Antenna Considerations; Setup And Testing - Ramsey Electronics AR2 Instruction Manual

sure they're oriented correctly using the dot or notch on the part and the notch
marked on the PC board. Then take a look at all of the electrolytics to be sure
they're installed in the right way. Better to take a few minutes now than to
have a part damaged or destroyed because you're in a rush to apply power.

ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS

An antenna for your AR1C can be as simple as a 21" piece of wire or a fancy
roof-mounted aviation antenna. Most folks near an airport will get plenty of in-
the-air action from the wire, but if you're more than a few miles away, a decent
roof-mount job is the way to go. A low cost TV antenna works well, even better
if rotated 90 degrees (remember aircraft antennas are vertically polarized). If
you really want to learn and experiment, check out any book on antennas from
your local library or do a search on the internet; there's a wealth of information
out there.

SETUP AND TESTING

It's time to apply power to your AR2, tune it up, and start listening in on pilots
and air traffic controllers. You need:
•
The AC adapter
•
A diddle stick or other tuning device
•
Your choice of antenna
1. Connect the AC adapter to your kit. If you're using a non-Ramsey adapter
make sure the tip is positive.
2. Turn the Squelch pot counterclockwise.
3. Power 'on' your kit. If you don't see anything on the display, don't panic!
You simply need to adjust the contrast pot. Turning it counterclockwise will
increase the contrast and allow you to see the display. Once you have it
where you want it you'll see that the unit has powered up in "Frequency
mode". This means that you will use the tuning knob to change the
frequency. We'll get into scanning and all the rest later.
4. Tune the AR2 for the high end of the aircraft band at 137.000 MHz. Turn
the knob in either direction until you reach this frequency.
5. With your diddle stick or other non-metallic tuning tool, adjust L7 until the
"U" on the right hand side of the display window turns into an "M".
6. Now tune the AR2 to 118.000 MHz, the low end of the band. Since you're
at 137 MHz and the AR2 has a "wraparound" feature for frequency tuning
you simply have to turn the tuning dial a couple of "clicks" to the right to
be at 118 MHz.
7. Readjust L7 if necessary so that there is an "M" in the display window.
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