration: the default, when AUTO is selected, is about 7
seconds; however you can select a different value, in the range of 1 to 59 seconds. Make sure to use
the minimum value that ensures all the nets will hear your call set up request, because long durations
are very disruptive.

Messages
The ALE enables you to create, send or receive alphanumeric messages (“paging” messages) in
accordance with the AMD (Automatic Display Message) definition in Federal Standard FS-1045.
The messages are displayed on the receiving station LCD display, and can be up to 90 characters
long. Messages can be added to any type of call, whether individual, group, net, AllCall, AnyCall,
bidirectional handshake, etc. You can create up to 12 messages, and can edit or erase any of the
messages at any time.

Using the Caller Stack

The caller stack is an internal memory that stores a list of unanswered calls. Each stack entry contains
the self address of the calling station and a message (AMD) if any was sent. You can view the list,
return a call and view any message sent with any call.
The stack can contain up to 10 calls. The radio records an address in the stack only once even if the
same caller makes repeated unanswered calls. However, if the same caller sent calls with different
messages, all such calls will be saved in the stack. Each stack entry is referred to as a Page.
The appearance of the word STAK next to one of the function buttons of the LCD display indicates
that there is at least one call in the stack. The STAK indicator is automatically turned off when all
pages in the stack have been erased.
The stack is arranged in FIFO order, that is, the first address that enters the stack is also the first that
you see on the display. If the stack is full and a new call is received, the oldest call in the stack is
automatically erased.
For convenience, addresses appearing in the stack can be easily added to the ALE address directory.

Quick Call
During a call, the radio saves the latest destination information as the quick call information. When
the user presses the PTT of the microphone or handset twice in rapid sequence, the radio
automatically directs the call to that address.
In the ALE mode, channel information is also retained and used for quick calls.

42
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Using ALE Functions in the Channel Mode

When the ALE mode is enabled, your radio can receive and transmit ALE calls even when you are
using the Channel mode. For this purpose, the CALL (F1) key is displayed even in the Channel mode.
The only restriction is that in the Channel mode, MICOM-3 uses only the ALE parameters of net 1.
Therefore, if net 1 is not programmed, no ALE functionality is available in the Channel mode, even
when the ALE mode is enabled.

Entering the ALE Mode

To use the ALE mode, first it must be enabled as explained below.

Enabling the ALE Mode

➤ To enter the ALE mode:

1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen.

MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
I
Note If you see SCAN next to F3, first enable the ALE ALE
BIT
functionality as explained on page 87.
MICOM-3

ALE
2. Press ALE (F3). NET 7
The last active net flashes in the display.

3. To use the displayed net, press ENTER.

To select another net:
• Press the UP/DOWN keys until you reach the required
number.
or
• Use the keypad to enter the desired net number. MICOM-3

ALE
The new net number blinks, indicating that the selection has NET 1
not yet been confirmed.

MICOM-3

4. Press ENTER to confirm your choice. The radio then starts ALE CALL
NET 1 1 LQA
scanning the channels in the selected net (the changing MON
USB
channel number appears to the right of the net number). MON

ALE and Rx Only or Tx Only Channels

The radio will prevent users from performing calls on Rx only or Tx only channels. This is true even
when operating in the Channel mode: when selecting a Rx Only or Tx Only channel, the ALE option
is disabled (the CALL (F1) key is not displayed when such a channel is selected).

43
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

ALE Programming
ALE supports many features, including:
• Various type of calls
• Up to 20 nets, each with its own set of members and associated frequencies (channels)
• Up to 100 ALE addresses in the directory
• Up to 100 scan channels
• Up to 12 AMD (paging) messages.
All the ALE features you can use on your radio can be programmed: to program or modify features,
you can use the front panel of the radio, as described in the ALE Programming section.
The ALE features can also be preprogrammed using the MRC or RSS.

ALE Mode Options

Figure 5 shows the operator options available in the ALE mode.
MICOM-3

ALE CALL
NET 1 1 LQA
MON
USB
MON

CALL LQA MON

SEND BDIR SEND ON

PAGE SOUND ON PAGE SEND OFF
CHAN OFF CHAN EDIT
CHAN
More <->
MULT ALL SEND More
PAGE
GLOB MULT NET SEND
SEL PAGE SEND
CHAN EDIT
CHAN
NET SEND
<->
PAGE
CHAN

SEND
GRP SEND EDIT
PAGE CHAN
CHAN <->
SEL

ANY SEND
PAGE
CHAN
SEL

WILD SEND
PAGE
CHAN
SEL

SELF SEND
CHAN

Figure 5. ALE Operator Menu

44
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Receiving and Transmitting Calls in ALE Mode

The MICOM-3 supports the following types of ALE calls:
• Individual call – call directed to a specific station.
• Net call – call directed to a net (a net is a preprogrammed group of stations).
• Group call – call directed to a group of stations.
• AllCall – call directed to all other stations simultaneously (broadcast call); can also be used as a
distress call.
• AnyCall – call directed to all other stations simultaneously, usually used to detect new stations.
• Wildcard call – call simultaneously addressed to a selected group of stations within a net, with
wildcards used within the address to specify the desired stations. For efficient use of wildcards,
an appropriate station naming plan must be in place.
• Self call – call using the station’s own address, generally used for test purposes.
• Bidirectional call – request for updating the LQA score with another station or stations.
• Sounding call – used to build a link quality database. This database stores ongoing information on
the current quality of the various channels programmed for use by your radio.
All types of calls, except for sounding calls, can also carry messages.

Note MICOM-3 also supports the MultiNet feature. When this feature is enabled, it can
receive and transmit ALE calls in several different nets (up to 20). See details on
page 41.

During ALE calls, a link is established between the stations participating in the call. During the link
state, the radio operators have various options, many of them similar to the options available in the
channel mode. For a description of the link options, see pages 48 to 52.

Receiving Calls in ALE Mode

When your MICOM-3 receives a call, it displays its type and the source address.
MICOM-3

FROM
You are also notified when a message is attached: if a message is received, !ABC
the name of the calling station is preceded by an exclamation mark.

For any type of call, if the ALERT attribute is programmed to YES, you will hear the alert tone when a
message is received.
➤ Receiving an individual call:
MICOM-3

FROM
When an individual call (i.e., a call addressed only to your station) ABC
is received, the name of the calling station blinks in the display.

Note If the calling station name is too long and does not fit in the display, <--> appears
next to F1. Press <--> (F1) to enter the View mode (see page 12).

45
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

➤ Receiving a net call:

MICOM-3

FROM
NET CALL

When your radio receives a net call (i.e., a call addressed to all the
stations in your net), the display flashes a net call alert that
alternates the words NET CALL with the calling station name.
MICOM-3

FROM
ABC

➤ Receiving an AllCall:

Note You can program your radio to ignore incoming AllCalls. If the radio is set to
ignore incoming AllCalls, it stops scanning when an AllCall is received but it does
not display, nor lets you hear the call. At the end of the AllCall, the radio
automatically returns to the scanning mode.

MICOM-3

ALE
ALLCALL

When an AllCall is received, the display flashes an AllCall alert that

alternates ALLCALL with the calling station name. MICOM-3

FROM
ABC

➤ Receiving an AnyCall:

Note You can program your radio to ignore incoming AnyCalls. If the radio is set to
ignore incoming AnyCalls, it stops scanning when an AnyCall is received but it
does not display, nor lets you hear the call. At the end of the AnyCall, the radio
automatically returns to the scanning mode.

MICOM-3

ALE
ANYCALL

When an AnyCall is received, the display flashes an AllCall alert

that alternates ANYCALL with the calling station name. MICOM-3

FROM
ABC

46
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

➤ Receiving a sounding call:

When the radio is in the ALE mode and it receives a sounding call
from another station, the calling station name appears in the MICOM-3

display, preceded by the letter S to identify that the call is a S ABCDE

sounding call.
Within a few seconds, the radio automatically returns to the mode
used before the call was received.

➤ Receiving a bidirectional handshake call:

When the radio receives a bidirectional handshake call from another station, your radio
responds automatically, without your intervention. Within a few seconds, the radio
automatically returns to the mode used before the call was received.
If the bidirectional handshake includes a message, the calling station name and the received
message are stored in the stack, and the STAK (F3) function key appears.
➤ To answer an incoming call:
MICOM-3
Press any key (including PTT, but not ESC) to accept the call. The FROM
calling station name stops blinking, and is displayed steadily. The ABC LQA

alert tone is no longer heard. The radio is now in the link state with
MON
the calling station.

Note When an AllCall is received, no link is actually established but you can hear the
calling station.

MICOM-3

If the received call includes a message, an exclamation mark FROM

precedes the station name, and the name is followed by a colon !ABC:PACK LQA

and the message. MON

MICOM-3

If the calling station name and message are too long and do not fit FROM
in the display, press <-> (F3) to enter the View mode, where you !ABC:PACK A LQA
<-->
can scroll right and left to display the whole message. MON

➤ To display LQA for the received call:

Press LQA (F2). You will see the channel in use, and its LQA score.

47
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Link State
After the radio successfully receives or transmits a call, it is in the link state.
MICOM-3

If the call was received from another radio, the display includes the word FROM
FROM in the first line, as well as the name of the station which initiated ABC LQA

the call (if a message has been received, it is also displayed). MON

MICOM-3

LINK
If the call was initiated by your radio, the display includes the word LINK 1234 PAGE
I
in the first line, as well as the destination address.
MON

Link State Options

While in the link state, you can operate the following functions using the function keys.

Note The change of link options is temporary. When you exit the link state, all the
changed parameters will be lost.

➤ To select link mode options:

MICOM-3

<-> (F1) activates the View mode, where you can view the entire FROM
station address (when over 11 characters), as well as received !ABC:PACK A LQA
<-->
messages, if any (when over 11 characters). MON

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
PAGE (F2) enables you to select a message to be sent to the station 1009 PAGE

you are linked to. CHAN

MICOM-3

AMD11 SEND
11 AMD MESS EDIT
After a message is selected, you can edit it. CHAN
<->

Note The PAGE function is not available when receiving an AllCall.

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
LQA (F3) displays the channel on which the link was established, CH 3 30% PAGE

and the LQA score of the current link. BEST

48
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Notes • If the name of the station you are linked to is not in your directory, this
function will not be available.
• The LQA (F3) key is displayed only if you established the link in the ALE mode
(in the Channel mode, this function is not available, because the call is
received/transmitted on the current channel).

MICOM-3

ALE CALL
MONITOR ON LQA
MON (F4) turns on and off monitoring by means of the speaker.
MON

MICOM-3

RPL (MORE, F1) replaces the currently-used channel with a LINK RPL
REPLACE BAND
channel with a better LQA score. The radio disconnects the link, SQ
replaces the channel being used, and initiates the call once again. DSP

Notes • The RPL function is available only for individual calls, and only for the call
initiator.
• The RPL (F1) key is displayed only if you established the link in the ALE mode
(in the Channel mode this function is not available, because the call is
received/transmitted on the current channel).

BAND (MORE, F2) – toggles between upper sideband (USB) and MICOM-3

LINK
lower sideband (LSB). BAND USB BAND
I
SQ
The sideband change takes places only after the current call is USB
SQ DSP
ended.
MICOM-3

LINK
SQUELCH ON BAND
SQ (MORE, F3) – toggles the squelch on/off. I
SQ
USB
SQ DSP

MICOM-3

LINK CLAR
DSP (MORE, F4) – accesses the Digital Signal Processing menu, DSP PARAM NF
I
which includes the following options: USB CLIP
SQ NB

MICOM-3

LINK
• CLAR (F1) – controls the clarifier (off/lower frequency/higher CLAR OFF <--

frequency). USB -->

SQ

MICOM-3

LINK
• NF (F2) – controls the notch filter (off/lower frequency/higher NF OFF
frequency). USB -->
SQ

49
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

LINK CLAR
CLIP - OFF NF
• CLIP (F3) – toggles the clipper on/off. I
CLIP
USB
SQ NB

MICOM-3

LINK CLAR
NB - OFF NF
• NB (F4) – toggles the noise blanker on/off. I
CLIP
USB
SQ NB

MICOM-3

LINK
ATTEN - ON ATTN
• ATTN (MORE, F2) – toggles the attenuator on/off. I
USB
SQ

MICOM-3

LINK LOW
PWR (MORE, MORE, F1) – selects the transmit power level (LOW, POWER LOW MED

MED, HIGH or MAX). USB HIGH

SQ MAX

MICOM-3

LINK SSB
MODE (MORE, MORE, F2) – selects the operation mode (SSB, MODE SSB AME

AME or PLT). USB PLT

SQ

MICOM-3

LINK PWR
AGC (MORE, MORE, F3) – controls the automatic gain control AGC FAST MODE
I
function (fast/slow/off). USB AGC
SQ BW

MICOM-3

LINK 2.1
BW 2.7 2.7
BW (MORE, MORE, F4) – selects the filter bandwidth. I
3.0
USB
SQ 3.3

MICOM-3

LINK RCLV
RCLV (MORE, MORE, MORE, F1) – displays the receive level while 1234 FREQ
I
F1 is pressed. USB
-

MICOM-3

LINK RCLV
FREQ (MORE, MORE, MORE, F2) – displays the current frequency F 2,000.00 FREQ
I
while F2 is pressed. USB

50
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Replacing the Current Channel While in the Link State

If during an individual call you find that the channel in use is not good enough, you can replace it
with a better channel.

Notes • Channel replacement is possible only during an individual call in the ALE
mode.
• Only the initiator of a call can replace the channel in use.

➤ To replace the channel:

MICOM-3

LINK RPL
REPLACE BAND
1. Press MORE to scroll to the second link state menu. SQ
DSP

2. Press RPL (F1) to replace the channel in use.

3. The radio disconnects the link, replaces the channel being used, and initiates the call
once again.

Note Even if a message was transmitted when the original link was initiated, the new
link will be initiated without the message.

Using the Caller Stack

The caller stack stores information about unanswered calls. The stack entry contains the self-address
of the calling station, and any message sent by the calling station when it sent the call set up request.
The stack can contain up to 10 calls.
The radio records an address in the stack only once, even if the same caller made several unanswered
calls. However, if the same caller sent calls with different messages, all such calls will be saved in the
stack.
If you see the word STAK next to the F3 key, the stack includes at least one call you never viewed
before.
The stack is arranged in FIFO order, that is, the first address that enters the stack is also the first that
you see on the display.

➤ To view the calls in the stack:

1. Press STAK (F3).
The radio displays information on the total number of calls in the stack, and information
on the first call. If the number of characters exceeds the available space, press <-> (F4) to
activate the view mode.
2. Use the UP/DOWN keys to view any additional calls in the stack.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

➤ To return a call to a station registered in the stack:

1. Press STAK (F3).
2. Use the UP/DOWN keys to scroll to the required call.
3. Press CALL (F1).
4. Press PAGE (F2) if you want to attach a message when you reply to the call.
5. Press CHAN (F3) if you want the call to be initiated on a specific channel in the currently
used net.

Note The CHAN (F3) key is displayed only if the radio is in the ALE mode.

6. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to initiate the call.

Note After initiating a call to a station, its page in the stack is automatically deleted,
together with all other calls from the same address.

➤ To remove an address from the stack:

The radio automatically removes an address from the stack in the following cases:
• When the operator calls a station registered in the caller stack, all stack calls containing
that address are erased from the stack, regardless of whether the call was returned from
within the stack or during an individual call.
• The stack can contain up to ten addresses. When the stack is full and a new address
comes in, the new address replaces the oldest address in the stack.
In addition, you can manually remove an address from the stack as follows:
1. Press STAK (F3).
2. Use the UP/DOWN keys to scroll to the required call.
3. Press ERAS (F2).
4. Press YES (F1) to confirm or, NO (F2) to cancel the deletion.

52
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Disconnecting Calls
When you are in the link state, your radio can communicate with at least one other ALE station.
➤ To disconnect an incoming call:
MICOM-3

Press the ESC key. This disconnects the link and returns the radio END CALLING
to the mode used before the link was established.

When you disconnect a link, you can instruct the other station(s) to return to the working mode they
were in before they entered the link state. This feature is called Home Acknowledge, and can be
programmed. If Home Acknowledge is enabled:
• In an individual link, each of the stations in the link can transmit the Home Acknowledgement to
instruct the other stations to disconnect the link.
• In a net/AnyCall link, the Home Acknowledgement can only be transmitted by the radio which
initiated the call.

Transmitting Calls in ALE Mode

To transmit an ALE call, you must specify the destination. In general, the destination consists of a net
and one or more stations (members of the specified net):
• When the MultiNet function (page 41) is disabled, the destination net MICOM-3

is always the currently selected net (its number is displayed on the ALE CALL
NET 1 1 LQA
LCD while the radio is scanning). Therefore, if you do not want to MON
USB
select a different net, you can skip directly to the selection of the MON

destination station(s).
• When the MultiNet function is enabled, first you must always select a net and then the
destination station(s).
To expedite the transmission of an AllCall, you can send a global AllCall by pressing the P/ESC key for
a few seconds.
MICOM-3 stores the last called address, so you can simply press the PTT twice in rapid sequence
(double pressing) to call again that address. This also applies to AllCall, and therefore after sending
AllCall for the first time, you can send it again by double pressing the PTT.

Note If you want to monitor the call set up process on the speaker and be alerted by a
beep when the link is set up, turn the monitor on, using the MON (F4) key.

Selecting the Desired Net

➤ To select a net:
MICOM-3

ALE
1. Press MENU and select ALE (F3). NET# 7
The radio displays current active net number, flashing.

53
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

2. To change the currently used net, press the UP/DOWN keys, ALE CALL
NET 1 1 LQA
or enter the net number on the keypad, and then press MON
USB
ENTER. MON

Calls to an Individual Station

➤ To transmit an individual call with MultiNet OFF:
1. Press CALL (F1). MICOM-3

CALL SEND

The radio displays the last called address. This may be a station 1001 PAGE
I
CHAN
address, or any other type of address (for example, net,
wildcard, etc.).

2. To select a different station:

MICOM-3

CALL
1009
Press the UP/DOWN keys to scroll between stations.

or
MICOM-3

CALL SAVE
Use the keypad to enter a station name and then press SAVE 1234 <--

(F1) or ENTER when the required station name appears. -->

CLR

Note When scrolling between stations with the UP/DOWN keys, every key pressing
displays destination addresses in the following order:
• The last called address
• The AIICall address (GL ALLCALL, or SL ALLCALL, if you used it instead of
GL ALLCALL)
• The current active net number
• The addresses of the members in the current net
• Other addresses in the directory.

