MFJ IntelliTuner -993 Instruction Manual
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MFJ IntelliTuner -993 Instruction Manual

Automatic antenna tuner
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Model MFJ-993B
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CAUTION: Read All Instructions Before Operating Equipment
MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
300 Industrial Park Road
Starkville, MS 39759 USA
Tel: 662-323-5869 Fax: 662-323-6551
COPYRIGHT
2005-2012 MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
VERSION 2B
C

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  • Page 1 Model MFJ-993B INSTRUCTION MANUAL CAUTION: Read All Instructions Before Operating Equipment MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC. 300 Industrial Park Road Starkville, MS 39759 USA Tel: 662-323-5869 Fax: 662-323-6551 COPYRIGHT 2005-2012 MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC. VERSION 2B...
  • Page 2 Customers using this manual should report errors or omissions, recommendations for improvements, or other comments to MFJ Enterprises, 300 Industrial Park Road, Starkville, MS 39759. Phone: (662) 323-5869; FAX: (662) 323-6551. Business hours:...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual Contents THE BASICS Introduction ............................1 Features ............................2 Specifications ........................... 2 Fast Start ............................3 Front Panel ............................4 SWR/Wattmeter ........................4 LCD Display ........................5 LCD Contrast Control ......................5 ANT Button ........................5 MODE Button ........................
  • Page 4 MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual Meter Range ........................16 Auto/Semi ......................... 16 StickyTune ........................16 Setup Mode Menus ........................17 Power Level Menu ......................17 Target SWR Menu ......................17 Auto Tune SWR Menu ..................... 18 Meter Range Menu ......................18 Peak Hold Menu .......................
  • Page 5 Figure 12. SWR Bar Meter ......................14 Figure 13. Main Mode Menus Display ..................15 Figure 14. Tuner Indicators ......................16 Figure 15. Power-On Operations ....................26 Figure 16. MFJ-993B Circuit Block Diagram ................44  2005-2012 MFJ Enterprises, Inc.
  • Page 6 MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual TABLES Table 1. Memory Resolution ......................19 Table 2. Meter Needle Stationary Codes ..................22 Table 3. Meter Needle Bounce Codes ..................23 Table 4. Failure Messages ......................28  2005-2012 MFJ Enterprises, Inc.

  • Page 7: The Basics

    When you key your transmitter, MFJ’s InstantRecall checks its memory to see if you have operated on that frequency before. If so, tuning is instantaneous and you’re ready to operate. If not, MFJ’s algorithm (based on MFJ’s famous SWR Analyzer technology) kicks in. It measures the IntelliTune complex impedance of your antenna.

  • Page 8: Features

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual The MFJ-993B tuner enters a “sleep” mode when idle and when no transmit signal is present, turning off the microprocessor clock to avoid the generation of spurious signals. Features • Automatically matches antennas with impedances of 6 to 1600 ohms or 6 to 3200 ohms •...

  • Page 9: Fast Start

    4. Connect your ground connection to the GROUND post. 5. Press the [POWER] button to turn on the MFJ-993B tuner. The Power-On Reset default is also for to be ON. Place the [ANT] button in the out position to select antenna 1.

  • Page 10: Front Panel

    You may bypass the tuner at anytime when the tuner power is ON by pressing [C-DN] and [L-DN] simultaneously or pressing [TUNE] quickly. When the MFJ-993B is bypassed, the reflected meter needle bounces to the 20-watt mark while the switches are pressed.

  • Page 11: Lcd Display

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual The SWR is measured at the point where the two needles cross. See “SWR/Wattmeter” on page 12 for more detailed information. • LCD Display: A 2-line by 16-character alphanumeric display. It displays the tuner’s various menus and status.

  • Page 12: Tune Button

    Note: StickyTune after power cycle means that the MFJ-993B will do a full tune after a power cycle on the first frequency you transmit on only. No other frequency or memory solutions will be affected. So you can fully re-tune on any frequency by simply cycling power.

  • Page 13: Figure 3. Mode Button Flow Chart And Button Action

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual MODE BUTTON FLOW CHART MAIN MODES SETUP MODES 14.100MHz POWER LEVEL Digital MODE FWD=100 REF=0.5 Wattmeter TARGET SWR For 2 sec. 14.100MHz AUTO TUNE SWR Power Bar Meter METER RANGE MODE 14.100MHz PEAK HOLD...

