Rear Panel

1 2 1

5 4 8 7 6

ANT Jack TUN/LIN Jack

Connect your main antenna(s) here, using type-M TUN (Tuner)
(PL-259) connectors and coaxial feed lines. The in- This 8-pin output jack is used for connection to the
ternal antenna tuner affects only the antenna(s) con- FC-40 External Automatic Antenna Tuner.
nected here, and only during transmission.
LIN (Linear)
Warning! This 8-pin output jack provides band selection data,
The 100V RF voltage (@100 W/50 Ω) is applied to which may be used for control of optional accesso-
the TX RF section of the transceiver while trans- ries such as the VL-1000 Solid-state Linear Ampli-
mitting. Do not touch the TX RF section while fier.
transmitting.
RTTY/DATA Jack
DC IN Jack This 6-pin input/output jack accepts AFSK input
This is the DC power supply connection for the from a Terminal Node Controller (TNC) or an op-
transceiver. Use the supplied DC cable to connect di- tional interface unit; it also provides fixed level (100-
rectly to a DC power supply, which must be capable mV @600 Ohms) receiver audio output, and FSK
of supplying at least 23 A @13.8 VDC. keying line.

GND REM/ALC Jack

Use this terminal to connect the transceiver to a good REM (Remote)
earth ground, for safety and optimum performance. By plugging the optional FH-2 Remote Control
Use a large diameter, short braided cable for making Keypad into this gold-plated jack, direct access to
ground connections, and please refer to page ## for the FT-991 CPU is provided for control functions
other notes about proper grounding. such as contest memory keying, plus frequency and
To prevent damage from lightning, atmo- function control.
spheric electricity, electrical shock, etc., be ALC ( )
certain to provide a good earth ground.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 21

Rear Panel
EXT SPKR Jack
This 3.5-mm, 2-contact, gold-plated jack provides
variable audio output for an external loudspeaker.
The audio output impedance at this jack is 4 - 8
Ohms, and the level varies according to the setting of
the front panel AF GAIN knob. Inserting a plug into
this jack disables the internal loudspeaker.

GPS/CAT Jack
This 9-pin serial DB-9 jack allows external computer
control of the FT-991. Connect a serial cable here
and to the RS-232C COM port on your personal
computer (no external interface is required).

Page 22 FT-991 Operating Manual

 MH-31A8J Microphone Switches
1 2 3 4 5 PTT Switch
Press and hold the PTT (Push To Talk) switch to
start transmission.

DWN Button
Press the DWN (Down) button to scan the frequency
downward.

FST Button
Press the FST (Fast) button to increase the tuning
rate by a factor of ten when scanning the frequency.

UP Button
Press the UP button to scan the frequency upward.

Microphone
Speak into here during transmission.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 23

Optional FH-2 Switches
The optional Remote Control Keypad FH-2 can be used to control the optional DVS-6 Voice Memory capability for the
SSB/AM/FM modes; the contest memory keyer for the CW mode; and the text memory for the RTTY/DATA modes.
Some specific capabilities of the FH-2 are:
m On SSB/AM/FM modes, five channels of storage and playback of voice memory (20 seconds each), using your own
voice for recording (see page 71).
m On CW mode, the FH-2 provides storage and recall of CW messages for repetitive CQ and contest automatic number
transmissions (see page 85).
m On RTTY/DATA mode, the FH-2 provides storage and recall of TEXT messages for repetitive CQ transmissions (see
pages 104, 106).