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
1234 PAGE
3. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to initiate the call.
MON

54
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

MICOM-3

4. The radio now starts the link set up process. During this TO STOP
1234
process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the
channel on which the set up request is being sent (the channel
may change, if the called station does not answer on the first
channel(s)). MICOM-3

CH 2 STOP
1234
Note While the radio is initializing the link, you can press
STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the entire process.

MICOM-3

LINK
5. After the link is established, you will see a LINK message. Now 1234 PAGE
I
you may press the PTT and start talking.
MON

Note If the link with the selected station cannot be set up, you will see for a few
seconds a flashing NO LINK message.

6. To disconnect the link, press the ESC key (see page 48).

Note If you want to call again the same station, double-press the PTT to use the
quick-call feature (see page 57).

➤ To transmit an individual call with MultiNet ON:

1. Press CALL (F1). MICOM-3

ALE
The radio displays the current net number, flashing. If you wish NET# 7
to change the currently used net, press the UP/DOWN keys or
enter the net number on the keypad.
2. Press ENTER to confirm the net number.
MICOM-3

CALL SEND
1001 PAGE
3. The radio displays the last called station. I
CHAN

MICOM-3

Press the UP/DOWN keys to scroll between stations, or use CALL SEND
1009 PAGE
the keypad to enter a station name and then press SAVE (F1) I
CHAN
or ENTER when the required station name appears.

4. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to initiate the call.

5. The radio now starts the link set up process. During this process, you will see TO
alternating with the number of the channel the set up request is being sent (the channel
may change, if the called station does not answer on the first channel(s)).

55
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Note While the radio is initializing the link, you can press STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the
entire process.

6. After the link is established, you will see a LINK message. Now you may press the PTT and
start talking.
7. To disconnect the link, press the ESC key (see page 48).

➤ To transmit on a specific channel:

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
1. Initiate a call as explained above (page 54 or 55) and select the 1009 PAGE
I
desired station. CHAN

2. Press CHAN (F3) to select a specific channel. MICOM-3

CALL SEND
The channel with the best LQA score is displayed. The speaker CH 3 30% PAGE
is unmuted to enable you to check the channel quality by BEST

listening to it.

Note If the name of the called station has been edited and the new station name is not
in the directory, no LQA score is displayed.

3. Press BEST (F3) to select the channel with the best LQA score ...

Note If the name of the called station has been edited and the new station name is not
in the directory, the channel displayed after pressing BEST (F3) is the first scanned
channel of the net.

… or
Press the UP/DOWN keys to scroll to the channel of your choice.

Note You can use this option to transmit a call to a station operating in the Channel
mode. If the other station is in the Channel mode, your radio switches to the
Channel mode for the duration of the call, and then returns to the ALE mode after
the link to that station is disconnected.

4. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to initiate the call.

5. The radio now starts the link set up process. During this process, you will see TO
alternating with the number of the channel on which the set up request is being sent (the
channel may change, if the called station does not answer on the first channel(s)).

Note While the radio is initializing the link, you can press STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the
entire process.

6. After the link is established, you will see a LINK message. Now you may press the PTT and
start talking.
7. To disconnect the link, press the ESC key (see page 48).

56
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Quick Call
A quick call is a call to the last station you tried to call (regardless of whether the call was successful or
not). In the ALE mode, the channel used for the original call is reused for the quick call.
The Quick Call feature can be enabled or disabled as part of ALE parameters programming.

Notes • Quick Call will not transmit a message, even if the last call contained a
message.
• The first time the station is switched to the ALE or Channel mode, quick call is
not possible as no "most recent" station data exists.

➤ To send a quick call:

Double-press the PTT of your microphone or handset.
The radio automatically tries to contact the last called station.
MICOM-3

TO STOP
During this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of 1234
the channel on which the set up request is being sent (the channel
may change, if the called station does not answer on the first
channel(s)). MICOM-3

CH 2 STOP

Note While the radio is initializing the link, you can press 1234
STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the entire process.

57
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Using Autodial
The Autodial feature lets you use a single digit to call a preprogrammed address. There are ten
programmable Autodial addresses, where each can include a message.
See Auto Dial Parameters on page 93 for details on programming the Autodial list.
➤ To use Autodial to send a call:
MICOM-3

CALL
SELECT#_
1. Press # on the keypad.

Note If you do not select an auto-address within a few seconds, the display
automatically reverts to the previous state.

2. Press the desired preprogrammed Autodial number (0 to 9). MICOM-3

CALL SEND
The programmed address is immediately displayed; if a 1009 PAGE
I
message is preprogrammed, an exclamation sign will appear
before the station name. MON

Press PAGE (F2) if you want to attach a message to the call or

to replace/edit a preprogrammed attached message.
See page 59.

Note If the Autodial number you enter is not programmed, the message NOT PROG
will be displayed.

3. Press CHAN (F3) if you want the call to be initiated on a specific channel. See page 59.
4. Press ENTER or SEND (F1) to start the call.
5. The radio now starts the link set up process. During this process, you will see TO
alternating with the number of the channel on which the set up request is being sent (the
channel may change, if the called station does not answer on the first channel(s)).

Note While the radio is initializing the link, you can press STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the
entire process.

6. After the link is established, you will see a LINK message. Now you may press the PTT and
start talking.
7. To disconnect the link, press the ESC key (see page 48).

58
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Sending Messages
You can send messages (page) together with the initial call (before the link is set up), and also
whenever necessary while the link is already set up (that is, when your station is in a link with the
destination station).
In the link state, if you are making an individual call, both the receiving and the calling station can
send messages to the other station. This is also true for net calls and group calls.
➤ To transmit an individual call with a message:
MICOM-3

CALL SEND
1. Initiate a call as explained above (page 54 or 55) and select the 1009 PAGE
I
desired station. CHAN

MICOM-3

AMD SEND
2. Press PAGE (F2) to add a message. The last sent message is 5AM EDIT

displayed. CHAN

3. You may now select a different (stored) message or edit this message:
MICOM-3

AMD11 SEND
• Press the UP/DOWN keys to scroll to the required 11 AMD MESS EDIT
message. CHAN
<->

or
MICOM-3

AMD SAVE
• To edit the message, press EDIT (F2) and use the keypad to 5AM <--

enter a new message. -->

CLR

4. Press SAVE (F1) when the message is ready.

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
1009 PAGE
5. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to initiate the call. CHAN

6. Proceed with the call as explained above (page 54 or 55).

59
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

➤ To send a message during a call (link state):

1. Press PAGE (F2).

MICOM-3

LINK
1009 PAGE
I
Note If this function key is not displayed, you cannot send a
MON
message in the present mode.

2. Select or edit the desired message as explained on page 58.

MICOM-3

AMD11 SEND
11 AMD MESS EDIT
3. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to send the message. CHAN
<->

4. The radio now starts the link set up process for this message MICOM-3

(this process is similar to the process used to set up the link for TO STOP
1234
this call). During this process, you will see TO alternating with
the number of the channel being used.

Notes • While the radio is initializing the link, you can MICOM-3

press STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the entire CH 2 STOP

1234
process.
• If the link needed to send the message to the
selected station cannot be set up, you will see
for a few seconds a flashing NO LINK message.

60
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Other Types of Calls

In addition to calls to individual stations described on the pages 53 to 59, additional types of calls can
be used to help you call multiple stations (see list on page 45).

Note A properly designed address assignment plan is needed to take advantage of the
special ALE calling modes.
The special call types are reached under a special submenu, designated MULT (see Figure 5 for its
organization).
➤ To select a special call type:
1. Press CALL (F1). MICOM-3

CALL SEND

The radio displays the last called address. This may be a station 1001 PAGE
I
CHAN
address, or any other type of address (for example, AllCall, net,
wildcard, etc.).
MICOM-3

CALL MULT
1001
2. Press MORE once. I

MICOM-3

3. Press MULT (F1) to display the first page of special calls. If the CALL ALL
NET
desired call type is located on this page, press the I
GRP
corresponding function key to select it. ANY

4. If necessary, press MORE again to display the next page. MICOM-3

CALL WILD

Note Pressing MORE again return you to the first page of SELF
I
special calls: do not use the ESC key, as it cancels the
MULT option.
5. Go to the page listed below for detailed instructions.

Option Capabilities See Page …

ALL AllCall – call directed to all the other stations simultaneously; usually used as a 62
distress call.
NET Net call – call directed to a net (a net is a preprogrammed group of stations). 65
Up to 20 nets can be defined.
GRP Group call – call directed to a group of individually selected stations. Groups 66
can be preprogrammed, but you can also select the stations to be called and
save the selection for reuse. Up to five groups can be defined.
ANY AnyCall – call directed to all the other stations simultaneously, usually used to 68
detect new stations.
WILD Wildcard call – call simultaneously addressed to a selected group of stations 71
within a net, with wildcards used within the address to specify the desired
stations. Wildcard calls use the special ALE addressing modes. If you are not
familiar with these modes, you should review pages 37 to 41.

61
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

SELF Self call – call using the station’s own address, generally used for test purposes. 73

Transmitting AIICalls
An AllCall is a message which your radio uses to establish a connection with all the other stations
simultaneously, and is typically used to broadcast a message or send a distress call. An AllCall can also
include a message.
In addition to this type of AllCall (referred to as a global (GL) AllCall), it is also possible to use
selective (SL) AllCall: this is a simultaneous call addressed only to all the stations whose names
(addresses) end with a character you specify.

Note If so required, you can set your radio so that it cannot send AIICalls.

You cannot select the channel on which an outgoing AllCall will be sent: outgoing AIICalls are sent on
the AllCall channel defined for the currently selected net, or on the best scanned channel of the net.

Note When radios in other nets have their MultiNet feature enabled, AIICalls may also
reach these radios. See details on page 41.

There are two ways to send a global AllCall: using the ESC key or using the CALL function. A selective
AllCall can be sent only using the CALL function.
➤ To send global AllCall using the ESC key:
MICOM-3

TO STOP
GL ALLCALL
1. Press ESC continuously for a few seconds. The radio starts
sending the GL AllCall.
During this process, you will see TO alternating with the MICOM-3

number of the channel on which the set up request is being CH 2 STOP

sent. GL ALLCALL

Note While the radio is initializing the link, you can press STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the
entire process.
MICOM-3

LINK
GL ALLCALL
2. After a delay, you will see LINK with a flashing GL ALLCALL.

MICOM-3

LINK
3. Confirm the link set up by pressing ENTER or the PTT. The GL GL ALLCALL PAGE
I
ALLCALL message stops flashing, and you can start talking.
MON

4. Press PAGE (F2) if you want to send a message. See page 60

for details.

62
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

MICOM-3

5. To end the call, press ESC. END CALLING

➤ To send global AllCall using the CALL function:

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
1. Press CALL (F1). 1001 PAGE
I
CHAN
The radio displays the last called address.

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
GL ALLCALL PAGE
2. Press the UP/DOWN keys until you reach GL ALLCALL. I

3. Press PAGE (F2) if you want to add a message to the call. See
page 59 for details.
4. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to start the call.
The call now proceeds as for call initiated by pressing the ESC key.
➤ To send selective AllCall:
MICOM-3

CALL SEND
1. Press CALL (F1). 1001 PAGE
I
CHAN
The radio displays the last called address.

MICOM-3

CALL MULT
GL ALLCALL
2. Press MORE once. I

MICOM-3

CALL ALL
NET
3. Press MULT (F1) to display the first page of special calls. I
GRP
ANY

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
GL ALLCALL PAGE
4. Press ALL (F1). GLOB
SEL

63
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

5. Press SEL (F4). ALL ?

EDIT:_
Note If you decide to send a Global AllCall, press GLOB
(F3).

MICOM-3

6. Type the desired character (only one character is accepted). ALL ?

EDIT:5
Note You can press ? (F1) if you decide to send a global
AllCall. CLR

MICOM-3

7. Confirm your selection by pressing ENTER. CALL SEND

SL ALLCALL PAGE
Note If you decide to send a global AllCall, press GLOB GLOB

(F3). SEL

MICOM-3

TO STOP
SL ALLCALL
8. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to start the call. The radio starts
sending the selective AllCall.
MICOM-3

Note While the radio is initializing the link, you can press CH 2 STOP
STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the entire process. SL ALLCALL

MICOM-3

LINK
SL ALLCALL PAGE
9. After a delay, you will see LINK, and you can start talking. I
MON

10. Press PAGE (F2) if you want to send a message. See page 60
for details.
MICOM-3

11. To end the call, press ESC. END CALLING

64
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Transmitting Net Calls

Before starting, select the net you want to use as explained on page 53. However, when MultiNet is
enabled, you will be prompted for a net number as soon as you start a call.

Notes • You can program nets using the front panel, the MRC, or the RSS.
• The radio must be programmed as a MASTER radio in the net (an ALE
Programming option) in order to be able to transmit net calls.

➤ To transmit a net call:

1. Press CALL (F1). MICOM-3

CALL SEND
The radio displays the last called address. 1001 PAGE
I
CHAN
If you see the net you want, skip directly to Step 5 below,
otherwise continue as explained below.
MICOM-3

CALL SEND
NET 1 PAGE
2. Select the NET option as explained on page 61. CHAN

3. Press PAGE (F2) if you want to attach a message to the call.

4. Press CHAN (F3) if you want to initiate the call on a specific
channel.
5. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to initiate the call.
The radio now starts the link set up process. During this
process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the
channel on which the set up request is being sent.

Note While the radio is initializing the link, you can press
STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the entire process.
MICOM-3

When a net call is transmitted, each member in the net LINK

1111
responds to the call and the initiator of the call receives an
indication of the response on the display.

6. After links have been established, you can start talking.

MICOM-3

7. To end the call, press ESC. END CALLING

65
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Transmitting Group Calls

Group calls let you call several individual stations in your net (at least 2) at once. Thus, you can use a
group call to communicate with a few select stations, while other stations can still communicate at
will, using other channels available to your net.
You can call up to 5 stations in a group call. The only restriction is that the total length of all the
addresses cannot exceed 12 ALE words (36 characters). If the maximum allowed length is exceeded,
you get a BUFF FULL error.

Notes • If you need to check beforehand the length, remember that as explained on page
37, each ALE word must include 3 characters. Therefore, when an address is not
an exact multiple of 3, stuffing symbols are automatically added in the last
positions.
• ALE addresses are categorized in accordance with their leading ALE word (that is,
their first three characters: if the address is short and has only one or two
characters, stuffing symbols @ are added). When assembling a group you must
also take into consideration that the maximum number of different address
categories (as identified by their leading word) in one group is 5. If more are
included, then when you try to send the call you will see UFA WRONG. In this
case, remove addresses to make the group more homogenous.

To make a group call, first you must specify the stations to be included in the group. The addresses of
the stations you include in the group can be saved as a group; the radio can store up to 4 different
groups. If a group including the desired stations is already programmed, you can directly initiate the
call to the desired group.

Note Before starting, you may want to select a different net to use: see instructions on
page 53.
When MultiNet is enabled, you will be prompted for a net number as soon as you
press CALL (F1) to start a call.

➤ To transmit a group call:

1. Press CALL (F1). MICOM-3

CALL SEND
The radio displays the last called address. 1001 PAGE
I
CHAN
If you see the group you want, skip directly to Step 6 below,
otherwise continue as explained below.
2. Select the GRP option as explained on page 61.
3. The first group displayed is always group 1. If this is the group you want, skip directly to
Step 6 below, otherwise press the UP or DOWN arrows until you see the desired group.
4. Press PAGE (F2) if you want to attach a message to the group call.
5. Press CHAN (F3) if you want to initiate the call on a specific channel.
6. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to initiate the call.

66
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Notes • If the selected group does not include at least 2 stations, your request is
rejected and you will see for a few seconds AT LEAST 2.
• If the addresses in the group have more than 5 different leading words,
your request is rejected and you will see for a few seconds UFA WRONG.

The radio now starts the link set up process. During this process, you will see TO
alternating with the number of the channel on which the set up request is being sent.

Note While the radio is initializing the link, you can press STOP (F1) or ESC to abort
the entire process.
MICOM-3

When a net call is transmitted, each member in the group LINK

1111
responds to the call and the initiator of the call receives an
indication of the response on the display.

7. After links have been established, you can start talking.

MICOM-3

8. To end the call, press ESC. END CALLING

➤ To define or change a group:

1. Press CALL (F1) and select the GRP option, as you do to start a group call (page 66).
MICOM-3

2. The first group displayed is always group 1. If this is the group CALL SEND
GRP 1 PAGE
you want, skip directly to Step 3 below, otherwise press the UP CHAN
or DOWN arrows until you see the desired group. SEL

3. To select the stations you want in this group, press SEL (F4).

Note The following example explains how to build a new group, but you can use the
same procedures to change an existing group.
MICOM-3

4. After pressing SEL (F4), you will see the DIR screen. Therefore, DIR ADD
1005
you can select stations from the addresses already stored in the
directory, or type new addresses using the keypad. OK

To select an address from these already in the directory:

• Use the UP and DOWN arrows to display the desired directory entry, and then
press ADD (F1).
The label above the selected entry changes to ADDED,
MICOM-3

ADDED
to indicate that it is now included in the group. 1007 ERAS

Now you can also have the option (ERAS (F1)) to delete
OK
the entry from the group.

67
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

Note If adding the station would cause the total length of GROUP
the station addresses in the group to exceed 12 ALE BUFF FULL
words, then after pressing ADD (F1) you will see BUFF
FULL and the process stops.

• Repeat the procedure described above until the group

includes only the desired stations.
As you scroll through the directory, you will see DIR for
MICOM-3
stations that can be added, and ADDED for those DIR SAVE
already added. If the station you want to add to the BU_ <--

group is not in the directory: -->

CLR
!"Enter the new station using the keypad. If you
make a mistake, scroll to the desired position
using <-- (F2) and/or --> (F3), or clear (CLR (F4))
the whole entry and start again.
MICOM-3

!"When ready, press SAVE (F1) to store the new DIR ADD

station in the directory. BUD

Now you can add it to the group by pressing ADD (F1). OK

Transmitting AnyCalls
An AnyCall is a general broadcast which your radio uses to simultaneously establish links with other
stations. An AnyCall can also include a message.

Note If so required, you can set your radio so that it cannot send AnyCalls.

AnyCall is somewhat similar to AllCall, except that it requests responses from the other stations and
therefore it can be used to detect new stations. Another difference is that you can also select the
channel on which the AnyCall will be transmitted (alternatively, you can let the radio select
automatically the channel).

Note When radios in other nets have their MultiNet feature enabled, AnyCalls may also
reach these radios. See details on page 41.

