2 meter antenna tuner project


Most active radio amateurs have an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to reduce swr and provide an impedance match to their transceivers.

What isn't so common is having an antenna "tuner" for the 2 meter Amateur Radio band.

In this video, Robert Sampton shows us how to make a simple, effective 2 meter antenna "tuner" using common parts and basic tools.  This one-evening project will be a useful addition to your home or portable station.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t_tKgDvGRI

Here are some comments from Robert:

Checking out an Icom 746PRO on 2 meters using a copper J-pole antenna on the tower I found the SWR of the J-pole was 3.5 to 1.0 quite high . We had high winds this winter and the J-pole was bent . Its to cold to do the repair now and I got the idea to make a quick little 2 meter antenna tuner as a one evening project . The construction is shown in the video it is a standard PI network tuner both variable capacitors are grounded to the case the number 14 wire goes from one coax connector (SO239 ) directly to the stator of the first variable capacitor then continues as the 2 turn 5/8th inch coil connected directly to the stator of variable capacitor number 2 then directly to the second coax connector (SO239) very simple . The tuner coil is 2 turns of number 14 wire 5/8ths of an inch diameter I wound it on the smooth end of a 5/8ths inch drill bit and left 3 inches of #14 wire on each end to connect to the coax connectors . Anything that is close to that 5/8ths inch diameter should work winding the 2 turn coil part . It took 2 hours from start to finish to make and test it was an enjoyable project that works good and I will use here . Projects like this for me help with the Cabin fever we are experiencing here with that nasty virus going around . 73 Bob

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Thanks for joining us today.

Aloha de Russ (KH6JRM).
 

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Thank you for visiting my Amateur Radio Blog. I value your comments and suggestions. For Amateur Radio Antenna Topics and Discussions, stay here. For Amateur Radio News and Trends, please visit my news site at https://bigislandarrlnews.com.
Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

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