SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

I just got down to my boat on the Rio Dulce in Guatemala and found
that
my SEA-235 SSB tuner isn't tuning. The tuner should automatically
tune
after switching frequencies and transmitting. Also, by grounding the
Demand Tune (DMD TUN) signal wire, the tuner should tune. This is
accomplished by pressing the Function (FNC) key while pressing PTT.
When I do so, I see the demand tune signal drop, but no tuning takes
place. I either
get NO TUNE displayed on the transmitter display or I get a very high
SWR (7 to 8+)

The tuner correctly runs through its initialization as shown by the
configuration of the tuner relays after powering up. I've carefully
cleaned and checked all of the connections and my ground connections
are
bright copper.

I had this problem once before, but it mysteriously cleared up just as
it appeared. On past occassions I've heard the tuner relays
chattering while
transmitting. This also comes and goes. I've corresponded with SEA
about this and have shipped the radio back to them, but they found
nothing with the radio.

I can receive and transmit, and I've been told that my signal is
clean,
but weak as I'm at low power. I can send and receive e-mail via
SailMail reasonably well (the propagation on the Rio Dulce is always a
problem).

What I'd like to know is what other tests can I run to diagnose the
problem. Could it be the antennae? Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated. Just remember that I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Thanks, Geoff

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

Sounds like a bad connection after the tuner in the antenna.

There is a gadget with a noise bridge, SWR, frequency meter
old uncle tom cobley an all for checking antennas. It costs
about $200. It would be nice to have in this kind of situation.

Brian W

On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

I just got down to my boat on the Rio Dulce in Guatemala and found
that
my SEA-235 SSB tuner isn't tuning. The tuner should automatically
tune
after switching frequencies and transmitting. Also, by grounding the
Demand Tune (DMD TUN) signal wire, the tuner should tune. This is
accomplished by pressing the Function (FNC) key while pressing PTT.
When I do so, I see the demand tune signal drop, but no tuning takes
place. I either
get NO TUNE displayed on the transmitter display or I get a very high
SWR (7 to 8+)

The tuner correctly runs through its initialization as shown by the
configuration of the tuner relays after powering up. I've carefully
cleaned and checked all of the connections and my ground connections
are
bright copper.

I had this problem once before, but it mysteriously cleared up just as
it appeared. On past occassions I've heard the tuner relays
chattering while
transmitting. This also comes and goes. I've corresponded with SEA
about this and have shipped the radio back to them, but they found
nothing with the radio.

I can receive and transmit, and I've been told that my signal is
clean,
but weak as I'm at low power. I can send and receive e-mail via
SailMail reasonably well (the propagation on the Rio Dulce is always a
problem).

What I'd like to know is what other tests can I run to diagnose the
problem. Could it be the antennae? Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated. Just remember that I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Thanks, Geoff

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

Sounds like a bad connection after the tuner in the antenna.

There is a gadget with a noise bridge, SWR, frequency meter
old uncle tom cobley an all for checking antennas. It costs
about $200. It would be nice to have in this kind of situation.

Brian W

On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

I just got down to my boat on the Rio Dulce in Guatemala and found
that
my SEA-235 SSB tuner isn't tuning. The tuner should automatically
tune
after switching frequencies and transmitting. Also, by grounding the
Demand Tune (DMD TUN) signal wire, the tuner should tune. This is
accomplished by pressing the Function (FNC) key while pressing PTT.
When I do so, I see the demand tune signal drop, but no tuning takes
place. I either
get NO TUNE displayed on the transmitter display or I get a very high
SWR (7 to 8+)

The tuner correctly runs through its initialization as shown by the
configuration of the tuner relays after powering up. I've carefully
cleaned and checked all of the connections and my ground connections
are
bright copper.

I had this problem once before, but it mysteriously cleared up just as
it appeared. On past occassions I've heard the tuner relays
chattering while
transmitting. This also comes and goes. I've corresponded with SEA
about this and have shipped the radio back to them, but they found
nothing with the radio.

I can receive and transmit, and I've been told that my signal is
clean,
but weak as I'm at low power. I can send and receive e-mail via
SailMail reasonably well (the propagation on the Rio Dulce is always a
problem).

