SGC Smartuner SG-230 User manual

SG-230

Smartuner

Microprocessor Controlled Automatic Antenna Coupler

Installation and Operations Manual

Getting the most from every watt of HF-SSB Power

Globally, HF-SSB has literally changed the world. For a minimal investment, it has allowed millions of people - often in

amazingly remote settings, often in emergency conditions - to reliably bounce clear voice and data signals across a state,

across a continent, over an ocean, or around the world. Without satellites, relay stations, cellular nets, stadium sized anten-

nas or huge user fees. Just some fine equipment, a smart operator and nature's own ionosphere make this possible.

For nearly 30 years, the perfection of HF SSB has been the focus and the life of our company. Our efforts have not gone

unnoticed. Today, SGC is a prominent choice of leading corporations, governments, relief agencies, paramilitary organiza-

tions, mariners, aviators, explorers, and

scientists - all over the world. They trust

our engineering and they value our expe-

rience.

A vital part of our company's strate-

gy centers around new product develop-

ment, with an emphasis on providing

quality equipment which remains rugged,

reliable and competitively priced. We are

focused on providing customer service of

the highest standard. Our commitment is

to product training and comprehensive

after sales support. Today, SGC is recog-

nized as a world class designer and manufacturer of HF SSB communications products.

At SGC we build communications power tools. Next generation HF-SSB radios, antennas, amplifiers and coupler sys-

tems that squeeze more range and clarity out of every watt of HF SSB communications power, are the technology and innova-

tions that have helped SGC emerge as a cutting edge player in the expanding world of HF-SSB.

Actually, SGC was the first company to perfect and mass produce solid-state HF SSB radios, almost 30 years ago.

Today, our focus is an ever higher level of HF SSB refinement and performance. All focused on creating HF SSB voice and

data communications systems that are so user friendly

and so powerful, they allow every SGC user to easily

lock in the world. Pierre B. Goral, President

SMARTUNER MANUAL

SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA

E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.sgcworld.com

SG-230

SMARTUNER

ANTENNA

COUPLER

Installation and Operations Manual

Revised: November 2000

Caution: Carefully read the “Quick Start” on the following page

and all pertinent sections of this manual prior to operating your

Smartuner for the first time. This unit will provide outstanding

service if you follow the detailed recommendations within this

manual.

SMARTUNER MANUAL ii

SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA

Nov2000 SGC, Inc. P.O. Box 3526, 98009 Fax: 425-746-6384 Tel: 425-746-6310

E-Mail: sgc@sgcworld.com Web Site: www.sgcworld.com

Quick Start Guide

To quickly install your antenna coupler you will need the following:

1. An HF radio with 10 to 150 watts output.

2. An HF antenna with a single wire feed (not coax fed).

Minimum length of 8 feet (to 3.5 MHz) or 23 feet (1.8 MHz).

3. A good ground or counterpoise for the antenna and coupler

4. +12 VDC and ground for the coupler.

5. An LED or other indicating device. (Optional)

Connections:

Connect the Smartuner as shown in the following diagram:

TO TRANSMITTER

(

10-200 w

)

Black: DC Ground

Red: +12 VDC coupler power

Red/ White: Optional SmartLock lock/ reset line. (+12 VDC locks,

momentary ground resets)

Black/ White: Optional remote tuned indicator. Goes low when coupler is tuned

Single wire

ANTENNA

GROUND (Counterpoise)

Operation:

1. Turn on Radio. Apply 12 VDC power to the coupler.

2. As power is applied, coupler should make one "click" sound.

3. Coupler should come up in the bypass (untuned) state.

4. To tune, speak normally, whistle or use CW.

5. Tuning should be done at full power. Clicking is heard.

6. When tuned, clicking stops and Black/White wire goes low.

SMARTUNER MANUAL iii

SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA

Nov2000 SGC, Inc. P.O. Box 3526, 98009 Fax: 425-746-6384 Tel: 425-746-6310

E-Mail: sgc@sgcworld.com Web Site: www.sgcworld.com

Table of Contents

Quick Start Guide .......................................................................................................ii