You can send three types of AnyCalls (see also description of addressing modes on pages 37 to 41):
• General: the address sent by your radio is @@?. This is a simultaneous call addressed to all the
stations.
• Selective: you specify the last character of the address. This is a simultaneous call addressed only
to the stations whose names (addresses) end with a character you specify.
• Double selective: similar to selective, except that you specify the last two characters of the
address.
To make an AnyCall, first you must select the address to be used for the call.
MICOM-3 will wait for responses for a certain time before entering the link state with all the stations
that responded within this interval (the maximum number of stations that are accepted in an AnyCall
is 16).

68
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Note Before starting, you may want to select a different net to use: see instructions on
page 53.
When MultiNet is enabled, you will be prompted for a net number as soon as you
press CALL (F1) to start a call.

➤ To transmit an AnyCall:
1. Press CALL (F1). MICOM-3

The radio displays the last called address. CALL SEND

1001 PAGE
If you see the address you want (that is, you want to repeat the I
CHAN

last AnyCall), skip directly to Step 10 below, otherwise

continue as explained below.
MICOM-3

CALL MULT
1001
2. Press MORE once. I

MICOM-3

CALL ALL
NET
3. Press MULT (F1) to display the first page of special calls. I
GRP
ANY

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
ANY PAGE
4. Press ANY (F4). CHAN
SEL

MICOM-3

ALL ?
ENDING:_
5. Press SEL (F4).

Note If you try to send (SEND (F1)) the call without first selecting an address, your
attempt is rejected and you see for a few seconds NOT PROG.

6. Select the AnyCall address:

MICOM-3

ALL ?
ENDING:_
• To send a general AnyCall, press ? (F1).
CLR

MICOM-3

ALL ?
• To send a selective AnyCall, enter the desired character ENDING:1_ <--

(any character except #, @ or ?).

CLR

69
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

ALL ?
• To send a double-selective AnyCall, enter two ENDING:59 <--

characters.
CLR

7. Confirm your selection by pressing ENTER (see below examples for the 3 types of
addresses).
MICOM-3 MICOM-3 MICOM-3

CALL SEND CALL SEND CALL SEND

ANY @@? PAGE ANY @@2 PAGE ANY @59 PAGE
CHAN CHAN CHAN
SEL SEL SEL

8. Press PAGE (F2) if you want to attach a message to the call.

9. Press CHAN (F3) if you want to initiate the call on a specific channel.
10. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to initiate the call.
The radio now starts the AnyCall process. During this process, you will see TO alternating
with the number of the channel on which the request is being sent.

Note You can press STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the entire process.

MICOM-3
When an AnyCall is transmitted, the initiator of the call LINK
receives an indication of each station answering the call (its 1111
address flashes in the display, until replaced by the next
answering station).
MICOM-3

11. After a programmed interval (or after 16 stations answer, LINK

ANY PAGE
whichever comes first), the link is established. Now you can I
start talking. MON

MICOM-3

12. To end the call, press ESC. END CALLING

70
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Transmitting Wildcard Calls

Wildcard calls, that is, calls in which the destination address includes the wildcard character ?, let you
to simultaneously address multiple stations with a single address:
• Any station receiving an address with wildcards stops scanning and checks the address length: if
the number of characters in the received address is different from the number of characters in its
own self-address, the station ignores the call.
• If the received address matches the length, a receiving station checks the significant positions in
the received address against its own. For example, the stations JOHN and JOIN will both accept
a call with the address JO?N.
• Each station accepting the call answers the calling station in a pseudo-random slot.
MICOM-3 will wait for responses for a certain time before entering the link state with all the stations
that responded within this interval (the maximum number of stations that are accepted in a wildcard
call is 16). Therefore, with the wildcard option, the link set up process takes more time, because the
radio waits longer to get responses (it cannot “guess” the number of stations that will answer).
Before continuing, you may wish to review pages 37 to 41, which present details on ALE addressing
(including the use of wildcards in addresses).

Note Before starting, you may want to select a different net to use: see instructions on
page 53.
When MultiNet is enabled, you will be prompted for a net number as soon as you
press CALL (F1) to start a call.

➤ To transmit a wildcard call:

1. Press CALL (F1). MICOM-3

The radio displays the last called address. CALL SEND

1001 PAGE
If you see the address you want (that is, you want to repeat the I
CHAN

last wildcard call), skip directly to Step 11 below, otherwise

continue as explained below.
MICOM-3

CALL MULT
1001
2. Press MORE once. I

MICOM-3

CALL ALL
NET
3. Press MULT (F1) to display the first page of special calls. I
GRP
ANY

MICOM-3

CALL WILD
SELF
4. Press MORE again to display the next page. I

71
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
WILD PAGE
5. Press WILD (F1) to start. CHAN
SEL

MICOM-3

WILD ?
_
6. Press SEL (F4).

Note If you try to send (SEND (F1)) the call without first selecting an address, your
attempt is rejected and you see for a few seconds NOT PROG.
MICOM-3

7. Select the desired address: WILD ?

?135? <--
• To insert a wildcard, press ? (F1). -->

• Enter the desired characters using the keypad CLR

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
?135? PAGE
8. Confirm your selection by pressing ENTER. CHAN
SEL

9. Press PAGE (F2) if you want to attach a message to the call.

10. Press CHAN (F3) if you want to initiate the call on a specific channel.
11. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to initiate the call.

Note If the selected group does not include at least 2 stations, your request is rejected
and you will see for a few seconds AT LEAST 2.

The radio now starts the process. During this process, you will see TO alternating with the
number of the channel on which the request is being sent.

Note You can press STOP (F1) or ESC to abort the entire process.
MICOM-3

LINK
12. After a delay, you will see LINK with the wildcard address ?135? PAGE
I
flashing. LQA
MON

MICOM-3

LINK
13. Confirm the link set up by pressing ENTER or the PTT. The ?135? PAGE
I
address stops flashing, and you can start talking. LQA
MON

72
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

MICOM-3

14. To end the call, press ESC. END CALLING

Transmitting a Self Call

The self-call is a test call addressed to your own address within the currently selected net. Its purpose
is to check that your radio set is OK and can transmit calls (to check reception, you can simply listen
to other radio sets).
When you send the self-call, the radio starts sending calls to its own address, successively, on each
channel in the current net. After going through all the channels, the call process stops. No other
response is expected.

Note You can also include the self address in a group call.

➤ To send a self-call:
MICOM-3

CALL SEND
1. Press CALL (F1). 1001 PAGE
I
CHAN
The radio displays the last called address.

MICOM-3

CALL MULT
1001
2. Press MORE once. I

MICOM-3

CALL ALL
NET
3. Press MULT (F1) to display the first page of special calls. I
GRP
ANY

MICOM-3

CALL WILD
SELF
4. Press MORE again to display the next page. I

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
1007
5. Press SELF (F2) to start the self-call. CHAN

MICOM-3

CALL SEND
6. You may select now a specific channel to perform the call, by CH 3 30%
pressing CHAN (F1). See details on page 56. BEST

73
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

7. When ready, press SEND (F1) to start transmitting. The display TO STOP

alternates between your self-address and the channel used for 1007
the call is sent. If you did not select a specific channel, the
channel number changes as the radio sends the call on each
channel assigned to the selected net. MICOM-3

After all the channels have been used, the call automatically CH 3 STOP
1007
stops.
You can press STOP (F1) at any time to end the call sooner.

Bidirectional Handshake
The bidirectional handshake is used to exchange LQA scores with other stations without establishing a
link.

Note The MICOM-3 can also be programmed to automatically initiate the call to the
station after finishing the bidirectional handshake (using the BDLK parameter
reached under the ALE programming options).

A bidirectional handshake can be carried out with a single station or with all stations in the net. It can
be carried out either on a single channel, or on all the net channels. When required, a message can
also be added to the procedure.
After a bidirectional handshake with a single station, the LQA matrices of both radios are updated.
The operator can then initiate a call to that station and obtain the best channel automatically.
When the bidirectional handshake procedure is performed with a net, all the stations in the net
update their LQA tables.
MICOM-3 will wait for responses for a certain time before entering the link state with all the stations
that responded within this interval (the maximum number of stations that are accepted in a
bidirectional handshake is 16).

Note Before starting, you may want to select a different net to use: see instructions on
page 53.
When MultiNet is enabled, you will be prompted for a net number as soon as you
press CALL (F1) to start a call.

➤ To execute a bidirectional handshake with an individual station:

MICOM-3

LQA BIDR
SOND
1. Press LQA (F2) to enter the LQA menu.

MICOM-3

2. Press BIDR (F1). BIDR SEND

1001 PAGE
I
The last called address is displayed. If this is the address you CHAN
want, skip directly to Step 6 below.

74
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

3. To select a different address, use the UP/DOWN keys to scroll to the required address in
the directory, and then press ENTER to confirm your selection.
or
If the station you want to add to the group is not in the
directory: MICOM-3

BIDR SAVE

• Enter the new station using the keypad. If you make a BU_ <--
-->
mistake, scroll to the desired position using <-- (F2)
CLR
and/or --> (F3), or clear (CLR (F4)) the whole entry and
start again.
MICOM-3

DIR SEND
• When ready, press SAVE (F1) to store the new station in BUD PAGE
I
the directory. CHAN

4. Press PAGE (F2) if you wish to attach a message to the bidirectional handshake process.
After confirming the message, exclamation mark precedes the name of the called station,
indicating that a message has been attached.
5. Press CHAN (F3) if you wish to execute a bidirectional handshake process on a specific
channel.
6. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER in order to initiate the bidirectional handshake process. During
this process, you will see TO alternating with the number of the channel on which the
set up request is being sent.

Note During the bidirectional handshake process, you can press STOP (F1) or ESC to
abort the entire process.

➤ To execute a bidirectional handshake with a net:

MICOM-3

LQA BIDR
SOND
1. Press LQA (F2) to enter the LQA menu.

MICOM-3

2. Press BIDR (F1). BIDR SEND

1001 PAGE
I
The last called address is displayed. If this is the net you want, CHAN
skip directly to Step 8 below.

MICOM-3

BDIR MULT
1001
3. Press MORE. I

75
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

BIDR SEND
NET 1 PAGE
4. Press MULT (F1). I
CHAN

MICOM-3

BIDR NET

5. Press NET (F1).

Note You cannot change the net number at this stage – the bidirectional handshake is
always performed on the currently selected net. To change the net, see page 53.

6. Press PAGE (F2) if you want to attach a message to the handshake.

7. Press CHAN (F3) if you want to initiate the handshake on a specific channel.
8. Press SEND (F1) or ENTER to initiate the handshake. During this process, you will see TO
alternating with the number of the channel on which the handshake is being sent.

Note While the radio is initializing the handshake, you can press STOP (F1) or ESC to
abort the entire process.

Sounding
Sounding is used to test the quality of the channels and propagation paths of all channels in the net.
The sounding signal is normally repeated automatically, at regular intervals. A complete round of
sounding messages, or "sounding cycle" can be programmed to 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, or can be
set to OFF.
Sounding can also be initiated manually whenever necessary, even if automatic sounding is enabled.
➤ To manually initiate sounding:
MICOM-3

LQA BIDR
SOND
1. Press LQA (F2) to enter the LQA menu.

MICOM-3

SOND ON
SOUND OFF OFF
2. Press SOND (F2).

3. Press ON (F1) to start manual sounding, or OFF (F2) to stop an ongoing sounding process.

Notes • The radio automatically returns to ALE mode when sounding is stopped.
• When the radio transmits a sounding signal, the Tx bar is visible.

76
 Using Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)

Using the Inlink Function

MICOM-3
When the inlink function is enabled (see instructions in the ALE Options DISC
Configuration section starting on page 91), the stations participating in a 1001 PAGE

call are automatically notified by a DISC message whenever another USB

LQA
MON
participant leaves (disconnects from) the call.

The link is then automatically disconnected when only one station is left (that is, after all the other
participants disconnected).
The inlink function is available in any type of call that involves the setting up of a link using
bidirectional handshaking. Therefore, you can use it in individual calls, group calls, net calls, etc., but
not in AllCalls and self calls.

Notes For the inlink function to operate correctly, it must be enabled on all the stations.
Do not enable the inlink function when communicating with a radio that does not
support the full ALE capabilities in accordance with MIL-STD-188-141B.

To avoid disconnecting the link too soon as a result of inactivity (that is, MICOM-3

after the PTT time-out interval (PTOT) programmed under the ALE Options LINK RCLV
1001 FREQ
Configuration section), each participant can request other stations to wait
USB
beyond the PTOT interval (up to 10 minutes more) before automatic TOT
disconnection occurs.
This option (TOT – time-out interval) is displayed over the F4 key after the link is set up: to send a
request for the other stations to wait more time, press the TOT (F4) key.

Transmitting ALE Calls in the Channel Mode

The ALE option is available in both the ALE and Channel modes and therefore, the radio can also
answer ALE calls.
The transmission process is similar for both operating modes, with the following differences:
• In the Channel mode, every call is initiated on the currently selected channel.
• The LQA function is not available in the Channel mode: sounding and bidirectional calls can
only be initiated in the ALE mode.
• When the radio is in the Channel mode, it uses the parameters programmed for net 1.

If net 1 is not programmed, there is no ALE functionality in the Channel

mode, even if the ALE option is turned on.
Important

77
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Using the Programming Mode

Note This section provides concise instructions for using the PROG mode. If you need
detailed instructions, refer to Part II of this manual – Manual Programming.

The Programming (PROG) mode is used to program the parameters needed by your radio set:
• Language – the language used on the MICOM-3 display. The default language is English,
however you also select French or Spanish.
• Radio parameters – the parameters for communication in your environment and in the radio nets
you use most of the time. Some of these parameters are stored as channels.
• ALE parameters – the parameters needed to use the ALE function. Some of these parameters are
stored as nets.
You can also use the PROG mode to program the parameters needed by the optional vocoder or by
VP-116 voice privacy unit, when used by your radio set. To find details on the selections available to
you on the PROG menu, use Figure 6 (page 79) and Figure 7 (page 80).
Note that MICOM-3 lets you change the currently-used parameters on-line, as required in any
particular situation. When you select another channel or net, the changes are discarded and the
programmed values are used again.

Note The Programming mode is accessible only if the radio is not locked. See the
Locking the Radio section on page 32.

➤ To enter the Programming mode:

MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. I
ALE
BIT

MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
2. Press MORE to scroll to the second Menu screen. I
PSW
DIM

MICOM-3

RAD
PROG
ALE
3. Press PROG (F2) to enter the Programming mode. LANG

MICOM-3

Notes PROG RAD

• If your MICOM-3 is equipped with an internal vocoder, or ALE
connected to an external vocoder, you will see VCD next to LANG
F3. VCD

• If your MICOM-3 is connected to the VP-116 privacy unit, you will see VP next to F4.

78
 Using the Programming Mode

MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
I
PSW
DIM

RAD ALE LANG VP Option VCD Option

.
. ENG PVT ..
1
.. PVT
.. FRNC PK .
..
.
.
CONF
ESPA LLB . ERAS
BIT 8

More
VOL 1
. .
.. ..
CHAN PRMT OPTS .
.
.
.
8

ACC ALE

AMP YES
TUNE NO
NONE

More More

BAUD DPWR MST AST PTBP KBBP TONE ADT ATTN CW RCLV DIM

1.2 LOW YES YES YES YES LOW 1 YES 0.25 YES YES
.. ..
2.4 MED NO NO NO NO HIGH . . NO 0.5 NO NO
.. ..
4.8 HIGH 0.8
9.6 MAX 10

More More

GET STOR ERAS PWR FREQ BAND MODE AGC BW

LOW SMPX LSB SSB SLOW 2.1

MED DPLX USB AME FAST 2.7
HIGH RXO PLT OFF 3.0
MAX TXO 3.3
LSM
CW

Figure 6. PROG Menu – Radio Parameters Programming

79
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
I
PSW
DIM

RAD ALE LANG Option VP VCD Option

.
. ENG PVT 1 PVT
. .
.. FRNC PK ..
.
..
.
CONF
ESPA LLB . . ERAS
BIT 8

More More
VOL 1
.. .
..
. .
. .
.
NET RCV DIR AMD OPT AUTO STOR 8

ADDR YES
AMD NO
EDIT ERAS
More More More

ADD ERAS

YES
NO PTOT MLQA MxCH ILNK BDLK

1 0 AUTO YES YES

ADD ERAS SAVE . . . . 0
. . . . . . NO NO
. . . . . .
. . . . . .
. . . . . .
SAVE YES YES . .
10 100
--> NO NO 59
CLR ALL ALL
EXAL QCAL ANY

YES YES YES

NO NO NO

ALRT AADR WILD

YES YES YES

NO NO NO

TOT MNT AMD

YES YES YES

NO NO NO
More

NAME MEMB CHAN OPT GET ERAS

YES
NO
NET SELF More More

EDIT EDIT

SOND HACK ALLC

MAN YES NONE
ADD ERAS SORT 30 SLNT MACK TUNE
. NO RCV
. ..
EDIT YES MAN .. . YES YES SEND OFF
. .. R&S 1
ADDR NO AUTO NO LQAR NO OCUP . .
ALL 120 . .
. .
YES OFF . .
. .
NO SCN 300 M/S 20
. .
. ..
ADD ERAS ALLC ..
2 . . MAST
.
5 3000 SLAV

Figure 7. PROG Menu – ALE Parameters Programming

80
 Programming the Radio Parameters

Programming the Radio Parameters

The Radio Programming mode is used to program the following types of parameters:
• Channel parameters
• General radio parameters
• Radio options.
The following sections explain the programming procedures.
➤ To enter the Radio Programming mode:
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. I
ALE
BIT

MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
2. Press MORE to scroll to the second Menu screen. I
PSW
DIM

MICOM-3

RAD
PROG
ALE
3. Press PROG (F2) to enter the Programming mode. LANG

MICOM-3

RADIO CHAN

4. Press RAD (F1) to enter the Radio Programming mode. PROGRAMMING PRMT
OPTS

81
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Programming Channels
➤ To enter the Channel Programming mode:
MICOM-3

RADIO CHAN

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (page 79). PROGRAMMING PRMT

OPTS

MICOM-3

CHAN GET
PARAMETERS STOR
2. Press CHAN (F1). I
ERAS
USB
PWR

The CHAN menu provides the following options (see also Figure 6):
• GET GET retrieves a channel already programmed in MICOM-3. Retrieving a channel
retrieves all the parameters defined for that channel. You can store these
parameters as a new channel using the STOR function, and then edit the
parameters as required.
• STOR Store the current set of parameters in a selected channel.

Note GET and STOR are used to copy the channel parameters from one channel to
another.

