On my sailboat I have no idea what lenth the backstay was. Where I found a point that the system wouldn't tune I felt the problem was inadequate counterpoise inside the boat. Upgrading the counterpoise solved all tuning problems.

What do you plan to use for a counterpoise?

JD

The wire antenna is 9.60m long, and tunes all freq but only upper
part of 80m. To make it tune 80m I have to add a 0.4m pigtail to the
antenna connection of the tuner, parallel to the antenna wire.

?

----- Original Message -----

From: Eric

To: YaesuTuner@...

Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 4:39 AM

Subject: [YaesuTuner] Re: Alternatives to the FC-40

I agree with this. I've got an FC-40 and it will tune a loop just fine. Actually, when I tested it, it tuned a full wave 80 meter loop on all bands 80 and above.

WN9E

--- In YaesuTuner@yahoogroups.com, "w6gq@..." wrote:
>
> The FC-40 will tune a loop, I made a 160 meter loop for field day and it worked just fine
>
>
> --- In YaesuTuner@yahoogroups.com, raimo ilkka wrote:
> >
> > How you can be sure that FC40 does not tune loops ?
> > Is there something different than Icom products like
> > AH4 , AH3 etc. They can tune loops very well.
> > I have AH3 and FC40, I have done some loop testings with AH3,
> > not yet with FC40. Goeing to do that.
> >
> > 73s de rami, oh6bi
> >
> >
> > --- On Wed, 10/12/08, Zack wrote:
> >
> > > From: Zack
> > > Subject: [YaesuTuner] Alternatives to the FC-40
> > > To: YaesuTuner@yahoogroups.com
> > > Date: Wednesday, 10 December, 2008, 7:51 PM
> > > There are alternatives to the FC-40 tuner. I have a huge
> > > loop with an
> > > apex around 75 feet up in a tree. My SG-239 will tune all
> > > frequencies
> > > from 160-10 meters. It has operated flawlessly at my QTH
> > > with temps
> > > ranging from 10F-95F. The SG-239 is mounted about 75 feet
> > > from my rig
> > > and is fed with Davis Buryflex coax.
> > >
> > > You may want to take a look at the SG-239 from SGC.
> > >
> > > Lets look at a few reasons why you may want one.
> > >
> > > 1 It will tune a long wire with radials and loops. The
> > > FC-40 will not
> > > tune a loop.
> > >
> > > 2 The SG-239 does not need a control line for the rig but
> > > the FC-40
> > > does. This makes installation much easier. I bought some
> > > buryable
> > > wire for 120 volts (but carries 12v for the tuner) and ran
> > > it out to
> > > my tuner which is in a waterproof electrical box that I got
> > > on ebay
> > > for $15.00. SGC makes a device that lets you run DC over
> > > the coax
> > > going to the tuner. It costs $160 so that is why I went
> > > with the
> > > buryable wire for DC.
> > >
> > > 2 It costs $195.99 from AES and the FC-40 costs $250.00.
> > >
> > > 4 The only disadvantages to the SG-239 is that it needs to
> > > be put in
> > > a waterproof box. And it will not tune 6 meters.
> > >
> > > 5 It will handle 80 watts for 100% duty cycle (CW &
> > > RTTY) but the FC-
> > > 40 will do 100. Not really a very big difference for the
> > > guy at the
> > > other end of you signal.
> > >
> > >
> > > For a real sweet antenna you could install one of these and
> > > put the
> > > SG-239 at the base of it and get coverage from 160-10
> > > meters.
> > >
> > > My bet is that it would outperform any vertical from GAP,
> > > Cushcraft
> > > or the like. Having a tuner at the base of the antenna
> > > makes it a lot
> > > more efficient.
> > >
> > > BTW, there is a Yahoo group devoted to the line of SGC
> > > tuners. I have
> > > photos there of an SG-237 installation but it now has a
> > > SG-239 in it.
> > > > > >
> > > Zack
> > > N8FNR
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________________
> > > Here are the SG-239 specs.
> > >
> > > HF Frequency Range: 1.8-30 MHz
> > > Power Input Range: 1.5-200 watts (PEP)
> > > Or CW duty cycle 40%
> > > Number of channels: unlimited
> > > Revolving memory bins: 165 TX; 5 RX
> > > Input Impedance Range: .2-5000 ohms
> > > VSWR: (Typical) Typically less than 2:1
> > > DC Input Requirement: +13.8 VDC (nominal)
> > > DC Operating Range: +10 to 18.5 VDC
> > > Input Current: Average: 230 milliamps
> > > Random set time: Typical: less than 2 seconds
> > > Recurrent set time: Typical: less than 10 milliseconds
> > > Antenna Length: Minimum length of 9 ft. - 7 to 30 MHz
> > > Minimum length of 40 ft.-3 to 30 MHz
> > > Minimum length of 100 ft. - 1.8-30 MHz
> > > Installation: Any position
> > > Operating Temperature: -35° to +70°C
> > > Size: 7.5"L x 6"W x 1.85"H
> > > (19cm x 15cm x 4.5cm)
> > > Weight: 2 pounds
> > > Case Construction: Irradiated aluminum case
> > > Control Cable Standard coaxial and 2 wires for DC plus 2
> > > (not supplied) wires for optional SmartLock gauge 14-18
> > > Antenna types: 1. Whip
> > > 2. Backstay (marine, sail)
> > > 3. Dipole centerfed
> > > 4. Dipole with feedline
> > > 5. Loop (small) 2x2 multi turn
> > > 6. Loop (large) 10 ft. and up single turn
> > > 7. Longwire
> > > 8. Ladder feed
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>

