HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Transceiver

FT-991
Operating Manual

YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD.

Tennozu Parkside Building
2-5-8 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002 Japan
YAESU USA
6125 Phyllis Drive, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
YAESU UK
Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.
 Table of Contents
Table of Contents.......................................................... 1 WIDTH (IF DSP Bandwidth) Tuning (SSB/CW/
Accessories & Options.................................................. 3 RTTY/DATA Modes).............................................. 40
Supplied Accessories................................................. 3 NARROW (NAR) One-Touch IF Filter
Available Options...................................................... 4 Selection.................................................................. 41
Adjusting the Clock................................................... 5 IF NOTCH Filter Operation (SSB/CW/RTTY/
Resetting the Microprocessor.................................... 5 DATA/AM Modes).................................................. 42
Installation and Interconnections................................ 6 Digital NOTCH Filter (DNF) Operation................. 43
Antenna Considerations............................................ 6 Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) Operation............. 43
About Coaxial Cable................................................. 6 Tools for Comfortable and Effective Reception....... 44
Grounding.................................................................. 7 RF Gain................................................................... 44
Connection of Antenna and Power Cables................ 8 Audio Peak Filter.................................................... 45
Connection of Microphone and Headphone.............. 9 AGC (Automatic Gain Control).............................. 46
Key, Keyer, and Computer-Driven Keying Adjustable Receiver Audio Filter............................ 47
Interconnections...................................................... 10 SSB/AM Mode Transmission..................................... 48
VL-1000 Linear Amplifier Interconnections........... 11 ATU Operation........................................................ 50
Interfacing to Other Linear Amplifiers.................... 12 Using the Automatic Antenna Tuner......................... 50
Front Panel Controls & Switches.............................. 13 About ATU Operation............................................. 51
Display Indications..................................................... 18 Parametric Microphone Equalizer (SSB/AM/FM
Rear Panel.................................................................... 21 mode)....................................................................... 52
MH-31A8J Microphone Switches.............................. 23 Enhancing Transmit Signal Quality.......................... 52
Optional FH-2 Switches.............................................. 24 Using the Speech Processor (SSB Mode)............... 54
Basic Operation: Receiving on Amateur Bands....... 25 Adjusting the SSB Transmitted Bandwidth (SSB
Operation on 60-Meter (5 MHz) Band (U.S. version Mode)...................................................................... 55
only)........................................................................ 28 Voice Memory (SSB/AM/FM modes: Requires
CLAR (Clarifier) Operation.................................... 29 optional DVS-6 and FH-2)................................. 56
LOCK...................................................................... 30 Transmitter Convenience Features........................... 56
DIMMER................................................................ 30 VOX (SSB/AM/FM Modes: Automatic TX/RX
VFO COLOR.......................................................... 30 Switching using Voice Control).............................. 58
Band Stack Operation.............................................. 31 MONITOR (SSB/AM/FM modes).......................... 59
C.S (Custom Switch)............................................... 31 Split-Frequency Operation...................................... 60
Convenience Features................................................. 31 Setup for Straight Key (and Straight Key emulation)
SCOPE.................................................................... 32 Operation................................................................. 61
More Frequency Navigation Techniques................ 33 CW Mode Operation.................................................. 61
Receiver Operation (Front End Block Diagram).... 34 Using the Built-in Electronic Keyer........................ 62
ATT (Attenuator)................................................... 35 CW Spotting (Zero-Beating)................................... 65
Interference Rejection................................................ 35 CW Convenience Features......................................... 65
IPO (Intercept Point Optimization)......................... 36 CW Delay Time Setting.......................................... 66
IF Noise Blanker (NB) Operation........................... 37 Contest Memory Keyer (Using the Optional FH-2
CONTOUR Control Operation............................... 38 Remote Control Keypad)........................................ 67
IF SHIFT Operation (SSB/CW/RTTY/PKT Basic Operation....................................................... 72
Modes)..................................................................... 39

