SG-231 Smartuner ® Microprocessor Controlled Automatic Antenna Coupler Installation and Operations Manual Getting the most from every watt of HF-SSB Power
SG-231 Smartuner TM S G - 23 1 Specifications Slim Design with Simple Mounting Frequency Ranges: The SG-231 is a slim design that will easily fit in the most compact installations. The unit measures only 11.5D x 9.5W x 1.7H inches, and weighs 3.8 lbs. The SG-231 is waterproof and is designed to be mounted at the antenna feed point for maximum efficiency. Easily configured for tower mounting.
SG-231 ANTENNA COUPLER Installation and Operations Manual Updated: November 2000 CAUTION: Carefully read the “Quick Start” on the following page and all pertinent sections of this manual prior to operating your Smartuner for the first time. This unit will provide outstanding service if you follow the detailed recommendations within this manual.
SG-231 MANUAL Quick Start Guide To quickly install your antenna coupler you will need the following: 1. An HF/VHF radio with 3 to 100 watts output. 2. An HF antenna with a wire feed (not coax fed). Minimum length of 7 feet (to 3.5 MHz) or 23 feet (1.8 MHz). 3. A good ground (counterpoise) for the antenna and coupler. 4. +12 VDC and ground for the coupler. 5. SmartLock Pro coupler controller (optional).
SG-231 MANUAL Table of Contents Quick Start Guide......................................................................................................... i 1.0 General Information............................................................................................... 1 1.1 Users Experience ........................................................................................ 1 1.2 What Is an Antenna Coupler .................................................................... 1 1.
SG-231 MANUAL 4.8 Aircraft Antennas…………………………………………………………20 4.9 Low Profile, Hidden and Covert Antennas............................................ 21 4.10 Emergency Antennas............................................................................... 23 4.10.1 Kite Antenna .............................................................................. 23 4.10.2 Tactical Installations.................................................................. 23 5.0 General Notes on Antennas and Couplers ...........
SG-231 MANUAL 7.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)................................................................. 38 7.7 Initialization ................................................................................................ 39 7.8 Bypass Operation, Jumpers ...................................................................... 39 8.0 Tuning Process........................................................................................................ 40 8.1 Program Description........................
SG-231 MANUAL 1 1.0 General Information The Smartuner™ reputation has grown to legend status because it is simple to use and a highly reliable piece of electronic equipment. A Smartuner will provide maximum transfer of radio energy from any HF/VHF transmitter to any loop, end or center fed HF antenna within the frequency and power limits of its specifications.
SG-231 MANUAL 2 • A coupler installed at the antenna eliminates feed line losses by providing a proper match of the antenna to the feed line. The Smartuner is a true antenna coupler. The several key points, which we will emphasize throughout this manual, will result in the best possible operation of your Smartuner. These include: • The coupler must be located at the antenna. • No coax may be connected to the coupler output. • The coupler must have clean +12 VDC power supplied to it.
SG-231 MANUAL SMARTUNER 10 feet (3 meters) To Transmitter RF cable To SmartLock Pro (side view) Wire antenna 3 PL-259 Control cable Large Ground (counterpoise) system Red: 12-15 VDC Black: DC Gnd Grn: Tuned Blue: Reset Wht: Hold Not used Brn: VHF Diagram of Smartuner Installation Grey: SIG A Orange: Option A Violet: Option B If antenna or transmitter conditions have changed since the information was stored in memory, the coupler re-tunes and a new tuning solution is achieved.
SG-231 MANUAL 4 million different pi or L configurations. The coupler requires an input of 5 to 100 watts to operate. The unit operates on +12 VDC. 1.5 Operation Indicators Operational status of the coupler and the onboard computer’s tuning decisions is displayed by five LED's, which are located on the main printed circuit board (PCB). These indicators are only visible when the cover of the coupler is removed.
SG-231 MANUAL 5 1.6.1 Marine Mounting The Smartuner should be located inside the house or under the aft lazaret on a sailboat. On powerboats, the coupler may be mounted outside, but an additional protective housing is recommended. The preferred installation if vertical is with the RF screw pointing upward. RF and DC cables are provided for on the lower edge of the weather housing, along with a 1/4-20 stainless steel ground stud. The antenna connects to the screw on the top of the weather housing.