What I'd like to know is what other tests can I run to diagnose the
problem. Could it be the antennae? Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated. Just remember that I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Thanks, Geoff

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

Brian Whatcott wrote:

old uncle tom cobley an all

You gotta be a Brit. Don't think I have ever heard that expression this
side of the pond.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

Brian Whatcott wrote:

old uncle tom cobley an all

You gotta be a Brit. Don't think I have ever heard that expression this
side of the pond.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

you didn't say what the antenna is - assuming sailboat backstay -
maybe check the condition of the HT wire from the tuner to the
backstay?

On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

I just got down to my boat on the Rio Dulce in Guatemala and found
that
my SEA-235 SSB tuner isn't tuning. The tuner should automatically
tune

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

you didn't say what the antenna is - assuming sailboat backstay -
maybe check the condition of the HT wire from the tuner to the
backstay?

On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

I just got down to my boat on the Rio Dulce in Guatemala and found
that
my SEA-235 SSB tuner isn't tuning. The tuner should automatically
tune

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

I lived there many years: still have to think about fenders versus
"wings".
"Tom Cobley" was a snatch from a folk story in verse from the edge of
Dartmoor where Sherlock Holmes' Hound (of the Baskervilles) was
set.... Here's one of the verses:

When the wind whistles cold on the moor of the night
All along, down along, out along, lee,
Tom Pearce's old mare doth appear ghastly white,
With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all."


Brian W

On Sat, 03 Jan 2004 21:42:31 -0500, Glenn Ashmore
wrote:



Brian Whatcott wrote:

old uncle tom cobley an all

You gotta be a Brit. Don't think I have ever heard that expression this
side of the pond.

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

I lived there many years: still have to think about fenders versus
"wings".
"Tom Cobley" was a snatch from a folk story in verse from the edge of
Dartmoor where Sherlock Holmes' Hound (of the Baskervilles) was
set.... Here's one of the verses:

When the wind whistles cold on the moor of the night
All along, down along, out along, lee,
Tom Pearce's old mare doth appear ghastly white,
With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all."


Brian W

On Sat, 03 Jan 2004 21:42:31 -0500, Glenn Ashmore
wrote:



Brian Whatcott wrote:

old uncle tom cobley an all

You gotta be a Brit. Don't think I have ever heard that expression this
side of the pond.

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

The antenna is a 23 foot Shakespeare whip. I´ve checked the
connections to it and they appear to be good. I´ve been told that my
signal sounds good although I can only transmit at low power. I would
have thought that at some frequency that the antenna would be tuned.

-- Geoff

Freebee wrote in message . ..
you didn't say what the antenna is - assuming sailboat backstay -
maybe check the condition of the HT wire from the tuner to the
backstay?

On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

I just got down to my boat on the Rio Dulce in Guatemala and found
that
my SEA-235 SSB tuner isn't tuning. The tuner should automatically
tune

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

The antenna is a 23 foot Shakespeare whip. I´ve checked the
connections to it and they appear to be good. I´ve been told that my
signal sounds good although I can only transmit at low power. I would
have thought that at some frequency that the antenna would be tuned.

-- Geoff

Freebee wrote in message . ..
you didn't say what the antenna is - assuming sailboat backstay -
maybe check the condition of the HT wire from the tuner to the
backstay?

On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

I just got down to my boat on the Rio Dulce in Guatemala and found
that
my SEA-235 SSB tuner isn't tuning. The tuner should automatically
tune

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

On 4 Jan 2004 05:28:37 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

The antenna is a 23 foot Shakespeare whip. I´ve checked the
connections to it and they appear to be good. I´ve been told that my
signal sounds good although I can only transmit at low power. I would
have thought that at some frequency that the antenna would be tuned.

-- Geoff

The wire inside the fiberglass whip has broken and is making
intermittent contact. The only thing that's inside the fiberglass is
a piece of hookup wire wrapped around a form then fiberglassed to form
a continuously loaded shortened whip. They break.

Disconnect the whip from the tuner and haul up a 40-50' piece of wire
hooked to the tuner's high voltage output with insulating line on the
outer end. Any wire will do, even a dropcord. At your dock, haul it
up your neighbor's mast or anything you can get to. Once set, try to
see if the tuner will load the longwire. This will separate the
possible whip problem from the possible tuner problem so we can
determine which of them is the true problem. Don't let the longwire
get near any metal objects. Stand it off any rigging with a boat
cushion or insulating pole if you have to. It also doesn't need to be
string tight.