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 1

Table of Contents
FM Mode Operation................................................... 72
Repeater Operation.................................................. 73
Tone Squelch Operation.......................................... 74
Memory Operation..................................................... 75
Convenient Memory functions................................ 75
QMB (Quick Memory Bank).................................. 75
Standard Memory Operation................................... 76
Memory Groups...................................................... 80
Operation on Alaska Emergency Frequency: 5167.5
khz (U.S. Version Only).............................................. 81
VFO and Memory Scanning...................................... 82
VFO Scanning......................................................... 82
Memory Scan.......................................................... 83
PMS (Programmable Memory Scanning)................ 84
RTTY (Radio Teletype) Operation............................ 85
Example of Connecting RTTY Communications
Device...................................................................... 85
DATA (PSK) Operation.............................................. 86
Example of Data Communications Device ............ 86
Menu Mode.................................................................. 87
Specifications............................................................... 91

Page 2 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Accessories & Options
Supplied Accessories
Hand Microphone (MH-31A8J) 1 pc A07890001
DC Power Cord 1 pc T9025225
Spare Fuse (25A) 1 pc Q0000074
Operating Manual 1 pc
Warranty Card 1 pc

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 3

Accessories & Options
Available Options
MD-200A8X Ultra-High-Fidelity Desktop Microphone
MD-100A8X Desktop Microphone
YH-77STA Lightweight Stereo Headphone
FH-2 Remote Control Keypad
VL-1000/VP-1000 Linear Amplifier/AC Power Supply
FC-40 External Automatic Antenna Tuner
FP-1030A External Power Supply (13.8 VDC 25 A)
CT-118 VL-1000 Linear Amplifier Connection Cable
CT-39A Packet Interface Cable
CT Cable (MDIN10P - Bare Wire 2m) Linear Amplifier Connection Cable (P/N T9207451)

MD-200A8X YH-77STA FH-2

VL-1000/VP-1000 FC-40

Page 4 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Before You Begin
Adjusting the Clock
Use the following procedure to adjust the clock shown at the top right of the LCD display.
1. Press and hold the MENU(SETUP) button.
MENU(SETUP) button
2. Touch [TIME/DATE] on the LCD.
3. Enter the present time with the number keys on the
LCD, then touch [ENT].
4. Touch [DATE] on the LCD to switch the screen.
5. Enter month, day, and year with the number keys on
the LCD, then touch [ENT].
6. Touch [BACK] on the LCD to return to the setup
mode display.
7. Press the MENU(SETUP) button to return to the LCD

radio operation display.

Resetting the Microprocessor

Resetting Memories (Only)
Use this procedure to reset (clear) the previously stored
Memory channels, without affecting any configuration
changes you may have made to the Menu settings.
1. Press the front panel ON/OFF switch to turn the
transceiver off.
2. While holding the AM button in, press and hold
in the front panel ON/OFF switch to turn the trans- ON/OFF switch AM button

ceiver on. Once the transceiver comes on, you may

release the buttons.

Menu Resetting
Use this procedure to restore the Menu settings to their
factory defaults, without affecting the memories you
have programmed.
1. Press the front panel ON/OFF switch to turn the
transceiver off.
2. While holding the MENU(SETUP) button in, press
and hold in the front panel ON/OFF switch to turn ON/OFF switch MENU(SETUP) button
the transceiver on. Once the transceiver comes on,
you may release the buttons.

Full Reset
Use this procedure to restore all Menu and Memory set- FAST button

tings to their original factory defaults. All Memories will

be cleared by this procedure.
1. Press the front panel ON/OFF switch to turn the
transceiver off.
2. While holding the FAST and LOCK buttons in,
press and hold in the front panel ON/OFF switch to
turn the transceiver on. Once the transceiver comes ON/OFF switch LOCK button
on, you may release the buttons.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 5

Installation and Interconnections
Antenna Considerations
The FT-991 is designed for use with any antenna system providing a 50 Ohm resistive impedance at the desired operat-
ing frequency. While minor excursions from the 50-Ohm specification are of no consequence, if the Standing Wave Ra-
tio (SWR) present at the Antenna jack is greater than 3:1, the transceiver’s Automatic Antenna Tuner may not be able to
reduce the impedance mismatch to an acceptable value.
Every effort should be made to ensure that the impedance of the antenna system be as close as possible to the specified
50-Ohm value. Note that the “G5RV” type antenna does not provide a 50-Ohm impedance on all HF Amateur bands. An
external wide-range antenna coupler must be used with this antenna type.
Any antenna to be used with the FT-991 must be fed from the transceiver with 50 Ohm coaxial cable. Therefore, when
using a “balanced” antenna such as a dipole, remember that a balun or other matching/balancing device must be used to
ensure proper antenna performance.
The same precautions apply to any additional (receive-only) antennas connected to the antenna jacks. if your receive-
only antennas do not have impedance near 50 Ohms at the operating frequency, you may need to install an external an-
tenna tuner to obtain optimum performance.

