CHAMELEON ANTENNA CHA ALRT Automatic Loop Remote Tuner Instruction Manual
- June 15, 2024
- CHAMELEON ANTENNA
Table of Contents
CHAMELEON ANTENNA CHA ALRT Automatic Loop Remote Tuner
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing and using the Chameleon AntennaTM Automatic Remote Loop Tuner (CHA ALRT). This tuner is designed for remote automatic tuning of the CHA F-LOOP 2.0/3.0 magnetic loop antennas in place of the standard manual tuning knob. This permits the antenna to be up to 12 feet from the operating position, such as on a balcony or deck, and enables precise automatic tuning of the loop. The CHA ALRT will only work with the CHA F-LOOP 2.0 and 3.0. You must also have the CHA LRT kit for your particular F-LOOP. Please follow the instructions to properly connect and operate the Automatic Loop Remote Tuner.
Parts of the Automatic Loop Remote Tuner
The CHA ALRT kit is comprised of the following components, see plate (1):
- Remote Tuning Unit – The Remote Tuning Unit (RT-1) controls the rotation direction and speed of the electric motor which mechanically adjusts the resonant frequency of the CHA F-LOOP 2.0/3.0 antenna in place of the standard Tuning Knob.
- SWR Sensing Unit – The SWR Sensing Unit (SWR-1) provides Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) data to the Remote Tuning Unit to enable automatic tuning of the CHA FLOOP 2.0/3.0.
- Short Coaxial Cable – The Short Coaxial Cable is used to connect the SWR-1 to the HF transceiver.
- SWR Cable – The SWR Cable connects the SWR-1 to the RT-1 to provide SWR data.
Installation of the Automatic Loop Remote Tuner
Please use the following procedure to connect the CHA ALRT to your CHA F-LOOP
2.0/3.0. Note that the CHA ALRT will only work with the CHA F-LOOP 2.0 and
3.0. In addition to the supplied components (shown in plate [1]) you will need
the Loop Remote Tuner (CHA LRT) kit, which contains the RT-1, Motor Assembly,
bracket, screws, and cables. See the following documentation, available at
www.chameleonantenna.com, for information
on assembling and operating the CHA F-LOOP and CHA LRT.
- HF Portable Loop Antenna 2.0 (CHA F-LOOP 2.0) and (CHA F-LOOP 2.0 TOTAL) Operator’s Manual
- HF Portable Loop Antenna 3.0 (CHA F-LOOP 3.0 Basic, Total, and Plus) Operator’s Manual
- Loop Remote Tuner (CHA LRT) Operator’s Manual
SWR Sensing Unit Connection
The following steps detail how to connect the SWR Sensing Unit (SWR-1). Refer
to figure (1) and plate (2).
- Connect the RT-1 to the F-LOOP. See “Loop Remote Tuner (CHA LRT) Operator’s Manual” for detailed installation instructions for installing the Loop Remote Tuner.
- Connect one end of the Short Coaxial Cable (C) to the antenna jack of the HF transceiver.
- Connect the other end of the Short Coaxial Cable to the “RADIO” jack of the SWR-1 (B).
- Connect one end of the SWR Cable (D) to the “CONTROL” jack of the SWR-1.
- Connect the other end of the SWR Cable to the “SWR” jack of the RT-1 (A).
- Connect the end of the F-LOOP Coaxial Cable with the RF Choke to the UHF Connector on the Coupling Loop.
- Connect the other end of the Coaxial Cable to the SWR-1 “ANTENNA” jack.
Automatic Loop Remote Tuner Operation
The Automatic Loop Remote Tuner is easy to use. See plate (3) and table (1)
for an explanation of each control and connection on the Remote Tune Unit
.
Specifications
- Product Name: Automatic Loop Remote Tuner (CHA ALRT)
- Manufacturer: Chameleon Antenna
- Compatible with: CHA F-LOOP 2.0/3.0
- • Frequency: One Step/Increment (“JOG [UP]” or “JOG [DOWN]”), approximately 12 KHz at 15 MHz.
• Power: 9V DC internal replaceable battery.
• Tuning time: Less than 60 seconds, maximum (usually less than 15 seconds).