If it tunes, the whip is toast. If it doesn't send the tuner to the
shop.

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

On 4 Jan 2004 05:28:37 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

The antenna is a 23 foot Shakespeare whip. I´ve checked the
connections to it and they appear to be good. I´ve been told that my
signal sounds good although I can only transmit at low power. I would
have thought that at some frequency that the antenna would be tuned.

-- Geoff

The wire inside the fiberglass whip has broken and is making
intermittent contact. The only thing that's inside the fiberglass is
a piece of hookup wire wrapped around a form then fiberglassed to form
a continuously loaded shortened whip. They break.

Disconnect the whip from the tuner and haul up a 40-50' piece of wire
hooked to the tuner's high voltage output with insulating line on the
outer end. Any wire will do, even a dropcord. At your dock, haul it
up your neighbor's mast or anything you can get to. Once set, try to
see if the tuner will load the longwire. This will separate the
possible whip problem from the possible tuner problem so we can
determine which of them is the true problem. Don't let the longwire
get near any metal objects. Stand it off any rigging with a boat
cushion or insulating pole if you have to. It also doesn't need to be
string tight.

If it tunes, the whip is toast. If it doesn't send the tuner to the
shop.

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

Lessee: 23 feet, say 7 meters is a quarter wave
so a wavelength is 28 meters.
300/28 = 10.7 MHz or a little lower....

The wire in a glass whip can break.
Checking it for resonance would eliminate this possibility.

Brian W

On 4 Jan 2004 05:28:37 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

The antenna is a 23 foot Shakespeare whip. I´ve checked the
connections to it and they appear to be good. I´ve been told that my
signal sounds good although I can only transmit at low power. I would
have thought that at some frequency that the antenna would be tuned.

-- Geoff

Freebee wrote in message . ..
you didn't say what the antenna is - assuming sailboat backstay -
maybe check the condition of the HT wire from the tuner to the
backstay?

On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

I just got down to my boat on the Rio Dulce in Guatemala and found
that
my SEA-235 SSB tuner isn't tuning. The tuner should automatically
tune

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

Lessee: 23 feet, say 7 meters is a quarter wave
so a wavelength is 28 meters.
300/28 = 10.7 MHz or a little lower....

The wire in a glass whip can break.
Checking it for resonance would eliminate this possibility.

Brian W

On 4 Jan 2004 05:28:37 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

The antenna is a 23 foot Shakespeare whip. I´ve checked the
connections to it and they appear to be good. I´ve been told that my
signal sounds good although I can only transmit at low power. I would
have thought that at some frequency that the antenna would be tuned.

-- Geoff

Freebee wrote in message . ..
you didn't say what the antenna is - assuming sailboat backstay -
maybe check the condition of the HT wire from the tuner to the
backstay?

On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

I just got down to my boat on the Rio Dulce in Guatemala and found
that
my SEA-235 SSB tuner isn't tuning. The tuner should automatically
tune

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

I'm happy to report that I resolved the problem. Thanks for all of
the suggestions. This morning I wired a 50' extension cord as an
antenna and pulled it via a halyard up the mast. The tuner wouldn't
tune, but I noted that I wasn't receiving any WWV frequencies. I
switched back to the whip antenna and I still wasn't getting anything.
I decided to start checking all of the connections and while I was
checking the PLU-59 connection at the transmitter, WWV started to come
in. I played with the connector and decided to replace it.

After replacing the connector I tried tuning and got great tunes (SWRs
between 1.0 and 1.2) and great reception. I'm still very confused as
how I could transmit voice and e-mail over this, but I guess that
there was just enough of a connection, but insufficient for the tuner
to tune.

I learned a lot and really want to thank everyone who helped!

-- Geoff

Shortwave Sportfishing wrote in message . ..
On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

~~ snip ~~

What I'd like to know is what other tests can I run to diagnose the
problem. Could it be the antennae? Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated. Just remember that I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Thanks, Geoff

I'm not familiar with that radio, but have you checked the connector
at the radio and at the antenna? Loose ground perhaps?

