LDG OT-11P, OT-11PP Instructions Manual

OT-11P

Automatic Antenna Tuner

For Ten-Tec Orion

Manual Version 1.1

LDG Electronics

1445 Parran Road, PO Box 48

St. Leonard MD 20685-2903 USA

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]
www.ldgelectronics.com

Copyright © LDG Electronics 2006. All rights reserved.

OT-11P

Automatic Antenna Tuner

For the Ten-Tec Orion

Introduction 3
Specifications 3
OT-11P Auto Tuner Overview 4
Installation 6
Operation 11
Theory Of Operation 12

Some Basic Ideas About Impedance 12
Transmitters, Transmission Lines, Antennas and Impedance 12

The LDG OT-11P 14
A Word About Tuning Etiquette 15
Care and Maintenance 15
Technical Support 15
Warranty and Service 15
Firmware Upgrades 16
Feedback 16

2

Introduction

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Congratulations on selecting the OT-11P tuner for your Ten-Tec Orion and Orion II transceiver.
This tuner, when installed, will be fully integrated with your transceiver, and will be controlled by
the radio's user interface. Your OT-11P will quickly and automatically match an amazing variety
of antennas.

LDG pioneered the automatic, wide-range switched-L tuner in 1995. From its laboratories near
the nation’s capitol, LDG continues to define the state of the art in this field with innovative
automatic tuners and related products for every amateur need.

Specifications

•

Fully integrated with the Orion and Orion II transceiver

• 200 memories for instantaneous frequency or band changing

• Automatic recall of last tuned setting on power-up

• Tuning time: 0.1 to 4 seconds full tune, < 0.1 second memory tune

• Frequency coverage: 1.8 to 30 MHz.

• Tunes 6 to 1000 ohm loads (16 to 150 ohms on 6M), 6 to 4000 ohms with

optional 4:1 Balun (LDG RBA-1)

• For Dipoles, Verticals, Vs, Beams or and Coax Fed Antenna

• Optional external Balun allows tuning of random length, long wire or ladder line

fed antennas

• Powered directly by the Orion radio

Never install antennas or transmission lines over or near
power lines. You can be seriousl
of the antenna, support or transmission line touches a power
line. Alwa
the nearest power line should be at least twice the len
the longest antenna, transmission line or support dimension.

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

injured or killed if any part

s follow this antenna safety rule: the distance to

th o

3

OT-11P Auto Tuner Overview

Your OT-11P comes fully assembled, aligned and ready to install. You will install the tuner
inside your Orion transceiver, resulting in a fully integrated internal tuner. After installation, your
OT-11P tuner will be controlled by the Orion's front panel TUNE button.

Installation is straightforward; you will mount the tuner inside your Orion transceiver, remove
one coax jumper, install three plugs and solder one connection. These are simple steps, well
within the abilities of anyone with basic electronic assembly skills. Simply follow the step-by­step directions, referring to the accompanying illustrations. Work patiently, read through each
step completely before proceeding and check your work often.

Your workplace should be uncluttered, well lighted and well ventilated, and protected from static
discharge. A grounded static mat is ideal, but you should at least be able to touch a ground point
(light switch, water pipe, etc) from time to time to avoid static buildup.

Installing the OT-11P according to these instructions does not void your Ten-Tec warranty.

4

A word about power levels

Your OT-11P is custom designed specifically for the Orion transceiver and its power levels.
LDG does not recommend using the OT-11P in any other application. If you choose to do so,
never exceed 125 watts peak power input to the tuner. A minimum of 0.1 watts is required to
activate the tuner.

Required Tools:

You will need a few basic electronic assembly tools to install your OT-11P:

Small soldering iron, 25-40 watts (a temperature-controlled iron is preferred)
Rosin-core or other solder intended for electronic assembly (NEVER use acid core solder for
electronic assembly)
Medium cross-point screwdriver, small hex or star driver
Small pliers
Small wire cutters

Tack Soldering

In one step, you will be instructed to “tack solder” a wire. This refers to soldering a wire end to a
pin with no hole to accept the wire. Simply hold the wire against the pin, heat with your soldering
iron, and apply a small amount of solder. Hold the wire in place until the solder cools. It will help
to tin the wire first, flowing solder onto the wire before soldering it into place.

5