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5] Buttons [P/B] Button

These buttons work as the Voice Memory and CW This button can be used to insert a space into the
Message Memory Selection Key. position where the cursor is blinking.
In the case of Voice Memory, up to 20 seconds of [LOCK] Button
audio may be stored on each channel. This button may be used to lock out the FH-2 key
For CW Messages and CW Text Messages, up to 50 buttons, to prevent accidental activation of FH-2
characters ("PARIS" specification) may be stored operations.
into each channel.
[MEM] Button
[t], [u], [p], [q] Buttons Press this button to store either a Voice Memory, or a
Usually, these buttons are used for tuning the VFO Contest Keyer Memory.
frequency. Press the [p]/[q] buttons to change the [DEC] Button
frequency in the same increments as the microphone When utilizing the sequential contest number
[UP]/[DWN] switches. Press the [t]/[u] buttons to capability of the Contest Keyer, press this button to
change the frequency by 100 kHz steps. decrement (decrease) the current Contest Number by
When programming the Contest Memory Keyer, one digit (i.e. to back up from #198 to #197, etc.).
these buttons are used to move the cursor and select
the text characters.

Page 24 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Basic Operation: Receiving on Amateur Bands
Before turning on the main power, please verify the following items once more.
 Have you made all ground connections securely? See page ## for details.
 Do you have your antenna(s) connected to the rear-panel Antenna jack(s)? See page ## for details.
 Is your microphone (and/or key or paddle) connected? See pages ##, ## for details.
 If using a linear amplifier, have all interconnections been successfully completed? See pages ##, ## for details.
 Please rotate the AF GAIN control to the fully counter-clockwise position, to avoid a loud blast of audio when the
transceiver turns on. See page ## for details.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 25

Basic Operation: Receiving on Amateur Bands
Here is the typical start-up procedure for normal operation:

ON/OFF Switch
BAND Button

MODE Button Main Tuning Dial Knob AF GAIN Knob

1. Turn on the external DC power supply. Amateur band key may similarly have up to three
2. Press and hold in the front-panel ON/OFF switch frequency/mode settings applied.
until the transceiver turns on. After about five sec-  When [ MHz ] is touched, the “MHz” notation
onds, the transceiver is ready for full operation. will appear in the display, and then rotation of the
3. The transceiver will start up on 7.000.00 MHz LSB, CLAR/VFO-B knob will change the frequency
(or the previously used operating frequency) and in 1 MHz steps.
normal operation may begin. 6. Press the MODE button to display the available se-
Note: lections.
To turn power off, press and hold in the front panel Touch the corresponding key to select the desired
ON/OFF switch for one second. operating mode.
4. Rotate the AF GAIN knob to set a comfortable au- Advice:
dio level of the incoming signals or noise. Clockwise  By convention in the Amateur bands, LSB is
rotation of the AF GAIN knob increases the volume used on the 7 MHz and lower bands (with the
level. exception of 60 meters), while USB is utilized on
Note: the 14 MHz and higher bands.
When using headphones, start by rotating the AF  When changing modes from SSB to CW, you
will observe a frequency shift on the display.
GAIN knob counter-clockwise, then bring the vol-
This shift represents the BFO offset between the
ume level up after you put the headphones on. This
“zero beat” frequency and the audible CW pitch
will minimize the chance of damage to your hearing (tone) you can hear (the pitch is programmed via
caused by an unexpectedly high audio level. the Menu item “060 CW FREQ DISPLAY”), even
5. Press the BAND button to display the list of Amateur though the actual tone that you hear is not chang-
bands on the LCD, then touch a key corresponding ing.
to the band on which you wish to begin operation.  When operating on the FM mode, repeatedly
Advice: touch SQL] (Squelch) on the screen displayed
[
 One-touch selection of each Amateur band be- by pressing the F(M-LIST) button to point where
tween 1.8 and 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz the background noise is just silenced. This is the
is provided. point of maximum sensitivity to weak signals.
 The FT-991 utilizes a triple band-stack VFO Excessive advancement of [SQL] will decrease
selection technique, which permits storing up to the ability of the receiver to detect weak signals.
three favorite frequencies and modes onto each
VFO band register. For example, you may store
one frequency each on 14 MHz CW, RTTY, and
USB, then recall these frequencies by successive,
momentary touches of the [ 14 ] on the screen
displayed by pressing the BAND button. Each

