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MFJ-8621                                                                                             Data Radio 

MFJ-8621 2-Meter Packet Only

 Data Radio 

 
Congratulations on your choice of the MFJ-8621 Packet Only Data Radio.  Please read 
this manual thoroughly before attempting to operate your unit.  Let's begin with a look 
at some useful MFJ-8621 Features: 

FEATURES 

 

Packet-Only Performance

: The MFJ-8621 is designed from the ground up for packet.  

This means you'll get uncompromising performance at all data rates--on AFSK or FSK--
for a fraction of what you'd pay for a converted voice radio. 
 

Cool Running

: The MFJ-8621 draws only 25 mA on receive, and less than 1 A on 

transmit.  Run it 24 hours a day 365 days a year, or pack it with your lap-top and take 
it on the road. 
 

Sensitive

: Motorola-IC based receiver circuitry recovers data from weak signals for 

better throughput and fewer collisions. 
 

Made-For-Data Filters

: Optimize your receiver for wide 9600-baud signals or narrow 

1200-baud signals.  No other radio does this! 
 

Rugged 5-Watt Transmitter

: All the power you need to get the job done without 

creating needless interference at distant nodes. 
 

Clean Unsquelched Data Output

: The MFJ-8621 uses a wide-response DC-coupled 

line driver rather than a speaker amp for flawless signal recovery.  
 

Note:

 Your TNC must have full DCD (Data Carrier Detect) in order to work with radios 

that have full unsquelched AFSK output. 

 

Lightning-Fast TXD

: Set TXD low!  PIN-diode switching, continuous-running receiver, 

and crystal control deliver ultra-fast switching. 
 

Twin Modulators

: Varactor-modulation for true-FM at 9600-baud and reactance 

modulation for mic-level signals at 1200 baud provide ultra-clean FSK and AFSK.  
 

Simple Setup

: The MFJ-8621 is compatible with virtually all up-to-date TNC-2 modems. 

 

Easy To Rechannel

: Run your MFJ-8621 with supplied crystals on 145.01 MHz, or 

order custom crystals for the channel of your choice.  Simple step-by-step instructions 
illustrate how to exchange crystals and set on frequency without expensive test 
equipment. 
 

The Right Tool For The Job

: Your MFJ-8621 was designed from scratch for fast, 

clean packet communication and nothing else!  Whether you are monitoring the local 
DX cluster or breaking new ground at 9600, you can look forward to years of hands-off 
service. 

Summary of Contents for MFJ-8621

Page 1: ...Transmitting 6 Transmitter Deviation 6 Setting Deviation 6 Two Way Deviation Monitoring 7 Confirming Deviation 7 Ordering Crystals 8 Receiver Crystal 8 Transmitter Crystal 8 Installing Crystals 9 Crystal Oscillator Calibration 10 Transmit Oscillator 10 Receiver Oscillator 10 More About 9600 Baud FSK Packet Signals 11 Sending And Receiving 9600 Baud Data 11 In Case Of Difficulty 12 1 Unable To Copy...

Page 2: ... without creating needless interference at distant nodes Clean Unsquelched Data Output The MFJ 8621 uses a wide response DC coupled line driver rather than a speaker amp for flawless signal recovery Note Your TNC must have full DCD Data Carrier Detect in order to work with radios that have full unsquelched AFSK output Lightning Fast TXD Set TXD low PIN diode switching continuous running receiver a...

Page 3: ...one 2nd LO 10 245 MHz Selectivity 6 dB at 20 KHz data passband filter AFSK Output Unsquelched 0dBm 3 0 KHz deviation Current Drain 25 mA Transmitter Frequency Control Crystal 18 MHz x 8 FSK AFSK Input level 150 mV p p 1200 baud 8 V p p 9600 Deviation 0 5 KHz adjustable at TNC RF Power Output 4 0 5 0 Watts into 50 Ohms VSWR Tolerance 3 1 Max Current Drain 1 0 Amp 13 8 Volts Figure 1 Block Diagram o...

Page 4: ... FL2 455 KHz FL2 is a 20 KHz data bandwidth filter which supports 9600 baud operation Discriminator output is looped to U1 s auxiliary op amp which is configured as a DC coupled AFSK line driver Gain is set to provide 0 dBm AFSK output into a 600 Ohm load for approximately 3 0 KHz deviation A jumper configures the line driver feedback loop for HF noise reduction at 1200 baud AFSK reception Test po...