• ERAS ERAS is used to delete (erase) a channel. Actually, this action only replaces the
user-modified parameters of the channel with the factory-default parameters, but
marks the channel as not programmed.
• PWR Select the channel transmit power level. Four transmit power levels can be
selected:
• LOW – 25 W nominal
• MED – 62.5 W nominal
• HIGH – 100 W nominal
• MAX – 125 W nominal.
• FREQ Select the channel frequency. MICOM-3 offers four frequency options:
• SMPX (Simplex Frequency): the same frequency is used for both transmission
and reception.
• DPLX (Duplex Frequency): transmits on one frequency and receives on a
different frequency.
• RXO (Receiving Only Frequency): defines a frequency for reception only.
Transmission on that frequency is disabled.
• TXO (Transmitting Only Frequency): defines a frequency for transmission
only. You cannot receive on that frequency.

82
 Programming the Radio Parameters

Note The available frequency ranges are: • Reception: 100 kHz to 30 MHz.
• Transmission: 1.6 to 30 MHz.

• BAND Select the channel SSB mode:

• USB – upper sideband mode
• LSB – lower sideband mode.
• MODE Select the channel radio operating mode:
• SSB – single sideband
• AME – amplitude modulation equivalent
• PLT – single sideband with pilot signal.
• AGC Select the channel Automatic Gain Control mode. MICOM-3 offers two AGC
response speeds: SLOW and FAST. You can also turn the AGC OFF completely.
• BW Select the default channel filter bandwidth:
• 2.1 K
• 2.7 K
• 3.0 K
• 3.3 K
• LSM (Low Speed Modem)
• CW (Continuous Wave). The bandwidth used in this case is selected by
MENU>PROG>RAD>PRMT>CW.

Note The factory-default parameter values are as follows:

• Rx Frequency 15.000.00 MHz
• Tx Frequency 15.000.00 MHz
• SSB Mode (Band) USB
• Bandwidth 2.7K
• Tx Power MAX
• AGC Type SSB

83
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Selecting Radio Parameters

➤ To enter the Radio Parameters programming mode:
MICOM-3

RADIO CHAN

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (page 79). PROGRAMMING PRMT

OPTS

MICOM-3

RADIO GET

2. Press PRMT (F2). PARAMETERS STOR

I
ERAS
LSB
PWR

The PRMT option in the Radio Programming menu provides the following options (see also Figure 6):
• BAUD Select the data transmission rate:
• 1.2 – 1200 bps
• 2.4 – 2400 bps
• 4.8 – 4800 bps
• 9.6 – 9600 bps.
• DPWR Select the maximum transmit power for data transmission, that is, for a transmission
initiated by the data PTT. The available selections are:
• LOW 25 W nominal
• MED 62.5 W nominal
• HIGH 100 W nominal
• MAX 125 W nominal.
The transmit power used in the other modes is independently selected for each
channel. If the selected data transmit power exceeds the transmit power configured
on the operating channel, the radio will use the lower channel transmit power.
• MST Enable/disable the sidetone heard in the speaker when you transmit using the
microphone.
• AST Enable/disable the heard in the speaker sidetone when you transmit using an
accessory connected through the rear panel.
• PTBP Enable/disable the transmission of a beep when the local push-to-talk (PTT) button is
released.
This beep is used to notify the other stations that the local (your) radio set has
stopped transmitting and returned to the receive mode: therefore, another radio can
start transmitting.
• KBBP Enable/disable the keypad beep. When enabled, a beep is heard whenever a valid
key is pressed.
• TONE Select the keypad beep level: high or low. The selection is relevant only when the
keypad beep is enabled.

84
 Programming the Radio Parameters

• ADT Select the alternate display time-out, that is, the time after which a keypad sequence
is automatically aborted in case no action is taken. In this case, the display returns to
the previous screen.
The time-out interval can be selected in the range of 1 to 10 seconds.
• ATTN Enable/disable the use of the attenuator. The attenuator is used to reduce
interference when your radio is located near strong transmitters.
• CW Select the channel filter bandwidth used in the CW mode:
• 0.25 – 250 Hz
• 0.5 – 500 Hz
• 0.8 – 800 Hz
A lower value improves the reception but requires better frequency accuracy.
• RCLV Enable/disable the receive signal level display. If the receive signal indication is not
enabled, you can temporarily enable it using one of the function keys.
• DIM Enable/disable automatic dimming of the display.
Usually, the display operates continuously. However, you can program the display to
be normally off, and be automatically turned on when the transceiver detects any
type of activity (keypad, PTT, incoming call, etc.). The ADT option selects the time
before the display is again turned off when inactive.

85
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Setting Radio Options

➤ To enter the Radio Options mode:
MICOM-3

RADIO CHAN

1. Enter the Radio Programming menu (page 79). PROGRAMMING PRMT

OPTS

MICOM-3

RADIO AMP
OPTIONS TUNE
2. Press OPTS (F3). ALE

The OPTS option in the Radio Programming menu provides the following options (see also Figure 6):
• AMP Enables/disables operation with an external RF power amplifier.
• TUNE Enables/disables operation with an external antenna tuner. If you are using an
external tuner, you must set this option to YES.
• ALE Enables/disables the ALE functionality. When the ALE option is disabled, MICOM-3
can use the Scan Mode (see Using the Scan Mode on page 30).

86
 ALE Programming

ALE Programming
This ALE Programming mode is used to configure the parameters needed by the ALE function. The
ALE parameters are identified in Figure 7.

Note The Programming mode is accessible only if the radio is not locked.

After locating the required ALE parameter in the Programming menu, you can change it by pressing
the function key next to the parameter name, and then press the UP/DOWN keys to scroll or set
parameters.
➤ To enter the ALE Programming mode:
MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. I
ALE
BIT

MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
2. Press MORE to scroll to the second Menu screen. I
PSW
DIM

MICOM-3

RAD
PROG
3. Press PROG (F2). ALE
LANG
4. Press ALE (F2) to enter the ALE Programming mode.

MICOM-3

ALE NET
5. Press MORE as required to access additional ALE programming PROGRAMMING DIR
I
parameters. AMD
OPT

In the ALE Programming mode, you can program the following features (see also Figure 7):
Description See Page …
• NET Net parameters: station names, options, members and scanned channels. 88
• REC Edit the list of stations not appearing in the directory from which calls have 90
been received. This item is displayed only after such calls have been
received, and therefore will not appear when the MICOM-3 is just turned
on.
• DIR Directory: configuration of the ALE address list. 90
• AMD Messages: preparation of AMD messages to be sent with ALE calls. 91

Note You can also edit, or prepare a new message, on-line.

• OPT Options: configuration of the various ALE options, such as PTT timeout, 91
external alarm, and so on.
• AUTO Autodial parameters: shortcuts for ALE calls to frequently called stations. 93

87
MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

• STOR Store the changes made in the ALE programming session. 93

The following sections explain the programming of these features. For detailed instructions, refer to
Part II of this manual.

• The ESC key is used to cancel a change you have made, if not yet
confirmed. If you have already saved changes, the ESC key will only
return to a previous screen of the ALE Programming menu.
Important • When you end ALE programming, you must store the parameters
you defined.
If you press the MENU key to exit the programming mode without
first saving your changes, you will be prompted to store the ALE
configuration changes. Press YES to store the configuration. If you
press NO, the configuration will revert to the previous configuration,
and any changes made in the current ALE programming session will
be ignored.

Programming Nets
When programming a net, you can set the net names, define the net members, add channels,
configure various options, copy parameters from a defined net or erase an entire net.

Net Programming Overview

The net programming mode enables you to view and edit the configuration of each net. The
configuration includes the following menus:
• NAME Edit the net name and the self-address:
• NET: Define or edit the net names. It is not allowed to use a name already used
as a self-address, nor an address already appearing in the address directory.
• SELF: Define or edit your self address (the identification of your station, to be
used by other stations within the same net).
It is not allowed to use a name already used as a net address, nor an address
already appearing in the address directory.
A net name or self address can contain up to 15 characters. Valid characters are the
letters A to Z and the numerals 0 to 9.
• MEMB Add or erase members (station addresses) from the list of net members. This list
defines which stations can participate in a net call (a net can have up to 16
addresses).
The MEMB menu also enables you to sort the list of members: this determines the
order in which members respond to a net call. You can arrange the order of the list
of members manually, or instruct the radio to arrange them in alphanumeric order.
A member name can contain up to 15 characters. Valid characters are the letters
A to Z and the numerals 0 to 9. It is not allowed to define a name already used as a
net address, nor an address already appearing in the address directory. New member
names will automatically be added to the directory list (unless the directory is full).

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 ALE Programming

• CHAN Add or remove channels to the list of scanned channels in a net, and to define the
channel on which AllCalls are to be transmitted (the AllCall channel (ALLC)).

Notes • Each net can contain up to 100 scanned channels.

• All nets combined can contain up to 100 scanned channels. If you
exceed this number, the message OVER 100 CH is displayed for
one second, and then the display returns to the previous menu.
• If you enter a channel which is not programmed, a NOT PROG
message is displayed for a second, and the display returns to the
previous menu.

• OPT Configure net options, including: sounding, silent network, LQA request, scan rate,
home acknowledgment, monitor acknowledgment, occupancy detection, master/slave
definitions, AllCall options and tune time.
• GET Copy all parameters from one network to another. This function is useful if you are
defining a new network and wish to base most of its parameters on an existing
network, for instance if you need to use different frequencies/channels for day and
night communication, but all other net information (such as stations and names) is
identical.
• ERAS Erase an entire network from the ALE data base.

After preparing a set of parameters, your entries are checked and any errors are reported. If you do
not correct the detected errors, MICOM-3 will offer to discard the new set of parameters.

Default Values
Unless you define different values, each net uses the following factory-defaults:
• Net Name No default defined
• Self Address No default defined
• AllCall Send and receive enabled
• AllCall Channel No default defined
• Tune Time No tune time
• Silent No
• Home Acknowledgment Yes
• Monitor Acknowledgment No
• Master/Slave Master
• LQA Request Yes
• Sounding Manual
• Occupancy Check No
• Scanned Channels No default defined.

When programming a new network or other ALE parameters, you do not need to define all
parameters – change only those for which the default values are not suitable.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Setting the Net Options

Use this menu to configure net options. The following sections explain the purpose of the net options.
For detailed instructions, refer to Part II of this manual.
• SOND Sounding Parameters: define the interval (in minutes) at which automatic sounding is
performed (30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes), or define sounding as a manual function. See
Sounding on page 34 for a detailed explanation on the sounding process.
• SLNT Silent Mode: select whether the net is in the silent mode, which means that members
in the net can initiate calls but not allowed to respond to an ALE transmission.
• LQAR LQA Reports: select whether your radio will ask the called station for a report on the
quality of the communication every time a call is initiated.
• SCN Scan Rate: select the number of channels scanned each second when the radio is in
ALE mode: can be set to 2 or 5 channels per second.
• HACK Home Acknowledgment: enable/disable home acknowledgment. When enabled, the
radio transmits an end-of-call indication to the remote station.
• MACK Monitor Acknowledgment: enable/disable monitor acknowledgment. When enabled,
the radio transmits an accept call indication to the station that initiated the call.
• OCUP Occupancy Check: enable/disable the occupancy check. The occupancy check
defines whether the radio uses the speech detect mechanism to determine whether a
channel on which a call is about to be made is occupied. If this option is ON, a call
cannot be initiated on a channel determined to be occupied. This option can be
operated in addition to the ALE signal detection mechanism.
You can select the interval at which occupancy checks are made (300 to 3000 msec,
in 300-msec increments).
• M/S Master/Slave: select whether your radio serves as a master or slave in the current ALE
network. Only a master station can initiate a Net Call.
• ALLC AIICall Settings: this option determines whether the ALE is able to receive and/or send
AllCalls. An AIICall is an ALE broadcast transmission. All stations receiving an AIICall
are linked to the sender, even if they do not recognize the sender’s address. If no
AIICall channel is defined, the call will be made on the best channel in the net.
• TUNE Tune Time: select the tuning time. Tuning time is the maximum time the current ALE
waits for the called station to tune (this is the tune-in time of the slowest tuner in the
net). The tune time is added to the calculated response time. Tune time can be 1 to
20 seconds, or OFF (zero).

Directory Parameters
This DIR option on the ALE Programming menu enables preparing the ALE address list. This list
contains the names of stations to which the radio can address a private call using the ALE. You can
add a new address, and edit an existing address.
A name can contain up to 15 characters. Valid characters are the letters A to Z and the numerals
0 to 9. You cannot add an address which is identical to the name of a programmed net, nor an
address already used as a self address in a programmed net. The list can contain up to 100 addresses,
and is automatically sorted in ascending alphanumeric order.

90
 ALE Programming

AMD Message Configuration

The AMD option of the ALE Programming menu is used to view, edit, add or erase messages
intended for transmission. The characters you can enter in messages using the radio keypad are: A to
Z, 0 to 9, space, * and #. See message preparation details on page 59.
Messages programmed using a remote PC with a standard keyboard can contain all the ASCII
characters the range of 20 (hex) to 5F (hex).
The message list can contain up to 12 messages, numbered AMD 0 to AMD 11. Each message can
contain up to 90 characters.

Note If no messages are stored, empty will appear in the second display line.

ALE Options Configuration

This menu enables you to configure the following ALE options:
• PTOT PTT Timeout: the time (in minutes) which elapses between the moment you
release the PTT button, until the ALE disconnects the link. The allowed range is 1 to
10 minutes.
• EXAL External Alarm: activate/deactivate the radio external alarm when a call is received.
• ALRT Alert tone: enable/disable the generation of an alert tone whenever a link is
established.
• TOT Accept Link Time-out Time: the radio can be configured to disconnect the link
automatically if neither the PTT, nor any other key is pressed within 30 seconds
from the reception of a call. If Accept Link TOT is set to NO, the received call is
accepted immediately and automatically.
• MLQA Minimum LQA Score: determines the minimum acceptable LQA (Link Quality
Analysis) score allowed when trying to establish a link on a specific channel.
If the minimum score is not achieved when the radio attempts to establish a link in
the ALE mode, the radio will try to establish a link on the scanned channel with the
next best LQA score. At the end of this process, a link will be established on the
scan channel with the best LQA score. If the call is made on a specific channel, the
radio ignores the minimum LQA score check.
The allowed range of LQA scores is 0 to 100%. When selecting the minimum LQA
score, remember that in accordance with the ALE standards, the maximum LQA
score (assigned for receiving an optimum sounding is 70%), and the minimum score
is 30%. The score given to a station that did not send any sounding or a station
whose sounding has not been received is also 30%.
• QCAL Quick Call: enable/disable initiating a call to the last called address by pressing the
MIC PTT button twice in rapid sequence (double pressing).
• AADR Automatic address: enable/disable automatically adding the source addresses of
incoming calls to the ALE directory.

Note If the directory is full, new addresses will not be added.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

• MNT MultiNet: enable/disable the scanning of multiple ALE nets. When enabled, this
feature lets the radio communicate with stations in nets other than the currently
selected net.
• MxCH Maximum Scan Channels: when MultiNet is enabled, the time needed for scanning
all the nets may be rather long. This parameter is used to adapt the duration of the
calling signal to the number of scanned net, to ensure that communications are not
disrupted. You can select between automatic selection, or select a value in the
range of 0 to 59 seconds.
• ANY AnyCall: enable/disable the sending AnyCalls.
• WILD Wildcard: enable/disable the sending wildcard calls.
• AMD Automatic Message Display: enable/disable the sending AMD messages.
• ILNK Inlink: enable/disable the inlink facility, which enables notifying other call
participants when each participant disconnects from the link. All participants must
be programmed to use the same selection (either YES or NO).
Do not enable the inlink function when communicating with a radio that does not
support the full ALE capabilities in accordance with MIL-STD-188-141B.
• BDLK Bidirectional link: enable/disable automatically setting up a link on the best channel
after a bidirectional handshake with an individual station.

The ALE options have the following factory-default values:

• PTT Timeout No timeout
• Alert Yes
• External Alarm Yes
• Auto Address No
• Quick Call Yes
• Minimum LQA score 0
• Accept Link Timeout Yes
• MNT Yes
• MxCH Auto
• ANY Yes
• WILD Yes
• AMD Yes
• ILNK No
• BDLK No

When configuring ALE options, you do not need to define all parameters – change only those for
which the factory-default values are not suitable.

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 ALE Programming

Auto Dial Parameters

Auto Dial enables you to set shortcuts for calls to frequently called stations, with or without
automatically attaching messages when a station is called:
• AUTO Used to configure up to 10 autodial codes, numbered AUTO 0 to AUTO 9.
• AMD Used to prepare AMD messages for sending when an autodial code is used. See
message preparation details on page 59.

Note If a message is attached to the address, an exclamation mark precedes the

address.

Storing ALE parameters

Before exiting the ALE programming menu, you must store the parameters you have programmed.

If you press the MENU or ESC key to exit programming mode without first
saving your changes, you will be prompted to store the ALE configuration
changes. Press YES to store the configuration.
Important
If you press NO, the configuration will revert to the previous configuration,
and any changes made in the ALE programming session will be ignored.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Using the New Station Address Filter

To help you add new station addresses to the ALE directory of your radio set in a controlled manner,
MICOM-2 has a special ALE address filter. To enable this filter, enable the Auto Address function on
the PROG>ALE>OPT>AADR menu (this function can also be enabled by means of the RSS).
When enabled, the address filter compares the source address of each call received by your radio set
with the addresses stored in the ALE directory. When the first new unlisted address is found, it is
stored in a special memory stack, and you are notified that at least one unlisted address has been
detected by adding the option RCV (F2) under PROG>ALE, after the NET option. When you want
to check the addresses stored in the stack, you select RCV (F2) and then decide whether to erase an
address or add it to the ALE directory of your radio set.
Up to 20 new addresses can be stored in this stack, which is organized as a FIFO stack: this means
that when a new address, different from all the previously detected addresses, is received while 20
addresses are already stored, it will replace the oldest address.
The information on the received addresses is automatically erased when the radio is turned off; only
addresses added to the directory remain in the directory.
➤ To edit the received addresses and add addresses to the ALE directory:
1. Press MENU (F1) and select ALE (F2) MICOM-3

RCV ADD

2. When addresses are stored in the new received addresses 5061 ERAS
SAVE
stack, you will see the RCV (F2) option. Press RCV (F2) to
display the RCV screen.
MICOM-3

3. You will see RCV screen. The screen displays the last detected ALE NET
PROGRAMMING RCV
unlisted address. Use the UP/DOWN arrows to display the I
DIR
desired address (the display is cyclical). AMD

4. When the desired address is displayed, press the key corresponding to the action to be
performed:
• To delete the address from the stack, press ERAS (F2).
• To add the address to the directory, press ADD (F1). The address is removed from
the stack.
5. To confirm, press SAVE (F4).
6. Repeat the actions until all the desired addresses are processed. When done, press ESC to
end.
If the stack is now empty, the RCV (F2) option is no longer displayed on the ALE menu.