About Coaxial Cable

Use high-quality 50-Ohm coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT-991 transceiver. All efforts at providing an efficient
antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy coaxial cable is used. This transceiver utilizes standard “M” (“PL-
259”) type connectors.

Typical PL-259 Installation

Page 6 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Installation and Interconnections
Grounding
The FT-991 transceiver, like any other HF communications apparatus, requires an effective ground system for maxi-
mum electrical safety and best communications effectiveness. A good ground system can contribute to station efficiency
in a number of ways:
 It can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the operator.
 It can minimize RF currents flowing on the shield of the coaxial cable and the chassis of the transceiver. such cur-
rents may lead to radiation, which can cause interference to home entertainment devices or laboratory test equip-
ment.
 It can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver/accessory operation caused by RF feedback and/or improper
current flow through logic devices.
An effective earth ground system may take several forms. for a more complete discussion, see an appropriate RF engi-
neering text. The information below is intended only as a guideline.
Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more copper-clad steel rods, driven into the ground. If multiple
ground rods are used, they should be positioned in a “V” configuration and bonded together at the base of the “V” which
is nearest the station location. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from type RG-213 coaxial cable)
and strong cable clamps to secure the braided cable(s) to the ground rods. Be sure to weatherproof the connections
to ensure many years of reliable service. Use the same type of heavy, braided cable for the connections to the station
ground bus (described below).
Inside the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 25 mm diameter should be used. An al-
ternative station ground bus may consist of a wide copper plate (single-sided circuit board material is ideal) secured to
the bottom of the operating desk. Grounding connections from individual transceivers, power supplies, and data com-
munications devices (TNCs, etc.) should be made directly to the ground bus using a heavy, braided cable.
Do not “Daisy-Chain” ground connections from one electrical device to another and thence to the ground bus. This
method may nullify any attempt at effective radio frequency grounding. See the drawing below for examples of proper
grounding techniques.
Inspect the ground system - inside the station as well as outside - on a regular basis to ensure continued performance
and safety.
Besides following the above guidelines carefully, note that household or industrial gas lines must never be used in an
attempt to establish an electrical ground. Cold water pipes may, in some instances, help in the grounding effort, but gas
lines represent a significant explosion hazard, and must never be used.

Transceiver LinearLinear
Transceiver TNC TNC Transceiver LinearLinear
Transceiver TNC TNC
Amplifier
Amplifier Amplifier
Amplifier
GND GND GND GND GND GND GND GND GND GND GND GND

"Daisy Chain"
"Daisy Chain"

Proper Ground Connection Improper Ground Connection

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 7

Installation and Interconnections
Connection of Antenna and Power Cables
Please follow the outline in the illustration regarding the proper connection of antenna coaxial cables, as well as the DC
power cable. The DC power connector for the FT-991 must only be connected to a DC source providing 13.8 Volts DC (±10
%), and capable of at least 23 Amperes of current. Always observe proper polarity when making DC connection:
The RED DC power lead connects to the Positive (+) DC terminal.
The BLACK DC power lead connects to the Negative (–) DC terminal.

To prevent damage from

lightning, atmospheric elec-
tricity, electrical shock etc., please
provide a good earth ground.
Use a short,
thick, braided
cable to con-
nect your station
equipment to the
buried ground rod (or alternative earth
ground system).

Check the DC volt-

age and current rating
(+13.8 V, 23 A) of the power
supply before connecting to the
transceiver.