Page 5: ...refully to confirm what type of carrier detection if any exists in your unit If you do have DCD activate it Important Note Some TNC s have software DCD circuits that may also require internal adjustments check your TNC manual and follow activation instructions carefully Other TNCs may not have a DCD at all or have a DCD indicator that is really nothing more than a mis labeled signal present indica...

Page 6: ...starting with the MFJ 1270B Any other DCD equipped TNC such as the PK 96 and many others will also work with this data radio Use a 5 pin DIN to 5 pin DIN cable MFJ 5100 for connection to MFJ TNCs or the PK 96 Caution Not All TNCs have DCD Data Carrier Detect circuitry and your MFJ 8621 which has an unsquelched output will not work with those TNCs Pin Function 1 AFSK IN 150 mV pp 800 mV pp 2 GND 3 ...

Page 7: ... left hand and center pins of each header For 9600 baud FSK operation remove JMP1 and set JMP 2 and JMP 3 in the varactor modulator positions center and right hand pins of the headers See Figure 3 on page 9 for placement of the jumpers on the pc board IMPORTANT NOTE JMP1 JMP2 and JMP3 are set for 1200 baud at the factory Always recalibrate the MFJ 8621 transmitter oscillator for frequency L6 after...

Page 8: ... base To set TX deviation while monitoring RX AFSK first note the waveform height of average off air signals 2 2 V p p is typical for 3 KHz deviation Next key the MFJ 8621 transmitter via the CALIBRATE function on your TNC and adjust TNC output TX AFSK for a waveform of about the same height Confirming Deviation If a node in your area uses the X 1J2 version of theNET you can take advantage of that...

Page 9: ... Box 06017 2341 Crystal Drive Fort Myers FL 33906 6017 Telephone 800 526 9825 FAX 813 936 3750 When ordering from JAN simply tell the sales person that you wish to order a pair of crystals for the MFJ 8621 Data Radio and give the operating frequency in MHz JAN has complete MFJ 8621 crystal specifications on file in their ordering system and no additional information is required Alternatively you m...

Page 10: ...ce Locate and pull the existing receive crystal Y2 from its socket Carefully plug the new receive crystal in its place Figure 3 Crystal Locations and Calibration Adjustment Points For future reference label your pull out crystals for operating frequency and store them in a safe place Anytime you install new crystals you must readjust L4 and L6 for exact frequency calibration on the new channel see...

Page 11: ...on the transmit crystal case in the 18 MHz range Next key the transmitter PTT line and adjust L6 for zero beat You must be precise any frequency error appearing at 18 MHz will be multiplied 8 times at 145 MHz Receiver Oscillator Your MFJ 8621 has a unique built in feature that allows you adjust the receiver oscillator by using the calibrated MFJ 8621 transmitter signal as a reference You ll need a...

Page 12: ...nd why transmitters often use direct FM modulators which are especially adapted for FSK SENDING AND RECEIVING 9600 BAUD DATA Although 9600 baud packet is much faster than 1200 baud it is also much less forgiving of marginal signal paths For one thing you ll probably need about 5 6 dB in additional signal strength to overcome wideband noise generated by the receiver s unusually broad IF and audio p...

Page 13: ...e Insufficient power source check voltage of power supply under load Wrong crystal installed at Y3 crystal should be in the 18 MHz range High VSWR antenna check antenna with bridge should be 2 1 or less Transmitter locked out because TNC is not equipped with DCD circuit IMPORTANT OPERATOR NOTES Your MFJ 8621 is specially designed to work with TNCs that are DCD equipped If your TNC does not have da...

Page 14: ...as when the MFJ 8621 is subjected to a reversed polarity power If your Data Radio does not operate and you suspect that the line fuse is broken follow these steps 1 Remove the cover and inspect the fuse line It may be necessary to test the fuse for continuity 2 If the line is broken replace it with a length of 32 wire of approximately the same length You may optionally replace the line with a heav...

Page 15: ...d to cover postage and handling 4 This warranty is NOT void for owners who attempt to repair defective units Technical consultation is available by calling 601 323 5869 5 This warranty does not apply to kits sold by or manufactured by MFJ Enterprises Inc 6 Wired and tested PC board products are covered by this warranty provided only the wired and tested PC board product is returned Wired and teste...

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