[TenTec] 238 Tuner

[Ken Brown]

Got a used 238 tuner.  What size external cap do you use to extend range 
on 160? 

> Each of the internal caps that get selected by the switch are 470 pf, so you 
> get a little less than 2,500 pf will all of them engaged and the variable 
> cap (500 pf) at full.  To give the maximum range, you would put a 2,000 pf 
> cap external, but a smaller one will work in most cases.  
>   
That is a good answer. Though, depending on the 160 meter antenna you 
are trying to match, you may not need it at all. If you have a 160 meter 
antenna with a "not too high" SWR, say perhaps 2:1 or less, and you are 
using the 238 to get it just right for your transmitter, it will 
probably do it without the added capacitance. I have a 238, without the 
external capacitor, and have been able to tune any 160 meter antenna I 
have tried so far. I do attempt to build my antennas for a fairly low 
SWR without the tuner though.

DE N6KB