SG-231 MANUAL 6 1.6.4 Warranty Note It is important to have protection from the elements as common weather conditions can reach beyond the capabilities of the coupler. Although the SG-230 coupler is fully waterproof and was created to withstand normal weather conditions, warranty will be voided if left exposed directly to extreme weather such as snow, rain, and ice or prolonged sun exposure.
SG-231 MANUAL 7 separate power supply mounted at the antenna coupler location, please be advised that SGC does not provide technical support in this area 1.8 Upgrade Sequence The current version of the SG-231 coupler will have a revision letter located on the printed circuit board. To continue moving forward in coupler design, the SG-231 may be revised as needed. Later revisions of the coupler will be denoted by the subsequent letters of the alphabet.
SG-231 MANUAL 8 SG-107 Delta Loop Antenna. This is a delta loop 11 meters high by 11 meters wide at the base. SGC Part Number 55-12. SG-203 Marine 28 foot whip antenna. This antenna is used for most powerboat installations. SGC Part Number 55-24. SG-303 High performance 9-foot whip antenna. This dual element antenna is designed for severe marine and land mobile service. SGC Part Number 55-27. SG-307 — 3.5 to 60 MHz.
SG-231 MANUAL 9 Coupler Information. Please have the serial number of your coupler, the name of the dealer from whom the unit was purchased, and the approximate date of purchase. Antenna Information. Please be ready to describe your antenna installation. You will need to advise us whether the antenna is a wire type, a dipole, V, vertical, long wire, or whip antenna. Ground System. You should be ready to describe your ground system in detail.
SG-231 MANUAL 10 longer. In addition, the SG-231 is just as happy feeding a conventional V antenna as an inverted V. The coupler is flexible in this regard. 4.1 Antenna Selection The automatic antenna coupler will operate into almost any end-fed antenna with a length of 2.5 meters or more, provided an effective ground is used. The antenna efficiency will be proportional to length and in most applications will be maximum at a length of 1/4 wavelength.
SG-231 MANUAL 11 4.4 Back Stay Antenna 8 Meters (28 feet) and Longer Although we would love to sell everyone a high performance marine whip antenna, the back stay of a sailboat is almost impossible to improve upon in most installations. 4.5 Typical Installations Figures 4.5.1 through 4.5.11 show some typical installations for the automatic antenna coupler. © 11/00 SGC, Inc. SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA P.O.
SG-231 MANUAL Figure 4.5.1 Jeep installation 2.0 M whip Jeep Installation for Automatic Antenna Coupler Detail Transceiver Coupler GTO cable (as short as possible) Feed-through insulator Figure 4.5.2 Vehicle installation Ground coupler securely to truck 2.0 M whip Feed through insulator Coupler Transceiver Vehicle Installation © 11/00 SGC, Inc. SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA P.O. Box 3526, 98009 Fax: (425) 746-6384 Tel: (425) 746-6310 E-Mail: sgc@sgcworld.
SG-231 MANUAL Figure 4.5.3 Motor Vessel installation Feed through insulator Coupler Suitable stay cable Ground to steel bulkhead or overhead Motor Vessel Installation Figure 4.5.4 Base installation 7M to 10M Ground lead 1.5M maximum Ground rod Base Installation © 11/00 SGC, Inc. SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA. 98005 USA P.O. Box 3526, 98009 Fax: (425) 746-6384 Tel: (425) 746-6310 E-Mail: sgc@sgcworld.com Website: www.sgcworld.
SG-231 MANUAL Figure 4.5.5 Base ladder installation up to 300 feet up to 200 feet Balanced Line Feeders 300-600 Ohms GND Hot Coupler RF cable Control cable Base Ladder Installation Figure 4.5.6 Base installation with ground wire radials Insulator 11M 2M 30° Insulator GTO cable 30° Coupler 2M Ground cable No. 4 AWG (150 cm maximum) Conduit for control cable and coax © 11/00 SGC, Inc. Radial wires buried in soil Base Installation with Ground Wire Radials SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E.
SG-231 MANUAL 15 Figure 4.5.7 Base dipole installation 1 meter 3 meters E66 insulators (x8) Hot Coupler GND 7 to 25 meters 3 meters Control cable RF Cable Base Dipole Installation Figure 4.5.
SG-231 MANUAL 16 poles should be 20 to 40 feet. Supporting poles should be as tall as possible to provide the antenna with the greatest isolation from industrial noise generated by the building, such as fluorescent lights and electrical motors. Loop antennas are also less susceptible to industrial RF noise generated by the building, because they are isolated from the ground system of the building.