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"I object to fishing tournaments less for
what they do to fish than what they do to
fishermen." Ted Williams - 1964

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

I'm happy to report that I resolved the problem. Thanks for all of
the suggestions. This morning I wired a 50' extension cord as an
antenna and pulled it via a halyard up the mast. The tuner wouldn't
tune, but I noted that I wasn't receiving any WWV frequencies. I
switched back to the whip antenna and I still wasn't getting anything.
I decided to start checking all of the connections and while I was
checking the PLU-59 connection at the transmitter, WWV started to come
in. I played with the connector and decided to replace it.

After replacing the connector I tried tuning and got great tunes (SWRs
between 1.0 and 1.2) and great reception. I'm still very confused as
how I could transmit voice and e-mail over this, but I guess that
there was just enough of a connection, but insufficient for the tuner
to tune.

I learned a lot and really want to thank everyone who helped!

-- Geoff

Shortwave Sportfishing wrote in message . ..
On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

~~ snip ~~

What I'd like to know is what other tests can I run to diagnose the
problem. Could it be the antennae? Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated. Just remember that I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Thanks, Geoff

I'm not familiar with that radio, but have you checked the connector
at the radio and at the antenna? Loose ground perhaps?

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"I object to fishing tournaments less for
what they do to fish than what they do to
fishermen." Ted Williams - 1964

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 22:34:19 GMT, Brian Whatcott
wrote:

Lessee: 23 feet, say 7 meters is a quarter wave
so a wavelength is 28 meters.
300/28 = 10.7 MHz or a little lower....

The wire in a glass whip can break.
Checking it for resonance would eliminate this possibility.

Brian W

The wire in the whip isn't a straight piece of wire. It's coiled
around a form to form a continuously-loaded shortened whip. The
electrical length of it is considerably longer than 23'. It'll
resonate lower than 10 Mhz somewhere......

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 22:34:19 GMT, Brian Whatcott
wrote:

Lessee: 23 feet, say 7 meters is a quarter wave
so a wavelength is 28 meters.
300/28 = 10.7 MHz or a little lower....

The wire in a glass whip can break.
Checking it for resonance would eliminate this possibility.

Brian W

The wire in the whip isn't a straight piece of wire. It's coiled
around a form to form a continuously-loaded shortened whip. The
electrical length of it is considerably longer than 23'. It'll
resonate lower than 10 Mhz somewhere......

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

Glad you solved it, Geoff! Yeah, it's always acceptable to move the
transmitter up a little closer to the coax connectors....(c;

Any SWR under 2:1 is fine. 1.5:1 is only 4% reflected power. 2.0:1
is only 10% reflected power. That's just fine.....except on CB, of
course.

We also don't like these SWR readings at high powered broadcast
stations. 10% of 150 kilowatts makes a LOT of heat and some amazing
standing wave voltages. 10% of 150W is more manageable.



On 5 Jan 2004 12:00:48 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

I'm happy to report that I resolved the problem. Thanks for all of
the suggestions. This morning I wired a 50' extension cord as an
antenna and pulled it via a halyard up the mast. The tuner wouldn't
tune, but I noted that I wasn't receiving any WWV frequencies. I
switched back to the whip antenna and I still wasn't getting anything.
I decided to start checking all of the connections and while I was
checking the PLU-59 connection at the transmitter, WWV started to come
in. I played with the connector and decided to replace it.

After replacing the connector I tried tuning and got great tunes (SWRs
between 1.0 and 1.2) and great reception. I'm still very confused as
how I could transmit voice and e-mail over this, but I guess that
there was just enough of a connection, but insufficient for the tuner
to tune.

I learned a lot and really want to thank everyone who helped!

-- Geoff

Shortwave Sportfishing wrote in message . ..
On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

~~ snip ~~

What I'd like to know is what other tests can I run to diagnose the
problem. Could it be the antennae? Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated. Just remember that I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Thanks, Geoff

I'm not familiar with that radio, but have you checked the connector
at the radio and at the antenna? Loose ground perhaps?

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"I object to fishing tournaments less for
what they do to fish than what they do to
fishermen." Ted Williams - 1964

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

Glad you solved it, Geoff! Yeah, it's always acceptable to move the
transmitter up a little closer to the coax connectors....(c;

Any SWR under 2:1 is fine. 1.5:1 is only 4% reflected power. 2.0:1
is only 10% reflected power. That's just fine.....except on CB, of
course.

