Each band on the antenna will be tuned individually. Each
band has its own set of spokes, four on top and four on bottom
for the 10-40 bands. These spokes will be cut on each end to
adjust the frequency of the antenna. The 80 meter section
has a movable tap on the large loading coil on each end.
For best results, the lower frequencies should be tuned first.
Start at 80 meters.
Tuning of the antenna will be done by measurement of the
SWR at each band. Although a radio with a watt meter can
be used to adjust the antenna, a SWR meter such as the MFJ-
259 or 269 is HIGHLY recommended. If you don’t have one,
find a friend that does. It will save you a lot of time. Mounting
the antenna on a tilt base such as the Hy-gain ATB-75 or
MFJ-1903 will also make raising and lowering easier. The
antenna can not be tuned while lying on its side. Installation
on a temporary mast will make tuning easier as you will be
raising and lowering the antenna for adjustment. It is best
to get the antenna close to the frequencies you want while it
is just a few feet off the ground and then do a final tuning
when the antenna is in its final location. Remember that the
distance the antenna is from the ground will affect the tuning
so initial tuning should be at the bottom of each band. When
the factory length spokes are installed, each swr dip point will
be well below each band.
Take your time tuning the antenna. Trimming the spokes for
each band and raising and lowering the antenna can be time
consuming but this is very important step. You may consider
installing the antenna in a temporary location or leaving it on
its tuning mast for a while. It will be more difficult to modify
the antenna if you decide to change the tuning points once it
is in its permanent location.
40
30
20
17
15
10
12
80
40
30
20
17 15
10
12