SG-231 MANUAL 17 Figure 4.5.10 Vessel Groundless Loop Radiation 75 feet Vessel Groundless Loop Coupler Porcelain isolator Lower mast connection to coupler RF ground The triangular loop antenna for sailboats is designed to operate in a groundless environment and still provide high performance. This type of installation will require only one insulator point on the bottom back stay and an electrical connection on top of the mast and the stay.
SG-231 MANUAL 18 Figure 4.5.11 Vessel insulated back stay Porcelain isolator Radiation 75 feet Vessel insulated Backstay Coupler Porcelain isolator Ground connection The insulated backstay antenna requires two porcelains isolators. The coupler must be placed as close as possible to the base of the backstay antenna. Proper grounding of the coupler is very important. Connect the RF ground terminal of the coupler to all of the metal parts or structures of the boat (keel, engine, etc.). 4.
SG-231 MANUAL 19 installed to communicate at 90 degrees off direction of the first loop antenna. Loop antennas are low noise antennas. However, because they are used in apartments and crowded cities, high industrial noise can be expected. Avoid using neon or fluorescent lights within 50 feet of the loop antenna, as they may completely jam one or several frequency bands. Figure 4.6.1 Small loop antenna (3x4 feet) Pegs or Nails Use 6-8 turns of #16 or larger wire which is insulated for high voltages.
SG-231 MANUAL 20 Figure 4.7.1 Recreational vehicle, bus, or truck detail 18" PVC pipe standoffs Recreational Vehicle Antenna Installation Antenna wire Metal roof of vehicle Coupler mounted inside coach Use a separate ground strap or wire for the body a n d t h e c h a s s i s t o t h e g r o u n d o f t h e c o u p l e r. 4.8 Aircraft Antennas When installed in high performance turboprop or jet aircraft, the Smartuner will operate well with a shunt-fed antenna.
SG-231 MANUAL 21 Figure 4.8.1 Aircraft installation detail Rotary Aircraft SG-231 coupler Isolator Wire antenna Strut to space out antenna with plastic tubing or fiberglass rod Figure 4.8.2 Aircraft Installation Detail Fixed Wing Aircraft Wire goes to the coupler Isolator Wire antenna Ground Aviation control head SG-231 coupler Wire antenna Radio Isolator 4.
SG-231 MANUAL A. If a flagpole is made of PVC pipe, it is easy to tape a large gauge wire to the inside of the pipe and use a good counterpoise. Typical flagpoles are 25 to 35 feet in height and offer excellent performance on all bands. B. Masonry chimneys are visually “busy.” You can run a #10 copper wire parallel to the chimney with little risk of detection. Some short standoffs and you have a support for a vertical dipole type antenna. C.
SG-231 MANUAL E. Under the roof overhang, all kinds of wire antennas may be installed. F. All types of antennas may be hidden inside the roof of a building that uses non-metallic roofing materials. G. The downspout, rain gutter antenna works well if the piping and gutter are aluminum. You may wish to assure low electrical resistance connections between gutter sections with hose clamps or plumber’s tape. Coupler E 23 Coupler F G Coupler 4.
SG-231 MANUAL 24 Remember that when a mast comes down, you have easy access to the high voltage feed line that may be secured to a kite antenna. Offshore power boats can use this antenna as well, since 10-20 knot winds are almost always available when underway at sea. 4.10.2 Tactical Installations Over the course of nearly 25 years of HF communications, SGC equipment has been used everywhere from camel back in the desert to Antarctic expeditions.
SG-231 MANUAL 25 Metal fencing of any type (e.g., a barbed wire fence along a pasture or under telephone pole) One hundred feet of wire thrown into a river or sea (e.g., under a trestle) Metal drain culverts (e.g., along a highway) Four to five cars parked with their metal bumpers touching A sheet metal roof (e.g.
SG-231 MANUAL 26 midpoint connector. Because the antenna system starts at the output of the coupler, the antenna lead from the coupler to the hypothetical antenna is part of the antenna system. Avoid having the led end wire touch any other metal structure: it will capacitively short your antenna to ground. 8. The backstay of your mast is the only viable antenna on a sailboat. The SG231 coupler is specifically designed to be used for such applications. 9.