Page 26 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Basic Operation: Receiving on Amateur Bands
7. Rotate the Main Tuning Dial knob to tune around the
band, and begin normal operation.
Advice:
 Clockwise rotation of the Main Tuning Dial knob
increases the operating frequency, one “step”
of the synthesizer at a time; similarly, counter-
clockwise rotation of the Main Tuning Dial knob
will decrease the frequency. Two settings, one
“normal” and one “fast”, are available for each
operating mode. Pressing the FAST button en-
gages the “Fast” tuning selection (see chart be-
low).
Main Tuning Dial Knob Tuning Rate

Operating 1 Step 1 Dial Rotation

Mode
LSB/USB/CW/ 1 / 5 / 10 Hz 1 / 5 / 10 kHz
RTTY/DATA (100 Hz) (100 kHz)
AM/FM 100 Hz (1 kHz) 100 kHz (1 MHz)
Numbers in parentheses indicate steps when the FAST button is On.

 If you want to effect rapid frequency change,

there are several techniques available:
 Direct keyboard entry of the frequency.
 Use the microphone’s UP/DWN scanning
keys, if your microphone is so equipped.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 27

Basic Operation: Receiving on Amateur Bands
Operation on 60-Meter (5 MHz) Band (U.S. version only)
The recently-released 60-meter band is covered, in the FT-991, by fixed memory channels. These channels are set to
USB or CW, and they appear between the “last” PMS channel (“P9U”) and the first “regular” memory channel (Channel
1):
1. Press the V/M button once to enter the “Memory” F(M-LIST) Button V/M Button
mode; the “MEM” icon will appear in the display.
2. Touch [MCH] on the screen displayed by pressing
the F(M-LIST) button. The “MCH” notation and a
memory channel number will appear on the display
to signify that rotation of the MULTI knob will allow
selection of the memory channel.
3. Memory channels (“501” through “510”) are pre-
programmed, at the factory, with the permitted fre-
quencies in the 5 MHz band, and the USB or CW Main Tuning Dial Knob
MULTI Knob
mode is automatically selected on these channels.
4. To exit from 60-meter operation and return to the
Channel Frequency
VFO mode, just press the V/M button. Number
501 5.332000 MHz
Note: 502 5.348000 MHz
The frequencies and operating mode for 5 MHz band 503 5.358500 MHz
operation are fixed, and may not be changed. 504 5.373000 MHz
505 5.405000 MHz
506 5.332000 MHz
507 5.348000 MHz
508 5.358500 MHz
509 5.373000 MHz
510 5.405000 MHz

Page 28 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Basic Operation: Receiving on Amateur Bands
CLAR (Clarifier) Operation
The CLAR button and CLAR/VFO-B knob are used to offset the receive frequency, the transmit frequency, or both,
from their settings on the VFO-A frequency. Four small numbers on the TFT Display show the current Clarifier offset.
The Clarifier controls on the FT-991 are designed to allow you to preset an offset (up to ±9.99 kHz) without actually re-
tuning, and then to activate it via the Clarifier CLAR button. This feature is ideal for following a drifting station, or for
setting the small frequency offsets sometimes utilized in DX “Split” work.

Here is the technique for utilizing the Clarifier: CLAR/VFO-B Knob

1. Press the CLAR button. The “RX” notation will ap-
CLAR Button
pear in the TFT Display, and the programmed offset
will be applied to the receive frequency.
2. Rotation of the CLAR/VFO-B knob will allow you
to modify your initial offset on the fly. Offsets of up
to ±9.99 kHz may be set using the Clarifier.
To cancel Clarifier operation, press the CLAR button.
The “RX” notation will disappear from the display.
Advice:
 Turning the Clarifier off merely cancels the applica-
tion of the programmed offset from the receive and/
or the transmit frequencies. To clear the Clarifier off-
set, and reset it to “zero,” press and hold the CLAR
button. The programmed offset is displayed in the
small multi-channel window of the frequency dis-
play.
 The Clarifier operation (including the offset frequen-
cy) will be memorized independently on each VFO
stack of VFO-A and VFO-B.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 29

basiC operaTion: reCeiving on aMaTeur bands
LOCK
You may lock the setting of the Main Tuning Dial knob (for VFO-A frequency tuning) and the CLAR/VFO-B knob (for
VFO-B frequency tuning during Split operation), to prevent accidental frequency change.

