Section 7.3: Transmitting Techniques #

On SSB, your RF output power changes with the audio level reaching the transmitter. An FM transmitter produces nearly constant power while you speak or pause, but an SSB transmitter produces little power during a pause unless the microphone picks up background sound.

The radio’s power setting limits peak envelope power (PEP), not a steady output throughout the transmission. With a 100-watt setting, your voice peaks may reach that level while quieter sounds produce less power.

Setting Microphone Gain and Processing #

Normal speech contains brief loud peaks and many quieter sounds, so its average power is well below its peak power. Begin with speech processing off and set microphone gain for a normal speaking voice, following the radio manufacturer’s instructions. If your radio has an ALC meter, aim for the recommended range; some ALC action on voice peaks can be normal. Shouting or using excessive gain can cause distortion rather than improve readability.

Once you’ve set microphone gain correctly, a speech processor can make the quieter parts of your voice stronger relative to the peaks. This raises average transmitted power without raising peak power. The control may be labeled PROC, COMP, or something similar:

Key Information:

• The purpose of a speech processor in a transceiver is to increase the apparent loudness of transmitted voice signals.
• A speech processor increases average power in a single sideband phone signal.
• The effects of an incorrectly adjusted speech processor include distorted speech, excess intermodulation products, and excessive background noise.

That higher average level can help the receiving operator understand you through noise. Excessive processing can also amplify background sounds or distort your voice. Start with a modest processing level. The goal is easier-to-understand speech, not the highest possible average-power reading.

Keeping Your Signal Within the Band #

Your signal occupies a range of frequencies, not only the number on the display. In SSB mode, that number normally identifies the suppressed carrier frequency. The voice sideband lies above or below it:

• LSB (Lower Sideband): The signal extends below the displayed frequency.
• USB (Upper Sideband): The signal extends above the displayed frequency.

A signal about 3 kHz wide therefore needs about 3 kHz of room on the appropriate side of the displayed frequency. Near a band or license-privilege boundary, a legal display reading does not guarantee that the entire transmission is within your authorized segment.

With LSB near a segment’s lower edge, the signal extends downward:

Key Information:

• A 3 kHz LSB signal when the displayed carrier frequency is set to 7.178 MHz occupies 7.175 MHz to 7.178 MHz.
• Your displayed carrier frequency should be at least 3 kHz above the edge of the segment when using 3 kHz wide LSB.

Subtracting 0.003 MHz from 7.178 MHz gives 7.175 MHz, the lower edge of the General phone segment on 40 meters. Setting the display at that lower edge instead would put the sideband below it.

With USB near the upper edge, allow the same room above the displayed frequency:

Key Information:

• A 3 kHz USB signal with the displayed carrier frequency set to 14.347 MHz occupies 14.347 MHz to 14.350 MHz.
• Your displayed carrier frequency should be at least 3 kHz below the edge of the band when using 3 kHz wide USB.

These examples assume a 3 kHz signal. If your transmitter is set for a wider bandwidth, leave more room. Also allow a margin for frequency error, and account for nearby stations as well as band edges.

Working Split #

Many HF transceivers provide VFO A and VFO B, each with its own frequency setting. VFO stands for variable frequency oscillator; on the radio, these labels identify the two tuning settings. Normally you use the same frequency for transmit and receive. In split operation, the radio receives using one VFO and transmits using the other:

Key Information: A common use of the dual-VFO feature on a transceiver is to transmit on one frequency and listen on another.

When many operators call the same station at once—a pileup—their transmissions can cover up its replies. Split operation lets callers listen on the station’s transmit frequency and answer elsewhere.

For example, a station using USB on 14.250 MHz may announce “up 5.” It is listening 5 kHz higher, so you receive on 14.250 MHz and transmit on 14.255 MHz. Both frequency settings are within US General 20-meter phone privileges.

Split can also allow a contact when operators have different transmit privileges. A station may transmit on a frequency where you can listen but cannot transmit. It can then listen for your reply within a segment you can use. Before calling, check which VFO controls transmit and confirm that your whole signal will be within your privileges.

Morse Code (CW) Operation #

CW provides another way to send a readable signal when SSB is difficult to copy. It uses much less bandwidth than voice and can be effective at low power. Instead of transmitting speech, the transmitter switches a carrier on and off to form dots and dashes.

A straight key lets you control the length and spacing of every element. With a paddle and electronic keyer, you choose dots or dashes and the keyer generates their timing automatically:

Key Information: The function of an electronic keyer is automatic generation of dots and dashes for CW operation.

When sending with a paddle, you still form the characters and leave the spaces between letters and words. The keyer keeps the individual elements consistent at the speed you select.

CW reception also offers another way to handle nearby interference. CW remains readable using either receive sideband. The CW-R setting selects the opposite sideband, which can change where nearby interfering signals fall in the receiver’s passband:

Key Information: One benefit of using the opposite or “reverse” sideband when receiving CW is that it may be possible to reduce or eliminate interference from other signals.

More power may help when a clean signal is still too weak at the other station. An amplifier needs its own adjustments and safeguards to increase that power without creating new problems.