94
 Using the VP-116 Mini Voice Privacy Unit

Using the VP-116 Mini Voice Privacy Unit

Introduction
The VP-116 Voice Privacy unit provides voice privacy at good voice quality. For information on the
VP-116 unit, read the manual supplied with the unit.
You can order option G849 that enables the MICOM-3 to support the VP software, so that you can
program the VP-116 unit directly from the radio.

Notes The VP menu appears on your MICOM-3 radio only if the radio is connected to
the VP-116 before the radio is turned on.
Radio performance may be reduced when a VP unit is connected.

Specific Parameters for Privacy Operation

When the radio is turned while the VP-116 is physically connected to the MICOM-3, the radio
automatically starts using the specific parameters needed by the VP-116. For example, you can see
that when the privacy function is used, the bandwidth is set to 3.3K, instead of 2.7K in the clear
mode (operation without VP).
After you turn the radio off and disconnect the VP-116, the radio reverts to normal operation with a
2.7K filter bandwidth.
The parameter values used by the VP-116 are as follows:
• Volume: Level 6
• Squelch: Level 0
• Sidetone: Level 0.
• Squelch: OFF
• BW: 3.3K filter.

Connecting/Disconnecting the VP-116 Unit

➤ To connect the VP-116 to your MICOM-3:
1. Turn the radio off.
2. Connect the VP-116 to the 44-pin accessories connector at the back panel of your
MICOM-3, using the supplied cable.
3. Turn the radio on.
➤ To disconnect the VP-116 from your MICOM-3:

If you do not turn the radio off before disconnecting the VP-116, the radio
will continue working in the VP-116 mode, even though the unit is
disconnected.
Important

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

4. Turn the radio off.

5. Disconnect the VP-116 from the 44-pin accessories connector of your MICOM-3.
6. Turn the radio on.

Using the VP-116 Unit

When operating the radio with the VP-116 unit in the Channel, Frequency or ALE mode, you can
choose between the CLR and PVT (private) modes:
• PVT activates the VP-116 automatic voice privacy functions
• CLR reverts to regular radio activity.

Notes 1. There are eight preprogrammed PVT keys, PVT1 to PVT8, and one public key
(PK). Program the key to be used as described in the Programming the VP-116
Unit from the MICOM-3 section starting on page 97. The currently-used key
number appears on the screen.
2. In the PVT and PK modes, the VP controls whether you hear or not the
received signals, and therefore the squelch option (SQ (F3)) is not displayed.
The Squelch option (F3) appears only in the Clear (CLR) mode.
3. When the PTT is activated, a hold-off tone sounds. Wait for the hold-off tone
to end before talking.

➤ To use the VP-116 unit in the Channel mode:

MICOM-3

CH 6 CLR
1. Press PVT# (F1) whenever it is necessary to toggle between the F 16,000.00 BAND
I
PVT (Private) and CLR (Clear) modes. USB SQ
BW3.3K DSP

MICOM-3

CH 6 PVT3
Note When using the public key, you see PK (F1) instead of F 16,000.00 BAND
I
PVT#. USB
BW3.3K DSP

➤ To use the VP-116 unit in the Frequency mode:

MICOM-3

FREQ RCLV
1. When using the Frequency mode, press MORE twice to access F 16,000.00 STOR
I
the third screen. USB VP
BW3.3K

2. Press PVT# (F3) whenever it is necessary to toggle between the PVT (Private) and CLR
(Clear) modes.

➤ To use the VP-116 unit in the ALE mode:

1. Enable the ALE mode, as described in Enabling the ALE Mode on page 43.
2. After a link has been set up, press PVT# (F1) whenever it is necessary to toggle between
the PVT (Private) and CLR (Clear) modes.

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 Using the VP-116 Mini Voice Privacy Unit

Programming the VP-116 Unit from the MICOM-3

The PROG menu of the MICOM-3 provides access to the following functions:
• Programming the VP-116 unit key.
• Adjusting the volume provided by the VP-116 unit to match the normal radio volume.
• Testing the operation of the VP-116.
➤ To access the VP-116 unit programming menu:
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
I
ALE
BIT

2. Press MORE to scroll to the second Menu screen. MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
I
PSW
DIM

3. Press PROG (F2) to enter the Programming screen. MICOM-3

PROG RAD
ALE
LANG
VP

4. Press VP (F4) to enter the VP-116 menu.

5. Press the relevant key to access the VP-116 modes:
• PVT (F1) Select the key used in the private mode.
• PK (F2) Select the public key mode.
• LLB (F3) Activate the local loopback, used to check proper operation of the
VP-116 in conjunction with the MICOM-3.
• BIT (F4) Perform the Built-In-Test, used to confirm that the VP-116 is working
OK.
After pressing MORE, you see the VOL (F1) option, used to adjust the relative receive
volume of the VP-116.
Figure 8 shows the VP programming options. The available selections are described in the
following sections.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

MICOM-3

PROG RAD
ALE
LANG
VP

PVT 1
. ..
PK ..
Figure 8. VP Programming Menu LLB .
.
..
.
BIT 8
More
VOL 1
. .
. ..
.. .
. .
8

Selecting the VP-116 Mode and Keys

VP-116 offers two protection modes: privacy and public key encryption. The keys to be used must be
loaded into the VP-116, before starting operations.
All the VP-116 involved in a private call must use the same key: any unit not using the proper key
cannot participate in the call.

Selecting the VP-116 Private Mode and Key

Private reception and transmission are possible only when a valid key is selected. If the selected key is
not valid or is not stored in the VP-116, a tone will be heard and the selection is rejected.
➤ To select the VP-116 Private mode and the key to be used in this mode:
1. Access the VP-116 Programming menu: MENU > MORE > PROG > VP (F4).
2. Press PVT (F1) to enter the privacy key selection mode.
3. Use the UP/DOWN keys to scroll through PVT1 to PVT8.

Note The key number flashes until its selection is confirmed.

4. Press ENTER to confirm the selection of the key displayed on the screen.
Press ESC to revert to the previous setting.

Using the VP-116 PK (Public Key) Mode

In the public key mode, two VP-116 units can communicate in private without having to use
prearranged keys. A public key call can be established only between two radios, and cannot be used
for a group of radios. The key used for the call is temporary and is destroyed when you exit the PK
mode, or when you turn the radio off.
➤ To switch to the VP-116 Public Key mode:
1. Access the VP-116 Programming menu: MENU > MORE > PROG > VP (F4).
2. Press PK (F2) to initiate a public key exchange with another unit.
The message VP-PK P-WAIT...” is displayed. The initialization process takes approximately
60 seconds.

Note To cancel the pending call, press the STOP key.

98
 Using the VP-116 Mini Voice Privacy Unit

When the other unit responds, you will see PVT-P.

3. Press PTT to start talking in the PK mode.
To cancel the call, both parties must press ESC.
If after 120 seconds there is no response from the other station, or the radio identifies a
communication error, the message ERR RESPONSE is displayed.
Press STOP (F1) to end the call.
➤ To respond to a VP-116 public key call:
When a public key call is sent to you, the message VP-PK P-WAIT is displayed on your radio.
• Press RESP (F2) to answer the PK request.
• Press STOP (F1) to cancel the PK request.
After approximately 60 seconds, the message PVT-P is displayed:
• Press PTT to start talking in the PK mode.
• Press ESC to cancel the call.

VP-116 LLB (Local Loopback) Mode

The Local Loopback (LLB) mode tests the local audio circuits by closing a loopback from the
microphone input to the speaker output; this loopback remains connected until the ESC key is
pressed.

Note No signal is actually transmitted by the radio.

➤ To perform the VP-116 Local Loopback test:

1. Access the VP-116 Programming menu: MENU > MORE > PROG > VP (F4).
2. Press LLB (F3) to enter the LLB mode.
3. Press the PTT and talk. When everything is OK, you will hear your own signal during the
test.
4. Press ESC to end the LLB test.

VP-116 BIT (Built-In-Test) Mode

The BIT mode enables checking the proper operation of the VP-116 unit.
➤ To perform the VP-116 Built-In-Test:
1. Access the VP-116 Programming menu: MENU > MORE > PROG > VP (F4).
2. Press BIT (F4) to start the BIT test.
3. During the test, the message IN TEST... is displayed. The number of periods indicates the
progress of the test.
• If the test is successful, VP BIT-PASS is displayed.
• A malfunction is detected in the VP-116, you will see VP BIT-ERR. In this case,
repeat the BIT test. If the test fails again, your VP-116 must be serviced.
4. Press ESC to end the BIT mode.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Using the Vocoder

Introduction
A vocoder option can be ordered for the MICOM-3. The vocoder provides voice privacy at good
voice quality, using digital signal processing techniques.
The vocoder supports the following protection modes:
• Privacy (PVT) mode, compatible with the VP-116 Mini Voice Privacy Unit. The vocoder can store
up to 8 private keys for use in this mode.
• Digital (DIG) encryption mode.
You can select the desired protection mode, or switch to the clear (CLR) mode. To support protected
communication, the radio bandwidth is automatically switched to 3.3K.
The vocoder can be used in all the modes (Channel, Frequency and ALE).

Note When using the DIG mode with ALE, the radio scans in the Clear mode. When a
vocoder call is detected, the radio automatically switches to the protected DIG
mode after the link is established, and returns to scan in the Clear mode after the
link is disconnected.

Using the Vocoder

When operating the radio with the vocoder in the Channel, Frequency or ALE mode, you can choose
between the CLR, DIG, and PVT (private) modes:
• PVT activates the automatic voice privacy functions
• DIG activates the vocoder digital encryption function
• CLR reverts to regular radio activity.

Notes 1. There are eight preprogrammed PVT keys, PVT1 to PVT8, and one digital
encryption key (DIG). Program the key to be used as described in the
Programming the Vocoder section starting on page 102. The currently-used
key number appears on the screen.
2. In the PVT and DIG modes, the vocoder controls whether you hear or not the
received signals, and therefore the squelch option (SQ (F3)) is not displayed.
The Squelch option (F3) appears only in the Clear (CLR) mode.
3. When the PTT is activated, a hold-off tone sounds. Wait for the hold-off tone
to end before talking.

100
 Using the Vocoder

➤ To use the vocoder in the Channel mode:

MICOM-3

CH 6 CLR
1. Press the F1 key whenever it is necessary to toggle between the F 16,000.00 BAND
I
PVT (Private), DIG, and CLR (Clear) modes. USB SQ
BW3.3K DSP

MICOM-3

CH 6 PVT3

F 16,000.00 BAND
I
USB
BW3.3K DSP
Note When using the digital mode, you see DIG (F1) instead
of PVT#. MICOM-3

CH 6 DIG

F 16,000.00 BAND
I
USB
BW3.3K DSP

➤ To use the vocoder in the Frequency mode:

MICOM-3

FREQ RCLV
1. When using the Frequency mode, press MORE twice to access F 16,000.00 STOR
I
the third screen. USB CLR
BW3.3K

2. Press the F3 key whenever it is necessary to toggle between the PVT (Private), DIG, and
CLR (Clear) modes.

➤ To use the vocoder in the ALE mode:

1. Enable the ALE mode, as described in Enabling the ALE Mode on page 43.
2. When using the DIG mode, the radio scans automatically in the CLR mode (you may see
that the bandwidth returns to the default, 2.7K) and switches to the DIG mode without
your intervention when a DIG call is detected.
When using the PVT mode, you must press the F1 key to switch to the CLR (Clear) mode
to enable the radio to scan or to initiate a call to the desired destination. After a link is
established, press CLR (F1) to switch to the PVT mode. Switch back to the CLR mode after
the link is disconnected.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Programming the Vocoder

The PROG menu of the MICOM-3 provides access to the following functions:
• Programming the vocoder private (PVT) key.
• Display the vocoder hardware and software versions, and the vocoder configuration.
• Erasing the stored keys. You should erase the keys after their validity expires, or as a precaution
when the radio must be serviced.
➤ To access the vocoder programming menu:
1. Press MENU to display the Menu screen. MICOM-3

MENU CHAN
FREQ
ALE
I
BIT

2. Press MORE to scroll to the second Menu screen. MICOM-3

MENU LOCK
PROG
PSW
I
DIM

3. Press PROG (F2) to enter the Programming screen. MICOM-3

PROG RAD
ALE
LANG
VCD

4. Press VCD (F4) to enter the Vocoder menu.

5. Press the relevant key to access the Vocoder options:
• PVT (F1) Select the key used in the private mode.
• CONF (F2) Display information on the vocoder hardware and software.
• ERAS (F3) Erase the stored keys.

Figure 9 shows the VCD programming options. The available selections are described in
the following sections.
MICOM-3

PROG RAD
ALE
LANG
Figure 9. VCD Programming Menu VCD

PVT 1
. ..
CONF .. .
ERAS . ..
.
8

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 Using the Vocoder

Selecting the Vocoder Mode and Keys

Vocoder offers two protection modes: privacy and public key encryption. The keys to be used must
be loaded into the vocoder, before starting operations.

Selecting the Vocoder Private Key

Private reception and transmission are possible only when a valid key is selected. If the selected key is
not valid or is not stored in the vocoder, a tone will be heard and the selection is rejected.
➤ To select the vocoder private key to be used in this mode:
1. Access the Vocoder Programming menu: MENU > MORE > PROG > VCD (F4).
2. Press PVT (F1) to enter the privacy key selection mode.
3. Use the UP/DOWN keys to scroll through PVT1 to PVT8.

Note The displayed key number flashes until its selection is confirmed.

4. Press ENTER to confirm the selection of the key displayed on the screen.
Press ESC to revert to the previous setting.

Display of Vocoder Information

1. Access the Vocoder Programming menu: MENU > MORE > PROG > VCD (F4).
2. Press CONF (F2).
3. The screen changes to display the vocoder host version, and the function of key F1 changes: it
now enables you to scroll cyclically through the information items displayed on the screen.

Note If you need additional details on the displayed information, contact

[email protected].

4. To end the display, press ESC.

Erasing the Stored Keys

1. Access the Vocoder Programming menu: MENU > MORE > PROG > VCD (F4).
2. Press ERAS (F3).
3. You are requested to confirm: press YES (F1), or cancel the task by pressing NO (F2).

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Using the MICOM-3 GPS Receiver

Introduction
This section provides you with the information needed to use the GPS receiver option.

Note MICOM-3 transceivers that support the internal GPS receiver option have a
connector for the GPS antenna on their rear cover. The GPS receiver itself is
installed only upon specific order.

GPS Receiver Functions

The GPS receiver is an integral part of the MICOM-3 transceiver and can be used whenever the GPS
antenna supplied together with the MICOM-3 transceiver is properly connected and installed.
The GPS receiver provides accurate time and navigation data. The navigation data includes the
geographical coordinates (position data) and the altitude. When the MICOM-3 transceiver is moving,
you can also see the speed and direction (heading).
The information collected by the GPS receiver can be displayed on the MICOM-3 display when using
the CH and FREQ modes. In the ALE mode, the position data can be reported by means of AMD
messages; it can also be automatically reported in response to position queries (also sent by AMD
messages).

Format of GPS Information

The format of the navigation data can be selected in accordance with your needs:
• LLA format: Latitude, longitude and altitude (LLA). The latitude and longitude are displayed in
degrees, with a precision of hundredths of arc minutes (1/100 min); the altitude is reported in
meters, relative to the mean sea level (MSL).
Velocity is reported as the change in the East, North, and Up coordinates, presented in meter/sec
with a precision of 0.001 meter/sec.
• ECEF format: Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed format for position and velocity. Provides your
position and velocity in a Cartesian (X, Y, Z) coordinate frame with its center at the Earth's center,
the Z-axis through the North Pole, and the X-axis through 0 degrees longitude, 0 degrees
latitude. The position is reported in meters.
Velocity for each axis (that is, is the change in the X, Y and Z coordinate) is displayed in
meter/sec, with a precision up to 0.001 meter/sec.
The time is always presented on basis of the UTC (Universal Time Coordinated).

How to Get the Best Results from your MICOM-3 GPS Receiver
The GPS receiver extracts the information it needs by analyzing the signals received from GPS
satellites. These satellite periodically transmit navigation messages, where the transmission of each
complete message requires almost 15 minutes. To calculate all the data your GPS receiver is capable
of providing, it must receive and decode navigation messages from at least 4 GPS satellites (the GPS
receiver can use as many as 8 satellites to improve accuracy).

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Therefore, after turning a GPS receiver on for the first time after a long period of inactivity, it is
essential to let the GPS receiver operate continuously for at least 15 minutes, to enable it to collect
updated almanac data. After this initial 15-minute interval, a GPS receiver can relatively rapidly
acquire the satellites and calculate its position; thereafter, a GPS receiver must remain on only for a
few minutes in order to be able to provide navigation data.
The internal GPS receiver is always powered when the transceiver is turned on. Therefore, if the GPS
antenna is connected, the GPS receiver can start the acquisition process as soon as the transceiver is
turned on, and can then track the satellites continuously. Turning the MICOM-3 transceiver off will
force the GPS receiver to reacquire the satellites.

GPS Antenna
Antenna Description

The GPS antenna is a compact active omnidirectional antenna with magnetic

mounting, which attaches easily and firmly to vehicle’s steel body parts, even
when painted. The antenna will not attach to non-magnetic alloys (e.g.,
aluminum alloys), nor to parts made of composite materials (e.g., fiberglass).

The antenna connects to the GPS connector of the MICOM-3 transceiver through a 5-meter (15 feet)
long coaxial cable, which is part of the antenna. This cable carries both DC power for the antenna,
and the received GPS signals.
The antenna is 42 mm wide by 50.5 mm long by 13.8 mm high (1.65”×1.99”×0.55”), and it requires
a minimal ground plane of 60 by 60 mm (2.36”×2.36”) to provide the specified performance.

Selecting a Proper Location for the GPS Antenna

GPS satellites transmit their special signals in the 1575 MHz range: such signals do not penetrate
conductive or opaque surfaces. When selecting the location of the GPS antenna, you should also be
aware that strong local interference as well as reflections from nearby objects may disrupt normal
reception and degrade the signal quality.
Thus, GPS antennas should be installed on horizontal surfaces, in a place that provides a clear view of
the sky, which, in as far as possible, is not obstructed by large objects. For example, the roof of the
passenger’s cabin is a good place for the GPS antenna.
Moreover, you should not park the vehicle under dense foliage or other cover, for example, in a
garage, if you want to get a position fix from your GPS receiver.