Main Tuning Dial Knob Lock

To lock the Main Tuning Dial knob, press the LOCK LOCK Button
button that is located to the right of the Main Tuning
Dial knob. To unlock the Dial setting, and restore nor-
mal tuning, press the LOCK button once more.
Advice:
The lock feature will be memorized independently on
the Main Tuning Dial knob and the CLAR/VFO-B
knob.

DIMMER
The illumination level of the TFT display and LED indicators (above the Main Tuning Dial knob), may be adjusted via
Menu items 009 and 010.

To adjust the illumination level: MENU Button

1. Press the MENU button to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the MULTI knob to select Menu item “006
DIMMER LED” (for LED indicators) or “007 DIM-
MER TFT” (for TFT display).
3. Touch [ SELECT ] on the LCD then rotate the
MULTI knob to select the desired illumination level.
4. Touch [ENTER] on the LCD, then touch [BACK]
MULTI Knob
on the LCD or press the MENU button to save the
new setting and exit to normal operation.

VFO COLOR
The background color of the VFO-A frequency in the TFT display may be selected via Menu item 007.

1. Press the MENU button to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the MULTI knob to select Menu item “005
DISPLAY COLOR”.
3. Touch [ SELECT ] on the LCD, then rotate the Background color

MULTI knob to select from the following colors: MENU Button

BLUE (default) / SKY BLUE / GREEN / PURPLE /
RED / ORANGE / GRAY
4. Touch [ENTER] on the LCD, then touch [BACK]
on the LCD or press the MENU button to save the
new setting and exit to normal operation.

MULTI Knob

Page 30 fT-991 operaTing Manual

 Convenience Features
Band Stack Operation
The FT-991 utilizes a triple band-stack VFO selection technique, that permits you to store up to three favorite frequen-
cies and modes onto each band’s VFO register. For example, you may store one frequency each on 14 MHz CW, RTTY,
and USB, then recall these VFOs by successive, momentary touches of [14] on the screen displayed by the BAND but-
ton. Each Amateur band key may similarly have up to three frequency/mode settings applied. Note that only the VFO-A
system has the band stacks.
A typical setup, for the 14 MHz band, might be arranged like this:

1. Program 14.025 MHz, CW Mode, press the BAND BAND Button

button, then touch [14] on the LCD;
2. Program 14.080 MHz, RTTY Mode, press the
BAND button, then touch [14] on the LCD;
3. Program 14.195 MHz, SSB Mode, press the BAND
button, then touch [14] on the LCD.
With this configuration, successive momentary touches
of [14] on the screen displayed by the BAND button
will allow you to step sequentially through these three
VFOs.

C.S (Custom Switch)

The front panel C.S button may be programmed to directly access an often-used Menu Mode selection.

C.S Setup MENU button C.S button

1. Press the MENU button to engage the Menu mode;
the Menu list will appear on the display.
2. Rotate the MULTI knob to select the Menu item you
want to access with the front panel C.S button.
3. Press the C.S button to lock in your selection.
4. Press the MENU button or touch [BACK] on the
LCD to save the new configuration and exit to nor-
mal operation. MULTI Knob

Menu Selection Recall via C.S button

Press the C.S button.
The programmed Menu item will appear on the display.
Press the MENU button or touch [BACK] on the LCD
exit to normal operation.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 31

ConvenienCe feaTures
Scope
This function displays a convenient spectrum scope for monitoring the band conditions. Both strong and weak signals
can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner on the TFT screen. This multifunctional scope takes into consid-
eration the operator’s preference, by switching between the convenient CENTER mode where the VFO frequency is
constantly in the center of the screen (for monitoring conditions on both sides of your operating frequency), and the FIX
mode, where the frequency is fixed to the left side of the screen (for convenience in monitoring in the band).
Note: Since the FT-991 has only one receiver the audio will be muted while the spectrum scope is scanning.