The FC-40 will tune a loop, I made a 160 meter loop for field day and it worked just fine


--- In YaesuTuner@..., raimo ilkka <oh6bi@> wrote:

How you can be sure that FC40 does not tune loops ?
Is there something different than Icom products like
AH4 , AH3 etc. They can tune loops very well.
I have AH3 and FC40, I have done some loop testings with AH3,
not yet with FC40. Goeing to do that.

73s de rami, oh6bi


--- On Wed, 10/12/08, Zack <vtnn43e@> wrote:

From: Zack <vtnn43e@>
Subject: [YaesuTuner] Alternatives to the FC-40
To: YaesuTuner@...
Date: Wednesday, 10 December, 2008, 7:51 PM
There are alternatives to the FC-40 tuner. I have a huge
loop with an
apex around 75 feet up in a tree. My SG-239 will tune all
frequencies
from 160-10 meters. It has operated flawlessly at my QTH
with temps
ranging from 10F-95F. The SG-239 is mounted about 75 feet
from my rig
and is fed with Davis Buryflex coax.

You may want to take a look at the SG-239 from SGC.

Lets look at a few reasons why you may want one.

1 It will tune a long wire with radials and loops. The
FC-40 will not
tune a loop.

2 The SG-239 does not need a control line for the rig but
the FC-40
does. This makes installation much easier. I bought some
buryable
wire for 120 volts (but carries 12v for the tuner) and ran
it out to
my tuner which is in a waterproof electrical box that I got
on ebay
for $15.00. SGC makes a device that lets you run DC over
the coax
going to the tuner. It costs $160 so that is why I went
with the
buryable wire for DC.

2 It costs $195.99 from AES and the FC-40 costs $250.00.

4 The only disadvantages to the SG-239 is that it needs to
be put in
a waterproof box. And it will not tune 6 meters.

5 It will handle 80 watts for 100% duty cycle (CW &
RTTY) but the FC-
40 will do 100. Not really a very big difference for the
guy at the
other end of you signal.


For a real sweet antenna you could install one of these and
put the
SG-239 at the base of it and get coverage from 160-10
meters.

My bet is that it would outperform any vertical from GAP,
Cushcraft
or the like. Having a tuner at the base of the antenna
makes it a lot
more efficient.