Note When the GPS antenna is installed on a metal surface for prolonged periods, care
must be taken to insulate the antenna, to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Installing the GPS Antenna

Before starting, select a good location for the GPS antenna and plan the route for the cable
connecting it to your transceiver. The cable route should be selected in the same way you would
select the route for antenna cables: however, never run the GPS antenna cable in parallel to the
transceiver’s cables!

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GPS Antenna
Connector

Figure 10. Location of GPS Antenna Connector on the MICOM-3

➤ To install the GPS antenna:

1. Place the antenna in the selected place, and make sure it attaches well to the surface.
2. Route the cable to the rear side of the MICOM-3 transceiver, and if required, secure the
cable at several places.
3. Connect the coaxial connector of the antenna cable to the MICOM-3 GPS connector.

Operating the GPS Receiver

GPS Menu
The GPS menu is displayed by selecting the GPS item on the FREQ or CH menu. The GPS menu
structure is shown in Figure 11.

CH Mode

MORE MORE

FREQ Mode MORE MORE Existing Menu

GPS
ECEF Format LLA Format
Existing Menu

X FULL
Y VERT
Z DHOR
HOR
MORE
DX TIME
DY DEV
DZ
FRMT
MORE
TIME
DEV

FRMT

Figure 11. GPS Menu

The menu structure depends on the display format, ECEF or LLA, selected by the FRMT item.

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GPS Menu for the LLA Format

FULL Alternating display of the absolute velocity (VEL) in the horizontal plane, and its
direction relative to the North (azimuth – AZIMTH).
VERT Alternating display of altitude and up/down velocity.
DHOR Alternating display of North/South and East/West velocities.
HOR Alternating display of latitude and longitude.
TIME Display the time-of-day obtained from the GPS receiver.
DEV Used to check that the GPS receiver is operating.
FRMT Toggle the display format (to ECEF).

GPS Menu for the ECEF Format

X Display the X coordinate.
Y Display the Y coordinate.
Z Display the Z coordinate (altitude).
DX Display the velocity along the X axis.
DY Display the velocity along the Y axis.
DZ Display the velocity along the Z axis.
TIME Display the time-of-day obtained from the GPS receiver.
FULL Alternating display of the absolute velocity (VEL), and its direction relative to the
North (azimuth – AZIMTH).
DEV Used to check that the GPS receiver is operating.
FRMT Toggle the display format (to LLA).

First-Time Operation
The internal GPS receiver is always powered when the transceiver is turned on. Therefore, if the GPS
antenna is connected and you are in a good place with a clear view of the sky, the GPS receiver can
start the satellite acquisition process as soon as the transceiver is turned on, and can then track the
satellites continuously.
Thus, the GPS item on the FREQ or CH menu only enables/disables the display of GPS data: the
result is that after selecting GPS, the GPS data can be immediately displayed, and is updated once per
second (time is updated once every 5 seconds).
Before using the GPS receiver, turn the MICOM-3 transceiver on and let it operate for at least 15
minutes.

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Operating Instructions

Switching to the GPS Display

Note You cannot switch to the GPS display if you are using the ALE mode.

1. Select the GPS item by scrolling with the MORE key on the FREQ or CH menu, and then
pressing F2. You will see a message that indicates the current display format, GPS LLA or GPS
ECEF.
2. If necessary, switch to the alternate display format: press MORE as required to see FRMT, and
then press the key next to FRMT (F4).
3. If the GPS receiver operates normally and is ready, you will see the information selected the last
time the receiver has been used.

Selecting what to Display

1. Press the key next to the type of information you want to see: use Figure 11 to find the key.
2. The displayed information appears on the display and is automatically updated every second.
The time is updated every 5 seconds.
3. To change the display of GPS information, scroll to the desired item.
4. To cancel the display of GPS information, select any other menu except GPS.

Sending Your Position/GPS Position Requests

You can use the ALE AMD service to:
1. Send your position to any another destination (including one-to-many).
2. Request the position of another MICOM-3 transceiver equipped with the optional GPS
receiver. You can make this type of request only when you call an individual station:
• If the request is made in the CALL mode (that is, before a link has been set up between
the two stations), a link will be set up and then the other station will automatically return
an AMD message with its latitude and longitude.
• If the request is made while in the LINK mode, the other station displays WHERE ARE
YOU?. In this case, the operator can manually send its position as explained below.
Note that the operations described above automatically set up a link between the two stations and
therefore it is necessary to disconnect the link when it is no longer needed. For this purpose, it is
recommended to enable HOME acknowledge, and/or enable the PTT time-out function.

Note AMD messages with the GPS position do not enter the stack (the information such
message carries is good only at the time you got it): if you do not read the message
in time, you can no longer retrieve the message at a later time.
Thus, you must allow sufficient time for the destination station to read the position
message before when link is disconnected. This is particularly important when
HOME acknowledge is enabled: the message will disappear as soon as you
disconnect the link.

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➤ To send your position report to other station(s):

1. Select the CALL mode (either from the ALE mode or the CHAN mode).
2. Select the destination address and/or the call type.
3. Select the PAGE selection mode.
4. Scroll until you see the I AM AT … message, and then send the message.
5. Your station sends the AMD message with your latitude and longitude.
➤ To automatically get the position of another station:
1. Select the CALL mode (either from the ALE mode or the CHAN mode).
2. Select the destination address (you can make only an individual call).
3. Select the PAGE selection mode.
4. Scroll until you see the RMT POS message, and then send the message.
5. Your station starts the link set up to the selected station; after the link is set up, you will
see the response AMD of the called station, which includes its latitude and longitude.
6. You may now continue with voice communication, or disconnect the link to the called
station.
➤ To send a position request to the station you are linked to:
1. While in the LINK mode, select the PAGE selection mode.
2. Scroll until you see the RMT POS message, and then send the message.
3. The called station displays WHERE ARE YOU?:
• To send an automatic response, the called operator select the PAGE selection mode,
and then sends the I AM AT … message as explained above.
• Alternatively, the called operator may answer with a voice message.

What to do if …
1. If the GPS display mode, GPS LLA or GPS ECEF, does not appear when switching to the GPS
display, scroll to the DEV item. You should see the GPS receiver type.
• If you see UNKNOWN, turn the MICOM-3 transceiver off and after a few minutes turn
it back on. If the problem persists, the GPS receiver must be serviced.
• If you see NONE, your MICOM-3 transceiver does not include the optional GPS
receiver.
2. If the requested information does not appear within 15 minutes, but the check in Step 1 above
is successful, check for proper connection of the GPS antenna cable to the rear GPS antenna
connector of the transceiver.
3. After checking that the antenna is properly connected, check that the GPS antenna did not shift
from its intended position, and has a clear view of the sky. Try to improve your location: avoid
locations near trees, high buildings, or steep hills.

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Installation
General
This section describes the installation of the radio in a mobile or fixed station configuration.
The following paragraphs contain general installation procedures for both types of configuration.

Government Regulations
Read carefully the Licensing and Safety Information given in the front matter of this manual. Be sure
that all your radio operations comply with these guidelines.

Inspection
Carefully inspect the radio immediately upon receipt, and notify the shipper of any damage incurred
in transit.

Radio Installation Planning

Select the mounting location for convenience of access to electrical connections and for
maintenance. The selected location should be clean, dry and well ventilated. Do not mount the unit
in close proximity to strong electrical fields produced by brush motors and generators, welders, etc.
The antenna, antenna tuner and associated cable kits are provided separately. These should be
installed before the radio is installed. Follow the instructions included with the units and kits.
The radio may be placed on any sturdy, flat surface. An accessory mounting tray (included in the
Mobile Mounting Kit, FLN2272) allows the radio to be mounted in any position.
Before installing the radio, read the entire installation procedure detailed in this section. Follow the
instructions carefully.
No preliminary internal wiring connections are required before installing the radio.

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Base Station Installation

In fixed station installation, an AC power supply is used instead of the 12 V battery. It is possible to
connect a backup battery to the battery terminals on the power supply. One power supply model is
available, FPN5590, for 110/220 V AC, 50/60 Hz.

Green (Output 1 - max. 5A)

Black (Ground) Radio
Red (Output 2 - max. 25A)

5A
5A GND
- 25A

Fuse
30A

12V Battery

Figure 12. FPN5590 Power Supply Connections

This power supply also serves as a charger for the external backup 12 V battery, if connected. When
AC power failure occurs, the battery functions as the main power source. When AC power is again
available, the power supply charges the battery.

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MICOM-3R Installation
Figure 13 illustrates the installation procedure for the MICOM-3R.

Trunk Compartment Outside the Car

Antenna

Antenna Cable

Vehicle Frame
Ferrite Ground
Installation

F2 F1
7.5A 30A
Microphone
Antenna
Connector
Green Red Black
+ -
12V
Battery

Passenger Compartment Engine

Compartment

Figure 13. MICOM-3R Installation Diagram

Figure 14 shows the location of the installed components within the vehicle.

DC Power
Radio
Cable
BAT
ATU

Antenna Cable

Figure 14. Typical MICOM-3R Installation Within Vehicle

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The radio is installed on the dashboard of the vehicle inside the passenger compartment. The other
components connect to the power source, the battery, and to the antenna, which enables the radio
to transmit and receive.
If the battery is located in the rear section of the vehicle, the power cable extends to the battery
location in the rear.

Note To achieve maximum operating range, the antenna should be mounted as high on
the vehicle body as possible without striking overhead obstructions in the normal
service area of the vehicle. Select a mounting location on a flat portion of the
vehicle body, compatible with the maximum allowable high voltage lead-in cable
length.

MICOM-3F Installation
The procedure shown above for the MICOM-3R is also used to install the MICOM-3F.

MICOM-3T Installation
For MICOM-3T, only the control head, the speaker, and the microphone are installed in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle. The radio transceiver is installed in the trunk of the vehicle
together with the antenna tuner.
Figure 15 illustrates the installation procedure for the MICOM-3T.

Trunk Compartment Outside the Car

Antenna
Tuner

Antenna
Power Connector
Connector Antenna

Ferrite Transceiver Antenna Cable

Installation

Power Cable Control Head Cable

Vehicle Frame
Ferrite Ground
Installation
Microphone
Speaker F2 F1
Speaker 7.5A 30A
Connector
Green Red Black
+ -
12V
Control Head Battery

Passenger Compartment Engine

Compartment

Figure 15. MICOM-3T Installation Diagram

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Figure 16 shows the location of the installed components within the vehicle.

ATU Control
Head 2
Control Head BAT
Cable
Radio
DC Power Cable

Figure 16. Typical MICOM-3T Installation Within Vehicle

The MICOM-3T model requires the connection of two cables across the length of the vehicle because
the radio transceiver is located in the trunk. If the battery is located in the rear section of the vehicle,
the power cable extends to the battery location.

Notes 1. The upper installation (number 1 in Figure 16), is recommended over the front
installation (number 2 in Figure 16) because of the covering that protects the
control head from direct sunlight.
2. To achieve maximum operating range, the antenna should be mounted as high
on the vehicle body as possible without striking overhead obstructions in the
normal service area of the vehicle. Select a mounting location on a flat portion
of the vehicle body, compatible with the maximum allowable high voltage
lead-in cable length.

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Installation Procedures
Follow these procedures to install the radio in the desired location. If the accessory mounting tray is
not used, ignore the steps pertaining to it.

Mobile Mounting Kit

Step 1. Mount the accessory mounting tray in the desired location. Use the tray as a
template if holes must be drilled.

Figure 17. Accessory Mounting Tray

Step 2. Use the four supplied screws to fasten the mounting tray bracket to the bottom of
the radio housing.
Step 3. Drill an additional hole for the ground bolt.

DC Power Connection
This paragraph describes connections to a 12-V negative-ground vehicular battery.
Fuse
30A
Connector Red (# 8)
Fuse
Radio 7.5A
Green (# 12)
Black (# 12)

Mobile Chassis

12V Battery

Figure 18. DC Power Connection

Step 1. Bring the power connector of the DC power cable to the radio DC power connector,
but do not attach it to the radio. Then bring the three heavy wires (red, green, black)
to a 12-V battery, passing them through access holes as required.

Note The wires must be as short as possible. They should be cut down to a minimum as
required.

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Step 2. Thread the ends of the red and green wires from the power connector through the
two fuse holder caps. Cut apart the two fuse clips and solder or crimp them to the
wires.
Step 3. Install the 30-A fuse in the fuse holder on the red wire, and the 7.5 A fuse in the fuse
holder on the green wire. Then assemble the fuse holders.
Step 4. Crimp or solder the supplied lugs to the red, green, and black wires.
Step 5. Connect the lugs on the red and green cables together to the positive terminal of the
battery. Then connect the lug on the black wire to the negative terminal of the
battery.

Notes 1. It is recommended to attach the black (ground) wire to the vehicle’s chassis.
The point of attachment should be located as close as possible to the radio.
Refer to Figure 19.
2. In front installation, add one ferrite (supplied with the installation radio kit) on
the DC cable as close as possible to the radio.
3. In trunk mount installation, add one ferrite (supplied with the installation radio
kit) on the DC cable as close as possible to the radio and one ferrite on the
control cable between the control head and the radio.

No 14x3/4"
Self-Tapping Chassis Cable
Screw and Lug

1/4” Lockwasher

3/16' (187") Floor Surface

Diameter Hole

Throughly
Clean this Area

Figure 19. Wire Attachment to Chassis

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Microphone Clip
The microphone cable enables placing the microphone clip in any convenient location up to five feet
from the radio. To install the clip, use it as a template to drill two holes to receive self-threading
sheet-metal screws. Mount the clip using the supplied screws.

Bracket
64A85596 Tapping Screws
35122830

AEPO - 1488-A

Drill 1/8” Holes

in Dashboard

Figure 20. Microphone Clip

Mounting the MICOM-3T Control Head

1. Using the trunnion mounting plate as a template, mark the position of the holes on the
mounting surface.
2. Secure the trunnion mounting bracket to the surface with the four (10-16 × 1”) self drilling
screws, or drill a 6 mm φ hole at each location.
3. Mount the control head onto the bracket and secure it with the two wing screws provided.

MICOM-3F/3R Final Connections

Ensure that the radio is off before making these connections.

Warning

Step 1. Connect the power cable to the DC power connector J4 and connect the antenna RF
cable to the antenna connector.
If an antenna tuner is used, connect the antenna to the tuner, connect the tuner RF
cable to connector J3, located on the radio rear panel.
Step 2. If the mounting tray is used, slide the radio into the tray and fasten the tray bracket
with the supplied screw.

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Figure 21. Fitting Radio onto Mounting Tray

Step 3. Use the tie straps included with Cable Kit to tie loose cables out of the way.
Step 4. Connect a ground lead from the GND screw on the radio body to the mobile chassis.

Special attention should be given to locating a good vehicle ground.

Optimum radio performance can only be achieved with a ground
connection having a very low resistance. The vehicle frame makes the best
Important ground, but body structural reinforcement members are also suitable for
grounding purposes. The ground lead should be as short as possible.

Step 5. If desired, plug an external speaker into the accessories connector. Any speaker with
an impedance greater than 8 ohms can be used.

External Speaker Installation for MICOM-3F

Connect the external speaker (8Ω, 8W) to the accessories connector (pins 1, 3). The external speaker
is connected in parallel to the internal speaker.
To disconnect the internal speaker, perform the following steps:
Step 1. Insert a small, flat-blade screwdriver in the slotted area on the right hand-side panel
of the radio and press the screwdriver towards you, to release the control head.

Figure 22. Opening the MICOM-3F Control Head

Step 2. Disconnect the internal speaker from the board.

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Step 3. Return the top cover to its original position by applying pressure on both sides of the
cover. Observe that the seal is correctly located.

MICOM-3T Final Connections

Ensure that the radio is off before making these connections.

Warning

1. Connect the power cable to DC power connector and connect the antenna RF cable to the
antenna connector.
In an antenna tuner is used, connect the antenna to the tuner, connect the tuner RF cable to
the RF connector located on the radio rear panel.
2. If a mounting tray is used, slide the radio with bracket into the tray and fasten the bracket to
the tray with the supplied screw (see Figure 21 on page 118).
3. Use the tie straps included with the cable kit to tie loose cables out of the way.
4. Connect a ground lead from the GND screw on the radio body to the chassis of the vehicle.
5. Connect the control head cable to the connector in the front panel of the radio and to control
head.

Special attention should be given to locating a good vehicle ground.

Optimum radio performance can only be achieved with a ground
connection having a very low resistance.
Important
The vehicle frame makes the best ground, but body structural
reinforcement members are also suitable for grounding purposes.
The ground lead should be as short as possible.

Operational Checks
When installation is complete, carefully check all operating functions (refer to the Operation section).
In case of malfunctioning, refer to Troubleshooting section in this manual.

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Connectors
MICOM-3F/3T Microphone Connector
The microphone connector is located on the lower part of the radio front panel. Table 3 lists the
functions of the microphone connector pins.

Table 3. MICOM-3F/3T Microphone Connector, Pin Functions

Pin Designation Description

1 SWA+ Power output to the microphone
2 RXD Serial communication line (input)
3 TXD Serial communication line (output)
4 GND Ground line
5 MIC AUDIO Input audio signals generated by the microphone (600 Ω
impedance; 100 mV tone is required for full output power).
6 PTT MIC Activates transmission by short to ground.
7 MONITOR Mutes the speaker before transmission is enabled (short
momentary to ground to open speaker).
8 AUDIO OUT Receive audio output to earphone (600 Ω, 300 mVRMS)

MICOM-3R Audio Connectors

The audio connectors are located on the lower left part of the radio front panel. An external speaker
and handset can be plugged into both connectors. Table 4 lists the functions of the audio connector
pins.

Table 4. MICOM-3R Audio Connectors, Pin Functions

Pin Designation Description

A GND Ground line
B HANDSET Receive audio output to external speaker
AUDIO
C PTT MIC Activates transmission by short to ground
D MIC AUDIO Input audio signals generated by the microphone
(600 Ω impedance; 6 mV tone is required for full
output power)
E AUDIO OUT Receive audio output (600 Ω) to earphone
F SWA+ Power output to microphone

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Antenna Connector J2
The N type antenna connector is located on the rear panel of the transceiver. In transmit mode, it is
used to feed the antenna with the transmit power; and in receive mode it is used to deliver the
received signal from the antenna to the radio.

Accessories Connector J5
The accessories connector is a 44-pin D-type male connector located on the radio rear panel. It is
intended for use with external accessories such as: modem, linear RF power amplifier, phone patch,
etc.
You can use the 44-pin D-type plug to make your own required connections or use the Interface
cable FKN4403 (same as S809 option) to connect Morse key and headphones with standard
connectors. Also, FLN2271 can be used when it is necessary to connect up to four devices. Table 5
lists the pin functions of the accessories connector.