SG-231 MANUAL 27 3. Remember that the radiating part of the antenna starts at the coupler. The location of the bottom portion of the antenna is important. d. Vertical antennas have an omni directional radiation pattern, providing equal performance in all directions. 4. Horizontal wire antennas have maximum radiation broadside to the antenna when the frequency is less than 1/4 wavelength.
SG-231 MANUAL 28 5.3.1 Vehicle Grounds Connect the coupler directly to the frame of the vehicle. Ensure that a heavy strap is used from the coupler ground lug and that the connections are cleared of all paint and dirt so that the shiny metal is exposed. SGC always recommends that two grounding bolts with star washers be used to ensure no ground resistance is encountered.
SG-231 MANUAL 29 Although it is not mandatory that ground foil be glued into place, we consider it a good idea to keep the space below decks neat and orderly under all conditions. If you are using a backstay antenna, try to visualize your ground as you look down from the top of the mast. Ask yourself if you see 100 square feet of metal below you. The closer to this figure you can get, the better your radiated signal will be. What you are trying to do is make a large capacitor to the seawater.
SG-231 MANUAL 30 may be approximated by placing a screen of chicken mesh, copper hardware cloth, or similar material over the roof of the building. More frequently, a counterpoise system of radial wires must be used. SGC recommends the use of at least 8 to 12 radials bonded together in the center. If the antenna is at ground level, the radials should be buried a few inches below the surface. 5.4 Corrosion Ground connections are subject to corrosion and oxidation.
SG-231 MANUAL 31 5.5 Antenna Coupler Mounting Shown without protection from direct sunlight or rain. Please refer to page 5 (Section 1.6.3) The coupler is mounted using the proper mounting holes on the base plate. Choose a location immediately adjacent to the antenna feed point. In trunk-mounted mobile installations, locate the coupler so that the antenna insulator is within a few centimeters of the antenna exit hole. Note also that the antenna lead must pass through an insulated bushing.
SG-231 MANUAL 32 6.1 Installation with SG-2000 The SG-2000 is shipped with all necessary connectors for installation of a Smartuner™ and for installation of peripherals by means of the audio input/output jack on the rear panel. You will see the connectors when you remove the Philips head screws that hold the protective sheet metal cover over the rear panel connectors. From left to right, these jacks provide the following: J-502 SG-231 connections J-301 Aux.
SG-231 MANUAL 33 D. When the SG-231 has finished tuning, the 'TUNE' indicator on the DX-70 will extinguish. 6.3 Installation on other Radios The SG-231 requires only a source of +12 VDC, an RF transmission line (RG-58/U up to 30 ft., RG-8 OR RG-213/U if over 30 ft.), plus suitable ground and antenna systems. No band switch information, low power tuning, or handshake is required, since the coupler tunes on RF voice or carrier.
SG-231 MANUAL 34 SmartLock Pro Schematic Diagram C5 .1u R2 220 1/2W C4 .1u D1 1N751A R4 R1 150 SW1 4PDT 1M 12 VDC JP1 Green LED SW2 Hold DS1 Reset PUSHBUTTON R3 Tuned 330 SW3 Rx Amp Red LED C3 .1u DS2 SPDT C1 .1u C2 .1u No Tune/Reset C6 .1u GND 6.5 Weatherdeck Mounting Weatherdeck mounting can be used. Years of experience have shown that inside mounting or even splash-proof mounting is preferred, particularly in cold, damp environments.
SG-231 MANUAL 35 6.6 Electrical Checkout After the SG-231 antenna coupler has been installed, the SSB transmitter should be adjusted to the highest frequency desired, and a directional watt meter (e.g., Bird Model 43) should be inserted into the transmission line. The transmitter should then be powered. The SG-231 will begin to tune when RF power is applied, and you will hear a “clattering” of PC-mounted relays.
SG-231 MANUAL 36 resolution at the lower frequencies where antenna systems are inherently narrow band. Usually, only one or two memory positions are needed to provide satisfactory coverage at higher frequency bands. 6.7 Do-It-Yourself Light-Bulb Dummy Load Any time that a transmitter is used, it must be outputting into a load. A load is anything that the output power can be pumped into.
