LDG Electronics RT-11 User manual

RT-11 Remote
1445 Parran Road, PO Box 48
St. Leonard, MD 20685
Tech Support: 410-586-2177
Toll Free Order: 1-877-890-3003
www.ldgelectronics.com
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................2
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 3
Features and Specifications ................................................................................3
Installation:...........................................................................................................3
Operation.............................................................................................................. 4
A word about tuning etiquette............................................................................5
Care and Maintenance........................................................................................ 5
Technical Support................................................................................................5
Warranty and Service .........................................................................................5
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
Never install antennas over or near power lines. You can be seriously injured or killed if any part of the antenna touches the power line. Always follow this antenna safety rule: the distance to the nearest power line should be at least twice the length of the longest antenna dimension.
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Introduction
Congratulations on choosing the LDG RT-11 remote. This unit allows you to remotely control your LDG RT-11 remote antenna tuner from the comfort of your operating position.
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.
Features and Specifications
Sturdy, compact construction
All controls and indicators needed to operate the RT-11 remote tuner
Power input jack for powering RT-11 via the control cable
Installation:
Your RT-11 remote is intended for indoor use only; it is not water resistant. If you use it outdoors (Field Day, for example) you must protect it from rain.
There are two connections on the back of the remote unit: power input and control cable.
Power input: you can, if you wish, power your RT-11 tuner through the remote. Connect the power supply (11 – 20 volts DC, 250 mA) to the 5.5 x 2.5 mm coaxial power jack on the back of the remote (center pin positive). DC power will then be automatically routed to the tuner via the control cable. If you do not apply power at this connector, then you must provide power directly to the RT-11 via its Data jack (see RT-11 manual).
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Control cable: Connect the supplied control cable to the 9 pin jack on the back of the remote. Connect the other end to the data jack on the RT-11 tuner. If needed, you can use a DB-9 to DB-9 extension cable available at most computer stores. Just be sure to get a “straight-through” cable that connects pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2, etc. (that is, avoid cables that cross-connect wires, as in a null-modem cable).
Antenna (Typical)
Coax
Antenna
Transceiver
Transmitter
PL-259
Coax
PL-259
Power Supply
11-14 vdc
250 mA
Auto Tune
Reset
RT-11 Remote
Tune1.5
Data cable
Not to scale
Remote
Interface
Transmitter
Antenna
RT-11
Typical RT-11 Remote Installation
Operation
Operation of your RT-11 remote is quite simple.
RESET: the reset button places the tuner in bypass mode; RF from your transmitter goes directly to the antenna with no matching.
AUTO: the auto button engages the automatic tuning mode. In this mode, a tuning cycle will begin automatically any time the SWR exceeds 3:1.
TUNE: the tune button manually begins a tuning cycle. Just key your transmitter (being sure to observe rated maximum power; see the RT-11 manual) in any mode that transmits a constant carrier (CW, FM, AM, RTTY), then press and release the tune button. An automatic tuning cycle will begin, as indicated by the red TUNE LED. The tuning cycle will automatically end in a few seconds and the red LED will go out. Unkey your transmitter.
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There are two indicator lights: 1.5 and TUNE
TUNE LED: the red LED marked TUNE lights to indicate that a tuning cycle is under way, either started automatically in AUTO mode or manually by pressing the TUNE button. The TUNE LED will go out at the end of the tuning cycle.
1.5 LED: the green LED marked 1.5 lights any time the SWR exceeds 1.5:1, either during tuning or during a normal transmission. The LED will light continuously when RF is present and the SWR is below 1.5:1. The LED will dim when RF is present and the SWR is between 1.5 and 2.2:1. When there is no RF present, the LED is used to indicate Bypass, Auto/Semi and Tune modes.
A word about tuning etiquette
Be sure to pick a vacant frequency to tune. With today’s crowded ham bands, this is often difficult. However, do your best to avoid interfering with other hams as you tune. The RT-11’s very short tuning cycle, usually only a second or so, minimizes the impact of your tuning transmissions
Care and Maintenance Your RT-11 remote is essentially maintenance-free, and rugged enough for normal outdoor use. The outer
case may be cleaned as needed with a soft cloth slightly dampened in household cleaning solution. As with any modern electronic device, the RT-11 remote can be damaged by temperature extremes, water, impact or static discharge. LDG strongly recommends that you use a high-quality, properly installed lightning arrestor on all coaxial and data lines leading inside from outdoors.
Technical Support
We are happy to help you with your RT-11 remote. Telephone technical support is available at 410-586-2177 weekdays from 9 am to 6pm Eastern time. Inquiries by Fax at 410-586-8475 are welcome, and prompt e-mail support at ldg@ldgelectronics.com is always available.
Warranty and Service
Your RT-11 remote is warranted against defects in parts or workmanship for one year from purchase. This warranty applies to the original purchaser only; it is not transferable. Units returned for warranty service must be accompanied by a copy of the receipt showing the purchaser’s name and the date of purchase. All returns must be shipped to us pre-paid; we will not accept units with postage due. A return form is provided on our web site for your convenience.
If you need to return your RT-11 remote to us for service, package it carefully, keeping in mind that we will re-use your packaging to return the unit to you. A self-addressed return shipping label, while not required, will help ensure speedy and accurate delivery of your repaired unit. Include a full description of the problem, along with your name, address and a phone number or e-mail where we can reach you with any questions. Repairs average about 2 to 4 weeks.
We will be glad to service your RT-11 remote after the warranty period. We will notify you of repair charges by phone or e-mail, and bill you after repairs are completed.
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