Table 5. Accessories Connector Pin Functions

Pin Designation Description

1 SPKR- Differential output to the external 8Ω, 8W speaker
2 STOP SCAN Digital control input for stop scan function
3 SPKR+ Differential output to the external 8Ω, 8W speaker
4 EXT RX AUDIO+ Differential received audio output (0 dBm; 600Ω; not controlled by volume)
5 EXT RX AUDIO- Differential received audio output (0 dBm; 600Ω; not controlled by volume)
6 EXT TX AUDIO+ Differential transmit audio input (600Ω input impedance, 0 dBm is required for
full power)
7 EXT TX AUDIO- Differential transmit audio input (600Ω input impedance, 0 dBm is required for
full power)
8 PTT IN VOICE Transmission command (short to ground) for voice signals
9 PTT IN DATA Transmission command (short to ground) for data signals
10 PTT IN CW Transmission command (short to ground) for CW (Morse) signals
11 SW A+ Primary DC voltage current limited output (max 1A)
12 DSI/KW CC BDM – Data serial in/kW amplifier channel change
13 KW ON/OFF kW amplifier power on/off output
14 REV CLOSE LOOP Close the loop of ALC radio (input)
15 RXA Receive input (point-to-point protocol to host/HLC)
16 TXA Transmit output (point-to-point protocol to host/HLC)
17 EX RESET External RESET input (for BDM)
18 GND Ground
19 KW PTT PTT output to kW amplifier

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Table 5. Accessories Connector Pin Functions (Cont’d)

Pin Designation Description

20 EXT ALARM External alarm output (open collector, pulled to ground when external alarm is
activated
21 VPP Flash programming voltage, input to BDM
22 DSC/KW_ALC BDM – Data serial clock/kW amplifier ALC
23 SQ GATE Squelch open/closed indication output
24 DSO/FAN BDM – Data serial out/Fan control
ON/OFF
25 FREZE/KW TU BDM – Freeze/kW amplifier tune
26 GND Ground
27 FWD CLOSE ALC radio loop closure input
LOOP
28 RXC Receive input (point-to-point protocol to host/HLC)
29 TXB RS-232 transmit output to VP-116, PPS, 500W, ASTIC
30 AMP REV Maintain constant power at 500W transceiver output
31 RXD Receive input (point-to-point protocol to host/HLC)
32 TX AUDIO OUT Input to baseband TX path
33 RXB RS-232 protocol receive input to VP-116, PPS, 500W, ASTIC
34 RX AUDIO OUT Input to baseband RX path
35 RX AUDIO IN Output from baseband RX path
36 AMP FWD Maintain constant power at 500W transceiver output
37 VP PTT PTT output (active low)
38 TXD Transmit output (point-to-point protocol to host/HLC)
39 TXC Transmit output (point-to-point protocol to host/HLC)
40 TX AUDIO IN Output from baseband TX path
41 EXT RX Audio out from the optional ISB processor
AUDIO(2)+
42 EXT TX AUDIO(2)- Audio input to the optional ISB processor
43 EXT RX DATA- Baseband output (0 dBm, 600 Ω)
44 EXT RX DATA+ Baseband output (0 dBm, 600 Ω)

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DC Power Connector
The DC power connector located on the rear panel of the radio is used to provide power to the
radio. Table 6 lists the functions of the DC connector pins.

Table 6. DC Power Connector, Pin Functions

Pin Designation Description
1 TX Power Used to deliver high current to the radio (up to 28A),
mainly for the transmitter circuits
2 Ground Used as return line for receive and transmit lines
3 RX Power Used to deliver relatively low current to the radio (up to
3A), mainly for the receiver circuits

Vehicular Noise Reduction

Most vehicles contain several noise sources which can greatly disturb radio reception. The most noisy
sources are the high voltage ignition sparks that are produced at the vehicle's plugs. The second is the
alternator activity.
In keeping with the following installation practices and if necessary by adding some damping
components, it may be possible to reduce these noises to a tolerable level.
1. Keep your antenna tuner and antenna as far as possible from the engine compartment.
2. Connect the primary power lead of the radio directly to the battery instead of the starter relay.
The battery acts as a large capacitor (about one farad for 50 Amp capacity batteries) by passing
the noise to ground.
3. If necessary, connect 0.01 – 0.1 microfarad capacitors across the primary leads of the coil and
across the alternator output.
4. Keep your DC and RF cables as short as possible.
5. If your vehicle does not have a resistive ignition wire, it is recommended to replace it with a
such a wire.
6. The MOTOROLA RF noise reduction kit for alternator equipped vehicles (TLN8845) includes
some useful accessories for noise reduction. Among them being the resistive ignition coil
suppresser cable. In severe noise conditions, you may find this kit helpful.

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Maintenance
Introduction
This section provides maintenance information for the user of the MICOM-3 radio. By carrying out
the installation procedures correctly and following the maintenance instructions properly, you ensure
continuous operation of your radio set.
When an internal problem appears or is suspected, the MICOM-3 internal BITE (built-in test
equipment) will assist you in locating the source of this possible problem to inform the service
representative accordingly.

Preventative Maintenance
System Integrity
Periodically check the integrity of your system: check the power source, cables including coax cables,
connectors, antenna tuner (if used) and antenna.
Carefully check that no damage has been caused to your cables; pay extra attention to runway
through holes and bent cables.

Periodic Calibration
To keep the frequency accuracy of your radio, it is required to calibrate its internal frequency source
after 3, 6 and 12 months of operation during the first year, and once a year thereafter. Please ensure
that your radio is calibrated on time.

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 Maintenance

Using BIT
Every time the radio is turned on, a self-test procedure is performed. If an internal malfunction is
found, an error message will be displayed. Please contact your service representative and report the
malfunction or error indicated by the BIT function. Table 7 lists the error messages that may be
generated by the BIT function.

Table 7. Error Messages

Error Code Meaning Probable Cause

00 O.K. – no errors
01 DSP boot checksum fail (during LORD board problem
download)
02 DSP PLL unlock LORD board problem
03 DSP external RAM memory LORD board problem
04 Not applicable
05 DSP internal RAM memory LORD board problem
06 Not applicable
07 Not applicable
08 HC16 flash memory checksum LORD board problem
09 HC16 RAM memory LORD board problem
10 No 16.8 MHz clock Check for good power cable connection.
Possible LORD board problem
11 Battery low Weak internal battery: replace battery to correct problem
12 Control head wake-up Control head problems
13 Control head is not responding Control head problems
14 Radio not programmed Problem experienced during programming. Program
radio (connect MRC or RSS at 1200 bps)
15 Database fail ALE scanned channels do not match the programmed
channels by means of the MRC or RSS
16 VCO 1 first injection LORD board problem
17 VCO 2 first injection LORD board problem
18 VCO 3 first injection LORD board problem
19 VCO second injection LORD board problem
20 Synthesizer unlock LORD board problem
21 Receiver failure LORD board problem
22 Preselector range 1 LORD board problem
23 Preselector range 2 LORD board problem

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Table 7. Error Messages (Cont’d)

Error Code Meaning Probable Cause

24 Preselector range 3 LORD board problem
25 Preselector range 4 LORD board problem
26 Preselector range 5 LORD board problem
27 Preselector range 6 LORD board problem
28 Preselector range 7 LORD board problem
29 Preselector range 8 LORD board problem
30 Exciter test HIGH POWER board problem
31 Antenna mismatch Problem with antenna: check antenna and its
connections. If problem persists, it is a HIGH POWER
board problem
32 Harmonic filter range 1 HIGH POWER board problem
33 Harmonic filter range 2 HIGH POWER board problem
34 Harmonic filter range 3 HIGH POWER board problem
35 Harmonic filter range 4 HIGH POWER board problem
36 Harmonic filter range 5 HIGH POWER board problem
37 Harmonic filter range 6 HIGH POWER board problem
38 Harmonic filter range 7 HIGH POWER board problem
39 Power amplifier fail HIGH POWER board problem

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 Maintenance

Troubleshooting
In case a problem or malfunction occurs, identify the closest description appearing in Table 8 and
then perform the listed corrective actions.

Table 8. Troubleshooting Chart

Problem Corrective Actions

Blank display CHECK
• DC power cable is connected properly to the radio and battery.
• A 7.5A fuse is installed in the fuse holder located on the green wire of the DC
power cable.
Display present but CHECK
weak or no receive • Connection of antenna to antenna tuner and antenna tuner to radio cables (loose
signal or noise or broken connections).
• Squelch position OFF.
• Correct programming of operating channel (frequency, mode of operation, etc).
Engine noise picked Determine by observing difference in the reception by turning the engine ON/OFF.
up by the antenna
ENSURE
• Ground leads are properly connected, all power wires and ground leads are as
short as possible
• That noise blanker (if installed) is enabled.
• Install noise reduction Kit TLN8845.
Poor or no CHECK
transmission • That a 30A fuse is installed in the fuse holder located on the red wire of the power
cable.
• That proper grounding cables are connected from the radio and from the antenna
tuner to the vehicle chassis.
• While speaking, check RF power bars for activity. The resultant RF power output is
displayed in approximately 15 W increments (bars) being added from left to right.
• If the received signal level (RCVL) indication is low, there may be a problem in the
antenna system. If antenna cabling, antenna mast rigging position has changed
since the antenna was last tuned, the antenna tuner will not be adjusted
automatically. To retune the antenna tuner, scroll to the next channel and
thereafter scroll back. If this procedure does not correct the situation, inspect the
tuner, antenna and ground plane for loose connections or misplaced parts. If no
loose connections are found, call the nearest manufacturer’s suport technician or
service facility for assistance.
• If the low transmit power indication is low, this may be caused by a faulty
microphone, faulty transmitter, overheating, or defective antenna system.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

In case a failure occurs during operation, the radio displays a fault message. Refer to Table 9 and
perform the corrective actions listed for the corresponding message.

Table 9. Fault Messages

Message Corrective Actions

NO CLOCK CHECK
• That a 30A fuse is installed in the fuse holder located on the red wire of the power
cable.
• Check for good connection of power cable to the power supply and to the radio. If
connections and cable are OK, then the problem is in the LORD board
SYN FAIL Perform the built-in test using the MRC or RSS, to obtain more information.
PW_LATCH Perform the built-in test using the MRC or RSS, to obtain more information.
Check the condition of the antenna and its connections, because this error is displayed
when the VSWR exceeds 3.5:1. To check whether the problem is caused by high
VSWR, transmit into a dummy load. If the problem persists, there is a problem in the
HIGH POWER board
OVER TMP CHECK
• That there is no obstruction to free air flow around the radio.
• That the fan system is working and there are no obstructions to the fan
• Perform the built-in test using the MRC or RSS, to obtain more information. If no
further information is displayed, the problem is in the HIGH POWER board
CU-LIMIT CHECK
• That the radio is programmed to TUNER OFF when your antenna system is not
equipped with an ATU.
• For short-circuit or other damage to the antenna feed coax.
• That the ATU is in good working condition.
NOT PROG • The radio is not programmed and the baud rate is 1200 bps.
(displayed when the • Program the radio parameters (using the MRC or RSS). This forces the radio to
radio DC power accept the downloaded parameters
failed during
programming)
BATTERY FAIL The radio has an internal battery, that enables the memory to store the last channel
ERROR 11 information that was used before the radio was turned off. If this battery becomes weak,
it will display this warning. When the battery is dead, all the channel information will be
retained, but the radio will always use channel 1 when you turn the radio on. (Example:
if you are scanning in the ALE mode and you turn the radio off; when you turn the radio
back on, it will be on channel 1)
DATABASE FAIL This message will display if the ALE scanned channels don’t match the programmed
ERROR 15 channels in the RSS. (Example: ALE is programmed to scan channels 1, 2 and 3, but the
MRC or RSS program does not have a frequency programmed into channel 3)

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 Maintenance

Service
Proper repair and maintenance procedures will assure efficient operation and long life for this
product. A Motorola maintenance agreement will provide expert service to keep this and all other
communication equipment in perfect operating condition. Through its maintenance and installation
program, Motorola makes available the finest service to those desiring reliable, continuous
communications on a contract basis.
For a contract service agreement, please contact your nearest service representative, or sales
representative at MOBAT USA, 1720 West Paul Dirac Drive, Tallahassee 32310 FL, USA
([email protected]).

Radio Checks
If you suspect a radio problem, check the following items before requesting service.
• Be sure the radio is turned on.
• Replace or recharge the battery. The first time a new battery is used, it should be charged for at
least 16 hours.
• The antenna must be screwed on properly, with its base flush against the top of the antenna
base.
• Could your radio problem be caused by accessories improperly connected?
Try operating the radio from several different locations, especially when using the radio inside
buildings.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Appendix A
micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB
Backpack Transceiver
Introduction
Scope
This Appendix covers the installation and operation of the micomTrooper 3, the 5-to-50W backpack
transceiver version of the MICOM-3 transceivers.

Whip Antenna

micomTrooper
Figure 23. micomTrooper 3 Transceiver
Antenna
Base
Ready for Operation, General
View

Backpack Carrying
Harness

Handset

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 Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver

micomTrooper 3 is part of the MICOM-3 family of HF-SSB radio sets; it has compatible characteristics
and uses the same operating procedures as other MICOM-3 transceivers. Therefore, this manual
covers only procedures specific to micomTrooper 3; the other procedures, which are common to the
whole MICOM-3 product line, are described in the previous sections.

Purpose and Use

micomTrooper 3 is a backpack version of the robust MICOM-3 mobile radio. For backpack
operation, micomTrooper 3 is powered by a lightweight Lithium Ion rechargeable battery, has
selectable power output of 5 to 20 W and high sensitivity, and uses a 1.5 meter (5 ft) flexible steel
blade whip antenna matched by a built-in automatic antenna tuner unit. When necessary,
micomTrooper 3 can be programmed to reach a power output of 50 W, and can also be used with
dipole, long-wire and many other types of broadband antennas for static operation.
The micomTrooper 3 capabilities provide reliable long-range HF-SSB radio communications in a
rugged yet lightweight backpack configuration. Designed to meet the needs of users who carry out
on-foot operations in remote areas, it is built to withstand years of shock and vibration as well as
severe weather conditions. micomTrooper 3 is certified for dependability and durability, and
complies with US standard MIL-STD-810F.
micomTrooper 3 is equipped with a military-type handset, whip antenna, cables and connectors,
delivering superior quality in a radio priced to fit the needs of a wide range of organizations. For
backpack operations, micomTrooper 3 is carried in a convenient, lightweight harness that completely
envelops the transceiver.
The durable aluminum frame of the harness protects against damage and allows placing the
transceiver on ground for static operations.

Equipment Description

micomTrooper 3 Functional Description

micomTrooper 3 is an advanced, highly backpack-portable HF-SSB transceiver that provides a
complete solution to the communication requirements in the crowded HF band. micomTrooper 3
has an automatic antenna tuner, which supports a wide range of antennas, including a light-weight
1.5 meter (5 ft) whip for portable (backpack) operation. The whip antenna consists of a flexible steel
blade that bends without damage when striking an obstacle, and can also be easily folded for storage.
Dipole, long wire, and many other types of antennas can be used for static operation.
micomTrooper 3 provides voice, data, and telegraphy (CW) communication. Extensive use of digital
signal processing ensures high performance and supports as a standard many advanced features, e.g.,
digital noise blanking, and offers as options features such as embedded vocoder, data modem and
encryption. Moreover, new features and improvements can be easily added by software updating.
To ensure the best possible communication reliability and quality, micomTrooper 3 uses automatic
frequency management and automatic link establishment (ALE), and is JITC-certified to FED-1045
and MIL-STD-188-141B. In addition, the ALE function also provides Automatic Message Display
(AMD), that enables operators to exchange preprogrammed messages while establishing a link.
The transmit output power is operator-selectable (5, 10 or 20 W). When used in a backpack
configuration, the operator can reduce the transmit power and thus increase battery life when the
communication conditions do not require the maximum transmit power (20 W).

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Under bad propagation conditions or in an emergency, the operator can rapidly switch to static
operation by simply placing the self-supporting micomTrooper 3 harness on ground, and increasing
the transmit power to 50 W.
Under static operating conditions, the operator can easily connecting a dipole or another long wire
antenna instead of the whip, further increasing communication efficiency.
micomTrooper 3 is powered by a 16V, 12Ah rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, type ML1416-L. Spare
batteries can be carried in the backpack harness.

Main micomTrooper 3 Operational Features

This section presents a concise list of the main operational features of the micomTrooper 3
transceiver. For a complete description of all the capabilities and features of MICOM transceivers, see
the Performance Specifications section.
➤ Fast and simple radio link establishing:
• Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) per FED-1045 and MIL-STD-188-141B, JITC
certified.
• ISB (Independent Sideband) ready.
• Full interoperability with other manufacturers' radios complying with the same ALE
standards.
➤ Loud and clear voice communication:
• Built-in voice quality system with proprietary DSP algorithms that filter out background
noises and elevates sound bytes, providing exceptional communication clarity.
• Selectable bandwidth, for fine tuning and optimal voice reception.
• Unmatched combination of high power (up to 50 W) and high sensitivity (0.3 µV) for
outstanding communication coverage.
• Voice-activated digital squelch.
➤ User-friendly operation:
• Large alphanumeric front panel display and keyboard for programming and set-up.
• Large LCD, full-dot matrix digital display and an enhanced keyboard for programming
and set-up.
• Radio can be operated using any standard USB keyboard (requires USB option).
• Support for multiple languages.
• Transceiver can be controlled using PC and programming application.
➤ Years of trouble-free, advanced communications.
• Upgrading to future technologies is easily made by installing new software into the
transceiver's DSP unit.
• Easily replaceable digital components ensure cost-effective maintenance and repair.
• Very high MTBF, as with all MICOM radios.
• Unique Built-In Self Test system that provides exceptional diagnostic capability.
➤ Comprehensive communication and networking services
• Office-quality communication services integrating fax, e-mail and data transmission and
reception.