We recommend the use of the FP-1030A (USA market only) AC Power Supply. Other models of power supplies may
be used with the FT-991, but the 13.8 VDC input voltage, 23 Ampere current capability, and DC cable polarity guide-
lines described above must be strictly followed.
Note that other manufacturers may use the same type of DC power connections as does your FT-991 transceiver, how-
ever, the wiring configuration may be different from that specified for your transceiver. Serious damage can be caused if
improper DC connections are made; consult with a qualified service technician when in doubt.
The 100 V RF voltage (@100 W/50-ohm) is applied to the TX RF section of the transceiver while transmitting.
Do not touch the TX RF section absolutely while transmitting.
Permanent damage can result when improper supply voltage, or reverse-polarity voltage, is applied to the FT-
991. The Limited Warranty on this transceiver does not cover damage caused by application of AC voltage, re-
verse polarity DC, or DC voltage outside the specified range of 13.8 V ±10 %. When replacing fuses, be certain to use a
fuse of the proper rating. The FT-991 requires a 25 A blade fuse.
Advice:
 Do not position the FT-991 in a location with direct exposure to sunshine.
 Do not position the FT-991 in a location exposed to dust and/or high humidity.
 Ensure adequate ventilation around the FT-991, to prevent heat build-up and possible reduction of performance due
to high heat.
 Do not install the FT-991 on an unstable desk or table. Do not place in a location where objects may fall onto it from above.
 To minimize the possibility of interference to home entertainment devices, take all precautionary steps including
separation of TV/FM antennas from Amateur transmitting antennas to the greatest extent possible, and keep trans-
mitting coaxial cables separated from cables connected to home entertainment devices.
 Ensure that the DC power cord is not subject to undue stress or bending, which could damage the cable or cause it to
be accidentally unplugged from the rear panel DC IN jack.
 Be certain to install your transmitting antenna(s) so they cannot possibly come in contact with TV/FM radio or other
antennas, or with power or telephone lines.

Page 8 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Installation and Interconnections
Connection of Microphone and Headphone

 DOWN
 UP
 +5V
  MIC GND
  MIC
 PTT
 GND
 FAST

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 9

Installation and Interconnections
Key, Keyer, and Computer-Driven Keying Interconnections
The FT-991 includes many features for the CW operator. These functions will be detailed in the “Operation” section
later. Besides the built-in Electronic Keyer, two key jacks are provided, one on the front and one on the rear panel, for
convenient connection to keying devices.
The Menu selections allow you to configure the front panel KEY jack according to the device you wish to connect. For
example, you may connect your keyer paddle to the front panel KEY jack, and use Menu item “018 F KEYER TYPE” for
paddle input.
The KEY jack on the FT-991 utilize “Positive” keying voltage. Key-up voltage is approximately +3.3V DC, and key-
down current is approximately 4 mA. When connecting a key or other device to the KEY jack, use only a 3-contact
(“stereo”) 1/4” phone plug; a 2-contact plug will place a short between the ring and (grounded) shaft of the plug, result-
ing in a constant “key-down” condition in some circumstances.

Page 10 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Installation and Interconnections
VL-1000 Linear Amplifier Interconnections
Be sure that both the FT-991 and VL-1000 are turned off, and then follow the installation recommendations contained
in the illustration.
Note:
 Refer to the VL-1000 Operating Manual for details regarding amplifier operation.
 Do not attempt to connect or disconnect coaxial cables when your hands are wet.

Coaxial Cable (50Ω)

Connect to “INPUT 1” of the VL-1000

HF/50MHz Antenna
144/430MHz Antenna

Set the front panel’s

INPUT 1
INPUT switch to the
144/430MHz

DC 13.8 V

ANT 1

ANT 2

ANT 3
HF/50MHz

“INPUT1”.
INPUT
ANT

ANT

CONTROL
BAND-DATA 1
REM/ALC

DC 48V IN
TUN/LIN

ALC 1
GND

GND
CT-58 Band Data Cable (Option)

VP-1000

VP-1000
CT-58 ALC Cable (Option)

To link the FT-991 and VL-

1000 Power switches, set the
VL-1000 REMOTE switch to
the “ON” position.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 11

Installation and Interconnections
Interfacing to Other Linear Amplifiers

Coaxial Cable (50Ω)

Connect to “INPUT” of the linear amplifier

144/430MHz Antenna HF/50MHz Antenna

144/430MHz

INPUT
DC 13.8 V

HF/50MHz

ANT
INPUT
ANT

ANT
TUN/LIN

EXT ALC

TX GND
GND

GND

GND

GND
Linear Amplifier Connection Cable
(Option: T9207451)

Note Important Note!