1.0 General Information.............................................................................................1

1.1 Experience Levels of Users .......................................................................1

1.2 What Is an Antenna Coupler?..................................................................1

1.3 Overall Description....................................................................................3

1.4 Coupler Network Configuration.............................................................4

1.5 Operation Indicators..................................................................................4

1.6 Mechanical Design.....................................................................................5

1.6.1 Marine Mounting........................................................................6

1.6.2 Desert and High Temperature Installations............................7

1.6.3 Extremely Cold Temperature Installations.............................7

1.7 Remote Installations...................................................................................7

1.8 Upgrade Sequence......................................................................................8

2.0 Specifications.........................................................................................................8

2.1 Accessories..................................................................................................9

2.2 Recommended Antennas..........................................................................9

3.0 Parts and Technical Support...............................................................................9

3.1 Parts Furnished...........................................................................................9

3.2 User Supplied Items...................................................................................10

3.3 Technical Support.......................................................................................11

4.0 Antenna Types.......................................................................................................11

4.1 Antenna Selection.......................................................................................11

4.3 Longwire Antenna.....................................................................................12

4.4 Backstay Antennas.....................................................................................12

4.5 Typical Installations...................................................................................12

4.5.1 Jeep installation ...........................................................................12

SMARTUNER MANUAL iv

SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA

Nov2000 SGC, Inc. P.O. Box 3526, 98009 Fax: 425-746-6384 Tel: 425-746-6310

E-Mail: sgc@sgcworld.com Web Site: www.sgcworld.com

4.5.2 Vehicle installation......................................................................13

4.5.3 Motor Vessel installation............................................................14

4.5.4 Base installation...........................................................................14

4.5.5 Base installation with ground wire radials..............................15

4.5.6 Base dipole....................................................................................16

4.5.7 Base Quadra Loop.......................................................................16

4.5.8 Delta Loop....................................................................................17

4.5.9 Vessel Groundless Loop.............................................................18

4.5.10 Vessel insulated backstay.........................................................19

4.6 Apartment Loop Antenna.........................................................................19

4.7 Recreational Vehicle (RV) Antennas .......................................................20

4.8 Aircraft Antennas.......................................................................................21

4.9 Low Profile, Hidden...................................................................................22

4.10 Emergency Antennas...............................................................................24

4.10.1 Kite Antenna..............................................................................24

4.10.2 Tactical Installations..................................................................25

4.11 Five Golden Rules of HF Installation………………………………….26

5.0 General Notes on Antennas ................................................................................27

5.1 Steps to Antenna Installation....................................................................28

5.2 Antenna Location.......................................................................................28

5.3 Ground Systems—General .......................................................................29

5.3.1 Vehicle Grounds..........................................................................29

5.3.2 Marine Grounds..........................................................................30

5.3.3 Base Station Grounds..................................................................31

5.4 Corrosion.....................................................................................................32

5.5 Antenna Coupler Mounting.....................................................................32

5.6 Antenna Connection..................................................................................32

SMARTUNER MANUAL v

SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA

Nov2000 SGC, Inc. P.O. Box 3526, 98009 Fax: 425-746-6384 Tel: 425-746-6310

E-Mail: sgc@sgcworld.com Web Site: www.sgcworld.com

6.0 Installation Procedures.........................................................................................33

6.1 Installation with SG-2000..........................................................................33

6.2 Installation on all Radios...........................................................................33

6.3 Smartlock Installation................................................................................34

6.4 Weatherdeck Mounting.............................................................................35

6.5 Electrical Checkout.....................................................................................35

6.6 Do-It-Yourself Light-Bulb Dummy Load……………………………….36

7.0 Coupler Configuration.........................................................................................38

7.1 Schematic Diagrams...................................................................................38

7.2 Tuning Process............................................................................................39

7.3 Impedance Detector...................................................................................39

7.4 VSWR Detector...........................................................................................39

7.5 Phase Detector ............................................................................................40

7.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................................40

