MFJ VersaTuner III -962D User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CAUTION: Read All Instructions Before Operating Equipment
COPYRIGHT 2013 MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
C
Model MFJ-962D
VERSION 5B
MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
300 Industrial Park Road
Starkville, MS 39759 USA
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Requires 9VDC Battery or 12VDC Source for Meter Operation

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DISCLAIMER
Information in this manual is designed for user purposes only and is not intended to supersede
information contained in customer regulations, technical manuals/documents, positional handbooks, or
other official publications. The copy of this manual provided to the customer will not be updated to
reflect current data.
Customers using this manual should report errors or omissions, recommendations for improvements, or
other comments to MFJ Enterprises, 300 Industrial Park Road, Starkville, MS 39759. Phone: (662) 323-
5869; FAX: [phone]. Business hours: M-F 8-4:30 CST.

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Introduction
The MFJ-962D is a "T" network roller inductor tuner with built-in antenna switching, RF power and
SWR metering and a 1:1 balun. The largest amplifiers that can safely be used include the Heathkit SB-
200 and 201, Collins 30L1, and Ameritron's AL-600 and AL-811 series of amplifiers. This tuner is
designed for maximum RF output power levels of 800 watts carrier or PEP on 80-10 meters, and 500
watts carrier or PEP on 160 meters. It is designed to match 50 ohm output amplifiers, transmitters or
transceivers to virtually any antenna. Peak and average forward power, reflected power, and SWR are
displayed on the wattmeter's illuminated cross-needle meter.
The MFJ-962D uses a roller inductor "T" matching network. It continuously tunes all frequencies from
1.8 through 30 MHz. It will match dipoles, inverted-vee's, verticals, mobile whips, beams, random
wires, and many other antennas. The built-in balun will work with balanced open wire, twinlead, or
twin-axial feedlines.
An internal six position antenna-selector switch selects two separate coaxial line outputs either in tuned
(with tuner's matching network in line) or direct (no matching circuit) configurations, a balanced line
output, and a coax bypass position for accessories such as an external dummy load. Long wire antennas
can be connected to the center connector of the coax connector.
Understanding Power Ratings
There are no standardized power rating systems for tuners. The names used (i.e. 3 kW Tuner) carry over
from the time when amplifiers were rated by peak power input, and not the true RF power output. For
example, the one thousand watt Johnson Matchbox was rated to handle a 1000 watt plate modulated AM
transmitter (four kilowatts PEP transmitter input and 3000 watts PEP RF output). The Heathkit SB-220
was called a two kilowatt amplifier, and the rated CW output was approximately 600 watts. Matching
tuners were called 2 kilowatt tuners, and these tuners safely handled 600 watts of CW power and 1200
watts PEP SSB.
The FCC has changed the power rating system of amplifiers, and tuners no longer follow amplifier
power ratings. Most typical 1500 watt tuners remain able to safely handle 400-600 watts CW, and 600-
900 watts PEP SSB.
Load conditions and control settings also greatly affect the power handling capability of the tuner. T-
networks typically handle more power on higher frequency bands into higher load impedances. The
worst operating condition for T-network tuners are low impedance capacitive reactance loads. T-
network tuners always handle the least power when operated on 160 meters into low impedance
capacitive reactive loads.
Power Requirement
The upgraded MFJ-962D requires a power source to run its SWR/Wattmeter circuitry. Power may come
from one of two sources:
1.) 9-Volt Battery:To install a 9-volt battery, access the internal holder and snap clip by removing the
12 cabinet screws and lifting off the tuner cover. The holder is mounted on the upper right corner of the
front panel. We strongly recommend installing a battery, even if you intend to use an external power
source. Doing so provides backup voltage to operate the meter and also prevents the battery snap clip
from floating loose inside the cabinet where it could contact high RF potentials. If you elect to omit the