  • Page 14: Back Panel

    TURN ON RADIO an external tuner is attached. The radio will disable its internal tuner if it has one, and use the MFJ- 993B external tuner. The Radio Interface works with radios that are compatible with Alinco EDX-2, Icom AH-3 and AH- 4, Kenwood AT-300, and Yaesu FC-30, FH-1 and FH-2.

  • Page 15: Figure 5. Alinco Interface Cable

    WARNING: Make sure the +13.8 volts connection on the radio’s tuner port is capable of supplying the 1 amp of current required by the MFJ-993B. The MFJ-5124A interface cable provides power and control signals between an Alinco radio and the MFJ automatic tuner. Supported Alinco radios are DX-70, DX-77, DX-701, DX-801, and any Alinco radio that supports the Alinco EDX-2 tuner.

  • Page 16: Figure 7. Yaesu Interface Cable (Ft-1000Mp/-9000 Series)

    200-watt MKV transceivers during the tune process. If a FH-1 or FH-2 keypad is also used, both the FH-1/FH-2 and the radio control cable may be plugged in parallel using a 3.5-mm headphone splitter (mono or stereo is fine). Refer to “Yaesu Radio Interface/MFJ-5124Y3” on pages 40 to 41 for connections and operation.

  • Page 17: Transmitter

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual • Transmitter: SO-239 connector for coax cable from transceiver or amplifier. • Ground: Wing-nut terminal for RF ground wire connection. • Balanced Line: Two binding posts for connecting balanced line antennas. To use balanced line antenna, install a jumper as shown to the WIRE binding post.

  • Page 18: Swr/Wattmeter

    The meter also indicates various operational states of the tuner. Refer to “Meter Codes and Audible Beeps” on page 21 for more details. The MFJ-993B also includes an SWR bar meter and an audio SWR indicator, selectable by pressing [L- UP] and [L-DN] buttons simultaneously. It also has bar meters for forward and reflected power.

  • Page 19: The Menus

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual The Menus Main Mode Menus The main mode menus show various tuner settings and status. There are four main mode menus arranged in a “wrap-around” structure. When powered on, tuner operation starts with the main menu that was last used.

  • Page 20: Swr Bar Meter Menu

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual Figure 10. Power Bar Meter (High Range). Divide scale by 10 Figure 11. Power Bar Meter (Low Range). SWR Bar Meter Menu Shows the frequency, SWR, forward power, and SWR bar meter. A SWR scale is printed just below the display on the front panel.

  • Page 21: Tuner Indicators

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual 2 3 4 Frequency Indicators: Antenna, IntelliTune Indicators: Memory, Power Level, LC Limit, Range 2 3 4 Indicators: Auto/Semi, StickyTune Forward power in watts Reflected power in watts 2 3 4 Forward power bar meter...

  • Page 22: Lc Limit

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual • LC Limit: When LC Limit is OFF, a bar appears on the upper-right corner of the Memory indicator (23). • Meter Range: When Auto Range is ON, a two-dot vertical bar segment appears on the lower right corner of the Memory indicator (24), another dot appears on top of this bar segment when the meter range is high, and no dot when the meter range is low (25).

  • Page 23: Setup Mode Menus

    Press the [C-DN] or [L-DN] button to decrease or turn off the setting for the current setup menu. Power Level Menu Allows you to set the maximum power level the MFJ-993B can handle to 300 watts or 150 watts SSB/CW. Power level of 300 watts can match antennas with impedances of 6 to 1600 ohms; power level of 150 watts can match a wider impedance range of 6 to 3200 ohms.

  • Page 24: Auto Tune Swr Menu

    0.5, 1.0 and 1.5. Refer to Table 2 for meter code. Note: The AUTO button should always be IN (semi-automatic) unless a compatible radio interface cable is connected between the MFJ-993B and your transceiver. This will ensure that the MFJ-993B does not attempt tuning during high-power operation.

