RE: MFJ HI-Q Loop 1788 Will not stay on frequency.

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RE: MFJ HI-Q Loop 1788 Will not stay on frequency.

Cortland Richmond-2
Ken W0CA wrote:
 
> time. My problem is the antenna will not stay on frequency. It will tune
on
> any frequency easily but the only time it will stay on frequency is in
the
> middle of the night with no wind. I talked to MFJ and Tom recommended I
> tighten the spring on the capacitor. I did and it improved  but again
this
> week end I saw it jump and drift. I had it tuned up on 14.058 and it
dropped
> down to 14.007. Another time it jumped from 14.058 to 14.076. I know
others

I have one of these (now in storage) and that spring arrangment is IMO a
kludge.  When I got mine, the shaft was misaligned and it didn't even work.
One way to deal with its loose tuning is to always tune past the desired
frequency then come back in  the direction (I forget which) which  results
in less frequency change afterwards.  

That said, this antenna is very narrow, and it is neither temperature
compensated nor digitally stabilized. Mechanical vibration and temperature
changes WILL throw tuning off, and we should be prepared to live with it.
Remember, an old Heathkit VFO would easily drift 100 Khz if we hung its
coil out where the loop is. Just beep the tune switch and keep going..

Cortland
KA5S


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