Hi

All comments noted and very true.

I have previously used an SGC which worked well, but now use the Elecraft
KAT500.  although it is used in conjunction with a K3 and KPA500, it will
work with any modern rig.

73


ATB

David W Wood 

-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Alan R. Downing
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 12:24 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: tuning an antenna tuner using a noise bridge.

The best automatic tuner will be the Alpha 4040 when it comes on the market.
It is pricy, but it is another example of "you get what you pay for."  The
Palstar HF-auto is good, but it isn't in the same league as the Alpha when
it is available.

73


Alan R. Downing
Phoenix, AZ

-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of eric oyen
Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 4:19 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: tuning an antenna tuner using a noise bridge.

well,
those auto tuners may be convenient, but they do have limitations. =
Sometimes they can't tune an adverse load because they don't have the =
range of values required. That is one of the nice things about a manual =
tuner, the ranges of both inductors and capacitors are variable (and =
linear) A manual tuner doesn't require power to operate and lastly, =
humans can intuit a setting that a machine would ignore.
 Besides, there are times when an auto tuner will completely fail (due =
to dead power source, lightning strike or bad parts). Manual tuners =
often don't fail unless subject to lightning.

-eric

On Oct 16, 2013, at 2:09 PM, Howard, W A 9 Y B W wrote:

> Hello,
>=20
> MFJ does sell a noise bridge under their name and under the Vectronics =
name.
>=20
> The MFJ model is the 212 MatchMaker
> The Vectronics Model is the: VEC-512 Tuner,
> Tuner Aid.
>=20
> Price for either, $100.
>=20
> I have both of these items and they are identical except the name MFJ =
or=20
> Vectronics.
>=20
> As of a few months ago, both of these items were still available.
>=20
> With the advent of the automatic tuners, it is possible these will be=20=

> discontinued as there may be few manual tuners made in the future.  Of=20=

> course, there is still vintage tuners still around.
>=20
> I would suggest that if anyone thinks they may have a use for these =
items,=20
> buy 1 or 2 while they are still available.
>=20
> Often, we think, "I'll get one later", well, later is often too late!
>=20
> 73
>=20
> Howard #3
>=20
> ----- Original Message -----=20
> From: "eric oyen" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 2:19 PM
> Subject: tuning an antenna tuner using a noise bridge.
>=20
>=20
>> ok,
>> I have one of these devices (an antenna noise tuner). its called a =3D
>> Palomar tuner-tuner (no longer made from what I hear).
>> this device sits between your antenna tuner and the radio.=3D20
>>=20
>> The basics: you use the noise bridge to tune the antenna tuner to =3D
>> minimum noise (the quieter, the closer to resonance you are).
>>=20
>> How I do it:
>> 1. tune to the desired frequency in AM mode
>> 2. turn on attenuator or reduce RF gain to 50%
>> 3. turn on the noise device
>> 4. adjust inductor for closest band (setting a or b for 10 meters, =
etc.)
>> 5. adjust input capacitor for lowest noise
>> 6. adjust antenna capacitor for lowest noise.
>> 7. repeat steps 5 and 6 until noise is reduced to almost nil (or as =
lo =3D
>> as you can get it)
>> 8. turn off device, turn up RF gain and set desired mode.
>>=20
>>=20
>>=20
>> I use the palomar tuner-tuner to retune my antenna for optimal =3D
>> efficiency on any band. I also record the settings so that I can get =
=3D
>> close the next time (reduces tuning time).
>>=20
>> Unfortunately, the tuner-tuner unit is no longer manufactured. I wish =
=3D
>> that MFJ would make something similar.=3D20
>>=20
>> This is the cheap alternative to an expensive auto-tuner for your HF =
=3D
>> radio. It also has the advantage of allowing you to tune the antenna =
=3D
>> without having to key the transmitter (thus causing unintended =3D
>> interference) and saving wear and tear on the finals of your radio.
>> The reason I use AM to listen is that it gives the best noise figure, =
=3D
>> thus making it easier to find the resonance dip.
>>=20
>> anyway, there is my tutorial for using a noise bridge to tune an =
antenna =3D
>> with a tuner.
>>=20
>> DE N7zzt - eric.=3D=20