Alignment Tools

[seagiant]

Hi,
Thanks Gentlemen!

I am going to make a notebook and take notes on all the info given and from the vids.

Helps to see everything in one place!

I wanted to use the dummy load to set the radio as I could then work on the bench....

Instead of the front seat of my truck!

As I understand it now, I"m just going to go in and bring the dead key from the factory 4 to a 2 amp read and then run the amp.

I asked about modulaton as there is a pot for that and is usually turned up (my understanding) on a "tune and peak"!

However, seeing that I will also be running a power mike and the amp, I'm thinking of leaving it alone and just do the dead key and get out.

Then I can check the SWR with the actual antenna and hopefully be good???

 

[2FB327]

Your last question, first. Yes. It would be radio/jumper/swr meter/coax to antenna to set your swr.

Setting Carrier/dead key on your bench would be radio/coax/wattmeter/coax/ dummy load. The dummy load is used in place of an antenna, that way you won't disturb people on that channel and eliminate any problems such as antenna and feed line.

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Thanks, 2FB327!!!

That comes in handy!

All the vids just have everything already hooked up and no one goes into that!

If you are not set up correctly to begin with.....

You're dead before you start!!!

 

[loosecannon]

seagiant, maybe i missed it, but what radio are you wanting to lower the deadkey on?
LC

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
A Uniden "Bearcat" 980!

 

[scout943]

Try here http://www.kenselectronics.com/lists/tools.htm

 

[loosecannon]

ok so make sure you lower the deadkey using RT206 and not by de-tuning a coil.

the trimmers in this radio do not have a stop on them so you can turn them all the way around and that can cause some confusion.
LC

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Thanks!

Do you know if clockwise is "up" and CCW is "down"???

I guess I could just move it a little and see what happens on the meter!

Thanks again for the help!!!

 

[undertaker]

Clockwise should be to the right..

 

[Old_Crow]

On the 980, shouldn't the first step be to check the bias voltage on the finals, should be around 3.8 volts. Then go on from there. Try to get a $5 radio from a garage sale and practice on that first. Also watch a lot of YouTube videos from different people to get a feel for the 980. Good luck!

 

[Robb]

what Robb is saying is that you connect your radio to your amp, key it up with a wattmeter between the antenna and the amp, say "ahhhh" into the mic at a normal talking level, and make a note of the modulated power level.

then you divide that number by 4, and lower your radio's deadkey until the amp keys that much deadkey.
LC

Yeah; but instead of of using the antenna, you should only use a dummy load to make power adjustments. That way there is far less room for error. An antenna is a reactive load, while a dummy load is entirely a resistive load that doesn't change.

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
I just got a Mega Watt 350 so I will be able to do this on the bench.

Might get another SSB and put up a base station later on.

I don't know how much I have spent now getting a decent SSB CB in my truck (don't want to know!) but....

I've punched a good size hole in it!

I do like doing things myself!

 

[loosecannon]

Yeah; but instead of of using the antenna, you should only use a dummy load to make power adjustments. That way there is far less room for error. An antenna is a reactive load, while a dummy load is entirely a resistive load that doesn't change.

Robb is absolutely correct. should be done on a dummy load. I must've been figuring that he didn't have one.
LC

 

[Jd6522]

Hi,
Got to start somewhere, Bro!

Exactly I agree man! Im ready to try this too.