Tarheel Antennas Little Tarheel II Instruction manual - page 4
Initial Tune Up
For the initial tune up an SWR analyzer is nice to have if you have access to one. If not, make
all your adjustments with low power. Now, lower your antenna until it reaches the end stop
and go to 6 meters and check your SWR, you might have to raise the antenna a small
amount to come into 6 meters, next go to 10 meters and check your SWR, it should be low.
Next, you can go to 15 meters and raise the antenna until you get a SWR dip there. Then
20 meters, then so on.
Keep in mind that 6-20 meters are close together. If the SWR doesn't go below 1.5 on
these bands the ground is most likely the problem, remember the ground needs to be right
at the base of the antenna.
If properly installed this antenna will have a standing wave below 1.5 from 3.5 to 54 MHz.
We know that every antenna installation is unique and it is impossible to describe all the
scenarios in this manual. However, if you are having problems with this initial tuning please
call.
WARNING:
When using the SDC-102 controller make sure to reduce the stall current value in the
controller to between (020 to 030). Not changing the factory default current from (075) to (020 to 030)
when using auto park the antenna or holding the up or down more than 10 seconds with the antenna
all the way up or down could burn up the motor in the Little Tarheel II.
Operation
Remember that when the coil is all the way in it is resonant on the high bands and all the
way out on the low bands. It will take a little time to get use to this style of antenna, some
mark the antenna with tape to mark the approximate location of the bands, some just
listen to the noise level increase on the radio's receive when it's close to resonant. When
you fine tune you need to transmit a low carrier (AM, FM, CW) at 5 to 10 watts and watch
the SWR meter till the dip.
Running an Amplifier
This antenna is designed to handle up to 200 watts P.E.P SSB Only. Carrier modes (AM,CW, FM
and RTTY) are limited to 50 Watts PEP Maximum. Do not exceed these ratings. Always do the
initial tuning with low power then apply more power if needed.
Maintenance
Very little maintenance is required for your Tarheel Antenna. You should have years of
trouble free service from this antenna. You've made a large investment for a mobile
antenna. Here is a tip to help take care of your investment.
We use an automotive finish on this antenna so whenever you wash and wax your vehicle
raise your antenna and wash and wax the shaft and the bug shield (Lexan tube), with wax
on your antenna the bugs will have a harder time sticking to it.
Annually clean the coil. Extend the antenna to full raise, remove the 3 screws in the top cap.
Slide the bug shield down to expose the coil. Use alcohol and a rag to wipe down the coil.
Then use a Scotch-Brite to lightly scuff the coil. Then a clean rag and alcohol wipe down the
coil a second time. Then reassemble the antenna.