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battery, make sure the snap clip is anchored solidly to the battery holder where it was wedged for
shipping.
To extend battery life, the tuner has built-in RF-sensing that applies power to the meter electronics only
when a transmit signal is applied. After a short period of transmitter inactivity, power is removed
automatically.
Important Note: The 9-V battery powers only the meter electronics. It does not power the meter LEDs.
You must supply external DC to illuminate the SWR meter.
2.) 12-VDC External Power:The Meter Lamp power jack is located above the Transmitter connector
on the rear panel. Apply power from any filtered dc wall adapter (MFJ-1312D or equivalent), or use
your station's 13.8-Vdc supply. A cord fitted with a 2.1-mm plug is supplied with the tuner for this
purpose. If you make your own supply cord, connect +12 volts to the center pin and ground the outer
sleeve, as shown below:
+
-+
-2.1 mm
Important Note: You don't need to disconnect the battery when using external dc power. It is
protected from back-feed and won't be damaged by the other source.
Important Warning: Never connect an ac-voltage or positive-ground source to
the Meter Lamp jack or permanent damage may result!
Peak Reading SWR/Wattmeter
The cross-needle meter measures the peak or average FORWARD power, REFLECTED power, and
SWR. The illuminated cross-needle meter operates with the antenna tuning circuit in or out of line. The
wattmeter can be used without the tuning network by setting the ANTENNA SELECTOR to either of
the two COAX DIRECT positions of the antenna selector. The wattmeter is active in all positions of
the ANTENNA SELECTOR.
The meter's full scale forward and reflected power range is controlled by the left POWER switch that
selects 2000W (HI) or 200W (LO). If your transmitter runs more than 200 watts of output power, set
this switch to the 2000W HI (in) position. If your transmitter has less than 200 watts of output, set this
switch to the 200W LO switch position (out).
Peak envelope power (PEP) is measured when the PEAK or AVG POWER push button (right-hand
side) in placed in the PEAK (in) position. Peak power and average power values are equal with steady
unmodulated carriers, FSK, or FM. The meter reading on these modes will be the same whether the
PEAK / AVG button is pressed or released. On SSB, the PEP meter reading should be twice the
average power with two tone test modulation.
On SSB, the ratio of PEP to average power varies with different voice characteristics. With most
voices, the PEP reading is three to five times higher than the average voice power reading. The most
accurate peak envelope power readings are obtained only with sustained carrier, voice or two tone test
modulation. During normal voice modulation, the wattmeter will typically indicates only 70% of the
true peak envelope power.
Forward power is displayed on the left-hand FORWARD meter scale. This scale is calibrated from 0 to
200 watts and is read directly in the 200 watt position. Each picket (scale mark) represents 5 watts

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below 40 watts and 10 watts between 40 and 200 watts. In the 2000W (HI) position the forward power
scale must be multiplied by 10. Each picket represents 50 watts below 400 watts and 100 watts from
400 to 2000 watts.
The reflected power is read on the right-hand REFLECTED meter scale. This scale indicates 50 watts
full scale when the 200W power sensitivity is selected, and 500 watts full scale when the 2000W power
scale is selected. This scale has a picket every watt below 20 watts and every 5 watts above 20 watts.
This scale is also multiplied by 10 when using the 2000W power position.
The most accurate power readings occur in the upper half of the meter scales. When trying to measure
power with a less than perfect match, the reflected power should be subtracted from the forward power
readings.
The SWR is read directly from eleven red SWR curves that range from 1:1 to infinity. SWR is
measured by observing the point where the forward and reflected power needles cross. The SWR is
indicated by the red curve closest to the needle crossing point. No cumbersome or time consuming
SWR sensitivity adjustments are required with this meter.
The wattmeter has an internal lamp that backlights the meter scale. The lamp circuit requires power
from an external 12 Vdc source, such as the optional MFJ-1312B power supply. The rear panel jack
accepts a 2.1 mm coaxial plug with the center conductor positive (+) and the sleeve negative (-). The
negative lead is grounded inside the tuner. The METER LAMP ON / OFF switch turns the meter lamp
on and off.
Antenna Selector
The ANTENNA SELECTOR allows you to select 2 rear panel SO-239 coaxial connectors, either direct
or through the tuner, a coax bypass output, and balanced feedline antennas.

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Installation
CAUTION: Locate the tuner so that the rear panel is not accessible during operation.
1. Locate the tuner in a convenient location at the operating position. If balanced line operation is
used, the ceramic feed through insulators may have high RF voltages. These voltages can cause
serious RF burns if the terminals are touched when transmitting. Be sure to locate the tuner so
that these terminals can not be accidentally contacted during operation.
2. Install the tuner between the transmitter and the antenna as shown in the diagram below. Use a
coaxial cable (such as RG-8/U) to connect the transmitter (or amplifier) to the connector marked
TRANSMITTER on the rear of the tuner.
3. Connect the antenna(s) to the tuner as follows:
A. Coaxial feedlines connect to the coax connectors 1 and 2 coax line (fed direct or through
matching circuit as selected by the ANTENNA SELECTOR switch).
B. Random wire or single wire line antennas should be connected to the center of the COAX 1 or
COAX2 SO-239 connectors. Select the appropriate Coax position to use the antenna.
Note:Route all single and random wire antennas to prevent RF burn hazard.
C. Any balanced feedline (open wire, twinlead, or twin-axial lines) is connected to the
BALANCED LINE terminals.
4. A ground post is provided for an RF ground connection.
Block Diagram
Figure 1

