Tuning Ssb Voice Signals - Ten-Tec 1253 Assembly And Instruction Manual

Tuning SSB (Single Sideband) Voice Signals
SSB signals are those voice signals which sound like Donald
Duck unless they are tuned in properly. They have no
background carrier as do AM broadcast signals. On modern ham
radio transceivers, tuning SSB is made so easy by by internal
filters that many licensed ham operators are not aware of the
basic technique for tuning in SSB signals on receivers without
such filters.
The first fact to know about any given group of SSB signals is
whether they are Upper (USB) or Lower (LSB) Sideband. In ham
communication, LSB used on 1.8 through 7.3 MHz, and USB is
used for higher frequency bands (14, 18, 21 , 28 MHz.)
Think to yourself: for LOWER sideband, tune DOWN.
For UPPER sideband, tune UP.
This means you would "approach" the LSB signal by tuning from
higher frequency (right) to lower (left), from higher voice pitch to
lower. Here's how, step by step:
1. Pick out a strong, high-pitched Donald Duck voice.
2. Turn the Fine tuning knob ever so slightly to the left.
3. If the pitch of the voice went DOWN slightly, you're heading
in the right direction.
4. SLOWLY tune left slightly more until the voice is clear.
Reverse this process to tune to UP (to the right) to USB signals
on the bands above 40 meters. The Regeneration control often
can be used to do the last touch of fine tuning to bring the voice
in clearly. If signals are exceptionally strong, it may be
necessary to reduce RF gain.
SSB transmissions also are used by embassies, international
airlines agencies of various governments, so you might find
interesting voice signals on other than ham frequencies. Check
with an experienced Shortwave Listener (SWL) or listings in
popular Communications Magazine (available at newsstands) for
more details.
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