1. Press the [SCOPE] button momentarily to display SCOPE

the scope screen.

Five different screens are shown on the TFT display
by pressing the [SCOPE] button.
Spectrum scope display
Advice:
 During continuous sweeping, no audio will be heard.


Full screen spectrum scope display

Page 32 fT-991 operaTing Manual

 Convenience Features
More Frequency Navigation Techniques
Keyboard Frequency Entry Using the UP/DWN buttons of the
The Operating frequency may be entered directly into supplied MH-31A8J Hand Microphone
the current VFO, using the keyboard screen displayed The UP/DWN buttons on the supplied MH-31A8J Hand
by pressing the front panel BAND button. Microphone may also be used to manually scan the fre-
Example: Enter 14.250.00 MHz quency upward or downward.
1. Press the BAND button to begin the direct frequency T h e m i c r o p h o n e ’s U P /
entry process. DWN buttons utilize the
2. Touch [ENT] on the LCD. The first digit of the fre- tuning steps of the Main
quency (the leftmost digit) will blink. Tuning Dial knob.
3. Enter, in order, the digits of the operating frequency,
When the microphone FST
touching the keys on the LCD
button is pressed, the tuning
The decimal point after the “MHz” portion of the
rate increases by a factor of
frequency must be entered, but no decimal point is
ten, in a manner similar to
required after the “kHz” portion.
the transceiver front panel
3. Touch [ENT] on the LCD once more to complete
FAST button.
the operating frequency entry. A short “beep” will
confirm that the entry was successful, and the new
operating frequency will appear on the display.
Advice:
If you attempt to enter a frequency outside the oper-
ating range of 30 kHz ~ 56 MHz, the microprocessor
will ignore the attempt, and you will be returned to
the previous operating frequency. If this happens,
please try again, taking care not to repeat the error in
the frequency entry process.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 33

Convenience Features
Receiver Operation (Front End Block Diagram)
The FT-991 includes a wide range of special features to suppress the many types of interference that may be encoun-
tered on the HF bands. However, real world interference conditions are constantly changing, so optimum setting of the
controls is somewhat of an art, requiring familiarity with the types of interference and the subtle effects of some of the
controls. Therefore, the following information is provided as a general guideline for typical situations, and a starting
point for your own experimentation.
The FT-991 interference-fighting circuitry begins in its “RF” stages, and continues throughout the entire receiver sec-
tion. FT-991 allows configuration of the features described below.

CONTOUR Filter IF NOTCH

The DSP Contour filter has the unique ability to pro- The IF Notch filter is a high-Q notch filter that can elim-
vide either a null or a peak in tunable segments of the inate, or significantly reduce an interfering carrier.
receiver passband. You may suppress interference and
excessive frequency components on an incoming signal,
DNF (Digital Notch filter)
When multiple interfering carriers are encountered dur-
or you may peak those tunable frequency segments. The
ing reception, the Digital Notch Filter can significantly
level of the null or peak, and the bandwidth, over which
reduce the level of these signals.
it is applied, are adjustable via the Menu.

IF SHIFT DNR (Digital Noise Reduction)

The DSP’s Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) feature uti-
The passband center frequency of the IF DSP filter may
lizes 15 different mathematical algorithms to analyze
be moved up or down by adjusting this control.
and suppress different noise profiles encountered on the
IF WIDTH HF/50 MHz bands. Choose the selection that provides
The width of the IF DSP filtering may be adjusted using the best noise suppression, and allows the signal to rise
this control. up out of the noise.