SG-231 MANUAL 37 * SG-231 coupler (optional) f For transceiver For coupler Antenna Jack RF GND RF IN-OUT Radio HF/VHF Antenna Coupler GND RADIO TEST PROCEDURE 1. Connect the transceiver light bulb load to the radio RF in/out jack. 2. Turn on the radio and set the CW mode. 3. Key the PTT switch on the microphone and look at the light bulb. If the light bulb load is connected and the radio is transmitting, the light should turn on. 4. Set the power to LO. 5. Set the radio to SSB mode. 6.
SG-231 MANUAL 38 Note: The light bulb might not turn on immediately if the coupler has not yet been tuned for the frequency of the transmitter. The output power (light-bulb brightness) is greatest when the coupler is properly tuned. This test will ensure that the radio and coupler are working properly. 7.0 Coupler Configuration Schematic Q30102100, sheet 3 is the schematic diagram of the two basic coupler networks.
SG-231 MANUAL 39 After RF is applied to the coupler array, it then passes through the detector system. The detector system consists of seven capacitors in shunt on the input arm of the network, nine inductors in the series arm, and six more capacitors in shunt on the output arm, all arranged in binary increments. Relays are provided in conjunction with each lumped constant and allow removal or entry as desired.
SG-231 MANUAL 40 7.6 Central Processing Unit A tune-up algorithm, which is contained in the memory of the microprocessor, actually implements the antenna matching. It is designed around the MC 68HC711E9 CPU that features a versatile instruction set, RAM, and EEPROM (memory which is saved after the coupler is turned off). The antenna coupler relays are controlled by latches U8, U6, and U7, which receive serial data input directly from the CPU.
SG-231 MANUAL 41 Setting JP1 to the Yes position is recommended if you are using a radio for split band communications, for scanning selective calling protocols, or for Automatic Link Establishment (ALE). The default is: Tuning Out In Rcv: [no]. Jumper JP2 bypasses the coupler's memories. This means that each time the coupler is used on a different frequency, it will re-tune rather than use previously stored information. The default is: Tune From Memory: [yes].
SG-231 MANUAL 42 5. The BITE (Built-In-Test-Equipment) Indicator Tune LED includes a safety feature that alerts the operator to a mismatched condition, with blinking indicators, when proper tuning conditions have not been met. In this situation, the software will “time out” within 20 seconds unless a new frequency is sensed, which will cause an immediate time out, and the coupler will attempt to match the new frequency.
SG-231 MANUAL 43 Signaling “no-tune.” Should the initial primary tuning sequence prove unsuccessful, secondary algorithms are attempted until all possible routines have been exhausted. If, after the secondary attempts, the coupler still cannot achieve a proper VSWR, the program branches to a “no-tune” program. Here, the LED's and remote tune indicator will blink on and off for about 15 seconds to tell the user a proper VSWR could not be found.
SG-231 MANUAL 44 1. Series inductance is added until the phase is deemed as being inductive. At this point it is normal for the input impedance to be low. 2. Input capacitance is added until the antenna is no longer inductive. 3. The program will continue to increment the series inductance in .125 µH steps—each time normalizing the input impedance with input capacitance until a low VSWR is measured of less than 2:1.
SG-231 MANUAL 45 The preceding gives a simplified program flow on only two possible antenna conditions. Much more complex tuning is normally the case. Further detailed description, however, is beyond the scope of this manual. 8.2.3 JP1—Tuning Elements Out During Receive (Factory Default Setting: No) YES In this position the software will retain data required in transmit to match the coupler while removing all tuning elements when no forward power is detected.
SG-231 MANUAL 46 3. Switch Tune Lock back to Normal. Now when RF power is applied, the coupler will proceed through the tuning algorithm and when a solution is achieved, these settings will overwrite previous settings for that particular frequency. To return to normal tuning from memory, simply press the reset button while the SmartLock Pro is set on Normal. 9.0 SmartLock Pro Operation The SmartLock Pro allows the operator to have additional control over the SG-231.
SG-231 MANUAL 47 10.0 Troubleshooting Only a small number of installation mistakes can be made. These will fall into one of several categories: ground fault, cable fault, and antenna fault. There is also a slight chance of an electrical fault in the coupler. When you are troubleshooting the SG-231 and you understand that there are three variables, you should change each variable, in sequence, to determine where the problem lies.
SG-231 MANUAL 48 Improper bonding. The fourth kind of ground fault you may encounter occurs where the ground is not properly bonded to the coupler. We go to considerable effort to make sure the stainless steel ground stud is well connected to the coupler. Particularly in automobiles and aircraft, a single ground connection will not do. It is mandatory that at least two ground bolt connections are used. Inaccurate assumptions.