• Remote Operation: Maximum of 12 ft. from operating position with supplied cables.
• Dimensions: Remote Tuner Unit: 4 5/8 in. x 3 1/8 in. x 1 in. (H x W x D). Motor Assembly: projects 4 1/2 in. from Tuning Unit, 1 3/8 in. diameter.
Introduction
The CHA ALRT is an automatic loop remote tuner designed to work with the CHA F-LOOP 2.0 and 3.0 antennas. It allows for easy remote tuning of the antennas for optimal performance.
Parts of the Automatic Loop Remote Tuner
The CHA ALRT kit includes the following components:
- RT-1
- Motor Assembly
- Bracket
- Screws
- Cables
Installation of the Automatic Loop Remote Tuner
To connect the CHA ALRT to your CHA F-LOOP 2.0/3.0, follow these steps:
Manual Tune
The RT-1 can be used to manually remote tune the CHA F-LOOP 2.0/3.0. To
manually tune the CHA F-LOOP 3.0, press the “TUNE [UP]” and “TUNE [DOWN]”
buttons on the RT-1 until maximum signal strength is received. You will know
when you are close to resonant frequency because there will be a marked
increase in receiver background noise you will start hearing received signals.
Press the “JOG [UP]” and “JOG [DOWN]” buttons to see which direction reduces
the SWR. Continue pressing the single step button that initially reduced the
SWR until SWR is at a minimum.
Automatic Tune
The RT-1 and SWR-1 enable automatic remote tuning of the CHA F-LOOP 2.0/3.0
when used together.
Enabling RT-1 Auto-Tune
Before utilizing the RT-1 for automatic tuning, you need to enable the Auto
Tune feature by following these steps:
- Ensure a 9V battery is installed in the RT-1 and that the POWER Switch is turned OFF.
- Press and Hold the JOG [DOWN] button.
- Turn the POWER Switch ON while continuing to hold the JOG [DOWN] button until the Status Indicator LED turns RED.
- Release the JOG [DOWN] button.
Table 1. Remote Tuner Unit Controls and Connection Description
| Label | Purpose |
|---|---|
| POWER | Jack for RTU Cable. Connects RT-1 to Motor Assembly |
| SWR | Jack for SWR Cable. Connects RT-1 to SWR-1 |
| SERIAL | Not Used |
| STATUS | Increase power to between 1 and 10 Watts. |
| JOG [UP] | TUNE [UP] direction. |
| JOG [DOWN] |
Performing Auto Tuning
Perform the following steps to automatically tune the F-LOOP 2.0/3.0, refer to
figure (2).
-
IMPORTANT: Ensure the loop configuration and Band Switch position are correct for your operating frequency, as shown in table (2) of the “HF Portable Loop Antenna 3.0 (CHA F-LOOP 3.0 Basic, Total, and Plus) Operator’s Manual” or table (2) of the “HF Portable Loop Antenna 2.0 (CHA F-LOOP 2.0) and (CHA F-LOOP 2.0 TOTAL) Operator’s Manual”. The Automatic Loop Remote Tuner cannot match a frequency outside the ranges shown in the table.
-
Set the power level of the transmitter to the lowest power setting available between 1 and 10 Watts.
-
Turn the RT-1 POWER Switch “ON”.
Note: You can tune UP first instead of DOWN if you think the match is more likely to be in the upward direction. Skip to step 11. -
Press the “TUNE [UP]” button for 10 seconds. This step will make it more likely for a match to be found in the downward direction. Skip, if not necessary.
-
Press and hold the “JOG [DOWN]” button.
-
Tap the “TUNE [DOWN]” button. The Status Indicator LED should light RED. If the Status Indicator does not light RED, perform the Enabling RT-1 Auto Tune procedure.
-
Release both buttons.
-
On a clear frequency, key the transmitter using a constant carrier, such as CW or AM. The Status Indicated should be lit a steady GREEN (if the Status Indicator remains RED, increase power slightly). The RT-1 will attempt to find a match on a lower frequency. The RT-1 will stop if a match is found. If a match is not found in 15 seconds, the unit will also stop.