  • Page 25: Intellitune Menu

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual Meter Frequency Range (kHz) Memory Resolution (kHz) 1800 – 2000 75/80 3500 – 4000 5330.5, 5346.5, 5366.5, 5371.5 and 5403.5 5 memory locations 7000 – 7300 10100 – 10150 14000 – 14350 18068 – 18168 21000 –...

  • Page 26: Swr Beep Menu

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual SWR Beep Menu Turns the audio SWR meter on and off. The audio meter is a series of beeps where one beep indicates SWR of 1.5 or less, two beeps indicate SWR of 1.6 to 2.0, three beeps indicate SWR of 2.1 to 2.5, and four beeps indicate SWR of 2.6 to 3.0.

  • Page 27: Operation

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual Operation Manual Tuning Manual tuning may be used to “touch up” the tuner’s settings. For example, if the target SWR is set at the default of 1.5, the tuner will stop when a match of 1.5 is found. In all cases, manual tuning gives the user control of the tuner if desired, and the L-Network menu provides a picture of the matching network configuration.

  • Page 28: Table 2. Meter Needle Stationary Codes

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual Meter Needle Stationary Codes (Meter needles stay at the indicated mark until buttons are released.) Forward 30 Watts Mark 100 Watts Mark 300 Watts Mark [TUNE] + [L-DN] 30 Watts Meter Range Auto Range...

  • Page 29: Transceiver Foldback

    Even with foldback, the tuning process can be hard on your transceiver’s finals. When an amplifier is used, the amplifier must be bypassed during tuning. Note: MFJ recommends that a transceiver-specific interface cable be used between the MFJ-993B and your transceiver to ensure that tuning only occurs at low power.

  • Page 30: Antenna System Hints

    When the SWR rises, the power handling capability decreases by 1/√SWR and loss also increases. Therefore MFJ recommends that RG-8/U, RG-213, LMR-400 or other high quality coax cables be used between the MFJ-993B output and the antenna. Refer to The Radio Amateurs Handbook and The ARRL Antenna Book for more information.

  • Page 31: Matching Problems

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual Matching Problems Most matching problems occur when the antenna system presents an extremely high impedance to the tuner. When the antenna impedance is much lower than the feedline impedance, an odd quarter- wavelength feedline converts the low antenna impedance to a very high impedance at the tuner. A similar problem occurs if the antenna has an extremely high impedance and the transmission line is a multiple of a half-wavelength.

  • Page 32: Appendices

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual Appendices POWER-ON OPERATIONS (Press and hold buttons while turning on the power.) Press and hold to get the firmware version number. C-UP POWER Press and hold L-UP POWER to start the self test.

  • Page 33: Delete Antenna Memory

    Remember that both antenna memories will be lost and tuner settings will return to default! Self Test A self-test routine will check the functions of the MFJ-993B. This routine checks the display, the meter, the front-panel buttons, the internal memory and the audio circuitry. During the self-test, you may stop the test by turning off the unit;...

  • Page 34: Table 4. Failure Messages

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual This test can also be used to test the optional MFJ-993RC Remote Control. Make sure to press both [ANT] and [AUTO] buttons on the MFJ-993B tuner to the in position before starting the self-test, and press the buttons on the MFJ-993RC instead of the front-panel buttons when prompted.

  • Page 35: Power Down Circuit Test

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual Power-Down Circuit Test When the 12 VDC power to the tuner is turned off, the tuner saves all settings to non-volatile memory. The Power-Down Circuit Test checks the power down detection circuitry. It is recommended that this test be done immediately after the regular self-test described above.

  • Page 36: Setting The Speaker Volume

    To calibrate the meter needles, you will need a Phillips screwdriver and a tuning tool or small flat blade screwdriver. WARNING: Never operate the MFJ-993B with its cover removed; dangerous voltages and currents can be present during operation. Never exceed tuner specifications.

  • Page 37: Frequency Counter Calibration

    WARNING: Do not touch anything inside the tuner during operation! Serious, painful RF burns can result. WARNING: Never operate the MFJ-993B with its cover removed; dangerous voltages and currents can be present during operation. Never exceed tuner specifications. 1. Turn off the power to the tuner and the transmitter.

  • Page 38: Alinco Radio Interface

    5. Push the [POWER] button on the tuner to the in position and then power on the radio. Operation The operation of the MFJ-5124A radio interface is similar to the operation of the EDX-2 described in the Alinco operating manual.

