HF manual antenna tuner

Submitted: Monday, May 23, 2005 at 10:12

ThreadID: 23222 Views:2785 Replies:5 FollowUps:10

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Austravel

Hi,

I have a manual antenna tuner to suit a HF radio but don't know how to use it. It's a Tracker Communications model M20. Anyone got any ideas??

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Reply By: signman - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 10:35

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 10:35

What switches, dials and meters does it have???

AnswerID: 112406

Follow Up By: Austravel - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 10:49

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 10:49

It has: Frequency Select above adn below 7MHz (this one makes sense), Load and Tune. It states to adjust for max brilliance of the tune lamp while transceiver tune button is pressed. I assume this is the radio transmit button.

FollowupID: 368669

Follow Up By: Footloose - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 11:08

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 11:08

Sure is. The aim is to transfer maximum energy from the coax to the aerial system. Both Tune and Load interract, so you have to try different positions of both for maximim brightness. (while holding down the tune button). Try and do it reasonably quickly as a long period of operation with a mismatch may damage your transmitter.

FollowupID: 368676

Follow Up By: Footloose - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 11:17

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 11:17

Be aware that there may be more than one apparent combination, choose the one that makes the lamp brightest.

FollowupID: 368677

Follow Up By: Austravel - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 13:48

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 13:48

Should have posted here.

Thanks to both for the info.

I'm in Rockhampton.

When adjusting should I adjust the Load first then fine tune with the Tune knob?? What size wire do I need for the aerial??

FollowupID: 368695

Follow Up By: Footloose - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 14:03

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 14:03

Tune first but as they interract it isn't critical. Size isn't important, length is. Long as you like.

FollowupID: 368696

Follow Up By: Austravel - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 15:41

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 15:41

Has approx 10m on the box. So can I just use speaker fig 8 wire or is that to small??? Does it have to be elevated say into trees etc??

FollowupID: 368706

Follow Up By: Mad Dog (Australia) - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 00:27

Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 00:27

The figure 8 should be fine, just twist together. I've used telephone wire when desperate. The best antenna for the job depends on frequency, the distance you want to get and the time of day. If day time and you want to span the country then the 14 meg freq will work well with an antenna as high as possible. If you only want a few hundred K's out to 700 or so then the 7 meg freq with a low NVIS antenna so the signal has a high take of angle is the go.

FollowupID: 368749

Reply By: signman - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 11:07

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 11:07

Yea..you've almost got it. Firstly on receive adjust the Load & Tune for maximum noise or volume- this will get you near your desired SWR. Then with the transmit button pressed adjust Load & Tune for max. lamp brightness. Do this operation for only about 5 seconds at a time so you don't damage the finals in the radio.
When you are satisfied with the settings on each channel- take note of them so its quicker to tune up next time.
Also, do you have access to a SWR meter??? This would make the job easier& a bit more accurate.
Where are you situated??

AnswerID: 112409

Follow Up By: Austravel - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 13:47

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 13:47

Thanks Signman. I'm in Rockhampton. When adjusting should I adjust the Load first then fine tune with the Tune knob?? What size wire do I need for the aerial??

FollowupID: 368694

Reply By: Michael Carey - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 14:49

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 14:49

The issue with any manual tuner is you need to get a constant RF output to use them.
With older Codan 85xx series radios, pressing the TUNE button produces a carrier. With a a SSB radio on USB, pressing the microphone button doesn't output and RF, you need a noise, eg voice to transmit. What type of radio are you using??

AnswerID: 112428

Follow Up By: Austravel - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 15:28

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 15:28

It's a barrett SB 250.

FollowupID: 368705

Reply By: signman - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 16:08

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 16:08

What bands (frequencies) do you intend to use???

AnswerID: 112437

Follow Up By: Austravel - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 16:25

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 16:25

3995kHz

5455kHz

7899kHz

11612kHz

14977kHz

Plus some for the telephone side but the above would be the major ones I'd use, it's only for emergency if the main aerial doesn't work.

FollowupID: 368709