 The TX GND OUT pin (pin 2) of the TUN/LIN jack  Do not exceed the maximum voltage or current rat-
is a transistor “open collector” circuit. It is capable of ings for the “TX GND OUT” pin (pin 2) of the TUN/
handling positive relay coil voltages up to +60VDC LIN jack. This line is not compatible with negative
at 200 mA or +30 VDC at 1 A. If you plan to use DC voltages, or AC voltages of any magnitude.
multiple linear amplifiers for different bands, you  Most amplifier control relay systems require only
must provide external band switching of the “Linear low DC voltage/current switching capability (typi-
Tx” relay control line from the “TX GND OUT” line cally, +12V DC at 25 ~ 75 mA), and the switching
at the TUN/LIN jack. transistor in the FT-991 will easily accommodate
 The specified range for ALC voltage to be used with such amplifiers.
the FT-991 is 0 to -4 Volts DC.
 Amplifier systems utilizing different ALC voltages
will not work correctly with the FT-991, and their
ALC lines must not be connected if this is the case.

Page 12 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Front Panel Controls & Switches

5 6

9 8 7

ON/OFF Switch PHONES Jack

Press and hold in this switch for one second to turn A 1/4-inch, 3-contact jack accepts either monaural or
the transceiver on. Similarly, press and hold in this stereo headphones with 2- or 3-contact plugs. When
switch for one second to turn the transceiver off. a plug is inserted, the loudspeaker is disabled.
KEY Jack Note:
This 1/4-inch, 3-contact jack accepts a CW key or When wearing headphones, we recommend that you
keyer paddles (for the built-in electronic keyer), or turn the AF Gain levels down to their lowest settings
output from an external electronic keyer. Pinout is before turning power on, to minimize the impact on
shown on page ##. Key up voltage is +3.3 V DC, your hearing caused by audio “pops” during switch-
and key down current is 4 mA. This jack may be on.
configured for keyer, “Bug”, “straight key”, or
computer keying interface operation via Menu item MIC Jack
“011 F CW KEYER” (see page ##). This 8-pin jack accepts input from a microphone uti-
Note: lizing a traditional YAESU HF transceiver pinout.
You cannot use a 2-contact plug in this jack (to do so
produces a constant “key down” condition).

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 13

Front Panel Controls & Switches
F(M-LIST) Button BAND Button
These keys allow one-touch selection of the desired
F
Amateur band (1.8 ~ 50 MHz).
This button is used to display function list. The fol-
The keys may also be used for direct entry of a de-
lowing functions can be accessed from the function
sired operating frequency during VFO operation.
list:
NAR/WIDE, NB, AGC, ATT, IPO, NOTCH, CONT, MODE Button
DNR, DNF, SHIFT, WIDTH, MOX, VOX, MONI, This button selects the operating mode. The selec-
MIC-EQ, PROC, BK-IN, SPEED, SQL tions available are:
M-LIST LSB, USB, AM, CW (LSB), CW (USB), FM,
Pressing and holding this button will show the mem- RTTY (LSB), RTTY (USB), C4FM, DATA (LSB),
ory channel list. ........ DATA (USB), DATA (FM)
MENU(SETUP) Button MULTI Knob
MENU This knob allows you to select the Menu items and
This button is used to access the Menu system. The settings.
various transceiver characteristics may be config-
ured.
SETUP
Pressing and holding this button will .......