Note: You can press any key on the RT-1 to abort automatic tuning that is in-progress. -
If a match was found (as indicated by an SWR of around 2:1 or less), go to step 17.
Note: If the RT-1 stops tuning before 15 seconds has elapsed, you can be sure it found a match. -
If a match was not found and the unit timed out (tried for 15 seconds), another pass at tuning in the same direction may be required, particularly if the last tuned frequency and new frequency are far apart. You can either go back to step 7 and tune again in the same direction or continue to the next step.
-
Press and hold the “JOG [UP]” button.
-
Tap the “TUNE [UP]” button. The Status Indicator LED should light RED.
-
Release both buttons.
-
On a clear frequency, key the transmitter using a constant carrier, such as CW or AM. The Status Indicated should be lit a steady GREEN (if the Status Indicator remains RED, increase power slightly). The RT-1 will attempt to find a match on a higher frequency. The RT-1 will stop when a match is found. If a match is not found in 15 seconds, the unit will also stop.
Note: You can press any key on the RT-1 to abort automatic tuning that is in-progress. -
If a match was found (as indicated by an SWR of around 2:1 or less), go to step 17.
Note: If the RT-1 stops tuning before 15 seconds has elapsed, you can be sure it found a match. -
If a match was not found and the unit timed out (tried for 15 seconds), another pass at tuning in the same direction may be required, particularly if the last tuned frequency and new frequency are far apart. You can either go back to step 11 and tune again in the same direction or retry the tuning procedure from step 1.
-
Although not normally needed, you can try to get a slightly lower SWR by using a tap or two of the “JOG [UP]” and “JOG [DOWN]” buttons.
-
Turn the RT-1 POWER Switch “OFF”.
Battery Replacement
To replace the 9V battery in the RT-1 perform the following steps.
- Press the ridged area on the battery cover and slide off the battery cover.
- Pull the battery out of the holder.
- Carefully disconnect the battery from the battery connector.
- Replace the battery with a high-performance Alkaline or Lithium 9V battery.
- Replace the battery cover.
Troubleshooting
- Replace the 9V battery.
- Connect the RTU Cable to the RT-1 MOTOR connection and to the DC coaxial connector on the front of the Motor Assembly.
- Press the “TUNE [UP]” and listen for motor noise.
- Press the “TUNE [DOWN]” and listen for motor noise.
- If you did not hear motor noise in either of the preceding two steps, contact us for technical support.
- If the motor is tuning the loop downward in frequency when pushing the “TUNE [UP]” button or upward in frequency when pushing the “TUNE [DOWN]” button, turn the RT-1 OFF, Press and Hold the “JOG [UP]” button, and turn the RT-1 ON. This will reverse the direction of the motor.
- Press and Hold the “JOG [DOWN]” button and Tap the “TUNE [DOWN]” button. The Status Indicator LED should light RED. If not, perform the Enabling RT-1 Auto Tune procedure.
- Retry all steps in the Performing Auto Tune procedure. If unable to obtain a match in either direction, check all cable connections, position of the Band Switch, proximity of the loop to other objects, etc. Also, ensure the loop configuration and Band Switch are properly configured for your operating frequency using table (2) of the “HF Portable Loop Antenna 3.0 (CHA F-LOOP 3.0 Basic, Total, and Plus) Operator’s Manual”.
- If still unable to obtain a match, contact us for technical support. Include the symptoms you are having and the steps taken to troubleshoot the problem.
Preventive Maintenance
Remove the 9V battery if the Loop Remote Tuner is not going to be used for an
extended period to prevent damage from battery leakage.
Figure 2. Auto Tuning Process.
IMPORTANT: Ensure the loop configuration and Band Switch position are
correct for your operating frequency, as shown in the HF Portable Loop Antenna
2.0/3.0 Operator’s Manual.
FAQ
Q: Can the CHA ALRT be used with other antennas?
A: No, the CHA ALRT is only compatible with the CHA F-LOOP 2.0 and 3.0
antennas.
Q: Where can I find more information on assembling and operating the CHA
F-LOOP and CHA LRT?
A: You can find more information on assembling and operating the CHA F-LOOP
and CHA LRT at www.chameleonantenna.com.
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