BTW, there is a Yahoo group devoted to the line of SGC
tuners. I have
photos there of an SG-237 installation but it now has a
SG-239 in it.
;

Zack
N8FNR


_______________________________________________________
Here are the SG-239 specs.

HF Frequency Range: 1.8-30 MHz
Power Input Range: 1.5-200 watts (PEP)
Or CW duty cycle 40%
Number of channels: unlimited
Revolving memory bins: 165 TX; 5 RX
Input Impedance Range: .2-5000 ohms
VSWR: (Typical) Typically less than 2:1
DC Input Requirement: +13.8 VDC (nominal)
DC Operating Range: +10 to 18.5 VDC
Input Current: Average: 230 milliamps
Random set time: Typical: less than 2 seconds
Recurrent set time: Typical: less than 10 milliseconds
Antenna Length: Minimum length of 9 ft. - 7 to 30 MHz
Minimum length of 40 ft.-3 to 30 MHz
Minimum length of 100 ft. - 1.8-30 MHz
Installation: Any position
Operating Temperature: -35° to +70°C
Size: 7.5"L x 6"W x 1.85"H
(19cm x 15cm x 4.5cm)
Weight: 2 pounds
Case Construction: Irradiated aluminum case
Control Cable Standard coaxial and 2 wires for DC plus 2
(not supplied) wires for optional SmartLock gauge 14-18
Antenna types: 1. Whip
2. Backstay (marine, sail)
3. Dipole centerfed
4. Dipole with feedline
5. Loop (small) 2x2 multi turn
6. Loop (large) 10 ft. and up single turn
7. Longwire
8. Ladder feed



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

How you can be sure that FC40 does not tune loops ?
Is there something different than Icom products like
AH4 , AH3 etc. They can tune loops very well.
I have AH3 and FC40, I have done some loop testings with AH3,
not yet with FC40. Goeing to do that.

73s de rami, oh6bi


--- On Wed, 10/12/08, Zack <vtnn43e@...> wrote:

From: Zack <vtnn43e@...>
Subject: [YaesuTuner] Alternatives to the FC-40
To: YaesuTuner@...
Date: Wednesday, 10 December, 2008, 7:51 PM
There are alternatives to the FC-40 tuner. I have a huge
loop with an
apex around 75 feet up in a tree. My SG-239 will tune all
frequencies
from 160-10 meters. It has operated flawlessly at my QTH
with temps
ranging from 10F-95F. The SG-239 is mounted about 75 feet
from my rig
and is fed with Davis Buryflex coax.

You may want to take a look at the SG-239 from SGC.

Lets look at a few reasons why you may want one.

1 It will tune a long wire with radials and loops. The
FC-40 will not
tune a loop.

2 The SG-239 does not need a control line for the rig but
the FC-40
does. This makes installation much easier. I bought some
buryable
wire for 120 volts (but carries 12v for the tuner) and ran
it out to
my tuner which is in a waterproof electrical box that I got
on ebay
for $15.00. SGC makes a device that lets you run DC over
the coax
going to the tuner. It costs $160 so that is why I went
with the
buryable wire for DC.

2 It costs $195.99 from AES and the FC-40 costs $250.00.

4 The only disadvantages to the SG-239 is that it needs to
be put in
a waterproof box. And it will not tune 6 meters.

5 It will handle 80 watts for 100% duty cycle (CW &
RTTY) but the FC-
40 will do 100. Not really a very big difference for the
guy at the
other end of you signal.


For a real sweet antenna you could install one of these and
put the
SG-239 at the base of it and get coverage from 160-10
meters.

My bet is that it would outperform any vertical from GAP,
Cushcraft
or the like. Having a tuner at the base of the antenna
makes it a lot
more efficient.

BTW, there is a Yahoo group devoted to the line of SGC
tuners. I have
photos there of an SG-237 installation but it now has a
SG-239 in it.
;

