There are occasional reports on discussion groups regarding re-tuning issues with the SG-211. We do not disclaim this problem, but we have NOT been able to replicate it in our engineering lab. Continued investigation is indicating that this problem may be caused by a wideband pulseThe few couplers that were returned to SGC with this unexplained re-tuning were thoroughly inspected and tested and no faults were found in the tuners.
More than 95% of SG-211 owners are satisfied with the unit. The high performance features at the low cost of $180 make this an ideal product for any ham operating at low power, and it is important to remember that the SG-211 operates differently than the popular family of Smartuners™. Some of the perceived problems were actually identified as improper installations or incorrect product use. Below this announcement are a few important operation tips.
A new edition of the SG-211 went into production at the end of our first 1000 units. The latest production model of the SG-211 features:
1. A new battery voltage test function which reduces power draw.
2. Several upgraded components to extend the units' life
3. A tune-lock function and switch similar to our popular Smartlock™
SGC stands behind the SG-211 and all of our Smartuner products. We want our customers to be satisfied with the exceptional product design and value that has been the trademark of our company. We are confident that the SG-211 will exceed the performance expectations of its owners.
TIPS FOR OPERATION
1. The SG-211 can be damaged when excessive power is applied (greater than 60 watts) and several users have done this. Limit the maximum power output of your transceiver to 60 watts or less.
2. The SG-211 will tune as long as it sees RF. Sometimes, people are fooled into thinking tuning is complete and then surprised when it starts again. If the tuner does not light the LED, then it has not finished tuning, and may start and stop several times as you apply enough power for tuning. This is especially prevalent when operating SSB. It may help to be sure to tune the SG-211 in the same mode in which you will be operating.
3. In some cases, the SG-211 will tune an unbalanced load better using the balanced output connections. Even though technically, an unbalanced connection should be used, a better, faster and more stable match is found through the balanced connections. Sometimes, the opposite is also true (a balanced antenna tuning better with an unbalanced setup).
4. The SG-211 tunes slower than the other Smartuners because of the latching relays. It takes a finite time to latch and unlatch and this can make the tuner seem “slow” if comparing it to another Smartuner. This has caused some users to think that the tuner wasn’t working when all it needed was more time to tune.
5. Just like all Smartuners, the SG-211 will tune from memory. However, when memory is recalled, the latching relays are unlatched and then relatched in the new settings. Sometimes this has been interpreted as a tune cycle because of the multiple clicks heard during the process. This is just the normal operation of the SG-211 when recalling from memory.
SGC Inc., Tel:
425-746-6310 Fax: 425-746-6384
Email: sgc@sgcworld.comSGC reserves the right to change specifications, release dates and price without notice.