We also don't like these SWR readings at high powered broadcast
stations. 10% of 150 kilowatts makes a LOT of heat and some amazing
standing wave voltages. 10% of 150W is more manageable.



On 5 Jan 2004 12:00:48 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

I'm happy to report that I resolved the problem. Thanks for all of
the suggestions. This morning I wired a 50' extension cord as an
antenna and pulled it via a halyard up the mast. The tuner wouldn't
tune, but I noted that I wasn't receiving any WWV frequencies. I
switched back to the whip antenna and I still wasn't getting anything.
I decided to start checking all of the connections and while I was
checking the PLU-59 connection at the transmitter, WWV started to come
in. I played with the connector and decided to replace it.

After replacing the connector I tried tuning and got great tunes (SWRs
between 1.0 and 1.2) and great reception. I'm still very confused as
how I could transmit voice and e-mail over this, but I guess that
there was just enough of a connection, but insufficient for the tuner
to tune.

I learned a lot and really want to thank everyone who helped!

-- Geoff

Shortwave Sportfishing wrote in message . ..
On 3 Jan 2004 11:25:06 -0800, (GeoffSchultz)
wrote:

~~ snip ~~

What I'd like to know is what other tests can I run to diagnose the
problem. Could it be the antennae? Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated. Just remember that I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Thanks, Geoff

I'm not familiar with that radio, but have you checked the connector
at the radio and at the antenna? Loose ground perhaps?

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"I object to fishing tournaments less for
what they do to fish than what they do to
fishermen." Ted Williams - 1964

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

On Tue, 06 Jan 2004 05:48:15 GMT, (Larry W4CSC) wrote:

On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 22:34:19 GMT, Brian Whatcott
wrote:

Lessee: 23 feet, say 7 meters is a quarter wave
so a wavelength is 28 meters.
300/28 = 10.7 MHz or a little lower....

The wire in a glass whip can break.
Checking it for resonance would eliminate this possibility.

Brian W

The wire in the whip isn't a straight piece of wire. It's coiled
around a form to form a continuously-loaded shortened whip. The
electrical length of it is considerably longer than 23'. It'll
resonate lower than 10 Mhz somewhere......



Nope, it is just a straight piece of wire. No coils at all. Unless it
is one of the old antennas for 2 mhz only.
With a coil in them they will not work above 4 mhz. Only a small part
of the antenna would be effective on the higher frequencies.

Regards
Gary

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

On Tue, 06 Jan 2004 05:48:15 GMT, (Larry W4CSC) wrote:

On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 22:34:19 GMT, Brian Whatcott
wrote:

Lessee: 23 feet, say 7 meters is a quarter wave
so a wavelength is 28 meters.
300/28 = 10.7 MHz or a little lower....

The wire in a glass whip can break.
Checking it for resonance would eliminate this possibility.

Brian W

The wire in the whip isn't a straight piece of wire. It's coiled
around a form to form a continuously-loaded shortened whip. The
electrical length of it is considerably longer than 23'. It'll
resonate lower than 10 Mhz somewhere......



Nope, it is just a straight piece of wire. No coils at all. Unless it
is one of the old antennas for 2 mhz only.
With a coil in them they will not work above 4 mhz. Only a small part
of the antenna would be effective on the higher frequencies.

Regards
Gary

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

On Tue, 06 Jan 2004 17:40:51 GMT, Gary Schafer
wrote:


Nope, it is just a straight piece of wire. No coils at all. Unless it
is one of the old antennas for 2 mhz only.
With a coil in them they will not work above 4 mhz. Only a small part
of the antenna would be effective on the higher frequencies.

Regards
Gary

God, that must suck! Base loaded with a crappy, lossy tuner AND a
way-too-short antenna with only an E-field with almost no antenna
current......

NO wonder they all sound so crappy!

SEA-235 SSB Tuner Problem
 

On Tue, 06 Jan 2004 17:40:51 GMT, Gary Schafer
wrote:


Nope, it is just a straight piece of wire. No coils at all. Unless it
is one of the old antennas for 2 mhz only.
With a coil in them they will not work above 4 mhz. Only a small part
of the antenna would be effective on the higher frequencies.

Regards
Gary

God, that must suck! Base loaded with a crappy, lossy tuner AND a
way-too-short antenna with only an E-field with almost no antenna
current......

NO wonder they all sound so crappy!