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Using The MFJ-962D
WARNING: Never change the antenna or Inductor selector switch position while
transmitting ! Never apply more than 800 Watts to the MFJ-962D !
In any conventional "T" network tuner, maximum power handling and the smoothest tuning occurs
when the capacitance in the network is as large as possible. In this tuner the TRANSMITTER and
ANTENNA MATCHING controls have maximum capacitance at position 0(fully meshed), and
minimum capacitance at position 10 (fully open). Be sure to use the highest possible capacitance for
each band. This will provide the smoothest tuning, highest efficiency, and greatest power handling
capability.
The roller inductor has a minimun inductance when the knob is rotated fully clockwise and the counter
displays approximately "125". When the roller is rotated fully counter-clockwise, it has maximum
inductance and the counter display is set at "000". If the counter is not set a "000" when the roller is
rotated fully counter-clockwise, reset the counter to "000". Reset the counter by using a small
screwdriver or a pencil and push the reset lever through the hole beside the counter.
Note:If your transmitter uses an adjustable output circuit, it must be properly tuned into a 50 ohm load
at the operating frequency. Proper tuning can be accomplished by placing the ANTENNA
SELECTOR switch in the fully clockwise BYPASS / DUMMY LOAD position. Adjust the
transmitter according to the manufacturer's instructions into the 50 ohm dummy load before
adjusting the tuner.
Most modern solid state transceivers do not require adjustments. If the transceiver has a built in antenna
tuner, be sure it is turned off or disabled.
After properly preparing the transmitter, place the MFJ-962D ANTENNA SELECTOR switch in the
desired antenna position in the BYPASS area. If the SWR is low (very little or no reflected power), the
tuner can be left in this position.
If the SWR is higher than desired, place the ANTENNA SELECTOR switch in the proper TUNED
area that selects the desired antenna. Adjust the tuner as described below to obtain the best SWR. Do
NOT change the transmitter's tuning (plate) or loading (antenna) controls until AFTER the tuner has
been fully adjusted. The transmitter can be "touched up" (if necessary) after the MFJ-962D is fully
tuned.
Operation
The roller inductor has maximum inductance at "000" and minimum inductance about "125" on the
reference counter. The capacitors have maximum capacitance at 0 and minimum capacitance at 10. In
simple language, as the frequency is increased, the normal control positions rotate clockwise just like on
other equipment.
Note:Always use the most capacitance (settings closest to 0) for the most power handling and the least
loss. Use the smallest possible inductance (the highest number possible) also.

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Note:The MFJ Air Core™ Roller Inductor is designed with an exclusive Self-Resonance Killer™ that
keeps potentially damaging self-resonances away from your operating frequency. This feature is
switched in and out of the circuit with a built-in switch in the roller. Therefore, as you turn the
roller up and down, you may feel a bump. This is normal and you should not be alarmed.
Increase the number the controls are set at (on a given frequency) to INCREASE the matching range.
Remember, this LOWERS the efficiency and power handling capability of the tuner.
1. Tune the exciter into a dummy load (most solid state transmitters are "pre-tuned" to 50 ohms and do
not require adjusting with the dummy load).
2. Select the desired antenna with the ANTENNA SELECTOR.
3. Position the ANTENNA and TRANSMITTER controls at the following settings:
160 M: 0 20 M: 4
80 M: 1 17 M: 6
75 M: 2 15 M: 7
40 M: 3 12 M: 8
30 M: 3-1/2 10 M: 8-1/2
Then place the POWER switch in the LO and AVG meter positions.
4. Starting from the minimum INDUCTOR position (highest number), turn the INDUCTOR control
counter-clockwise (adding more inductance) while applying a slight amount of power (less than 25
watts). Tune for the lowest reflected power and maximum forward power (lowest SWR).
5. In this order, adjust the ANTENNA control, INDUCTOR, and TRANSMITTER control for
lowest reflected power (and SWR). Repeat this step a few times until the reflected power is zero.
6. If the SWR did not reach 1:1 in step 5, turn the INDUCTOR control counter clockwise (to a lower
number) again and repeat Step 5. For maximum power handling and efficiency, always adjust the
capacitors to the lowest front panel number (highest capacitance) that allows proper antenna
matching. This insures maximum power handling and lowest power loss in the tuner.
7. Advance the power (do not exceed 100 watts) and, if necessary, touch up the ANTENNA and
TRANSMITTER controls for minimum reflected power and maximum forward power (lowest
SWR). Remove the power.
8. After adjusting the tuner for minimum SWR, the amplifier may be turned on. The METER switch
should be placed in the HI position, and the amplifier tuned according to the manufacturer's
instruction.
9. For quick retuning of the tuner, record the INDUCTOR and CAPACITOR settings for each band.
Note: Maximum power handling occurs when both the TRANSMITTER and ANTENNA
capacitors are set at the lowest front panel numbers and the inductor is set at the highest
possible number that permit matching the antenna. Following this guideline will insure
maximum power handling capability and efficiency, and the least critical tuning
adjustments.

