"mcnowinski" wrote in message
ups.com...
Help!

I cannot seem to properly tune SSB on my 1103 (it is a Degen from
China). I have the sparse manual that comes with it, but following its
instructions (tune to channel in AM, then hit SSB button and use the
Fine Tuning knob) does not accomplish much. In fact, when I turn on
SSB, there is very little coming out of the receiver at all (no noise,
no signal, no nothing). I know that I must be missing something simple.


I have been listening in the 80/75-meter band (3500 to 4000 kHz) and I
can tune in some "Donald Duck"-like voices, but switching to SSB and
fiddling with the Fine Tuning knob seems useless.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

matt


"Fine" tuning means exactly that.

SSB on a portable is a delicate issue.

The fine tuning knob must be moved almost microscopically... I'm not kidding,
I'm talking fractions of a millimeter. It takes real practice. I have to brace my
hand on the radio body and use my thumb to imperceptibly move the knob.

Find your "Donald Duck" voice station(s), switch to SSB, and practice moving the knob
*minutely*. I can't emphasize that enough. It's almost like not moving the knob at all.

Depending on your location try some of the AFRTS stations (all are USB). You need a good
approximation
of the center point for the tuning knob. If the station is a whole number frequency, enter
that frequency, switch on SSB and fine tune. (see above). If the AFRTS station is
something like 12133.5, enter 12133, switch to SSB and move the knob "up" from the center
position. (You can use 12134, switch to SSB, then tune "down".)

Go to http://www.primetimeshortwave. com for English schedules showing AFRTS. Never has
it been more true that "Practice makes perfect", than for SSB on a portable.