Hello everyone ! I was wondering If anyone could give me step by step instuctions on how to tune a Yaesu 897 D radio with a MFJ -941E VERSA TUNER ll the 897 manual only gives insructions for using 2 different Yaesu auto tuners ? Any help would be appreciated ! Thanks KC9JAB
Yaesu: yaesu tuning with manual tuner??????
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You would need to put out a constant signal in CW or FM mode and at low power like 10w or less, otherwise while adjusting the external tuner the 897s protection circuits can ramp the power up and down making it difficult to tune. Otherwise follow the instructions on the tuner, which probably wants you to turn the inductance knob for the most noise on receive, then tune both caps for most noise, then transmit at low power CW and tune everything for best match.
majoco
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The SWR meter on the tuner only needs carrier, not modulation which is why prcguy said CW or FM.
I've used AM on an 897 and 857 and it can be unreliable due to audio getting into the mic and varying power during the tuning cycle. I now use FM at about 10W and it seems to be the most reliable way to tune these rigs.
My particular 897 was very sensitive to SWR and would fold back the power well under a 2:1 match. At one point I went inside the rig and readjusted the SWR sensor to 3:1 or greater because the radio would have problems with LDG auto tuners and fold the power back during the tuning cycle and the tuner would get confused. Same would happen with a manual tuner as you are using. My 897 was an early production unit and hopefully yours is not so picky.
My particular 897 was very sensitive to SWR and would fold back the power well under a 2:1 match. At one point I went inside the rig and readjusted the SWR sensor to 3:1 or greater because the radio would have problems with LDG auto tuners and fold the power back during the tuning cycle and the tuner would get confused. Same would happen with a manual tuner as you are using. My 897 was an early production unit and hopefully yours is not so picky.
LDG makes tuners specifically designed for the 897 and the 817. They will automatically tune the radio when properly connected. Just select your frequency and push the "Tune" button on the tuner and, if a match can be achieved, you will be ready to go. Will not tune out of band, however. Used them for several years with good results. Tuning is done on low power in PKT mode. Never had any issues as described above except once on 6 meters (bad antenna).
LDG also has cables that allow the 897 to control their generic tuners and switch to low power by pressing the tune button on the radio, but my 897 had trouble with that. The OP is using a manual tuner and it would be best if an experienced user could show him how easy it can be in person.
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