AGC
The AGC system is highly adaptable to changing signal
and fading characteristics, making reception possible
under the most difficult conditions.

Front End Block Diagram

Page 34 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Interference Rejection
ATT (Attenuator)
When extremely strong local signals or high noise degrades reception, you can use [ATT] displayed by pressing the
F(M-LIST) button to insert 6, 12, or 18-dB of RF attenuation in front of the RF amplifier.
1. Press the F(M-LIST) button, then touch [ATT] on F(M-LIST) Button

the LCD several times to set the desired attenuation

level, per the chart below.
OFF: Attenuator is Off
-6dB: The incoming signal power is reduced by 6
dB (Signal voltage reduced by 1/2)
-12dB: The incoming signal power is reduced by 12
dB (Signal voltage reduced to 1/4)
-18dB: The incoming signal power is reduced by 18
dB (Signal voltage reduced to 1/8)
The selected attenuation level will be indicated in
the ATT column of the Key Function Display on the
TFT display.
2. To restore full signal strength through the Attenuator
circuit area, touch [ATT] on the LCD to restore the
ATT display to the “OFF” position.

Advice:
 If background noise causes a high S-meter indication on clear frequencies, touch [ATT] on the LCD until the S-
meter drops to about “S-1”. This setting optimizes the trade-off between sensitivity, noise, and interference immu-
nity. Also, once you have tuned in a station you want to work, you may want to reduce sensitivity further (add more
attenuation) by touching [ATT] on the LCD to a higher setting. This reduces the strength of all signals (and noise)
and can make reception more comfortable, important especially during long QSOs. When looking for weak signals
on a quiet band, you will want maximum sensitivity, so the IPO should be disabled and [ATT] on the LCD should be
set to “OFF.” This situation is typical during quiet times on frequencies above 21 MHz, and when using a small or
negative-gain receiving antenna on other bands.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 35

Interference Rejection
IPO (Intercept Point Optimization)
The IPO feature allows the operator to optimize the characteristics of the receiver front end, depending on the current
noise level and the strength of incoming signals.
F(M-LIST) Button
Touch [IPO] displayed by pressing the F(M-LIST) but-
ton repeatedly, to set the desired characteristic of the
receiver front end, according to the chart below.
AMP1: Amplifies the incoming signals, using a low
distortion RF preamplifier (gain: approx. 10
dB).
AMP2: Amplifies the incoming signals, using a
2-stage low-distortion RF preamplifier (total
gain: approx. 20 dB).
IPO: Bypasses the RF preamplifier, yielding direct
feed to the first mixer.
The selected receiver RF preamplifier will be indicated
in the IPO column of the Key Function Display on the
TFT display.

Advice:
 On the 10 MHz and lower bands, it generally is not
necessary to use any preamplifier at all; selecting the
“IPO” position as described above will increase the
strong-signal-handling capability of the receiver, and
generally will result in more pleasant reception due
to reduced noise. If you can hear band noise with the
preamplifiers disengaged, then a preamplifier is gen-
erally not needed.

Page 36 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Interference Rejection
IF Noise Blanker (NB) Operation
The FT-991 includes an effective IF Noise Blanker, which can significantly reduce noise caused by automotive ignition
systems.

1. Touch [NB] displayed by pressing the F(M-LIST) F(M-LIST) Button

button briefly to reduce short duration pulse noise

such as from switching transients, automobile igni-
tions and power lines. The “NB ON” will appear in
the display to confirm that the Narrow-NB is operat-
ing.
2. Touch [NB ] on the LCD again to reduce longer-
duration man-made pulse noise. The “NBW ON”
will appear in the display to confirm that the Wide-
NB is operating.
3. If desired, you may adjust the Noise Blanker level
via Menu item “024 NB LEVEL” to the point where
the offending noise is best reduced or eliminated.
See box below for details.
4. To end Noise Blanker operation, touch [NB] on the
LCD once more. The “NB OFF” will appear in the
display, confirming that the Noise Blanker is no lon-
ger in operation.