  • Page 39: Icom Radio Interface

    Push [PWR] to turn power on again. Operation The operation of the MFJ-5124I radio interface is similar to the operation of the AH-3 or AH-4 described in the Icom radio’s operating manual. 1. Push and hold the [TUNER] button on the radio for one or two seconds to initiate automatic tuning process.

  • Page 40: Kenwood Radio Interface

    Press the [CLR] key to return to normal operation. Operation The operation of the MFJ-5124K radio interface is similar to the operation of the AT-300 described in the Kenwood radio’s operating manual. 1. Press and hold the [AT TUNE] button on the radio for one second to initiate automatic tuning process.

  • Page 41: Yaesu Radio Interface/Mfj-5124Y

    8. Push the [POWER] button on the tuner to the in position and then power on the radio. Operation for FT-100 The operation of the MFJ-5124Y radio interface is similar to the operation of the FC-20 described in the Yaesu radio’s operating manual.

  • Page 42: Connections For Ft-450

    8. Push the [POWER] button on the tuner to the in position and then power on the radio. Operation for FT-450 The operation of the MFJ-5124Y radio interface is similar to the operation of the FC-30/-40 described in the Yaesu radio’s operating manual.

  • Page 43: Connections For Ft-857 Or Ft-897

    7. Push the [POWER] button on the tuner to the in position and then power on the radio. Operation for FT-857 or FT-897 The operation of the MFJ-5124Y radio interface is similar to the operation of the FC-30 described in the Yaesu radio’s operating manual.

  • Page 44: Connections For Ft-950

    8. Push the [POWER] button on the tuner to the in position and then power on the radio. Operation for FT-950 The operation of the MFJ-5124Y radio interface is similar to the operation of the FC-40 described in the Yaesu radio’s operating manual.

  • Page 45: Yaesu Radio Interface/Mfj-5124Y2

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner™ Automatic Antenna Tuner. With this interface, control signals are connected between the radio and the tuner. With this cable the operator can control the tuner and radio with a single push of the [TUNE] button on the front panel of the MFJ-993B. Connections for FT-847 1.

  • Page 46: Yaesu Radio Interface/Mfj-5124Y3

    Press [ENT] to exit the Menu mode. 2. Insert the 3.5 mm stereo phone plug into the MFJ-993B RADIO INTERFACE jack. 3. Connect the 3.5 mm mono plug on the MFJ-5124Y3 to the REMOTE jack on the rear panel of the transceiver.

  • Page 47: Operation For Ft Dx -9000 Series Of Radios

    If you press the [MENU] key momentarily, the new setting will not be saved. 2. Insert the 3.5 mm stereo phone plug into the MFJ-993B RADIO INTERFACE jack. 3. Connect the RCA plug on the MFJ-5124Y4 to the TX REQ jack on the rear panel of the transceiver.

  • Page 48: Operation For Ft-2000 Series Of Radios

    2. Insert the 3.5 mm stereo phone plug into the MFJ-993B RADIO INTERFACE jack. 3. Connect the RCA plug on the MFJ-5124Y4 to the TX REQ jack on the rear panel of the transceiver. 4. Connect a 12V 1000 mA DC source to the MFJ-993B.

  • Page 49: In Case Of Difficulty

    If you have any problem with this unit first check the appropriate section of this manual. If the manual does not reference your problem or your problem is not solved by reading the manual, you may call MFJ Technical Service at 662-323-0549 or the MFJ Factory at 662-323-5869. You will be best helped if you have your unit, manual and all information on your station handy so you can answer any questions the technicians may ask.

  • Page 50: Circuit Block Diagram

    MFJ-993B IntelliTuner Automatic Antenna Tuner Instruction Manual  2005-2012 MFJ Enterprises, Inc.
  • Page 51 MFJ Enterprises, Inc. warrants to the original owner of this product, if manufactured by MFJ Enterprises, Inc. and purchased from an authorized dealer or directly from MFJ Enterprises, Inc. to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of purchase provided the following terms of this warranty are satisfied.
  • Page 52 MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC. MFJ-993B Manual 300 Industrial Park Road Version 2B Starkville, MS 39759 Printed In U.S.A. 03/2012...

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