Page 14 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Front Panel Controls & Switches

12 10 11 16 17 18

13 14 15 21 20 19

A=B Button TUNE Button

Press this button momentarily to transfer the fre- This is the on/off switch for the FT-991’s Automatic
quency or memory channel data, from VFO-A to Antenna Tuner.
VFO-B, overwriting any previous contents in VFO- Pressing this button momentarily places the antenna
B. Use this key to set both VFO-A and VFO-B to the tuner in line between the transmitter final amplifier
same frequency and mode. and the antenna jack (The “TUNER” icon will ap-
pear in the display). Reception is not affected.
A/B Button Pressing and holding in this button for two seconds,
Pressing this button momentarily, exchanges the
while receiving in an amateur band, activates the
frequency or memory channel data, of VFO-A and
transmitter for a few seconds while the automatic
VFO-B.
antenna tuner rematches the antenna system imped-
RCL/STO Button ance for minimum SWR. The resulting setting is au-
RCL (Recall) tomatically stored in one of the antenna tuner’s 100
Pressing this button, recalls one of up to five Quick memories for instant automatic recall later when the
Memory Bank memories for operation. receiver is tuned near the same frequency.
STO (Store) Pressing this button momentarily, while the Tuner is
Pressing this button copies the contents (frequency, engaged, will take the Automatic Antenna tuner out
mode, bandwidth, FM repeater offset, and CTCSS of the transmit line.
settings) of VFO-A, into consecutive QMB Memo- Note:
ries. When the Automatic Antenna Tuner is tuning itself,
a signal is being transmitted. Therefore, be certain
that an antenna or dummy load is connected to the
selected antenna jack before pressing and holding in
the TUNE button to start antenna tuning.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 15

Front Panel Controls & Switches
C.S Button V/M Button
Press this button momentarily to directly recall a fa- This button toggles frequency control between VFO-
vorite Menu Selection. A and the memory system. In memory mode, “MEM”
To program a Menu selection to the C.S button, (Memory Channel) will be shown in the display to
press the MENU(SETUP) button to enter the indicate the current selection. Pressing the V/M but-
Menu. Select the Menu item you want to set as ton displays the original memory frequency, and the
the short cut. Press the C.S button, then press the “MEM” will be displayed. Pressing it once more
MENU(SETUP) button; this will lock in the select- returns frequency operation to VFO-A, and the icon
ed Menu item as the short cut. will no longer be displayed.

TXW (TX Watch) Button AM Button

Pressing and holding this button lets you monitor the Pressing this button momentarily, displays the con-
transmit frequency when split frequency operation is tents of the currently-selected memory channel for
engaged. Release the button to return to normal split 10 seconds.
frequency operation. Pressing and holding in this key for one second (until
the double beep) copies the current operating data
FAST Button into the currently selected memory channel, over-
Pressing this button will change the tuning of the writing any previous data stored there.
Main Tuning Dial knob (VFO-A) to a higher step
rate. SPLIT Button
When this function is activated, the “FAST” indica- Press this button to operate split frequency between
tor in the LED indicators area illuminates. VFO-A (used for reception) and VFO-B (used for
transmission). If you press and hold in the SPLIT
LOCK Button button for one second, the “Quick Split” feature will
This button toggles locking on/off for the Main Tun- be engaged. VFO-B transmit will automatically be
ing Dial knob (VFO-A). With “Lock” on, the Main set to a frequency 5 kHz higher than the VFO-A re-
Tuning Dial knob can still be turned, but the fre- ceive frequency, with the same operating mode. The
quency will not change, and the “LOCK” indicator transceiver will operate in the Split mode.
in the LED indicators area illuminates.

CLAR Button
RX
Pressing this button activates the RX Clarifier. This
will allow you to temporarily adjust the receive
frequency up to ±9.999 kHz with the CLAR/VFO-
B knob. Press this button once more to return the
receiver to the original frequency; the Clarifier offset
will be remembered, in case you want to use it again.
To cancel the Clarifier offset, press the [CLEAR]
button.
Pressing this switch during Split operation will
change the tuning rate of the CLAR/VFO-B knob
(VFO-B) to 100 Hz/step.
When this function is activated, the “FAST” indica-
tor in the LED indicators area illuminates.
TX
Pressing this button activates the TX Clarifier, to al-
low offsetting the transmit frequency temporarily.
Press this button once more to return the transmit-
ter to the original frequency; the Clarifier offset
will be remembered, though, in case you want to
use it again. To cancel the Clarifier offset, press the
[CLEAR] button.