Adjusting the Noise Blanker Level

1. Press the MENU button to engage the Menu

mode.
MENU button
2. Rotate the MULTI knob to select Menu item “024
NB LEVEL”.
3. Touch [SELECT] on the LCD
4. Rotate the MULTI knob to the point where the
offending noise is best reduced or eliminated.
5. Touch [ ENTER ] on the LCD, then press the
MENU button or touch [BACK] on the LCD to
lock in the new setting and exit to normal opera-
MULTI Knob
tion.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 37

Interference Rejection
CONTOUR Control Operation
The Contour filter system provides a gentle perturbation of the IF filter passband. The Contour is set to either suppress,
or boost specific frequency components, and thus enhances the sound and readability of a received signal.
1. Touch [ CONT ] displayed by pressing the F(M-
F(M-LIST) Button
LIST) button to activate the Contour filter. The DSP
graphic display will illuminate and the current “null”
(or “peak”) position of the Contour filter will appear
in the CONTOUR indicator on the display.
2. Rotate the MULTI knob to achieve the most natural-
sounding audio reproduction on the incoming signal.
Advice:
The display will show the Contour frequency when-
ever [CONT] on the LCD is touched.
3. To cancel Contour tuning, touch [ CONT ] on the
LCD.
Advice:
Alternate touches of [ CONT ] on the LCD will
switch the Contour filter between on and off.
Refer to Figure “B”, this illustrates an “inden-
Advice: tation” of the Contour filter in the center of
 The Contour filter level (either a null or a peak) may the passband. The Contour filter places a low-
be adjusted using Menu item “112 CONTOUR LEV-
Q “notch” in the passband, per the settings of
EL”. The factory default setting is for a null of –15
Menu items “112 CONTOUR LEVEL” and “113
(dB).
CONTOUR WIDTH” (referenced above). Counter-
 The bandwidth over which the Contour filter effect
clockwise rotation (to the left) of the MULTI
is applied may be adjusted using Menu item “113
knob causes the notch to move toward a lower
CONTOUR WIDTH”. The factory default setting is
frequency within the passband, while clockwise
10. When the set value is increased, the bandwidth
rotation (to the right) causes the notch to move
becomes wider.
toward a higher frequency within the passband.
By removing interference or unwanted frequency
components of the incoming signal, it is possible
to make the desired signal rise out of the back-
ground noise/interference, enhancing intelligibil-
ity.
A B C

IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH

MULTI MULTI MULTI

Quick Point:
By judicious use of the Contour filter, the “shoulder” of the passband response may be altered, or components may be
removed from within the passband, allowing the desired signal to rise above the background noise and interference in a
manner not obtainable with other filtering systems.

Page 38 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Interference Rejection
IF SHIFT Operation (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT Modes)
IF SHIFT allows you to move the DSP filter passband higher or lower, without changing the pitch of the incoming sig-
nal, and thus reduces or eliminates interference. Because the carrier tuning frequency is not varied, there is no need to
re-tune the operating frequency to eliminate the interference. The total passband tuning range for the IF SHIFT system
is ±1 kHz.
1. Touch [ SHIFT ] displayed by pressing the F(M-
LIST) button repeatedly to reduce the interference. F(M-LIST) Button
Advice:
The display will show the shift value of the IF
SHIFT whenever [SHIFT] on the LCD is touched.

Referring to Figure “A”, note the depiction of the

IF DSP filter as the thick line, with MULTI knob
in the 12 o’clock position. In Figure “B”, an in-
terfering signal has appeared inside the original
passband. In Figure “C”, you can see the effect
of rotating the MULTI knob. The interference
level is reduced by moving the filter passband so
that the interference is outside of the passband.

