Smartuners operate completely independently of the transceiver or transmitter/receiver you are using. They are intelligent and self-contained. The only requirements for operation are:

1. 12 VDC Power
2. RF Power on the RF Input from the transmitter/transceiver

Nothing else is needed for operation. As simple as this is, there are some things you must be aware of while operating with any transceiver/transmitter. The Smartuner imposes as few limitations on the transceiver as possible, but actual transceivers may have other problems:

1. The optimum way to tune a Smartuner is to give it full RF power, but some transceivers cannot be tuned at full power. All modern transceivers provide for protection, but if the components are weak, it may not be good enough. Older transceivers may also be limited and not have adequate protection. Higher power for tuning enhances the operation of the Smartuner, but it should never be attempted with a transceiver that you are uncertain of. Read your manual (even some of the modern transceivers caution you not to tune at full power). It's also polite to tune up at low power so that you don't disrupt the bands.

2. Many older transmitter/receiver combinations have old fashion tuning systems with PI output stages from the transmitter. Tuning the transmitter to the line involves adjusting the PI output loading and the plate tuning until the plate current is adjusted properly. This type of transceiver, usually with tube finals, is far less affected by high SWR. It is best in this case to start with a short carrier to allow the Smartuner to tune, and then manually tune the transmitter per instructions for operation. The Smartuner will follow along as you tune and adjust if necessary. By letting the Smartuner make an initial adjustment, you create a more stable output for the manual tuning process.

3. Another good tuning procedure, especially for those who don't have a good SWR meter was submitted by David Allred, N1EXQ: 'I usually encourage people working with older tube final rigs to:"

1. Tune up the transmitter into a dummy load. This 50 ohm load insures that your rig finals are tuned optimally. Use the manufacturer's procedure as specified in the transmitter's manual.
2. Reduce power to 10 or 20 Watts.
3. Switch the output from the dummy load to the Smartuner. Apply power and the Smartuner matches the antenna load to your transmitter.
4. Set mode and power levels as needed and communicate!

"By taking the trouble to initially tune into a non-reactive normalized impedance (your dummy load), your transmitter finals are operating at an optimum setting. Once the Smartuner has normalized the impedance of the antenna system, your rig sees a comfortable 50 ohms; exactly what it was initially tuned to."