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MFJ VersaTuner V MFJ-989D User Manual

MFJ VersaTuner V MFJ-989D
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CAUTION: Read All Instructions Before Operating Equipment
COPYRIGHT 2014 MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
C
Model MFJ-989D
VERSION 2A
MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
300 Industrial Park Road
Starkville, MS 39759 USA
Tel: 662-323-5869 Fax: 662-323-6551
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MFJ VersaTuner V MFJ-989D Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeAntenna Tuner
ModelMFJ-989D
Antenna SelectionManual
CapacitorsAir variable capacitors
Tuning MethodManual
MeteringSWR/Power meter
Frequency Range1.8 to 30 MHz
Inductor TypeRoller inductor

Summary

Introduction to MFJ-989D VersaTuner V

Circuit Overview of the MFJ-989D

SWR / Wattmeter Functionality

Dual-range power meter with cross-needle movements, LED illumination, directional coupler, and dual detectors.

Antenna Selector Switch

Heavy-duty ceramic switch with silver-plated contacts for routing loads to various antennas.

Internal Dummy Load

Precision non-inductive 50-Ohm load resistor, convection cooled, rated for 300 Watts dissipation.

Legal-Limit Tuner Network

T-network with 500-pF capacitors and 24-uH AirCore rotary inductor for continuous HF coverage.

Integrated 1:1 Balun

Guanella-style current balun with two massive ferrite cores for high-voltage applications.

MFJ-989D Technical Specifications

Power Source Requirements

9-Volt Battery Operation

Powers meter electronics; external DC is needed for meter LED lighting.

12-VDC External Power Input

Meter Lamp power jack for 12 vdc input, uses a 2.1-mm plug for operation.

Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Transmitter Tuning Capacitor

Series capacitor on Transmitter side of the T-network, offers variable capacity.

Antenna Tuning Capacitor

Series capacitor on the Antenna side of the T-network, offers variable capacity.

Rotary Inductor Adjustment

Continuously adjustable shunt inductor with a counter dial spanning 000 to 090.

Antenna Selector Switch

Six-position switch for routing signals to different antennas or the dummy load.

Forward Power Scale Display

Displays Forward Power on either a 300-W or 3-kW scale.

Reflected Power Scale Display

Displays Reflected Power on either a 60-W or 600-W scale.

Power Range Selection (HI/LO)

Selects the metering circuit's power range, either x1 (Low) or x10 (High).

Power Meter Detection Mode (PK/AVG)

Selects the meter detection mode between Peak (PK) or Average (AVG).

Meter LED Lighting Control

Turns the meter's LED lighting on or off.

Rear Panel Connectivity

Meter Lamp Power Jack

2.1-mm coaxial power jack accepts 12 vdc to operate LED meter lamps and metering circuit.

Transmitter Connection

Accepts PL-259 connector for connecting transceiver or amplifier.

Coax-1 Antenna Connection

Accepts PL-259 connector, connects antenna #1 to the tuner's routing switch.

Coax-2 Antenna Connection

Accepts PL-259 connector, connects antenna #2 to the tuner's routing switch.

Ground Connection (GND)

Chassis ground connection for the tuner to the station's ground system.

Balanced Line Terminal (Bal Line)

Antenna side of the 1:1 balun, accepts balanced feedlines.

Wire Antenna Terminal

Terminal post accepts single-wire antennas and connects to the balun.

Installing the MFJ-989D Antenna Tuner

Tuner Location Guidelines

Position for control access, avoid contact with RF-energized lines.

Transmitter Patch Cable Requirements

Use a short, direct, 50-Ohm cable rated for full power; avoid baluns in-line.

Proper Tuner Grounding

Connect tuner chassis directly to station's ground system for safety and performance.

Lightning Protection Measures

Disconnect antennas during storms; arrestors help, but disconnection is key.

Using the SWR/Wattmeter

Understanding Power Readings

Measures CW/FM carrier and SSB voice power, distinguishing peak vs. average.

Calculating Power with SWR

Formula (Po = FP - RP) to calculate power into a mismatched load.

Obtaining Precision SWR Readings

Formula to calculate SWR using Forward and Reflected power meter values.

Antenna Selector Operation

Coax-1 Direct Mode

Transmit line routed directly to the Coax-1 output connector.

Coax-2 Direct Mode

Transmit line routed directly to the Coax-2 output connector.

Dummy Load Mode

Transmit line routed directly to the internal 50-Ohm dummy load.

Coax-1 Tuner Mode

Transmit line routed through the T-network to the Coax-1 output.

Coax-2 Tuner Mode

Transmit line routed through the T-network to the Coax-2 output.

Wire/Bal. Line Mode

Transmit line routed through the T-network to the Wire terminal post.

Internal Dummy Load Functions

Normalizing Transmitters to 50 Ohms

Use to pre-tune transceivers or normalize PAs for 50-Ohm output before T-network.

Measuring Transmitter Power

Use to check power output up to 300 Watts via the tuner's precision wattmeter.

1:1 Balun Details

Balun Construction and Termination

Wound on toroid cores, terminated to ceramic terminal posts for high-voltage handling.

Understanding the T-Network

T-Network Configuration Explained

Features two series capacitors and a shunt inductor, practical for amateur radio tuning.

T-Network Tuning Rule (C-high L-low)

Rule: use highest capacitance with smallest inductance for lowest loss and best power handling.

Step-By-Step Tuning Procedure

Mechanical and Pre-Tuning Considerations

Confirm selector, handle inductor carefully, pre-tune PAs if necessary.

Applying Power During Adjustment

Use low power initially, especially with high-power amplifiers, to avoid damage.

Using Tube-Type Output Stages

Pre-tune PAs into a 50-Ohm load before routing through the T-network.

Utilizing Antenna Analyzers

Alternative method for tuning that eliminates QRM to other stations.

Tuning Procedure Steps

Detailed steps for adjusting capacitors, inductor, and power for minimum SWR.

Tuner Operating Notes and Tips

Understanding Tuning Range Limits

Discusses tuning range limits and potential need for antenna adjustments for matching.

Recommended Tuner Settings

Applies the 'C-high L-low' rule for Transmitter/Antenna controls and Inductor settings.

Resetting the Inductance Counter

Procedure to reset the inductor counter if it slips out of calibration.

Importance of Logging Tuner Settings

Logging settings aids future setup and quick troubleshooting of antenna site changes.

Important Safety Warnings

General Safety Precautions Recap

Recap of key safety points: exposed terminals, operating with cover off, hot switching.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Tuner Fails to Reduce SWR

Double-check all connections and repeat the tuning procedure.

Arcing in the Tuner

Check connections, use minimum inductance/maximum capacitance; reduce power if arcing persists.

Addressing RFI Problems

Keep radiating wires away from other wiring; use insulated wire for reduced RFI.

Importance of RF Grounding

A good RF ground is essential for counterpoise, performance, and safety.

Understanding Skin Effect

RF and lightning travel on conductor surfaces; use smooth metallic conductors.

Antenna System Configuration Hints

Antenna Location Recommendations

Recommended lengths for long-wires and dipoles, emphasizing clear installation.

Managing High-Impedance Loads

Discusses matching high-Z loads and the impact of feedline length on impedance.

Correcting Matching Problems

Feedline Length Strategies

Strategies for feeding multi-band antennas, adjusting feedline length for optimal matching.

Tuner Log for Settings

Tuner Settings Logging Chart

A provided chart to log tuner settings by frequency, transmitter, inductor, and antenna.

FULL 12 MONTH WARRANTY

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Details on proof of purchase, repair/replacement process, and warranty limitations.

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