SG-231 MANUAL 49 Another key lesson here is that even if you have a low capacitance lead, a high capacitance antenna will not work well. If you have a whip type antenna, mounted on the back of a van, you will have a large portion of the antenna running right next to grounded sheet metal. This causes a high loss to ground, one reason why we do not recommend CB type whip antennas. The other reason is the base insulation in ball mounts is inadequate for everything but extremely low power. Long lead lines.
SG-231 MANUAL 50 desired radio is in place. The coupler finds a tuning solution, as indicated by the remote tune indicator going on, but then resumes hunting. In a majority of cases this will be caused by an overly sensitive transmitter final amplifier section or by inadequate shielding around the amplifier. We know of several radios that oscillate relatively easier than most radios because they are housed in a plastic case. A plastic case does not provide an adequate shield for serious RF components.
11.
SG-231 Manual Appendix— QMS System Note: This is general information on our QMS Systems and is not specific to this particular product. Introduction SGC’s QMS (Quick Mount System) is the newest addition to the many outstanding products manufactured by SGC, Inc. that incorporate the latest technological developments in both design and craftsmanship.
SG-231 Manual 3. If you will be traveling in an area where overhead restrictions prevent use of your SG-303 antenna, the antenna should be folded down a secured to prevent damage from brush, trees, or low structures. SG-303 antenna See Inset Detail Straps and Tension Buckle QMS Antenna Tuner Mounting System for Your SSB QMS Universal Mount System Suction cups (4) SG-235 Coup installed ins QMS TM enclosure Figure A-1—QMS installation on the rear deck of a sedan © 2000 SGC Inc SGC Inc.
SG-231 Manual 4. When connecting the coupler to the radio/transceiver, a passageway for the contro (consisting of an RG-58 coax cable, control wire, power, and ground, plus the optional tune cator wire) will need to be provided. Note: By removing the four screws for the ratchet mount base of the SG-303 antenna, the can be installed or reinstalled to provide the user with the set-up most suitable for the applica Insure the screws are tightly secured after reinstallation. 5.
SG-231 Manual Figure A-3—Mounting atop large truck cab Installation Precautions To ensure safe operation of your QMS system, the following in mechanical, and electrical precautions should always be taken: 1. Insure that all four straps are pulled down tightly and the suction cup feet have been securely compressed. © 2000 SGC Inc SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA 98005 USA P.O. Box 3526, 98009 Fax: 425-746-6384 Tel: 425- 746-6310 or 1-800-259 7331 E-mail: sgc@sgcworld.
SG-231 Manual 2. Insure that the high voltage wire protruding from your antenna system is not routed near any metallic objects such as your vehicle’s frame or metal posts. This wire is part of the flexible insulator of your QMS system. 3. Insure that the ground braid is attached to a good vehicle ground system. Do not run ground currents through any hinges. Be sure to make the ground braid as short as possible. Remove all paint and rust from your grounding area.
SG-231 Manual WARNING: If you do not properly and securely attach this unit to the vehicle and it comes loose, the speed of the vehicle may cause the unit to injure others. General Installation Information The mobile communication tips found below apply to any mobile installation, not merely to the QMS or other SGC product. • For the best performance and radiation, always mount your antenna system on the highest part of the vehicle.
SG-231 Manual Use of the gel cell battery may require a lesser gauge wire to recharge, in comparison to the large wire required to connect the radio directly to the main battery. • In the charging line of this auxiliary battery, you may want a diode of 100 Amp. capacity to allow the battery to be charged, so as not to discharge with the rest of the electrical system. (You could use this auxiliary battery, in an emergency situation, to jump the main battery.
SG-231 Manual Figure A-4—Suction Cup (underside view) Apply silicon grease to shaded area This will prevent slow leakage of air, which will reduce the holding power of the suction cups over time. It will also protect the painted surface. If the surface of the vehicle is very rough, the installation procedure remains the same. The suction cup will have to be pressed against the vehicle surface in the same way, but more lubricant may be necessary. Tightening the QMS Straps.
SG-231 Manual • To make removal of the unit easier, you may slide a piece of paper between the suction cup and the vehicle surface (see Figure A-3). In this way, each of the suction cup tabs may be loosened sequentially as shown: Storing Your QMS. To store your QMS unit for long periods of time, apply a thin coating of talcum powder to the suction cups. This treatment increases the life span of rubber products. SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA 98005 USA P.O.