A B C
Desired Signal Desired Signal Desired Signal

QRM QRM

IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH

MULTI MULTI MULTI

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 39

Interference Rejection
WIDTH (IF DSP Bandwidth) Tuning (SSB/CW/RTTY/DATA Modes)
The IF WIDTH tuning system allows you to vary the width of the DSP IF passband, to reduce or eliminate interference.
Moreover, the bandwidth may actually be expanded from its default setting, should you wish to enhance incoming sig-
nal fidelity when interference on the band is low.

1. Touch [ WIDTH ] displayed by pressing the F(M- F(M-LIST) Button

LIST) button repeatedly to reduce the interference.

Advice:
The frequency display will show the bandwidth of
the IF passband whenever [WIDTH] is touched.

Referring to Figure “B”, you can see the default

bandwidth on the SSB mode.
By rotating the MULTI knob to the left, the band-
width will narrow (see Figure “A”, while rotation Using IF SHIFT and WIDTH Together
of the MULTI knob to the right, as depicted in The IF SHIFT and Variable IF WIDTH features
Figure “C”, will increase the bandwidth. together form a very effective interference-fight-
ing filtering system.

A B C For example, in Figure “A”, you can see how in-

terference has appeared both on the high and low
sides of the desired signal. Touch [WIDTH] on
the LCD, the interference from one side can be
eliminated (Figure “B”). Next, rotate the MULTI
knob to re-position the passband (Figure “C”),
the interference on the opposite side can be re-
IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH
moved, without re-introducing the interference
previously eliminated in Figure “B”.

A B C

Desired Signal Desired Signal Desired Signal

MULTI MULTI MULTI

The default bandwidths, and total bandwidth ad- QRM

QRM
QRM
QRM
QRM
QRM

justment range, will vary according to the operat-

ing mode:
SSB Mode: 1.8 kHz ~ 4.0 kHz (default: 2.4 kHz).
CW Mode: 500 Hz ~ 2.4 kHz (default: 2.4 kHz) IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH IF BANDWIDTH
RTTY/DATA Modes: 500 Hz ~ 2.4 kHz (default:
500 Hz) Advice:
For best interference reduction, the WIDTH and
SHIFT features are the primary tools you should
use, after narrowing the bandwidth (WIDTH)
and/or adjusting the center of the passband
(SHIFT). The Contour control may then yield
additional signal-enhancement benefits on
the net residual bandwidth. Even more, the IF
NOTCH Filter (described later) may also be
used, in conjunction with these filter systems, to
significant advantage.

Page 40 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Interference Rejection
NARROW (NAR) One-Touch IF Filter Selection
Touching [NAR/WIDE] displayed by pressing the F(M-LIST) button provides one-touch, mode-specific, selection of a
narrow IF DSP filter setting that does not require resetting the bandwidth control to the WIDTH/SHIFT system.

Touching [NAR/WIDE] on the LCD once more returns

the bandwidth control to the WIDTH/SHIFT system.
The factory default bandwidths are:
Operating Mode [NAR/WIDE] Touch Key F(M-LIST) Button
“ON” “OFF”
SSB 200 Hz ~ 1.8 kHz 1.8 ~ 3.0 kHz
(1.5 kHz) (2.4 kHz)
CW 50 ~ 500 Hz 500 Hz ~ 3.0 kHz
(500 Hz) (2.4 kHz)
RTTY/DATA 50 ~ 500 Hz 500 Hz ~ 2.4 kHz
(300 Hz) (500 Hz)
AM 6 kHz 9 kHz
F M ( 28/50/144/430 9 kHz 16 kHz
MHz Bands)
: Depends on the [WIDTH] setting
( ): Default Bandwidth

Advice:
 When the narrow bandwidth is selected, the “NAR”
icon will appear in the display.
 If [NAR/WIDE] on the LCD has been touched to
engage the narrow filter, you may still adjust the nar-
row IF bandwidth with [WIDTH] on the LCD and
the MULTI knob. The IF SHIFT is also operational.
 When you touch [NAR/WIDE] on the LCD in the
FM mode, both transmit and receive bandwidths are
narrowed.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 41