Yaesu FT-101E and FL-2100B SSB Tune Up Procedure

Here's my 101 line tuned up on 80M SSB. By advancing the LOADING control after tune-up, I can squeeze an additional 10% of power out. Is this safe? Several HAMs have recommended this method to me. [Here is an image of my FT101 line at my old office: http://www.redbaron057.com/images/youtubelink_ft101e-line.JPG ]

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Yaesu
• FT-101E
• FL-2100B
• tune up procedure
• KF6UME

[sailatmojo]

There are two components to the answer. One that has already been mentioned is that you are making a better match between the transceiver and the amplifier input, ergo more drive. The second is that the efficiency of the amplifier goes up non-linearly with power (within limits), so you get more out for less than a proportianal input change (indicated by plate curent change) . W8JI's website is an excellent resource for these items and more.

[kf6ume]

@sailatmojo Good information, thank you for your post!

[joeofthemountain]

OM - that's a beauty of an FT-101E you have there. You've got to tune the 101 for each QSY, especially if you move more than a few hertz away. At least top off the preselector if you're in the same band. Do this in stages, similar to your AM video, but bring it to full power for CW/SSB 20W at a time, playing between Plate and Load. Do the same for the FL-2100B as it's the same concept - start with low power and tweak it as you increase to be sure it's optimal. Good for 600W+ on the old girl

[kf6ume]

@joeofthemountain

Thanks Joe! I'm the 2nd owner of this classic (purchased from a SK) and it is in beautiful shape. I collected the rest of the line after the 101 and all but the amplifier look brand new. I have an image of the entire line linked above in the video description.

[kf6ume]

N5SYR de KF6UME. Thanks for the info. Yes, I have the original manual and am, for the most part, following the recommended tune-up procedure.

[sailatmojo]

It is perfectly proper to effect a sliding balance, adjust the loading and tuning alternately. Max power output will occur somewhat off the resonance "dip" or minimum current. Adjust both the exciter and the amplifier for max power, provided you don't exceed the amplifier's max input or max plate current spec. In the case of the 101-2100 combo, you are safer maxing out the 101 (you won;t overdrive the 2100), but need to be sure you keep the plate current of the 2100 at 500mA or below.

[69furball69]

The answer to your questions is: Yes, and No.

When you tune up a tube rig, you flip back and forth about 3 times between dipping the plate and peaking the load. Doing it only once is not sufficient because adjusting one puts the other out of tune so you do it multiple times. Each successive time the adjustments get smaller and more precise. Then your tank circuit will be tuned for resonance and maximum power output.

[MadeiraJon]

@n5syr1

All the LOAD control does is to make a batter match between the TX PA and the next unit, whether it is an ATU or a FL2100 or whatever.

To check that match you would be better to fit an VSWR meter and an ATU just after the FT101 and before the linear.

if the match between the FT101 and the FL2100 is a perfect 50 Ohms, then you shouldn't need to adjust the LOAD at all.

Jon G4FUT

[hotdanman]

the prob is with the amp in operate mode and keyed you are loading into the amps tuned input not the dummy load leave the load alone it should receive better and not overdrive the amp it will be cleaner and happy dx de aj4fg

[kopiteinnz]

First tune the 101 into a 50 ohm dummy load for max output making sure you have 1-1 swr by adjusting input circuit on the FL2100 as described in the tune up proceedure for the linear. You will need to do this for each band you operate on. Connect linear and tune it with plate and load controls for max output. You should get about 600 watts if the tubes are good.