Qu i c k Mo u n t S y s te m QMS-7 for mobile HF and VHF use Antenna Coupler System • QMS-7 offers unsurpassed frequency agility without user intervention • SG-231 Smartuner automatic antenna coupler, SG-307 extended full-range antenna, and weather resistant QMS-7 package • 3.
The QMS-7 Antenna Coupler System Specifications: QMS-7— Mounting coupler and antenna outside the vehicle reduces engine noise, interference and eliminates feed loss. It can be quickly installed and easily moved from vehicle to vehicle. No drilling or vehicle modifications are required. Industrial suction cups secure the QMS-7 to the vehicle, without damaging the finish, and high strength straps and buckles complete the job and give structural integrity.
Q M S Antenna Coupler System The Quick Mount System for any mobile HF rig No Compromise Communications • QMS offers unsurpassed frequency agility needing no user intervention • QMS includes SGC Smartuner automatic antenna coupler, extended full-range antenna, and weather resistant QMS package QMS Descriptions: QMS-b2 cat. #55-47 includes the SG-230 (200W) 1.8 to 30 MHz SG-303 9 ft. antenna QMS-b3 cat. #55-48 includes the SG-235 (500W) 3.0 to 30 MHz SG-303 9 ft. antenn a QMS-a7 cat.
The QMS Antenna System S Specifications: (QMS-7 specifications included on separate brochure.) trap the QMS on your favorite family or business vehicle. You’ll find it gives any HF-SSB superior frequency agility and exceptional performance. The SGC Smartuner automatic antenna coupler, the SG-303 extended full-range antenna, and the special exterior QMS mounting package comprise the QMS. Mounting coupler and antenna outside the vehicle reduces engine noise and interference.
M SG-303 Antenna with SGC Couplers SG-303 • Heavy duty rubber encapsulated spring mount • Heavy duty whip antenna • Adjustable 4-way ratchets Smartuners The SG-303, a high performance mobile antenna, is designed and built to operate in rough terrain and extreme climactic conditions. It has a lifetime warranty. The SG-303 antenna is a light-weight and low-cost mobile antenna for operation between 1.8 and 30 MHz.
SG-303 Specifications HF Frequency Ranges: 1.8 to 30MHz Maximum Output Power: 3 to 500 watts (PEP) voice or CW Dual Frequency Resonance: at 12 and 22 MHz Antenna structure: Two sections, 50 inches each Mount: Base: high voltage insulated 4-way stainless steel ratchet mount heavy duty rubber encapsulated spring mount Feed-through: Cable: high voltage wall feed-through bushing (hole = .890 in.) 3 ft.
FOR MOBILE HF AND VHF USE (Cat.#55-28) (coupler required*) The SG-307 is designed and built to operate in rough terrain and extreme climactic conditions. The SG-307 antenna is a light-weight and low-cost mobile antenna for operation between 1.8 to 60 MHz. At only seven feet in length overall, the SG-307 is mounted on a sturdy professional weatherproof rubber encapsulated stainless steel spring. Mounts on an adjustable ratchet mechanism: • the base adjusts for the best attachment to the vehicle.
SG-307 Specifications SG-231 Smartuner Use the SG-231 to automatically tune just about any antenna (7 feet minimum) to HF/VHF transceivers from 1 to 60 MHz. It automatically evaluates and switches over 4 million possible combinations of input capacitance, o u t p u t capacitance, and series inductance to ensure a perfect match between the transceiver and the antenna.
SG-231 Manual SGC Equipment Standard Warranty SGC wishes you to be satisfied with your new equipment purchase. Most SGC products are therefore warranted to be without defect in workmanship or materials for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Proof of a date of purchase is required when requesting warranty service.
M S SG-231 Smartuner Automatic Antenna Coupler for all HF - VHF Transceivers TM F E AT U R E S : • Fully Automatic Operation with • • • • any HF and low-band VHF Transceiver Perfect tuning solution for almost any antenna Continuous coverage of 1 - 60 MHz Complete frequency agility with no operator intervention Compact design, fits the most restrictive installations The SG-231 joins the SGC series of “Smartuners” which use microprocessor control of a π (pi) or L network to match virtually any load t
