[TenTec] 229 swr circuit

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

With my 238 tuner I too experienced issues with observed SWR drifting at 
higher power values, but only under certain antenna configurations. 
Conclusion, the 220pf capacitors wired parallel and associated with the Hi Z 
and Lo Z switch were getting hot, thus changing values.   I replaced each 
pair with a Russian made  470 pf 2KV doorknob style capacitor.   These can 
be found on E-Bay for a nominal price.

Mounting was accomplished by drilling holes through the bottom plate in the 
area of the original capacitors.  It is a tight place to work but with a 
little planning the result is a very nice professional job.

 Problem solved.

73
Bob, K4TAX


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Cuttler" <davidcuttler at yahoo.com>
To: <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 11:30 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] 229 swr circuit


>I own a 229 tuner, and I have never used the meter. If it ever died, I 
>wouldn't care because it is of limited use. I would recommend finding a 
>good external meter that will read CW & PEP like the Ameritron AWM-30 which 
>is what I use, and forget about the 229 meter.
>
> Of more importance are the crummy disc capacitors in the tuning circuit. 
> My tuner would not hold a setting, and the swr would drift all over when 
> used on the lower bands until I replaced all of the the disc caps with 
> Russian door knob caps that I purchased off Ebay. Now my 229 tuner is rock 
> steady, and I have not had any issues with it after the modification.
>
> If your antenna does not need a tuner, then you will be happy with the 229 
> as it is built, but if you are using antennas that are far from 50 ohms 
> like my doublet that is fed with 450 ohm window line, the 229 in the 
> factory configuration is a lousy piece of equipment.
>
> The meter is more bother than it is worth, unless you are like me, and 
> need to have everything working correctly just because it's there!
>
> Sorry for the rant.
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>