Antenna Tuners

MATCHBOX "DO's" & "DON'Ts"

LONG LIVE THE MATCHBOX!

[ IF YOU TREAT IT RIGHT ]

Your Matchbox can live a long healthy life,

or die a sudden death!

It depends on how  you  use it.



10 MATCHBOX DO’s:

1.     Understand that no matchbox can match ALL antenna impedances.

2.     Choose the right matchbox technology for the job at hand.

3.     Read the instruction manual.  Learn how to properly tune your  matchbox.

4.    Always tune your matchbox at low power levels (10 to 20 Watts).

5.  AFTER the matchbox is properly tuned, increase power slowly until reaching the intended power level, but stop immediately if you hear funny noises (arcing) coming out of the matchbox. In that case, reduce power until it no longer arcs, or fix the antenna.

6.     Run the matchbox at power levels LESS than maximum rated power level.

7.     ALWAYS un-key your transmitter before turning the inductor switch.

8.    NEVER turn the inductor switch with power applied to the matchbox.

9.     YES, I know #7 and #8 are the same thing!  It is VERY IMPORTANT!

10.  Do not try to match antennas on bands for which they were not    designed to work.



10 MATCHBOX DON’Ts:

1.     Buy one matchbox, expecting it to be able to match everything.

2.     Tune the matchbox with high power (more than 20 Watts).

3.     Use the matchbox on bands for which the antenna was not designed,   unless running reduced power.

4.     Use a T-Network Matchbox without learning how to tune it properly.

5.     Turn the bandswitch/inductor switch under power.  (Nr. 1 Killer!)

6.     Turn the bandswitch/inductor switch under power.  (Nr. 1 Killer!)

7.     Turn the bandswitch/inductor switch under power.  (Nr. 1 Killer!)

8.     Turn the bandswitch/inductor switch under power.  (Nr. 1 Killer!)

9.     Turn the bandswitch/inductor switch under power.  (Nr. 1 Killer!)

10.  Blame MFJ when you burn it up by doing something stupid.

 

By following the Matchbox DO's

and avoiding the Matchbox DON'Ts,

your matchbox will probably live longer than you do!