7.7 Initialization................................................................................................40

8.0 Tuning Processes and Options...........................................................................41

8.1 Program Description..................................................................................42

8.2 Tuning Paths...............................................................................................43

9.0 Smartlock Operation.............................................................................................46

9.1 Tune, Tune Lock, and Reset......................................................................46

9.2 Smartlock Notes..........................................................................................46

10.0 Receiving Antenna

Systems…………………………………………………...47

11.0 Troubleshooting the SMARTUNER................................................................47

11.1 Ground Faults...........................................................................................48

11.2 Antenna Faults..........................................................................................49

11.3 Transmitter Faults....................................................................................50

11.4 A Final Pointer on Troubleshooting......................................................50

SMARTUNER MANUAL vi

SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA

Nov2000 SGC, Inc. P.O. Box 3526, 98009 Fax: 425-746-6384 Tel: 425-746-6310

E-Mail: sgc@sgcworld.com Web Site: www.sgcworld.com

12.0 Further Reading…………………………………………………………………51

SUBJECT INDEX.........................................................................................................52

SMARTUNER MANUAL 1

SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA

E-Mail: sgc@sgcworld.com Web Site: www.sgcworld.com

1.0 General Information

The Smartuner™ reputation has grown to legend status because it is simple to use and a

highly reliable piece of electronic equipment. A SMARTUNER will provide maximum

transfer of radio energy from any HF transmitter to any end-fed HF antenna within the

frequency and power limits of its specifications. The SMARTUNER builds upon the

renowned reputation of the SG-230 by adding many advanced features, among them: a

new, highly technological microcontroller that has built in A/D functions, non-volatile

memory, and serial communications capabilities.

This document is designed to guide the SMARTUNER user through installation and

operation of the unit. This document will also recommend various steps that may be

undertaken in the field to provide correct operation of the SMARTUNER should

difficulty be encountered. Smartuners are extraordinarily reliable. But you should be

aware that there are scores of fine points to any HF installation that are easily

overlooked and may cause difficulty. Our goal in this manual is to help you quickly

obtain the best possible performance from your HF radio installation. By reading this

manual carefully, you can avoid most of the pitfalls that can degrade the performance

of your HF system.

1.1 Experience Levels of Users

The Smartuner may be installed successfully by anyone with the help of this manual.

However, if you are inexperienced in HF radio installation and operation, do not be shy

about seeking advice from people with more experience than yourself. They will help

you achieve good results quickly and with minimum frustration. Even the most

experienced professional HF users will occasionally run into difficulty.

Regardless of the level of your experience, SGC stands ready to offer you installation

suggestions and help you resolve any aspect of Smartuner operation that is not entirely

satisfactory. If you have a specific question, please send us an email or fax at our

Bellevue, WA headquarters on the bottom of this page. If you require telephone

assistance, please call us between 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Pacific Time.

1.2 What Is an Antenna Coupler

Antenna “couplers” are placed at the antenna and precisely match conditions of the

antenna to the feed line. Antenna “tuners,” on the other hand, are generally located at

the transmitter output at the radio end of the coaxial feed line. Do not be confused by

the term “coupler” or “tuner.”

• A tuner placed at the transmitter fools a transmitter into working correctly.

• A coupler installed at the antenna eliminates feed line losses by providing a

SMARTUNER MANUAL 2

SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA

E-Mail: sgc@sgcworld.com Web Site: www.sgcworld.com

proper match of the antenna to the feed line. The Smartuner is a true antenna

coupler.

The several key points, which we will emphasize throughout this manual, will result in

the best possible operation of your Smartuner. These include:

• The coupler must be located at the antenna.

• No coax may be connected to the coupler output.

• The coupler must have clean +12 VDC power supplied to it.

• The ground system must always be larger than the antenna.

• The antenna wire should be of the largest gauge practical.

• Capacitance at the coupler output must be minimal.

• The antenna should be of sufficient length for your lowest operating

frequency.

Strictly observing these basic rules will insure good operations under the widest range

of conditions.

This manual should be thoroughly studied if you plan to have the best possible signal

and most reliable operation of your HF system.

Please make note of the following information for your records:

Date unit was purchased:

Dealer from whom purchased:

Date installed:

Type of antenna used:

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