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 Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver

• MultiNet option, enables integration of different HF radio networks into one seamless
network, allowing excellent coordination between different operational nets.
• AMD (Automatic Message Display) for free and pre-set text messages.
• Optional GPS embedded application.
➤ Part of a proven family of radio products:
• micomTrooper 3 is a member of the family of MICOM radio transceivers for fixed base
stations, mobile vehicle-mounted and hand-carried units serving the long-range wireless
communication needs of hundreds of organizations worldwide.
➤ Main options and accessories:
• Embedded vocoder/modem/encryption
• Built-in GPS receiver
• Various types of antennas
• Spare 12Ah rechargeable Lithium Ion battery
• AC battery charger, FLN9541
• Hand crank generator
• Portable solar panels

Main micomTrooper 3 Technical Specifications

Specifications Transmit Frequency Range 1.6 to 30 MHz
Number of Preset Channels 200
Transmit Power 5, 10, 20, 50 W
Receive Frequency Range 100 kHz to 30 MHz Rx
Sensitivity SSB: 0.3 µV for 10 dB SINAD
Audio Bandwidth 350 to 2700 Hz
Data Bandwidth 300 to 3300 Hz
Frequency Stability 0.6 ppm (0.1 ppm optional)
Frequency Resolution 10 Hz
Operating Temperature -124 to +184°F (-30 to +60°C)
Range
Operating Voltage 16V nominal
Transceiver Height 17.7 inch (450 mm)
Mechanical Width 13 inch (330 mm)
Data Depth 5.1 inch (130 mm)
Weight 16 lbs (7.1 kg)
Antenna Construction Flexible steel blade
Antenna Length 1.5 meter (5 feet)

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Preparing the micomTrooper 3 for Operation

Scope
This Section provides instructions for preparing the micomTrooper 3 for backpack operation. The
information presented in this Section includes:
• Unpacking
• Familiarization with main equipment components
• Preparation for backpack operation
Refer to page 141 for instructions on how to adapt the backpack transceiver to static operation with
dipole or other long-wire antennas.
During transmission, dangerously high RF voltages appear at the RF
connectors, the antenna cables, and on the antenna itself.
Do not touch the antenna and the RF connectors when the transceiver
Warning
operates. Make sure the antenna is not near high-voltage lines.
High Voltage

Lithium batteries contain dangerous chemicals. Handle and dispose of

used Lithium batteries according to the prescribed safety regulations. In
particular, observe the following precautions:
Warning
1. Do not short-circuit Lithium batteries.
2. Do not damage battery case and do not tamper with battery in any
way.
3. Do not dispose of used Lithium batteries by burning or incinerating.

Unpacking and Inspection

a. A preliminary inspection of the equipment containers should be made prior to unpacking.
Evidence of damage should be noted and reported immediately to the proper authorities.
Unpack the equipment as follows:
(1) Place each container on a clean flat surface, cut all straps, and open or remove the top.
(2) Take out each item carefully and place it securely on a clean surface.
(3) Remove the packing material while looking for small items.
(4) Fold and store the containers and packing materials for use.
b. Checking Unpacked Equipment.
(1) Inspect all items for damage. Immediately report any damage found.
(2) Check all items against the items listed in the accompanying packing slip. Report any
missing items or discrepancies.

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 Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver

Familiarization with micomTrooper 3

Before continuing, review Figure 23, which shows a micomTrooper 3 transceiver installed in its
harness.

Backpack Carrying Harness

Figure 24 shows a general view of a typical backpack carrying harness. The harness has a frame that
supports the transceiver and also holds the battery. When placed on level ground, the four feet of the
frame support the whole assembly in a vertical position.
The frame, together with the whole transceiver, is completely enveloped by the harness cloth and its
upper and bottom flaps, and therefore only the antenna and the handset protrude. Two storage
pouches for storing accessories and/or spare batteries are located to the two sides.
All the flaps and covers are held by Velcro fasteners.
Protection Flap
(Closed)
Shoulder Harness
Straps Frame
Access Flap
to Handset
Connector Storage
Pouches
Breast
Strap

Shoulder
Strap
Adjustment
Buckle

Bottom Flap
(Closed)

Waist Straps

Figure 24. Typical Backpack Carrying Harness, General View

Figure 25 shows a view of the open harness, as needed to gain access for installing the equipment in
it. Note the location of the battery holder and the transceiver retaining straps.
The battery holder consists of a frame with integral battery connector, and a removable cover that
holds the battery in place. The battery connector is terminated in a power cable with a 3-pin female
power connector.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Protection Flap
(Open)
Harness
Frame

Retaining
Straps

Power Cable
to Transceiver

Battery
Frame Battery
Holder
Battery
Cover

Bottom Flap
(Open)

Battery

Battery
Clamps
(2 places)

Figure 25. Typical Backpack Carrying Harness, Open View

micomTrooper 3 Transceiver
Figure 26 shows a general view of the micomTrooper 3 transceiver, and its connectors. Note the
coaxial cable connecting the transceiver to the automatic antenna tuner (ATU).

micomTrooper
Transceiver

Automatic Antenna
Whip Mount
Tuner (ATU)

ATU RF Connector

Transceiver
RF Connector

Coaxial Cable

Power
Connector Accessories
Connector

Figure 26. micomTrooper 3 Transceiver, General View

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 Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver

Preparing micomTrooper 3 for Backpack Operation

To prepare the micomTrooper 3 for static operation, refer to page 141.

Outline of Preparation Procedures

The preparation of a micomTrooper 3 transceiver for operation includes:
1. Installation of transceiver in carrying harness.
2. Installation of battery.
3. Installation of antenna and audio accessories.
4. When ready to go − wearing the backpack carrying harness.

Installation of micomTrooper 3 in Carrying Harness

Before starting, make sure that the transceiver is off by turning the volume
control fully counterclockwise beyond the detent (you should hear a click).
Warning

1. Place the carrying harness on a level

surface, with the metal braces facing
upward. Transceiver

2. If necessary, open the harness Power

protection flap. Connector

Note For clarity, the figure at the

right does not show the
harness.
3. Place the micomTrooper 3 on the
top of the carrying harness, with its
front panel upwards and its rear
resting on the carrying harness (see
figure). Note position of audio
Power
connectors: they must be on the left. Cable

4. Connect the three-pin D-type power Battery

connector of the power cable to the
micomTrooper 3 power connector.
Fasten securely the two connector
screws.
5. Push the transceiver down, toward
the battery, until it is stopped by the
aluminum frame.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

6. Fasten the transceiver to the

carrying harness with the two
retaining straps.

Installation of micomTrooper 3 Battery

Before starting, make sure that the transceiver is off by turning the volume
control fully counterclockwise beyond the detent (you should hear a click).
Warning

1. Place the carrying harness on a

clean, flat surface.
2. Open the harness protection flaps to
gain access to the battery holder (for
Power
clarity, harness is not shown). Cable

3. Release the two battery clamps Battery

holding the battery cover. Plug

4. Remove old battery, if any.

5. Visually check the battery, battery
holder and battery plug for dirt or Battery
damage. Clean if necessary. Connector

6. Orient the battery as shown in figure, Battery

and push the battery in place to
mate connectors. Battery Cover
Cover Clamps
7. Reattach the battery cover using the
two clamps.
8. Close the harness around the transceiver.

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 Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver

Installation of Whip Antenna

1. Visually inspect the whip mount

connector (located on the ATU) for
dirt or damage, and the threadings of
the antenna base, and of the whip.
Thoroughly clean dust and dirt if
necessary.
2. Screw antenna base into the whip
mount connector. Tighten by hand
only.
3. Extend the flexible steel blade of
the antenna.
4. Screw the whip antenna into the
antenna base. See the figure for a
general view of the transceiver after
completing this step.
5. To remove the whip antenna,
perform the above tasks in the
reverse order.

Connection of Audio Accessories

1. Connect the handset to either of the two audio connectors on the front panel of the
micomTrooper 3.
2. If necessary, connect an additional audio accessory, for example, telegraphy key or headset, to
the other audio connector.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Wearing the Backpack Carrying Harness

To wear the backpack:

1. Put harness on your back by
inserting arms through shoulder
straps. Shoulder
Protection Flap
(Closed)
Straps
2. Tighten shoulder straps.
Breast
3. Buckle waist straps to belt and Strap
adjust to size.
Shoulder
4. Adjust the breast strap length Strap
Adjustment
and then attach the strap. Buckle

At this stage, the micomTrooper 3 is

ready for use as a backpack radio set.

Bottom Flap
(Closed)
Waist
Strap

Operating Instructions

Note When using the micomTrooper 3 with its whip antenna, make sure to select YES
for the TUNER option (MENU>MORE>PROG>RAD>OPTS).
When using the micomTrooper 3 with a dipole or long wire antenna (static
operation as described on page 141), make sure to select NO for the TUNER
option.

1. Turn the micomTrooper 3 ON/OFF switch and volume control clockwise, and adjust for a
comfortable listening level.
2. You are now ready to start using the micomTrooper 3. For operating procedures, use the
information appearing in the previous Chapters.
3. To turn the micomTrooper 3 off, turn its ON/OFF switch and volume control fully
counterclockwise, beyond the detent position.

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 Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver

Preparing micomTrooper 3 for Static Operation

For static operation, the micomTrooper 3 is normally used with a dipole or long-wire antenna. This
antenna must be directly connected to the transceiver RF connector. Therefore, first it is necessary to
disconnect the connection between the transceiver and ATU, using the instructions presented below.

2. Connect Coaxial
Feed Connector

1. Disconnect Cable
from ATU

Coaxial Feed
to Dipole or
Long Wire Antenna

Figure 27. Connecting the Dipole or Long-Wire Antenna

➤ To connect a dipole or long-wire antenna:

1. Turn the transceiver off.
2. Open the harness envelope, to reach the coaxial cable interconnecting the RF connectors
of the transceiver and the ATU.
3. Disconnect the cable from the transceiver RF connector.
4. Connect the coaxial feed of the antenna directly to the transceiver RF connector.
5. You may now remove the whip antenna (see page 140).
6. Close the harness envelope. You may now operate the transceiver with the dipole or long-
wire antenna.
7. Select TUNER=NO on MENU>MORE>PROG>RADIO>OPTS>ACC screen.
➤ To return the transceiver to regular operation (with whip antenna):
1. Reconnect the ATU to the transceiver and reinstall the whip antenna by reversing the
procedure given above.
2. Select TUNER=YES on MENU>MORE>PROG>RADIO>OPTS>ACC screen.

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MICOM-3F/3T/3R HF-SSB Owner’s Guide

Using the micomTrooper 3 Battery Charger, FLN9541

Purpose and Use
FLN9541 is an AC-powered battery charger designed to charge 16V, 12Ah Lithium Ion rechargeable
batteries of the type used by micomTrooper 3 (ML1416-L).
FLN9541 is simple to operate and does not require operator attendance during operation. Yet it
provides advanced features, such as fully automatic charging and automatic turn-off after battery
charging is completed. Three indicators display the operating state, and sounds are used to signal
proper connection of battery, end of charge, etc.
FLN9541 has only two controls:
• POWER on/off switch. When the FLN9541 is turned on, a green indicator, UDC, lights to
indicate that the charger is OK.
• CHARGE pushbutton (red): after connecting the battery to be charged, press the pushbutton to
start charging. While charging, a yellow CHARGE indicator lights. The end of charge is indicated
by the flashing of a green FINISH CHARGE indicator.
The battery charger is a compact unit, intended for use in rooms, shelters, etc. Do not expose the
battery charger to direct sun radiation or excessive temperatures, rain, snow, or high humidity. Keep
charger battery contacts clean and avoid accidental short-circuits by turning the charger on only after
a battery is installed on the charger.

FLN9541 Operating Instructions

1. Place the battery charger on a flat surface, protected from sun and rain.
2. Insert the charger power cable plug into an AC outlet.
3. Connect the battery to be charged to the battery charger: place the battery socket over the
charger pins and press firmly to mate (the connectors will mate only if battery is placed with the
correct orientation). Beeps must be heard, to indicate proper contact with the charger.

Note Beeps must be heard, to indicate proper contact with the charger.
If no beeps are heard, remove and then reconnect the battery. Also check that
the charger pins are clean. If no beeps are heard after the battery is
reconnected, the battery is probably bad and cannot be recharged.

4. Turn the charger on by setting its front panel POWER switch to ON:
• The green UDC indicator will light
• The green FINISH CHARGE starts flashing, and a tone is heard.
5. Start the charging by pressing the red CHARGE pushbutton. The yellow CHARGE indicator will
turn on and the tone stops.

Note If the battery is faulty or makes bad contact with the battery charger, the
CHARGE indicator will not turn on after pressing the CHARGE pushbutton,
and no charge current is supplied to the battery.

6. The charger now operates automatically.

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 Appendix A micomTrooper 3 5-50 Watt HF-SSB Backpack Transceiver

Note If a power source failure occurs while the battery is being charged, the FINISH
CHARGE starts flashing, and an alarm tone is heard. To resume charging after
power returns, press again the red CHARGE pushbutton.

7. You will be notified when the battery is fully charged: the FINISH CHARGE indicator will start
flashing and the tone is heard again.
8. At this stage, set the POWER switch to OFF, and remove the battery from the charger.
9. Disconnect the charger power cable from the AC outlet.

Main FLN9541 Technical Specifications

Input voltage 90 to 265 VAC, 20 to 60 Hz
Charged battery voltage 16.8 ±0.2 V
Charging current 3.6 A
Dimensions 220 × 165 × 50 mm
Weight 1.25 kg

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List of Procedures
This section presents a list of the main activities explained in this manual and a reference to the
location of the procedure in the manual.

What you want to do … Go to page …

➤ To display the menu:.......................................................................................................... 14
➤ To exit the menu and return to the previous working mode (e.g., CHAN or FREQ):............ 14
➤ To turn the radio on: .......................................................................................................... 16
➤ To turn the radio off: .......................................................................................................... 16
➤ To transmit a voice message: .............................................................................................. 17
➤ To receive calls:.................................................................................................................. 17
➤ To enter the Channel mode: .............................................................................................. 18
➤ To select Channel mode options: ....................................................................................... 19
➤ To choose a channel: ......................................................................................................... 21
➤ To enter the frequency mode: ............................................................................................ 23
➤ To change the current frequency/frequencies: .................................................................... 23
➤ To operate the VFO function:............................................................................................. 25
➤ To return to the regular Frequency mode: .......................................................................... 26
➤ To select frequency mode options: ..................................................................................... 27
➤ To store a frequency in a channel:...................................................................................... 29
➤ To enter the Scan mode: .................................................................................................... 30
➤ To enter the BIT mode: ...................................................................................................... 31
➤ To lock the radio: ............................................................................................................... 32
➤ To unlock the radio: ........................................................................................................... 32
➤ To enter the Password mode: ............................................................................................. 33
➤ To enter the ALE mode: ..................................................................................................... 43
➤ Receiving an individual call: ............................................................................................... 45
➤ Receiving a net call:............................................................................................................ 46
➤ Receiving an AllCall:........................................................................................................... 46
➤ Receiving an AnyCall:......................................................................................................... 46
➤ Receiving a sounding call:................................................................................................... 47
➤ Receiving a bidirectional handshake call:............................................................................ 47
➤ To answer an incoming call: ............................................................................................... 47
➤ To display LQA for the received call: .................................................................................. 47
➤ To select link mode options:............................................................................................... 48
➤ To replace the channel:...................................................................................................... 51

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 List of Procedures

What you want to do … Go to page …

➤ To view the calls in the stack: ............................................................................................. 51
➤ To return a call to a station registered in the stack:.............................................................. 52
➤ To remove an address from the stack: ................................................................................ 52
➤ To disconnect an incoming call: ......................................................................................... 53
➤ To select a net: ................................................................................................................... 53
➤ To transmit an individual call with MultiNet OFF:............................................................... 54
➤ To transmit an individual call with MultiNet ON:................................................................ 55
➤ To transmit on a specific channel: ...................................................................................... 56
➤ To send a quick call:........................................................................................................... 57
➤ To use Autodial to send a call: ............................................................................................ 58
➤ To transmit an individual call with a message:..................................................................... 59
➤ To send a message during a call (link state): ........................................................................ 60
➤ To select a special call type:................................................................................................ 61
➤ To send global AllCall using the ESC key:............................................................................ 62
➤ To send global AllCall using the CALL function: .................................................................. 63
➤ To send selective AllCall: .................................................................................................... 63
➤ To transmit a net call: ......................................................................................................... 65
➤ To transmit a group call: ..................................................................................................... 66
➤ To define or change a group:.............................................................................................. 67
➤ To transmit an AnyCall: ...................................................................................................... 69
➤ To transmit a wildcard call:................................................................................................. 71
➤ To send a self-call:.............................................................................................................. 73
➤ To execute a bidirectional handshake with an individual station: ........................................ 74
➤ To execute a bidirectional handshake with a net: ............................................................... 75
➤ To manually initiate sounding:............................................................................................ 76
➤ To enter the Programming mode: ....................................................................................... 78
➤ To enter the Radio Programming mode: ............................................................................. 81
➤ To enter the Channel Programming mode: ......................................................................... 82
➤ To enter the Radio Parameters programming mode:........................................................... 84
➤ To enter the Radio Options mode: ..................................................................................... 86
➤ To enter the ALE Programming mode: ................................................................................ 87
➤ To edit the received addresses and add addresses to the ALE directory:.............................. 94
➤ To connect the VP-116 to your MICOM-3: ........................................................................ 95
➤ To disconnect the VP-116 from your MICOM-3: ................................................................ 95
➤ To use the VP-116 unit in the Channel mode: .................................................................... 96
➤ To use the VP-116 unit in the Frequency mode:................................................................. 96

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What you want to do … Go to page …

➤ To use the VP-116 unit in the ALE mode: ........................................................................... 96
➤ To access the VP-116 unit programming menu:.................................................................. 97
➤ To select the VP-116 Private mode and the key to be used in this mode: ........................... 98
➤ To switch to the VP-116 Public Key mode:......................................................................... 98
➤ To respond to a VP-116 public key call: ............................................................................. 99
➤ To perform the VP-116 Local Loopback test: ...................................................................... 99
➤ To perform the VP-116 Built-In-Test:.................................................................................. 99
➤ To use the vocoder in the Channel mode: .......................................................................... 101
➤ To use the vocoder in the Frequency mode:....................................................................... 101
➤ To use the vocoder in the ALE mode: ................................................................................. 101
➤ To access the vocoder programming menu:........................................................................ 102
➤ To select the vocoder private key to be used in this mode: ................................................. 103
➤ To install the GPS antenna:................................................................................................. 106
➤ To send your position report to other station(s):.................................................................. 109
➤ To automatically get the position of another station: ........................................................... 109
➤ To send a position request to the station you are linked to: ................................................ 109
➤ Fast and simple radio link establishing: ............................................................................... 132
➤ Loud and clear voice communication: ................................................................................ 132
➤ User-friendly operation: ..................................................................................................... 132
➤ Years of trouble-free, advanced communications................................................................ 132
➤ Comprehensive communication and networking services ................................................... 132
➤ Part of a proven family of radio products: ........................................................................... 133
➤ Main options and accessories: ............................................................................................ 133
➤ To connect a dipole or long-wire antenna: ......................................................................... 141
➤ To return the transceiver to regular operation (with whip antenna): .................................... 141

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