ve3ips.wordpress.com ve3ips@gmail.com Instagram @ve3ips_portable_operator YouTube @VE3IPS Ham Radio is a life$$$tyle not a Hobby! Take the radio outside and operate from the Field Throw a wire in a tree and make a QSO Tinfoil has many uses beyond the BBQ
REMEMBER WHAT RUDY ALWAYS SAYS:
Buy Cheap Buy Twice – That online special that is a non-branded product may have misinformation in its marketing approach lost in translation
Buy Once Cry Once – Buy the Best with a Warranty that has Teeth
One is None and 2 is One – Think back up or a Modular approach
REZ Antennas Ranger 80 deployed using the [Z] Pod tripod
The tuning coil covers 80m and 60m as well
This antenna gets out using a base loaded vertical design John VE3IPS
Buymeacoffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ve3ips Instagram @ve3ips_portable_operator YouTube @VE3IPS Ham Radio is a life$$$tyle not a Hobby! Take the radio outside and operate from the Field Throw a wire in a tree and make a QSO Tinfoil has many uses beyond the BBQ
REMEMBER WHAT RUDY ALWAYS SAYS:
Buy Cheap Buy Twice – That online special that is a non-branded product may have misinformation in its marketing approach lost in translation
Buy Once Cry Once – Buy the Best with a Warranty that has Teeth
One is None and 2 is One – Think back up or a Modular approach
Ham Radio is a life$$$tyle not a Hobby! Take the radio outside and operate from the Field Throw a wire in a tree and make a QSO Tinfoil has many uses beyond the BBQ
REMEMBER WHAT RUDY ALWAYS SAYS:
1. Buy Cheap Buy Twice – That online special that is a non-branded product may have misinformation in its marketing approach lost in translation
2. Buy Once Cry Once – Buy the Best with a Warranty that has Teeth
3. One is None and 2 is One – Think back up or a Modular approach
A Palomar RF noise bridge is a device that can help you tune an antenna to resonance by measuring its resistance and reactance. Here are the steps to use it:
• Connect the noise bridge to a receiver and an antenna. The receiver should be tuned to the frequency you want the antenna to resonate on. The noise bridge should have a 9-volt battery installed and be turned on.
• The noise bridge connects to the antenna directly
• You should hear a loud noise from the receiver. Adjust the R and X knobs on the noise bridge until you hear a null or a dip in the noise level. The R knob indicates the resistance of the antenna, and the X knob indicates the reactance. The controls interact, so you may need to adjust them alternately until you get a deep null.
TIP: If you are using an antenna tuner (which has capacitors and inductors) then adjust for a dip or minimum noise level. We use our S meter to find the null. In this case, leave the knob at zero and the X at zero as well and use the antenna tuner to adjust for a null. You do not need to use the transmitter.
• If the X knob reads zero, it means the antenna is resonant at that frequency. If it reads on the XL side of zero, it means the antenna is too long and needs to be shortened. If it reads on the XC side of zero, it means the antenna is too short and needs to be lengthened.
• Adjust the length of the antenna accordingly and repeat the measurement until you get a null at R=50
Verify with SWR Meter:
Use a Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) meter to confirm the antenna’s performance. A low SWR indicates efficient power transfer. I strive for 1.5 to 1 but anything under 2 is acceptable at lower powers.
• The antenna is now tuned to resonance.
Conclusion
Antenna tuning with a Palomar RF Noise Bridge is a crucial step in ensuring optimal performance in radio communication systems. By carefully following the steps outlined in this guide, operators can maximize signal strength, reduce interference, and enhance overall communication capabilities. Regular tuning and maintenance of antennas are essential for reliable and efficient operation, making the Palomar RF Noise Bridge an indispensable tool for amateur radio enthusiasts and professionals alike.
TIP: If the X knob points at zero, then the antenna is resonant. If it reads on the XL side the antenna is inductive and too long. If it reads on the XC side the antenna is capacitive and too short.
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