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Operating Notes
1. While this tuner is designed to have as large a tuning range as possible, there are limits to the tuning
range of the capacitors. Some antennas may require more or less capacitance than the controls have.
In these cases, the SWR may not be reduced to 1:1. If the SWR is higher than the limits on your rig,
try changing the length of the antenna or feedline to bring the impedance within the tuning range of
the tuner.
2. When adjusting the tuner, use the lowest number on the TRANSMITTER, ANTENNA, and
minimum inductance that produces a good SWR. This will reduce tuner losses and increase the
power rating of the tuner.
WARNING:
1. Never operate the tuner with the top removed. Contact with the components inside
the tuner while transmitting will result in painful RF burns.
2. Never rotate the ANTENNA SELECTOR switch while transmitting. Doing so may
permanently damage the switch.
3. Locate the tuner so that the rear terminals ARE NOT accessible during operation.
The single wire and balanced line connections may have high voltage while being
used.
4. Disconnect all antennas from the tuner during lightning storms.
5. Always tune with low power (i.e. less than 100 watts). Apply maximum power only
after tuning up.
6. Be sure to adjust the SWR before transmitting at high power (above 100 watts). Do
Not transmit with a high SWR for extended periods of time.
In Case Of Difficulty
If the tuner fails to tune, please double check all connections and follow the tuning procedures again.
Be sure you are using enough inductance (high enough inductance number) and have the capacitors
open far enough (higher front panel numbers).
If the tuner arcs at the rated power levels, please double check all connections and follow the tuning
procedures again. The power rating of this tuner is 1500 watts PEP RF power. Be sure you are using
the least amount of inductance (lowest number) and the greatest capacitance (lowest number) possible
that still allows matching the load on the operating frequency.
Note:If this tuner arcs when operating on the 160 meter band, it may be necessary to reduce transmitter
output power.
If you are still unsuccessful, but the tuner does adjust and operate when switched to a dummy load or
another antenna, please read the Antenna System Hints section.

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Grounding Hints
To minimize RFI, single wire feedlines (such as used with Windom or longwire antennas) should be
kept away from other wiring. Radiation will be minimized if the single wire feeder runs parallel and
reasonably close to the wire that connects the tuner to the outdoor ground. The antenna feed wire
should be adequately insulated to prevent arcing or accidental contact.
For safety, please use good dc and RF grounds. It is particularly important to have a good RF ground
while using a single wire feeder. When using a single wire feeder, the tuner needs something to "push"
against in order to force current into the single wire feedline. If a good RF ground is not available, RF
will usually find it's way back into the power line (RFI), transmitter audio circuits (RF feedback), or the
operator (RF burns).
Water pipes and ground rods provide good dc and ac safety grounds, but they are often inadequate for
RF grounding because they are single conductors. Ground rods by themselves are almost useless for
dependable RF grounding.
RF grounds work much better when "spread out" over a large area, especially when they employ
multiple connections directly to the equipment ground point. Water pipes, heating ducts, and fences
may work (especially if they are connected together with multiple wires), but the best RF grounds are
radial systems or multi-wire counterpoises. Radials and counterpoises provide large, low resistance
surfaces for RF energy.
RF and lightning travels on the surface of conductors. Braided or woven conductors have high surface
resistance to lightning and RF. Ground leads for RF and lightning should have wide smooth surfaces.
Avoid the use of woven or braided conductors in RF and lightning grounds unless the lead needs to be
flexible.
CAUTION: For operator safety, a good outside earth ground or water pipe ground should
always be installed and connected to the case of the MFJ-962D. Make certain
the safety ground also connects to the transmitter and other station
accessories. A wing nut post marked GROUND is provided for ground
connection(s).
Antenna System Hints
For operator safety, a good outside earth ground or water pipe ground should always be installed and
connected to the case of the MFJ-962D. Make certain the safety ground also connects to the transmitter
and other station accessories. A wing nut post marked GROUND is provided for ground connection(s).
Location
For the best performance, an end-fed longwire wire antenna should be at least one quarter-wavelength
long at the operating frequency. Horizontal dipole antennas should be at least a half-wavelength long
and located as high and clear as possible. While good RF grounds help the signal in almost any
transmitting installation, it is extremely important to have good RF grounds with long wire or other
Marconi style antennas.
Matching Problems