Page 16 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Front Panel Controls & Switches

23

24

25

22

Main Tuning Dial Knob CLAR/VFO-B Knob

This large knob adjusts the operating frequency of During the VFO-A operation, this knob tunes the
VFO-A. Clockwise rotation of this knob increases Clarifier offset frequency up to ±9.999 kHz.
the frequency. Default tuning increments are 10 Hz During Split operation, this knob adjusts the operat-
(CW, SSB), 50 Hz (RTTY/DATA), 100 Hz (AM/ ing frequency of VFO-B.
FM). When the FAST button is pressed, the tuning
steps increases. The available steps are:
RF GAIN Knob
The RF GAIN knob is the receiver RF gain control,
Operating Mode 1 Step 1 Dial Rotation which adjusts the gain of the receiver RF and IF
LSB/USB/CW 10 Hz (100 Hz) 10 kHz (100 kHz)
amplifier stages. This control is normally left in the
AM/FM 100 Hz (1 kHz) 100 kHz (1 MHz)
RTTY/DATA 5 Hz (100 Hz) 5 kHz (100 kHz) fully clockwise position.
Numbers in parentheses indicate steps when the FAST button is On. AF GAIN Knob
The AF GAIN knob sets the receiver audio volume
level. Typically, you will operate with this control set
between the 9 o’clock and 10 o’clock positions.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 17

Display Indications
LCD Display

Mode Indicator NAR

Displays the current operating mode. This indicator appears whenever the receiver’s
narrow IF DSP filter is engaged.
VFO-A Frequency Display REC
Shows the main band (VFO-A) frequency.
This indicator appears while the optional Voice
Tuning Offset Indicator Memory Unit is recording your voice message, or
This indicates the relative offset of the CW-TUNE, the Contest Keyer is recording your CW keying.
μ-TUNE, Clarifier, etc. PLAY
This indicator appears while the optional Voice
Configuration Indicator Memory Unit is playing back the recorded voice
TUNER message, or the recorded Contest CW keying.
This indicator appears when the internal Automatic
[+]/[-]
Antenna Tuner is activated.
During FM repeater operation, a negative frequen-
VOX cy shift will be indicated by “[-]” while a positive
This indicator appears when the automatic voice-
frequency shift will be indicated by “[+]”.
actuated transmitter switches in the SSB, AM, and
DNR
FM modes.
This indicator appears whenever the Digital Noise
PROC Reduction feature is activated.
This indicator appears whenever the DSP Speech
DNF
Processor is activated.
This indicator appears whenever the Digital Notch
MIC EQ Filter is activated.
This indicator appears whenever the Three-Band
Parametric Microphone Equalizer is activated via
the Menu.

Page 18 FT-991 Operating Manual

 Display Indications
VFO-B Frequency Display Scope Display
Shows the sub band (VFO-B) frequency during Split
operation.
Function Keys
S/PO Meter
On reception, this indicates the received signal
strength from S-0 to S-9+60dB.
Clock
Indicates the current time.
On transmission, this indicates the RF Power Output,
from 0 to 150 Watts.
Advice:
 The S/PO meters can be set to the Peak-hold
function (BAR type only) via the menu item “008
BAR MTR PEAK HOLD”.

FT-991 Operating Manual Page 19

Display Indications
LED Indicators

RX Indicator Sub Band RX/TX Indicators

This indicator illuminates when the squelch opens. Green (Left):
This indicator illuminates when the receiver is ac-
TX Indicator tive on the main band (VFO-B).
This indicator illuminates during transmission.
Red (Right):
Memory Mode RX/TX Indicators This indicator illuminates when the transmitter is
Green (Left): active on the main band (VFO-B).
This indicator illuminates when the receiver is ac-
tive on the memory channel.
FAST/LOCK Indicators
FAST:
Red (Right):
This indicator appears when the Main Tuning Dial
This indicator illuminates when the transmitter is
knob tuning rate is set to “fast”.
active on the memory channel.
LOCK:
Main Band RX/TX Indicators This indicator appears when the Main Tuning Dial
Green (Left): knob is locked.
This indicator illuminates when the receiver is ac-
tive on the main band (VFO-A).
Red (Right):
This indicator illuminates when the transmitter is
active on the main band (VFO-A).

Page 20 FT-991 Operating Manual