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How to Use a Tuner With a Fixed Antenna

An antenna tuner does not actually "tune" the signal coming from your fixed position CB antenna. The tuner works by tricking the CB receiver into thinking it is getting a 50 Ohm impedance level from the antenna -- resulting in a higher efficiency reception of the audio signal. Using the antenna tuner requires connecting it to both the antenna and the receiver and making a few adjustments based on the physical signal conditions at the time. You do not need electrical or radio signal knowledge in order to use the antenna tuner correctly.

Things You'll Need

Phillips screwdriver
Ham radio receiver/transmitter

Instructions

- 1
  Switch the power selector switch on the antenna tuner to the "Off" position. Unplug the tuner's power cord from the wall outlet.
- 2
  Remove the screws from the back of the tuner with the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Pull the tuner's cover off.
- 3
  Turn both of the knobs on the front panel, while watching the metal plates on the inside of the tuner connected to the capacitor knobs, to the midway point mark that is printed on the panel around them. If the metal plates inside the tuner are now halfway on the stationary plates beneath them, you are done -- otherwise adjust each knob until the metal plate is halfway on the stationary plate.
- 4
  Place the cover back on the tuner. Reattach the screws. Plug the power cord into the wall outlet. Switch the power selector switch on the tuner to the "On" position.
- 5
  Turn on the HAM radio receiver/transmitter. Tune the frequency dial to an unused frequency. Switch the inductance switch on the tuner from one setting to another until you hear the loudest noise or signal coming out of the speaker. Rotate the Antenna and Transmitter knobs on the front of the tuner until you hear the loudest noise or signal coming out of the speaker.
- 6
  Repeat this procedure, only tune the frequency dial to the band you are going to operate your HAM radio on. Set the receiver/transmitter's power knob to "low" and transmit your ID once you verify that the frequency is not in use.

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