Zack
N8FNR


_______________________________________________________
Here are the SG-239 specs.

HF Frequency Range: 1.8-30 MHz
Power Input Range: 1.5-200 watts (PEP)
Or CW duty cycle 40%
Number of channels: unlimited
Revolving memory bins: 165 TX; 5 RX
Input Impedance Range: .2-5000 ohms
VSWR: (Typical) Typically less than 2:1
DC Input Requirement: +13.8 VDC (nominal)
DC Operating Range: +10 to 18.5 VDC
Input Current: Average: 230 milliamps
Random set time: Typical: less than 2 seconds
Recurrent set time: Typical: less than 10 milliseconds
Antenna Length: Minimum length of 9 ft. - 7 to 30 MHz
Minimum length of 40 ft.-3 to 30 MHz
Minimum length of 100 ft. - 1.8-30 MHz
Installation: Any position
Operating Temperature: -35° to +70°C
Size: 7.5"L x 6"W x 1.85"H
(19cm x 15cm x 4.5cm)
Weight: 2 pounds
Case Construction: Irradiated aluminum case
Control Cable Standard coaxial and 2 wires for DC plus 2
(not supplied) wires for optional SmartLock gauge 14-18
Antenna types: 1. Whip
2. Backstay (marine, sail)
3. Dipole centerfed
4. Dipole with feedline
5. Loop (small) 2x2 multi turn
6. Loop (large) 10 ft. and up single turn
7. Longwire
8. Ladder feed



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

From: Zack <vtnn43e@...>
Subject: [YaesuTuner] Alternatives to the FC-40
To: YaesuTuner@...
Date: Wednesday, 10 December, 2008, 7:51 PM
There are alternatives to the FC-40 tuner. I have a huge
loop with an
apex around 75 feet up in a tree. My SG-239 will tune all
frequencies
from 160-10 meters. It has operated flawlessly at my QTH
with temps
ranging from 10F-95F. The SG-239 is mounted about 75 feet
from my rig
and is fed with Davis Buryflex coax.

You may want to take a look at the SG-239 from SGC.

Lets look at a few reasons why you may want one.

1 It will tune a long wire with radials and loops. The
FC-40 will not
tune a loop.

2 The SG-239 does not need a control line for the rig but
the FC-40
does. This makes installation much easier. I bought some
buryable
wire for 120 volts (but carries 12v for the tuner) and ran
it out to
my tuner which is in a waterproof electrical box that I got
on ebay
for $15.00. SGC makes a device that lets you run DC over
the coax
going to the tuner. It costs $160 so that is why I went
with the
buryable wire for DC.

2 It costs $195.99 from AES and the FC-40 costs $250.00.

4 The only disadvantages to the SG-239 is that it needs to
be put in
a waterproof box. And it will not tune 6 meters.

5 It will handle 80 watts for 100% duty cycle (CW &
RTTY) but the FC-
40 will do 100. Not really a very big difference for the
guy at the
other end of you signal.


For a real sweet antenna you could install one of these and
put the
SG-239 at the base of it and get coverage from 160-10
meters.

My bet is that it would outperform any vertical from GAP,
Cushcraft
or the like. Having a tuner at the base of the antenna
makes it a lot
more efficient.

BTW, there is a Yahoo group devoted to the line of SGC
tuners. I have
photos there of an SG-237 installation but it now has a
SG-239 in it.
;

Zack
N8FNR


_______________________________________________________
Here are the SG-239 specs.

HF Frequency Range: 1.8-30 MHz
Power Input Range: 1.5-200 watts (PEP)
Or CW duty cycle 40%
Number of channels: unlimited
Revolving memory bins: 165 TX; 5 RX
Input Impedance Range: .2-5000 ohms
VSWR: (Typical) Typically less than 2:1
DC Input Requirement: +13.8 VDC (nominal)
DC Operating Range: +10 to 18.5 VDC
Input Current: Average: 230 milliamps
Random set time: Typical: less than 2 seconds
Recurrent set time: Typical: less than 10 milliseconds
Antenna Length: Minimum length of 9 ft. - 7 to 30 MHz
Minimum length of 40 ft.-3 to 30 MHz
Minimum length of 100 ft. - 1.8-30 MHz
Installation: Any position
Operating Temperature: -35° to +70°C
Size: 7.5"L x 6"W x 1.85"H
(19cm x 15cm x 4.5cm)
Weight: 2 pounds
Case Construction: Irradiated aluminum case
Control Cable Standard coaxial and 2 wires for DC plus 2
(not supplied) wires for optional SmartLock gauge 14-18
Antenna types: 1. Whip
2. Backstay (marine, sail)
3. Dipole centerfed
4. Dipole with feedline
5. Loop (small) 2x2 multi turn
6. Loop (large) 10 ft. and up single turn
7. Longwire
8. Ladder feed



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links